deployed.....

Closing Words....

2007-04-24T08:50:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 5:23-28 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

[25] Brothers, pray for us. [26] Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. [27] I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

All....

It's a recurring theme in the Bible that all we have belongs to the Lord. Not some. Not most. Not nearly everything. But all, completely, whole.

Sometimes I wonder how I can give over everything - it seems impossible to completely eliminate all the elements of selfishness from my soul and replace it with total selflessness. But then I remember that Jesus stands with me and is faithful, and every temptation I face he will be faithful to me and show me a way to escape or to flee. With this in mind it becomes easier to set my mind to commit all to him, to work to seek after holiness so that on that day I can be presented as blameless before the Father.

2007-04-23T10:30:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 5:19-22 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; [20] do not treat prophecies with contempt. [21] Test everything. Hold on to the good. [22] Avoid every kind of evil.

Sometimes you see in people that the spark of God has gone from their lives. You know how these people used to be - the phrase we would often use is to 'be on fire for Jesus' -but that flame has burned itself out. It is sad.

I wonder what we blame for that. I wonder what the person himself would say. But I wonder if it is because we lose touch with Jesus, with our faith communities and with our sense of mission. I think it comes down to a choice - we have to choose to keep feeding the flames of our spiritual lives. Keep a sense of prayer and devotion in our lives. Be a regular participant in the body of Christ. Find someway to live at the edge for Jesus. Because if we allow ourselves to be submerged in mediocrity we'll turn down the heat to that which is comfortable. The fire will not burn, but will be contained, then extinguished.

Presence

2007-04-18T07:53:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 5:16-18 Be joyful always; [17] pray continually; [18] give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

It's hard to be joyful all the time. There is much pain in the world, and even when the pain is absent very often there is the numbness of monotony. Sociologists tell us repeatedly that by every indicator we are becoming more and more unhappy....

So it is hard to be joyful - that is if we equate joy with the absence of pain and the presence of happiness.

Yet the Bible writers tell us that joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God. To be joyful always is to be continually walking with God, through the good and the bad. Paul advises us not to give up seeking his face, but to continually seek his presence, seek his comfort. Even when things are bleak, to know you are walking with God, in the centre of his will for your life is a comforting place to be - because actually that is when you need it most.

Following....

2007-04-17T11:43:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 5:12-15 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

The New Testament is stuffed full about instructions for leaders. But there isn't so much said directly about how we follow them. Often we are critical and fail to encourage them. Often we are resentful. Often we do not really follow them. But here Paul acknowledges that leading is hard and often lonely, so he encourages the rest of us to support them. Maybe we need to cut out the grumbling, and learn to walk alongside those who are called to lead us.

Thief....

2007-04-16T11:12:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 5:1-11 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, [2] for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] While people are saying, "Peace and safety", destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

[4] But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. [5] You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. [6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. [7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. [8] But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. [9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. [10] He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. [11] Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

When I was a Kid the thought of the second coming used to sacre me. I had been taught to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture - I'm more ambivelent about this now - so the idea of being left behind use to terrify me....

So in the fear, I missed what the Bible witers were really saying: that those of us who are living in the light of God actually have nothing left to fear. God will care for us, whatever pans out. Having responded to the love of the Gospel it is our task and response to live as children of light. Then maybe more of those who need to respond in this way will live as children of light too.

Triumph....

2007-04-13T10:32:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. [14] We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. [15] According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. [18] Therefore encourage each other with these words.

I've often pondered why Jesus died and then rose again. Why is there significance in the ressurection? And I think it is about the announcement it makes, the triumph of God being proclaimed to the Cosmos at large. Because while my sins, and the sins of all those who call upon the the name of the Lord, were atoned for at the Cross, it is the ressurection on the third day that proves it and brings hope.

It is the hope that death will not triumph, though we may die. That we too will rise with Jesus. What a great hope to carry through the rest of my time here on Earth.

Avenue....

2007-04-12T13:31:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 4:9-12 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. [10] And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

[11] Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, [12] so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Our actions will influence the reputation of Jesus amongst those we meet and interact with on a dialy basis - so we must learn to be good team players in our situations, able to perform our jobs well and dilegently. This is as much of a witness as the words we say about salvation, because it is these actions which open up the avenues of trust on which our friendships and witness are based!

Pure....

2007-04-10T07:56:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 4:3-8 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; [4] that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable, [5] not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; [6] and that in this matter no-one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. [7] For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. [8] Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

There is a call to holiness that runs throughout the New Testament. It is clear from the Bible writers that what we do with our bodies matters, that there is no seperation between body and spirit. It is almost as if we are called, individually and as communities, to reflect the character of God to those areound us in all things - not just sexuality. We must mirror the character of God - being faithful, being pure and being loving all at once....

2007-04-06T10:34:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 4:1-2 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. [2] For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

You can look at following God in two ways.

One is to live according to a list of rules and to view the Bible as giving us that list. Everyting we do is measured against that list. We compare ourselves to it. we keep score as we compare ourselves to others. I wonder how different this approach is to following the law that Paul counselled us not to.......

Or we can see the Bible as showing us how to ;eve and serve each other, and learn to act out of grace and compassion, always preferring the needs of othersbecause our hearts have changed to mirror Jesus'..... I think this way is living a life which pleases God.

Joy

2007-04-05T12:48:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 3:6-13 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. [7] Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. [8] For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. [9] How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? [10] Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
[11] Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. [12] May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. [13] May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

It's the joy that's contained here which is beautiful. Paul just seesm to be expressing his delight that the church has been faithful. For any of us who are involved in leadership it is a joy when those we have led are going on in their own faith. I pray that this is joy that I feel in increasing abundance in years to come.

Leaving....

2007-04-03T08:48:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 2:17-3:5 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. [18] For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us. [19] For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? [20] Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

[3:1] So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. [2] We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow-worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, [3] so that no-one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. [4] In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. [5] For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

The word torn has violent and damaging conotations - as if Paul and his companions were so linked to the the small church that when they were parted it was like they had been ripped away, perhaps even unwillingly. It speaks of love and devotion to each other, of lives that have become so entwined that it is hard to see where one stops and another begins.

I wonder if we have formed those bonds with the people we are in faith communities with. I don't believe that we are always tied to each other forever - but I do believe that we should act as if we are, so that when we are called onwards there is excitment about what lies ahead, but also pain at what is being left behind. It will be a sign that what we are leaving counted, that it mattered.

We live in a culture which is very transient. With people's work carrying them around the country it is natural that our faith communities will vary from one year unto the next. But if we are leaving we should make sure of one thing - we will be missed when we go.

2007-04-02T13:19:00.000+01:00

Sorry the posts have been irregular over the last couple of weeks, as I have been unwell....

1 Thes. 2:13-16 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. [14] For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, [15] who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men [16] in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

I am thankful for the words of v13....

Often I have to stand before groups of people and share the Gospel message. Now I preach nearly every week. I get excited about sharing the Gospel with people - when people get saved there is always a sense of electricity that makes me tingle. But preaching the Gospel is one of the most nerve wracking things I do - it's like playing an away match at football, everything just seems harder. So when the Bible tells me that these are God's words and they carry his power it lessens the burden I feel. I'll still try to do my best - but it is God at work and not me. And he is sovereign.

Get it?

2007-03-27T00:01:00.000+01:00

1 Thes. 2:6-12 As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, [7] but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. [8] We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. [9] Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

[10] You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. [11] For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, [12] encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

I'm gripped by this image of a Father that Paul presents here because I want to be like this with my boys. I want to fill them with courage for the lives they have to lead, and for the tasks they will have to face as they go through life - because it won't always be easy and there will be times that they will need courgae and support. But also to live lives which are worthy of God. This is almost my ultimate prayer, that they grow up to be followers of Jesus and that He shines through their lives. I want this for the people I lead too, those who are becoming my spiritual children. So as a Pastor I get what Paul is writing here. I really do....

Trick or treat....

2007-03-22T09:05:00.000Z

1 Thes. 2:1-6 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. [2] We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. [3] For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. [4] On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. [5] You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. [6] We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

Tricking people has been a hot topic in the faith community I am part of. We are desperate to reach out to our friends and see them come to Jesus. But we are aware of some of the failures of our past, aware that in our good intentions we seem to have promised our friends one thing and then presented them with another - that a friendly social event suddenly, it seems to them, turns into a Gospel service. And our friends feel tricked, and we feel we've let them down, and we become reluctant to share with them again, and anyway it would be harder because their 'defences' are raised and their hearts are hardened.... our motives may be pure, but our methods have made that purity murky.

We need to seek God's counsel to be more open with our friends, to be able to be upfront and non-aggressive at the same time. Witness is never easy. It's a challenge, one we need to rise to, but then everything which comes with a reward is a challenge....

Imagine....

2007-03-21T09:44:00.000Z

1 Thes. 1:4-10 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. [6] You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. [7] And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. [8] The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, [9] for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, [10] and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Imagine what it would be like if we really copied Jesus in everything....

Imagine if we tried to be as humble as Jesus - just imageine how we could serve each other in kndness and selflessness. Imagine if we sought wisdom like him - then we could discern the best thing to do in each and every situation. Imagine if we were learning to be as compassionate as he was - then we would never run away from a difficult situation where someone needed help. Imagine if we could become as open as Jesus - just think of the network of friends that we would have and the doors that would open into our communities. And imagine if we learned to be as brave as he was - then we would know what it would be like to take the Gospel into dark places and see its light shine gloriously.

Imagine....

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

2007-03-19T09:24:00.000Z

1 Thes. 1:1-3 Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

[2] We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. [3] We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

If someone was writing about my life in Jesus I would hope that they could write this way of me. I love the way that Paul phrases the work of the Thessalonians in three couplets.

They are known for their work for God, work which is produced by faith. I hope that my faith plays an active part of my life, that my faith in God, my trust that he will be there when I need him to, will move me to undertake tasks for him that would otherwise scare me.

They work hard, it is labour. Yet inspired by love, their care and concern for their brothers and sisters, and also for people who do not know Jesus, they are willing to go the extra mile in their service. I would hope that people would find me to be accommodating in this way too.

And they are willing o endure work and labour. They are willing to keep going even if the world seems against them because they have hope. They trust in the promise of Jesus that he will overcome this world and bring love, peace and justice in the world to come. I pray that in my life I continually grasp the eternal significance of all that I do and trust in the eternal promises of Jesus about restoring my relationship with my creator.

Serving with your Whole Heart: Day 5....

2007-03-14T09:10:00.000Z

Deut. 30:11-20 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. [12] It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?" [13] Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?" [14] No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.

[15] See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. [16] For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

[17] But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, [18] I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

[19] This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live [20] and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You come across a passage like this a few times when you read through the Bible - the prophet's call for the people to be faithful to the word of God. And in it he lays down two futures - the prosperity and blessing of walking in God's path or the trouble that comes from walking outside his will.

I think for us when it comes to serving him with our whole hearts we too face this choice. If we leave the path we may find pleasure and enjoyment in the world's terms, we may even prosper materially. But if we do so, knowing that God wished and planned something else for us we will lack one thing, the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we are at the centre of God's will for our lives.

As I look back over the last few weeks of devotions I remember this, that I need to discover the way God has built me, find the task that he will give me, and run at it with my whole heart, so that I know I am at the centre of his will for my life.

Serving with your Whole Heart: Day 4....

2007-03-13T16:13:00.000Z

1 Kings 8:61 But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time."

This is often the hard part. Letting go and letting God take charge. It is about letting him make the key decisions and following his lead. Serving with your whole heart means giving it fully and unreservedly to him.

So now I pray that I can trust him, that in my everyday worship I see enough of him so that when it comes to letting go I can do so with confidence, and be willing to let go in bigger and bigger circumstances.

2007-03-12T14:52:00.000Z

Esther 4:12-16 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, [13] he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. [14] For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

[15] Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: [16] "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

During the time of exile a young Jewish woman named Esther became Queen. The enemies of the Jews had plotted to destroy them all and word of this had reached Jews who had attained an influential position, including the most influential of them all, Esther. At this point in her life she knew that it was her voice that would have to speak out for her people.

Mordecai's words are amazing, challenging and full of truth - who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? This was her God anointed part to play in the history of her people. She was in a unique place. She had the heart and passion for it. And she had the experience necessary to approach the King and plead on behalf of the Jews. As my Grandfather once said - the Lord works in obvious ways.

Serving with your Whole Heart: Day 2....

2007-03-09T10:02:00.000Z

Ephes. 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. [6] Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. [7] Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, [8] because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Like yesterday we are encoraged to serve with our whole heart - the reason being that it is not people on earth we are serving, but Jesus himself. And we serve to do good. Wherever we are we must bring love and goodness and peace and justice into the situation. It is the mark of believers that when they are present these qualities are also there in abundance. Pray today that you take these qualities with you into your situation.

Serving with your whole Heart: Day 1....

2007-03-08T10:12:00.000Z

Col. 3:22-24 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. [23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I think when Paul first wrote these words it was to encourage early believers to be good witnesses for Jesus. His culture was highly stratified between free people and slaves and the new faith did not want to attract pressure from the government by attempting to stir up social discord. But it may also have been possible that in some situations Christian slaves actually worked for christian masters.... in this situation then Paul would have expected the master not to abuse the slave but to treat him as a brother, so not overturning social convention by revolution but by subversion....

Anyway, we need to work hard in our situations. At work it shows that those who follow Jesus are not lazy and can be trusted. it brings credit to Jesus if we are seen as honest and diligent in the workplace. But also in our ministry. We have to go after serving God 100% - we can't hold anything back. That's why we have to find a place where our passions and gifts fit. because then we will be energised to serve, not drained by it. Then we will be able to work whole heatedly for our heavenly father....

Serving From Experience: Day 5....

2007-03-07T09:28:00.000Z

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The story of the lost son reminds me that no matter how bad the situation that I find myself in is, there is always a way back to God, the loving Father who will forgive and restore us. And it is true of my experiences. No matter the pain, hurt, joy, gladness or shame I feel at the time, all of them will mould me and shape me. I have to resolve to use these experiences to shape me to become more like Jesus, rather than in becoming a bitter, angry selfish caricature of a person. Because then these things that happen to me, through intent, through negligence, through my own weakness, may be redeemed by the Father and used to serve him and bring joy, relief and comfort to others.

Serving from Experience: Day 4....

2007-03-06T09:11:00.000Z

2 Tim. 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

I remember the time I messed up really badly..... I just wanted to give up. I felt I had nothing left to offer, and wouldn't be considered to offer anything anyway. I just wanted to crawl away into a corner and be forgotten.... and when times are tough I often want to give up and crawl away too.

But sometimes it takes a friend to speak truth into our lives at points like these - to comfort and encourage us, to get us not to forget what God has spoken to us in the good times, because he spoke them then so that in the dark times we could draw strength from them!

Pray that God surrounds you with people, who when things have gone awry will speak words of truth into you.

Serving from Experience: Day 3....

2007-03-05T10:06:00.000Z

Philip. 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, [14] I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.

It's imporant to remember the past, but not to be held captive by it. We should learn from our experience, not be trapped by it. Sometimes I have to acknowledge that I have mae big mistakes. But once I've made ammends for them, or sought forgiveness, or been restored, I try and move on. If I dwell on what I did wrong, brood about it, or feel that I am not worthy to serve God then I stop contributing to moving the Kingdom forward - and when that happens the only person who benefits is Satan.... So I learn from my mistakes, learn from the past, but I have to choose not to dwell there.

Serving from Experience: Day 2....

2007-03-02T00:07:00.000Z

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

This is the second time we've come across this passage recently....

I think back to my life before Jesus, and to the lives without Jesus I see around me. I don't want to experience life without Jesus again. It's a passion that drives me forward - I wamt others to know Jesus like I do, to be perhaps closer than me....

Serving from Experience: Day 1....

2007-03-01T14:02:00.000Z

1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

A tutor at university once told me to read a lot - nothing you ever read will be wasted he told me. I think he lied. Nothing I read seemed to come up in the questions he set for my exams....

But much the same is true of God. Nothing is ever wasted. He can take any experience, any situation that you find yourself in and use it help you grow and to serve others. So I need to learn to be a person of reflection. I need to be able to look back on those things that have happned to me and look for how I can benefit from them spiritually. And not just by looking backwards either. I think that I need to pause in every situation I find myself in and ask if God is asking me to do anything here....

Your Unique Personality: Day 5....

2007-02-28T09:40:00.000Z

Judges 6:11-16 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. [12] When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."

[13] "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."

[14] The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

[15] "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

[16] The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."

God sees in us what we often cannot see for ourselves. Sometimes circumstance overwhelms us and we feel defeated, or inadequate or helpless. We feel that the task is for someone else. So we hide or stand aside and wait for that person to show up.

But because He made us, He wired us, He formed us, He knows best. He knows what we are capable of, He knows why we were created and put into our positions. And He will be with us.... what a promise to hold onto today.

2007-02-27T10:00:00.000Z

Amos 7:12-15 Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. [13] Don't prophesy any more at Bethel, because this is the king's sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom."

[14] Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. [15] But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'

This is another passage about obedience and uniqueness. Amos had been told by God to take his message and travel from one nation to another - and when he got there the people didn't welcome him. I wonder this morning what it would take for God to move me from my situation into another. How clearly and directly (and probably ultimately forcibly!) would he have to speak to me before I moved? Especially if I knew that welcome was not about to come my way. I wonder what tests await my faith in the months and years to come....

2007-02-26T09:46:00.000Z

Jeremiah 1:4-8 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, [5] "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

[6] "Ah, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

[7] But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. [8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.

Here we are again, a reminder that not only has God made us, but he has uniquely crafted us, and for a purpose. But that purpose requires of us obedience and courage. Obedience to fulfill that purpose, obedience to go where he asks us to, to step into situations that we may at first not seem comfortable with. And it requires courage to act on that obedience.

The promise is that if we act in courage and obedience then we get to see God at work, get to see how marvellous and fantastic and amazing it can be when we are living at the centre of God's will.

Your Unique Personality: Day 2....

2007-02-23T10:49:00.000Z

Job 10:8-12 "Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me? [9] Remember that you moulded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again? [10] Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, [11] clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? [12] You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

Whenever I've tried to make things with clay no two items have turned out the same. They are all knobbly in different ways and in different places. each one is unique, unlike the factory produced mugs that I have all round my kitchen. I think Job is hinting at that here. It's not that God is incapable of machine like perfection but when making us he chooses not to make us uniform. He moulds us, he does not mass produce us. He pours his love and affection into us. In this way he has made each of us unique.

Your Unique Personality: Day 1....

2007-02-22T09:12:00.000Z

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

[14] "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

A lot of us are familiar with this encouragement to be salt and light wherever we go so that we stand out for the kingdom and point people towards Jesus. But todya I am reflecting on this - God had made me to go places only I can go, to be salt and light in situations that only I can be. With my gifts, heart and passion I will find myself in unique situations. Will I be open enough to God, be confident enough in his faithlfulness to allow myself to be used when I get there?

Discovering your Gifts: Day 5....

2007-02-21T08:19:00.000Z

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

What an amazing verse to finish this group of devotions on, what an incredible testimony to living a live less ordinary. As I reflect on the verses I have read over the last week and remember them telling me of how my heavenly Father has gifted me, I end with a reflection on why he has gifted me - so that I can live for him.

All that I have, all that I am, all that I will be is his, to be used in his service, because there is no greater task than witnessing for the Kingdom, of sharing the Gospel with those who need it. I think I'll be remembering this a lot today - that he must increase in my life while I must decrease....

Discovering your Gifts: Day 4....

2007-02-20T07:52:00.000Z

Romans 12:4-8 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. [7] If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; [8] if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Again a reminder that God is diverse in how he distributes his gifts around his people. But more than that it is an encouragement for us to use our gifts and not sit on them. I need to remember that those gifts he has given me are for his use and I am responsible for how I use, misuse or even neglect them. And it is an encouragement for me to work within my gifts. Too often I have struggled to serve God because I have been trying to work in areas that I am not gifted in. It might have been because I felt that I would like to be gifted in that area, or sometimes it is because there is a pressing need for someone to do that job and I have stepped forward to fill a gap, but quickly run out of energy for the task because I was never equipped or impassioned for it in the first place. Paul here seems to be reminding us that we serve God best when we find an area of ministry that we are equipped and passionate for - wouldn't it be incredible if our churches set up their ministry activities to encourage this? Maybe then the effectiveness of the Church would be enhanced.

Discovering your Gifts: Day 3....

2007-02-19T07:42:00.000Z

1 Cor. 12:4-11 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

[7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

There are three things I am grateful that this short passage shows....

The first is the creativity of God. He doesn't make us all the same. The work of his church is varied and diverse and he needs many people to play a part in it, a significant part. So he spreads out his gifts among people, teaching us that we have to work together, because we need each other to fill in the gaps that we cannot do ourselves. When I remind myself that the list given here are just examples then it blows my mind at how diverse God is as I reflect on the gifts that are not here but I know people use....

Second is God's generosity to us, and our responsibility to use these gifts. He gave them. He chose which each of us would have and would use. So we cannot sit on what we have. We have to use them for....

.... the common good: meaning the growth of the Kingdom. Gifts are not about ego but service to others. My gifts should be at the disposal of my church family so that I can help them.

As I discover my gifts and use them more and more reflecting on these three lessons will keep me both humble and involved.

Discovering your Gifts: Day 2....

2007-02-16T08:20:00.000Z

Ephes. 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.

I'm reminded about something fundememtal this morning....

As a leader I have great responsibilty for how I use the gifts that God has entrusted me with. I have been blessed, but it is not for my benefit. I have been gifted, but these gifts have not come from anything I have done - instead they have come from God. My duty is not to build myself up, but to work hard in building up God's work, and I must never stop using them for that. It seems that there will always be people who need to hear about God for the first time, always be people who are hurting and needing shepherding, always be people who need instructed in the word, so I can never rest on my laurels. I can find time to rest and recharge, but I can never say the job is done....

So here is my prayer for today as I reflect on the gifts that I have been given, and how I use them. Once more it is that I must decrease so that He may increase. People will not see me as I use my gifts, rather they see Jesus as I serve with them....

Discovering your gifts: Day 1....

2007-02-15T00:04:00.000Z

1 Peter 4:10-11 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. [11] 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.

We are gifted by God to do the good works he has intended us to do. So in this I must remember two things today.

First God is the giver. Those things he has entrusted me with, he has done so for a purpose. I need to learn to find that purpose.

Second whatever I do with those gifts I owe it to him that I do so for his glory. I am here to build help build his church on earth, not to seek my glory. I must decrease so that He increases, so that through my every action people learn to see the Father, the Son and the Spirit.

A Servant Heart: Day 5....

2007-02-14T00:01:00.000Z

John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. [13] "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

It's funny how ego-centric we are in our thinking. We often see ourselves at the centre of everything, that we are the most important being in the cosmos, that it is there for our benefit. Yet here, as yesterday, we reflect on The Most Important Person Ever not caring about his position and status, but serving out of love.

Let's not get away from this, it was out of love, not duty or obligation. He had poured his life into these people and now as his last act he was giving them a visual illustration about serving them and each other. I wonder if James and John could look him in the eye as he spoke these words - they obviously left a huge impression on John. Actually I wonder if I can....

A Servant Heart: Day 4....

2007-02-13T07:56:00.000Z

John 13:1-11 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

[2] The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him.

[6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

[7] Jesus replied, "You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

[8] "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."

Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

[9] "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

[10] Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

I love the drama of this passge - the bickering disciples all refusing to do the menial chore, the sight of Jesus bending down and serving his friends, the stunned silence that I always imagine in the room as he goes about it, and maybe the realisation that Jesus is reinforcing the point he made a few days previously when James and John tried to get their mother to secure an advantagous position in the Kingdom.

But as well as the drama it is the simplicity that strikes me - that we will never become too important to serve others. This morning I need to dwell in that thought....

A Servant Heart: Day 3....

2007-02-12T09:50:00.000Z

Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. [13] But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, [14] and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

As a family man I have discovered that Christmas is an expensive experience. You need to buy presents for your children and your wife because you love them. Same with your parents and siblings. But then comes the extended family and other people that you know. Sometimes I feel obliged to buy small gifts for these people who are further out on the list, and the number of these small gifts soon means that the amount adds up, often just in case they buy me one.... it shouldn't be this way.

Jesus' words here remind us about loving without obligation or expectation. We don't give because we owe or expect something in return. We should love out of love..... often to people who cannot repay us - because they are often those who need to experience love in the first place.

A Servant Heart: Day 2....

2007-02-09T00:07:00.000Z

Luke 14:7-11 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honour at the table, he told them this parable: [8] "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honour, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. [9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honoured in the presence of all your fellow guests. [11] For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

It's not about status.... we shouldn't be worried about how we look to others, shouldn't be mentally sizing each other up and trying to work out a pecking order with the intent of making sure we are moving up that ladder, but it is about finding the place that Jesus wants us to be in. I think when I observe believers I know, I see that the ones who are most conent are the ones who have been faithful to the calling and station God has called them too. They don't bother about status because they know who's gaze gives them real affirmation..... I want to find that contentment too. That's my prayer for tonight

A Servant Heart: Day 1....

2007-02-08T10:44:00.000Z

Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favour of him.

[21] "What is it you want?" he asked.

She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

[22] "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"

"We can," they answered.

[23] Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."

[24] When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

I've always been amused by this incident. I can understand the ambition of James and John, but I laugh that they sent their Moma to do the asking.... I love how the other disciples are described as indignant, which is probably code for hopping mad, furious, and ready to tear James and John limb from limb....

But I love how Jesus clearly states that serving others, and through that act serving him, is the way to achieve significance and make an impact in the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom impact, not power, is what we should seek after, and I wonder if the disciples reflected on this when Jesus rammed this message home to them when he washed their feet a few days later at the Last Supper (John 13). Becoming a servant is becoming someone who mirrors Jesus, who acts, thinks and feels like he would. I can think of no greater way of making an impact in the Kingdom than becoming like Jesus, and this is my prayer today.

God's Masterpiece: Day 5....

2007-02-06T09:03:00.000Z

Psalm 8:3-9 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
[4] what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
[5] You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honour.

[6] You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
[7] all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
[8] the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

[9] O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

It seems amazing..... that just when you think the Bible cannot do anymore to describe how much God has poured his soul into creating us we find this psalm. It tlaks about finding joy at our unique place in the wonder of God's creation, and on reading it I feel that though sometimes I may feel tarnished and in need of a polish I will never feel worthless again....

God's Masterpiece: Day 4....

2007-02-05T00:01:00.000Z

Genesis 1:27-31

So God created man

in his own image,

in the image of God

he created him;

male and female

he created them.

[28] God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

[29] Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. [30] And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

[31] God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

When God created people he stood back and wasn't just pleased, but very pleased. In people he has poured out his creativity on us, and it shows....

In v27 the writer talks about the imago dei, the theological term for humans bearing God's likeness - our ability to think, be creative, to love, to understand right from wrong. And in all of creation, God to chose to place that in us.

When I reflect on these two facts, about our unique position in creation and God' pleasure in that, it makes me want to bring pleasure to him, that all I should seek to do is make him smile. God created me so that I could put a smile on his face. I'd rather do that than make him grimace....

God's Masterpiece: Day 3....

2007-02-04T10:04:00.000Z

Isaiah 45:9-12 "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker,
to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
'What are you making?'
Does your work say, '
He has no hands'?
[10] Woe to him who says to his father,
'What have you begotten?'
or to his mother, '
What have you brought to birth?'
[11] "This is what the Lord says—
the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:
Concerning things to come,
do you question me about my children,
or give me orders about the work of my hands?
[12] It is I who made the earth
and created mankind upon it.
My own hands stretched out the heavens;
I marshalled their starry hosts.

Once again we come to the fact that in us God has poured out his creativity in making us, and fashioned each of us by hand, the way a potter makes jars. But we come at it from a slightly different angle here....

God made each of us for a purpose, and that purpose is unique. We are fashioned to serve him and others for the task HE chose for us. In my life too often I clash with my maker because I forget this fact. I try to live for myself (selfishness) or seek to choose how I will serve him (arrogance). Yet he requires submission and humility from me. As I grow in him, I need to acknowledge his soveriegnty and find the true contentment that comes from finding myself serving him by being at the centre of God's will for my life.

God's Masterpiece: Day 2....

2007-02-03T00:01:00.000Z

Ephes. 2:4-10 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. [6] And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, [7] in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no-one can boast. [10] For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

It's not that we are God's workmanship that grabs my attention here, though reflecting that we are his creation is an awesome and mind blowing couple of minutes, but that out of his kindness to us God wants to 'show the incomparable riches of his grace' to us.

I always get the impression here that he wants to pour this grace onto us, that it's like water being emptied onto our heads, completely drenching us, and that it never runs out, just keeps on coming. I am amazed that God thinks that I am worth it, that he values me enough to keep lavishing me with his riches.

This relates to us serving him in this way - that we are always under his care, protection and guidance. That even when events and circumstance seem tough and overwhelming the creator of the universe is there for me. Knowing this should make me braver in serving him, to be willing to take bigger risks in front of people for him. So that's my prayer now, to remember that no matter how dark events seem, to keep going, because my heavenly father is lavishing his good things onto me.

God's Masterpiece: Day 1....

2007-02-02T00:01:00.000Z

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Have you ever picked up a bottle of shampoo, smiled to yourself and said “I’m worth it….” That despite all the grime that accumulates in your hair you know that the magic contained in the bottle is going to make everything better?

I feel like that sometimes because of what Jesus has done for me – the verse comes at the end of a long passage about Jesus sacrifice. What he went through, for me, shows me that I was worth it for him. And when I reflect on that I can only respond with gratitude. And to show that, in response to his love for me, I want to work for him and wholeheartedly and without any reservations. I know that at the end of ‘time’ that I want him to be pleased with me, and for me to be able to say to him that I didn’t let him down, that I made the most of the second chance he gave, that I didn’t waste it.

I know that sounds like I’m being motivated by guilt, but actually I hope that it’s love. The closer I get to him, the easier it becomes to serve him – and conversely the further I get from him the harder it becomes. So the note I leave to myself is this – stay close to the one who gave everything for me, because then I’ll be able to show him how grateful I am from love and not from duty….

Learn Contentment....

2007-02-01T00:01:00.000Z

Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbour's house. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour."

I very often get restless. I love my technology and my gadgets (as do lots of men around my age) and every time something new comes out I want one. I read Stuff, I read T3, I read PC Pro. I know what’s going on in the world of technology, and I want to be one of those poor fools that consumer electronic companies call ‘early adopters’, people who are stuck with big, clunky, bugged versions of consumer electronics that one day everyone else will be using having bought it much cheaper….

And it’s worse when I take my eyes off the real goals of my life, of worshipping the Lord with all my heart, soul, strength and mind, because when I do that my soul, which is always striving after something, fills the vacuums with the ‘nothings’ those goals which are meaningless. I consume, because my soul is hungry. I consume because I seek after comfort. I consume because I want to be content.

Yet I will only be content, only cease to covet after stuff, when my soul is being satisfied. And that only happens when I am worshipping God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, all my strength. It only happens when I find myself at the centre of God’s will for my life.

Martin Luther King found this contentedness of the soul, even though his life was in danger, and he was sometimes far from comfort. Yet in the middle of the storms of his life he found the only place where any of us will find complete contentment – being in the place, the time, and the situation God wants you to be in. The last words he spoke publicly he expressed this sentiment:

“Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. And I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Truth Telling....

2007-01-31T00:01:00.000Z

Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.

It’s with a bit of sadness that I observe the slow exiting of Tony Blair from office because I remember the optimism with which he swept into government in 1997. Labour spokespeople talked about being whiter than white, of not just being free of the sleaze that killed the outgoing government, but of the importance of being seen to be without that sleaze. But that ambition has faltered. Corrupt ministers, the war in Iraq, and his seeming pursuit of wealthy friends (not to mention his spats with his next door neighbour) have destroyed his reputation for integrity. Like most politicians that have been around for a while, it seems that we don’t trust any words that come out of his mouth.

Jesus said 'know the truth', [in other words have a complete, personal, intimate, life transforming relationship with me, then I will show you how to live in this world, to treat other people, to properly put things into perspective so your relationship with God will be restored, and you will bring healing, not conflict to the world] 'and the truth will set you free.' Imagine what it would be like living in a world where truth telling was the norm. Imagine living in a world where behind every deal, transaction, or agreement, no secrets were waiting to sneak up and surprise you. Imagine being seen as a person of such integrity. People would want to do business with you.

Tony seems to be a man of faith, who reads theology in his spare time according to several newspaper profiles, and I remember him giving a speech to the Labour party conference in 1995 where he seemed to hold to the truth above. Talking about justice and exclusion within our society, and our responsibilities to each other, he said "We are our brother’s keeper, we will not walk by on the other side." We have to acknowledge that it is harder to be in charge than to critique from the outside, but I wonder if after a decade of Labour we can say that Tony has led us in keeping our brothers and crossing over to the other side.

Because then we will be on the road to knowing the truth, and having the truth set us free....

Act Generously

2007-01-30T00:01:00.000Z

Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal.

A few years ago what I really wanted at Christmas was a Palm Pilot. Now I know these things don’t come cheap, so I dropped hints to all my family members that perhaps they could all make a small contribution. “I don’t want your tat,” I told them, “just give me your money.”

On Christmas day I got a card from my brother in law. Having been taught well by my mother I gave it a good shake so that the money would drop out and I could be suitably grateful. But none did. Instead inside was a picture of a goat, which I had apparently ‘bought’ and sent to Africa….

Now it’s not that I think my brother in law is cheap. But I think that he was playing a part in a lesson that God wants me to learn. In our lives we have much, sometimes too much. It might not be enough for us not to steal, but for us to act generously.

The richest 20% of the world’s population:
• consume 45% of all meat and fish; the poorest consume 5%
• consume 58% of all energy; the poorest less than 4%
• have 74% of all telephone lines; the poorest 1.1%
• consume 84% of all paper; the poorest 1.1%
• own 87% of motor vehicles; the poorest less than 1%

It may not just be about keeping our noses clean. Saying we’re not stealing may not be enough. While we satisfy the negative command, do not, what about the positive that it alludes to? We need to be generous with what we own. We need to be compassionate with it. We need to be realists about what we can achieve with our time and resources. And we have to wonder if by just sitting on what we have we are in fact stealing from Him who gave us everything in the first place.

Jesus Speaks....

2007-01-28T22:47:00.000Z

Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery.

Nobody comments better on these words than Jesus himself….

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered round him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no-one condemned you?"

"No-one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

John 8:2-11

The World's gone mad....

2007-01-28T00:01:00.000Z

Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder.

Where were you on September 11th 2001?

I was on a train travelling back from Sheffield with a colleague when Jenny sent me a text message. "The World's gone mad.... get to a TV quick." Of course I couldn't, but we did have a mini-radio and we managed to listen to Radio 5 all afternoon as we wound our way up the East Coast mainline. We didn't see the pictures till we got to Glasgow, and sitting on a train with only one little radio, and rumour spreading throughout the carriage was a numbing experience. And my friend was American....

Since then our world has changed - there was conflict before the twin towers, and there is conflict now. It's not confined to the 'war on terror', it's everywhere, Darfur, Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia, Lebanon, Gaza, West Africa, Madrid, London....

I wonder how it has changed me. Have I hardened my heart, or has it been softened? Do I look at the world from a western viewpoint (we need to burn all the poppy fields because they make drugs) or can I take a global stance (we need to find poppy farmers an alternative source of income)? Am I a more cautious person now, or more reckless? Do I want to protect what I have, or ask who others want to destroy it? Do I turn to God more, or do I rail against him for abandoning us? Am I to be an agent for change, or peace, or justice?

Jesus told us that we would hear of wars and rumours of wars. He was warning us that we would have no peace, that there would be forever conflict, that somehow we are trapped on a downward spiral until he came back. But he also gave us hope. The Bible tells us that, despite all the uncertainty in the world and the fact that we do not know which way we are going, ultimately God stands behind history, and He will bring it to a close when He is ready.

Until He comes - a phrase which was written on the Communion Table of the Church I grew up in. Jesus tells us that in this world we will have trouble. Until He comes....

Share....

2007-01-27T14:38:00.000Z

Exodus 20:12 "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Have you heard of the IPOD generation? I heard about it on the radio yesterday. The IPOD generation (do you think they made up the name and then thought up the definitions?) are twenty-to-thirty-somethings who are Insecure, Pressured, Overtaxed, Debt ridden, and a Think Tank are claiming that they are contributing to the Welfare State without getting any of it's benefits and being hit with student debt, soaring housing costs and job insecurity. Apparently it's stifling the lifeblood of a generation that is responsible for building the nation's future as they are paying more than their fair share....

It got me thinking about the Fifth Commandment: "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." A lot of the time we look on this as just a personal injunction, that we have to obey, then respect and finally care for our parents. But it has a corporate dimension as well. If we as a nation do not honour the older people in our communities, working for and looking after them, incidentally part of the bargain of the welfare state, then we will create a society which is stuffed full of insecurity and fear. The old and unproductive will be neglected and left to wither and die. Those of working age will look out only for their own and as they see the older folk struggling, they too will fear for their future. Living long will not be a blessing, but a curse.

Maybe it is hard work being a young person today, but maybe it always has been. Maybe in the past people accepted this because they better understood the corporate nature of the responsibilities between generations. When I was a kid both my parents worked, and my grandparents looked after us frequently. Now that we have children my parents often watch mine... We look on this as a blessing for our family and we benefit from the interaction of the generations. Maybe my generation just has to overcome their worship of personal fulfilment and stop asking about what they get out of society now, and think about what they may need when they get older.... Maybe then we'll get to live long in the land that God has given us.

Stillness....

2007-01-26T00:00:00.000Z

Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. [9] Six days you shall labour and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. [11] For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Recently we have been given a car by my cousin, an M reg Mk3 Fiesta, dark green with a few orange streaks, and a unique keyless ignition system. We've been using it over the last few weeks as our round-town-run-about.

Of course the sound system isn't up to spec - it's an old early nineties Ford radio cassette, in a nasty green finish. So our first 'pimp-our-ride-modification' was to rip out the antiquated unit and replace it with our 'spare' CD player. We pulled it out only to find that the Sony connectors didn't match with the Ford wires. Undeterred we just shoved the Ford unit back in until we could get back to Halfords to buy the proper adaptor. But disaster..... the stereo needs a code now its been reinstalled and we don't know it, and now we can't pull it back out because we've jammed it in, and the handles are stuck.... so our little green car is silent.

You'd think that this would be a real handicap - no music, no radio 5, but actually I've come to enjoy tootle-ing around town without any electronic noise. Just me, the engine note (a throaty rasp with a worrying rumble underneath) and my thoughts. It's not like Joey from Friends who wanted to be alone with his thoughts, but found he didn't have as many of them as he hoped, I've found I've had enough. And it's been in the car that I've had some of my most inspiring work related thoughts recently, because without the 'noise' I've been able to share with God more..... To find God in the still, quiet place, I've needed.....stillness. And I've found it in our little green car.

Reputation....

2007-01-25T08:41:00.000Z

Exodus 20:7 "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

When the tail end of Hurricane Gordon reached the shores of the British Isles it disrupted the preparations for the Ryder Cup and caused a damp patch to appear in our roof.... We wouldn't have noticed except that Brian, our builder (why do people say it like that? It makes him sound like we keep him in the cupboard under the stairs along with Ron our electrician, John our odd jobs boy and Harry Potter....) who is converting our attic into an office space for us noticed some dampness around the chimney stack.

I was a little disappointed. As a house warming present Mum and Dad had paid for the roof to be retiled in March so we weren't expecting to deal with leaks for another 60 years. So we called the builders, a local firm of some repute yesterday morning and they promised to send a man round, especially after I told them that we were having other work done.

Now if you're like me you expect that to mean "We'll send someone round, but only after you've called us up every hour on the hour during business hours for a week, and also left messages on all our voice mails, and we're only coming round now because it is quicker and more convenient than getting a restraining order from the Courts to stop you from sitting on our front door. Oh, and please can we have our bunny back, preferably not boiled...."

But two guys in a company van came round this morning, took a look at the patch, scrambled up their ladders, did some cleaning, reapplied some sealant, and then left. Job Done. And now Brian is back upstairs plastering the loft space....

It speaks a lot about the value of reputation, because the roofers obviously value the word of mouth that can spread. It won't matter about flashy brochures, professional websites, and eye catching publicity if the product and workmanship aren't as required. A reputable firm is jealous about its reputation.

I wonder how much we are jealous of the reputation of God, the loving, compassionate, strong, mighty caring God, as expressed through the workmanship of the Church? I wonder how God is seen amongst the people we work with, socialise with, and witness to. I wonder what the word of the mouth around the town about God is?

Excess Baggage

2007-01-24T00:04:00.000Z

Exodus 20:4-6 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

I got my first car on my 21st birthday and I idolised it. It was a metallic amethyst (grey/brown!!) Rover Metro and I washed it by hand every other day. Then I would polish it with real turtle wax. Every stone chip was methodically treated and covered up. By the end of the summer it gleamed. If I wanted to I could have used the bonnet instead of a mirror to shave in. I didn't do anything else that summer though - no holiday, no job and no girlfriend. I was too busy shampooing the car's upholstery and interior trim....

That's the danger of Idols; they consume our time and energy. We give time and energy to the things we love, and if the best of our time and energy is given to something other than God then we have created an idol. Jesus met a man once whose wealth was an idol. To others the man was a good guy, keeping the religious laws of his society. But he treasured his wealth; it was his security, a sign that he controlled his life, not God. His wealth was compromising his heart, and when Jesus encouraged him to sort out his internal condition he bottled it. Jesus remarked "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Luke 18:24-25 Most people seem to agree that the eye of the needle was a small gate in Jerusalem's walls that was too short and narrow for a heavily laden camel to get through. For the beast to have a chance then it needed to take off all its saddle bags and jars, and bend down - even then it would be a bit of a squeeze. Too many of us may be like the camel. Too many of us may be carrying excess baggage, an idol that demands our time and energy and takes it away from loving God with all our hearts, soul, strength and minds. For the man Jesus met it was wealth - for us it could be our careers, our family, or even a hobby. With the help of the Spirit and the truth-talking of those who are close to us, we need to ruthlessly eliminate any trace of idolatry in our souls. We have to shed our excess baggage, and devote ourselves to the things that will stand for eternity.

Thing was, soon I lost the energy to keep my Metro shiny, in the autumn it rained to much and in the winter it got chipped too much from the grit - which also started to corrode the bodywork, and when it died seven years and 124,000 miles later it was dirty, scratched and rusty. I don't idolise my current car. We pay a local Kid £7 every other Saturday to do that for us…..

Added Value....

2007-01-23T09:03:00.000Z

Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

School League tables are a statistical minefield. On first reading it seems that its easy to determine which schools are doing best - it's obvious really, those which are getting the best exam results. But is it? The schools which get the best results seem to come in the most affluent areas so put crudely they have the best 'material' to work with, so they should do best. And of course this creates a scramble as parents buy houses in the correct post codes so their children can go to those schools.... But some commentators have started to look for other indicators in the tables. If the 'best' material was going to get an 'A' grade anyway, what value has actually been added? The best schools are surely those which turn 'D' students into 'B's....

So here's a thought. If someone on the outside was looking at my life, my journey with God and the way it has transformed my relationships, happiness and the like, what added value would they see? The satirist Terry Pratchett observes of religion "The gods.... these days they restrict themselves to things like grace, patience, fortitude and inner strength. Things you can't see. Things which have no value." (Reacher Gilt, Going Postal).

So I'm wondering what value is a faith which adds only things which cannot be seen? But I don't really agree with Terry about my God. I believe He wants to see communities and lives transformed by us being in relationship with him and each other. I believe he wants to see it, and that he shows it in lives all around the world. Things such as restored marriages, broken addictions, bodies healed are all visible and have real value. I believe that grace, patience, fortitude and inner strength, when they are truly present in a person, add real quality and depth to that person's life. And when they are, we can speak with conviction about what the Lord has done for and through us. A lot of people around us are used to measuring, of weighing up and comparing. They are used to making choices, and many of them ask of us 'What would following your God do for me?' Maybe we just need to be more open about the added value that comes into our lives, and the lives of our communities by being servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort Reading....

2007-01-22T10:23:00.000Z

Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words: [2] "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Last time we went to the dentist it turned out to be a pretty expensive trip.... Anyway, while sitting in the waiting room and praying "please don't send me to the hygienist, please don't send me to the hygienist", I tried to take my mind of the sound of drilling, the screaming and the manic cackling coming from next door, by picking up one of the magazines left on the window sill. There were about a dozen mags, but only two titles: "Creative Homes - posh houses for you less well off people to lust after: this month how to hide your slaves so everyone thinks you're a domestic Goddess!" and "Bunkered" which turned out not to be a survivalist handbook about riding out a thermonuclear attack in a concrete hole, but a golf magazine. There was an article on the impending Ryder Cup, but it turned out to be for 2004, and so I had to content myself with an article on putting - "When striking the ball up hill and across the slope, right to left, remember to align yourself at 18 degrees to the gravitational pull of Uranus, taking care to avoid any interference from mobile phone masts and nearby ley line intersections. A small goat should also be sacrificed and a poultice of yak's milk and frog spawn smeared across your chest." This was followed by an article on fashion - "Course Wear - how to dress like a hood from Starsky and Hutch and get away with it!" It was depressing, all I had for help was a small pile of vintage magazines that in no other circumstances I would pick up. We need to start a campaign - save your old mags,don't bin them, and next time you are going to the Dentist take a bag and just leave it behind.... maybe then we'd get some variety: The Economist perhaps? PC Pro? Top Gear? Red? Glamour? MixMAg? People's Friend.....

It got me thinking a little - if someone I knew was about to go through a time of trial and great testing, is there anything I would give them to read to bring them comfort? Comfort isn't something soft like fabric conditioner. Comfort is supposed to prepare you for the task ahead, to fill you with hope for the future, and courage to face any darkness in the present. As a believer I know that the Bible is full of words of comfort because the writers knew that living in this world can be hard. Jesus himself says "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. I think we need to learn to hold on to these promises more and learn to share them with love to those who need to hear them. And I think it is why God reminds the Israelites of his love for them here – that when they were suffering he came and rescued them. If they choose to be his people then they’ll have to make tough choices. He wants them to know that he’ll be with them no matter what. He makes the same promise to us. Today. Tomorrow. That’s comforting.

So sitting with articles for detergent and Pringle sweaters, it was almost a relief when I was summoned to the dungeon next door....

break....

2007-01-18T15:25:00.000Z

Deployed is on a short break until Monday....

Thoughts....

2007-01-17T09:26:00.000Z

Psalm 17:1-15 Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
[2] May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.

[3] Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
[4] As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.
[5] My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

[6] I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
[7] Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
[8] Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
[9] from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

[10] They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
[11] They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
[12] They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.

[13] Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
[14] O Lord, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.

You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.
[15] And I—in righteousness I shall see your face;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

It’s the start and end of this psalm that grab me, the association between righteousness, of being pure and upright and holy, and of seeing God’s face. I want to see God’s face. I want to experience being with him, being in his presence, being able to sense his will so that naturally I do his bidding. Yet this psalm reminds me that I cannot be in that state while carrying unconfessed or deliberately neglected impurity and sin with me. As I grow to maturity in Jesus, more and more must I let him test my thoughts and the attitudes of my heart. Only then will I continue to change and be more like him.

Boundaries....

2007-01-16T09:21:00.000Z

Psalm 16:1-11 Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.

[2] I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."
[3] As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
[4] The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.

[5] Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
[6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

[7] I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
[8] I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I shall not be shaken.

[9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
[10] because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
[11] You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

I think often about those times that I have ‘run after other gods’. I think about how appealing they seemed at the time, about how much personal enjoyment I was getting from serving them. I remember how at the time I used to ignore the self-destructive habits that were building and the consequences that were building up just below the surface waiting to be faced. And I remember the pain and humiliation, the sorrow and brokenness, the anguish that came when events came to a head and those consequences, the fruit of my destructive behaviour had to be faced. I remember then wishing that I had taken refuge in the Lord, and lived peacefully within the boundaries that he had set.

When David wrote this psalm he would have had in mind the physical nation of Israel, and their dwelling in the land that God had given them. But I’m sure that he was also thinking spiritually, of how our actions, thoughts and words can affect our lives and our relationship with God. His song speaks of a life which has found protection within the boundaries God has placed on it, of a life which is not self-destructive because the consequences of brokenness can be terrible to deal with.

Our Heavenly Father can restore our brokenness, he can transport us back to living within his boundaries, he can heal and forgive. But the further we have strayed from his path, the more painful is the journey back – quite simply there are more hurts, betrayals and mistakes for us to put right with out brothers and sisters.

Holiness....

2007-01-15T11:56:00.000Z

Psalm 15:1-5 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

[2] He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
[3] and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbour no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellow-man,
[4] who despises a vile man
but honours those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
[5] who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things
will never be shaken.

The picture that the psalms present of God is always one of righteousness, purity and blamelessness. Frequently they ask the question that David asks here, who may dwell with God. And the answer is always those who are making themselves pure like him, those who are attempting to mirror his attitudes in their thoughts, words and deeds.

Although we are fallen people we cannot accept our fallen state as the norm. Though we can never be perfect, we cannot accept that we cannot change for the better. The Psalms are poetry, and though we will never achieve perfection this side of being with Jesus, we must strive towards it, strengthening our relationship with Jesus, until out of love we are acting as he would and striving towards holiness….

Wrestle....

2007-01-12T09:13:00.000Z

Col. 4:7-18 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord. [8] I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. [9] He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
[10] My fellow-prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) [11] Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [13] I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. [15] Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
[16] After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
[17] Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
[18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Prayer can be hard work. I know that there are seasons of my life where I set off with good intentions about the time and direction of my prayer life. I list names of people and circumstances that must be prayed for in my diary and spend hours in prayer for them, day in day out for at least two days. Then it all dries up a little….

So I am encouraged by Paul’s description of his friend Epaphras, and a little bit jealous…. Here is a man who the Bible records as a prayer warrior, as someone who on bended knees upheld those around him. Paul says that he wrestled in prayer, and that about sums up my experience. Prolonged prayer is hard work, it is mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. But the end result, as I have found time and time again in my life is worth it. For Epaphras, knowing that those he was praying for were going on in God must have been a great encouragement for his task.

Door....

2007-01-11T09:40:00.000Z

Col. 4:1-6 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [3] And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

There’s a door at church that always causes me problems. I don’t know if the lock is broken or stiff, if my key is in some way worn down at the wrong points in the thread, if the wood has warped over time with water and heat damage. Sometimes I even speculate that it has been ‘possessed by dark forces’ which are plotting against me. Whatever the reason it always seems to take me longer than necessary to open the lock and get through. And it is just me. All the other key holders must have a secret password or similar for they just seem to stick their keys in the lock, turn, open and step through. Maybe they know something I don’t know. Maybe they have someone on the inside….

Maybe this is why Paul asks us to pray that God opens doors for us to step through. Being a Christian, working to spread the Gospel, sometimes just getting through life with your integrity and faith intact can sometimes be an effort in itself. But yet if we are following after God, listening to his voice then often we’ll find that somehow a hard job goes easier than it should. Here’s the ‘key’ though. We have to go and do the right tasks, the one God is guiding us towards, not the ones we want to do. We need to listen to him. Because if we don’t, if we push against doors God is not opening for us then we’ll have to do it ourselves. Sometimes facing an impossible task is a sign that we’ve pushed on the wrong door.

Gratitude....

2007-01-10T09:28:00.000Z

Col. 3:15-25 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

[18] Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
[19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
[20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
[21] Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
[22] Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. [23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. [25] Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favouritism.

I’m listening to some worship music on my PC as I write this, and instead of distracting me from what I am doing it is helping me. My feet are tapping and with each verse or riff that goes by my mood is being lightend. I wonder if this feeling is what Paul has in mind when he encourages us to sing to each other with gratitude in our hearts for God.

I’m musing on how to practice the presence of God as a daily reality in my life – how do I live out the pece that Paul encourages us to do here? And as I mull over my thoughts it is becoming obvious that the peace, and expressig that peace towards others springs from gratitude over what God has done for me. And I keep that gratitude alive by meeting with him day by day. And for a person of my age and in my time, what could be more appropriate than singing along to some songs that express my gratitude to God, letting the melodies wash over me and letting the riches of his word dwell in my heart. And with this gratitude there, how much easier will it be to deal with all the people in all the relationships I encounter today……

Wear....

2007-01-09T09:38:00.000Z

Col. 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

It’s my wife’s fault. Ever since we’ve got married I’ve had to pay more attention to the clothes that I wear. In the old days I used to pick clothes for how they felt, for comfort, warmth or practicality. Now I have to pay attention to details such as colour and style. Not only that, but I’m not allowed to carry items in my pockets anymore – they spoil the line of my trousers and I now have to carry a man-bag around with me….

But wherever I go, my clothes go with me, following my every move, surrounding and encasing me. And I think this is what paul means here. We should go around being enclosed and encased in these values. They should follow our every move and every action until acting with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love is second nature, as if we were wearing them rather than the clothes of our old self.

Raise....

2007-01-08T13:27:00.000Z

Col. 3:1-11 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
[5] Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

I often want to raise my eyes towards heaven.

Sometimes my motives are good, because I want to worship and exalt God for his graciousness to me, and for his eternal goodness. Sometimes it is because I am in need, and I look to the hills, as the psalmist writes, for my help. And sometimes it is when I am in a dark place, and I need something to rail against in anger.

But here Paul encourages us to look to heaven so we can see the glory that awaits us, and then challenges us; if this is what we are to become, let us reflect it here and now. This is a challenging list of habits and behaviours for us to work through, but we need to reflect him now, as we seek to be glorified by him in the future.

Principles....

2006-12-22T09:37:00.000Z

I'm going on vacation over Christmas.... so this is my last post on this site until Monday 8th January. Wherever you are travelling to this Christmas get there safely...

Col. 2:20-23 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: [21] "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? [22] These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. [23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Paul is in the middle of a discourse about religious rules and regulations, his premise being that Christ’s grace has freed us from the need to follow them. He says we have died with Christ to the principles of this world….The image is striking, that these ideas no longer give me any life, that it is only through my relationship with Jesus that I am sustained. It talks about sacrifice, of giving something up, of saying that these things have no hold over me, and no use for me anymore! Of course Paul is talkig about the religion versus faith conflict that was in the early Jewish/Gentile church. But I wonder what he would say to our churches today? What conflicts and principles do we need to surrender so that we ‘die with Christ’? Money? Materialism? Self-righteousness? Conformity? Intolerance? Careerism? The list could go on…..

I wonder if there are areas of my life that I still need to die to the world with Jesus in?

Religous....

2006-12-21T08:47:00.000Z

Col. 2:16-19 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [17] These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. [19] He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Here’s the problem with religion: it makes us compare ourselves to other people. We judge ourselves against them. When we feel we are doing worse we feel bad, and when we feel we are doing better we get self-righteous. We judge the actions of others. And this is because religion is about doing. It is about achievement. It is about measurement. It is about following rules, ticking off boxes on a giant religious checklist, and putting your faith in what you can achieve.

But faith in Jesus Christ, putting our trust in him, is different. We are relying not on what we do, but on what Jesus has done for us. This is grace – there is no self-righteousness, no judgementalism, no comparison and nothing to achieve. Because when Christianity becomes these things it is because we are depending on ourselves following the rules, rather than deepening our relationship with Jesus, the true source of our ability to live a life of love.

Spectacle....

2006-12-20T13:31:00.000Z

Col. 2:6-15 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
[8] See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
[9] For in Christ all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, [10] and you have been given fulness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority. [11] In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
[13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, [14] having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. [15] And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

When Paul talks about a public spectacle, he has in mind the victory celebrations of the Romans, when they dragged their defeated enemies through the streets of the city, where the populace could pour scorn and derision onto them.

This is the power of the cross in the cosmic realms. It is God’s final and everlasting triumph over evil. It is his demonstration that once and for all, for those who accept the gift of life which is offered up by the cross, there is victory. Death has been conquered and overcome. Hell has been humiliated. As we approach Christmas, it is good for us to refelect on the life mission that Jesus would embark on, and the hope that was to be found in the infant born to us on Christmas day.

2006-12-18T21:49:00.000Z

Col. 1:24-2:5 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. [25] I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fulness— [26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
[28] We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. [29] To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
[2:1] I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. [2] My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] I tell you this so that no-one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. [5] For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Again Paul gets over the importance of being united, of being one heart and mind, of being together, and the reason he tells us this is because it is a struggle. We can only do this if we are together is his constant refrain throughout his writing. It is important because the prize is so great – presenting as many people as possible to be seen as perfect by God. This is a struggle worth labouring for. And it is a good job that we are relying not just on our own energy, but as Paul puts, Christ’s energy working through us.

As we identify with Jesus, through our confession of his name, through our baptism and witness, through our willingness to suffer for his name, he will identify with us. We will find, as Paul frequently did, that when we do amazing works will happen because Jesus works in a situation, not us!

Hopeful....

2006-12-14T00:12:00.000Z

Col. 1:21-23 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Alienated and reconciled – what we once were and what we are now, all as a result of Jesus mission to earth.

Alienation is a word that I like saying, it has rhythmic and poetic vibes, and it slides off the tongue. But what it actually means is quite ugly. We most often use the word to think about little green men from other planets, and if we think along those lines we start to grasp the meaning of the word. To be alienated from someone means to be different, to have nothing in common, to think and desire different things, to consider the other strange and unknown, perhaps even for there to be an undercurrent of hostility. And that describes our relationship with God before we met with Jesus. We didn’t think as he did, we didn’t desire the same goals as him, and many of us were actively hostile towards him. Yet now we are reconciled to him, now there is peace between us, we are aligned towards the same goals and purposes, and the evil of our sin has vanished in God’s sight, so long as we continue in our worship and love of Jesus. Because here we must remember that we are only reconciled to God, because Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves.

And here is the point of the gospel that we should never lose sight of – it is good news. Bad news would be to tell people that they have to try and make themselves right with God, knowing from the start that it is an impossible task. Bad news would be to tell people that day in day out they must struggle to be as good as they can be, trying to avoid the one slip that would make them imperfect and unable to stand before the Holy God of creation. That’s not just hard work, it is hopeless. But good news is telling people that they just need to accept God’s grace, expressed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the task that brought reconciliation to us, the mission that was undertaken to do what we could not do for ourselves. It is an offer that brings us hope – that is good news, and news worth sharing.

Absorb....

2006-12-12T23:34:00.000Z

Col. 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

This is just one of those incredible passages about the personhood of Jesus. In him is the fullness of God. It is just incredibly hard to come to terms with this, that as Jesus walked the earth he was at once a man and at the same time God.

Theologians think that this isn’t just mind-blowing, but also necessary. Jesus’ mission to die on the cross was so that he could pay the cost of our redemption. He had to be a man to do this, because as a human he represented us as people who needed to be redeemed, because we all deserve to have to pay the penalty for those things that we did wrong. But at the same time only God himself is good enough to be able to pay the full cost of that redemption. So Jesus, our saviour, had to be fully man and fully God.

But Paul also wants to draw our attention to Jesus’ place in the cosmos. He is ruler of it, he sustains it, he created it. There is nothing that ever existed without Jesus having had some part in making it. As well as that when we look at Jesus we see who God is, because the character and nature of the son mirror that of the Father.

Sometimes you come across a passage which just takes your breath away – you have to stop thinking about it and just absorb it. This is one like that….

Worthy....

2006-12-12T09:42:00.000Z

Col. 1:9-14 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. [10] And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

We shouldn’t take for granted the forgiveness of our sins….

We should never forget where we came from. The Bible writers frequently describe our previous condition, how we were before we met with Jesus, of being one of darkness. It speaks of being blind, of not knowing the truth, of being unable to see where we are heading. It speaks of things being hidden so that they cannot be seen. It speaks of gloom and despair – and believe me, living in Scotland and experiencing the bleak early mornings it is easy to comprehend the despair that is possible….

But we are no longer there. We have moved out of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son, the Kingdom of light. Where Jesus is there cannot be any darkness. First he is glorious beyond comparison and the Bible typically describes his glory as incandescent light. Light floods the darkness and overwhelms it. Being in light we can now see the truth, we are given hope rather than despair, and now nothing is hidden.

We need to live as people of the light, here Paul calls it living a life which is worthy of the Lord. Yet we know we cannot do this by ourselves. We may be on the way to becoming saints, but we are not yet perfect, and we never will be until Jesus calls us to himself when he makes all things new. But we should aim to be worthy. We have been given a second chance, a chance to live a life which pleases God, a chance to now live for him, as Lord and master of our lives, placing ourselves in his service. We can rely and depend on our fellow brothers and sisters, but we also have access to the power and glory of heaven, which through the spirit God pours out on us so that we can resist temptation and selfishness and live lives of love, often in tough places, so that we bring glory to his name.

And we need to live lives which are worthy – because our lives, the forgiveness of our sins was bought at a price. ‘Redemption’ is the word we use to signify the buying back, the purchasing of people out of slavery. We were slaves to darkness, and to release us from that slavery a cost had to be paid. It wasn’t money, but blood, the blood of that which God held most precious, his son Jesus Christ.

We shouldn’t take for granted the forgiveness of our sins – because it came at a cost. Someone was willing to suffer and die for us, to give us a second chance. He didi so willingly, out of love. Out of love for that, we should aim to make our lives worthy of that sacrifice. Not because we need to, but out of love, so as not to cheapen the love which did this for us.

Subvert....

2006-12-11T09:30:00.000Z

Col. 1:1-8 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

[2] To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

[3] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— [5] the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel [6] that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. [7] You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, [8] and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

It is an incredible though that all over the world the Gospel is bearing fruit, yet when you stop to think about it a little it should be obvious.

Take your own life and examine how it has changed since you met with Jesus. The truth is that you may not be happy with how much you’ve changed – I think that if we’re honest all of us would say that we’d like to have seen more change that we would like to be like Jesus more and more. Objectively some of us may say that we have made more progress than others. But this isn’t the point here. The truth is that since meeting Jesus most of us will have changed to be more like him. This is what the Bible calls fruit, it is the evidence that Jesus is living in us, and that we are attached to the vine (John 15).

And this fruit is growing in the hearts of all the believers that you know, and in all the believers that you don’t know too. In fact all across the world there are people who are growing more and more to be like Jesus. And as they grow their influence spreads, their love touches more and more people, the light that shines amongst them grows brighter and brighter.

This is what Jesus meant when he said that we should have faith like a mustard seed, because Jesus understood that it would grow to be something that is huge. The world is full of big problems, sometimes it seems that conflict is inevitable, that force must be met with force. But what if instead of conflict, force met with something even more subversive than violence? What if it was met with love, the true fruit of the Gospel? Imagine that….

Fool....

2006-12-08T10:07:00.000Z

Psalm 14:1-7
The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no-one who does good.

[2] The Lord looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
[3] All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no-one who does good,
not even one.

[4] Will evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the Lord?
[5] There they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
[6] You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.

[7] Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Anyone who does not consider their eternal destiny, who does not think about what next, who pays no attention to their spiritual yearnings or needs, is called a fool in scripture. There is a very simple reason for this – the consequences for getting it wrong here are just too terrible to contemplate, so why risk not considering them.

We believe that God will hold each of us accountable for our actions, the good the bad, the caring and the selfish, and ultimately for our response to the claims of Jesus Christ to be Lord and saviour of our lives. Did we believe him and hold his words dear? Did we then live out a life of love that reflects him?

Or were we foolish? Did we reject or ignore those claims? Many people who act with such disdain for others and pursue their own ends at the expense of those around them do so because they have no fear of judgement. There is no sense that God will hold them to account for what they did here on earth. They are ignoring the great reality of creation, the presence of God. By doing this they are rushing headlong to their eternal destruction – when all they have to do is pause and heed the words of Jesus. What they gain here will be swept aside for eternity.

The Bible is right to call them fools – but by the grace of God they don’t need to stay foolish forever.

Storm....

2006-12-07T08:16:00.000Z

Psalm 13:1-6

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
[2] How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

[3] Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
[4] my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

[5] But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
[6] I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me.

There are times when God seems silent and distant, and very often they seem to coincide when we seem to need him the most. Life is often messy. There are dark times of the soul. Our emotions can be scarred, circumstance can overwhelm us. And we cry out to God – and then nothing…..

When this happens to the people I love I have no answer, at least no one that they’re looking for. I’d love to offer them words of meaningful comfort, something which goes beyond the trite and unthinking, because I think that they deserve that. But more often than not I have nothing to say. At times like this I too am asking where God is….

Because what we want is hope – we want to have light again in our eyes again, to be animated and feel alive, rather than the dead feeling that we go through when we are suffering.

So what do we have to fall back on at these times? Trust. Trust in God’s unfailing goodness. When times are dark we must remember that what God has promised to us in the light he will remain faithful to us in the dark. And so this Psalm reminds me more of what I should do in the good times than in the bad. I must gather courage where I find it and save it for the storms to come. I must remark on every act of goodness that the Lord bestows on me, saving them in my heart as a store, so that when the bad times come I remember his goodness. It may not be the instant answer that I look for at the time of hardship, but it will remind me that God’s love is unfailing as I grow through the trial I find myself in.

Flatter....

2006-12-06T08:24:00.000Z

Psalm 12:1-8 Help, Lord, for the godly are no more;
the faithful have vanished from among men.
[2] Everyone lies to his neighbour;
their flattering lips speak with deception.

[3] May the Lord cut off all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue
[4] that says, "We will triumph with our tongues;
we own our lips—who is our master?"

[5] "Because of the oppression of the weak
and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says the Lord.
"I will protect them from those who malign them."
[6] And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
purified seven times.

[7] O Lord, you will keep us safe
and protect us from such people for ever.
[8] The wicked freely strut about
when what is vile is honoured among men.

We use words all the time. We use them to ask for things, to state facts, to hide truths. Sometimes we can say words which hurt or harm and we can do so without having thought much about it – there are may throw away comments that I wish I could take back. And there are words which are calculated to hurt, the remark that we’ve been storing up and rehearsing for days, waiting for just the right time to use. There are word which are meant to deceive, and I wonder if in fact most forms of flattery are that.

Here David contrasts the words of our mouths with the word of God. He calls it flawless. There are no errors, no half truths, nothing hidden in God’s words. When he speaks to us he speaks from his character of perfect justice and love. We can trust his words because we know who he is – and God’s character ensures that he keeps his word. It is like silver, a precious metal. So we too should treasure his words to us and hold them in our heart. They have value to us. There is nothing casual or meaningless about anything that God says. At this time of year I’m reminded of Mary, whom the Bible tells us treasured all that happened to her and her family on that first Christmas night. God’s words are refined and purified. It is a deliberate act to turn ore into precious metal. All the impurities and dross have to be sifted out in order to get the valuable metal at the end. God’s words are deliberate. He never utters a sound that he does not mean. They are thought out and worth hearing because of that.

We ignore a lot of words as worthless chatter, but we need to learn to treasure God’s words.

Observe....

2006-12-05T07:53:00.000Z

Psalm 11:1-7 [For the director of music. Of David.]

In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
"Flee like a bird to your mountain.
[2] For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
[3] When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?"

[4] The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.
[5] The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.
[6] On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulphur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.

[7] For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.

I think I want to see God’s face, but too much time is spent seeking his hand. Much of my time with God is about my problems and issues in life. It seems that they are my consuming passions and I want Him to engage with me on them. I want to see his hand being an active presence in my life.

But I think that what I should be doing is seeking his face – because then I will be trying to build a proper relationship with him. It’s funny, but I always find it easier to communicate with people who look me in the eye rather than those whose eyes are darting around all over the place. Maybe it is because the eye contact signifies attention and concentration, that for this moment I am the only person that matters and other distractions are to be ignored. So I want to engage with God face to face. And here’s a promise from Jesus – if we don’t pursue things, if we seek God rather than our problems we will find that they fade away as we see them in their proper place.

But Jesus in that same promise (Matthew 6:33) reminds us of the same condition of the ehart that this psalm asks of us too. If we are to see god’s face then we must be righteous and upright in our actions. We must examine our hearts and eliminate wickedness from there. Selfishness, conceit, avarice must be replaced by justice, righteousness and servanthood. Because when we come into God’s presence he will see those things for what they are.

Involved....

2006-12-04T09:37:00.000Z

Psalm 10:1-18 Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

[2] In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
[3] He boasts of the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
[4] In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
[5] His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and your laws are far from him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
[6] He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;
I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
[7] His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
[8] He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent,
watching in secret for his victims.
[9] He lies in wait like a lion in cover;
he lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
[10] His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
[11] He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
he covers his face and never sees."

[12] Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
[13] Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?
[14] But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
[15] Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.

[16] The Lord is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
[17] You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
[18] defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

I cannot deal with the concept of God being distant, of being uncaring and uninvolved. I cannot bear to think of a creator who just has no sense of ownership and responsibility for that which he has made. I think that is why the image of God as Father is so central to my faith. Because Dads, good Dads, really care and are involved….

The psalmist paints a picture for us which is familiar to us – a world of have and have nots, where the poor are oppressed by those who have power, wealth and influence. There is a seeming lack of justice where the powerful act with impunity as there is no one who will bring them to account. Indeed the opening words are a plea to God: in times of trouble where are you……?

But as the song ends we begin to sense God’s heart through the the poetry. God cares for the poor and the needy, he stands up for the oppressed, he becomes a father to the fatherless. It is an appeal to the eternal. The powerful do not fear the consequences of their actions because they see only what is in this world – they do not peer into the eternal. For us our actions on this life will shape our eternal future, and this includes our sense of justice towards those who are without. The powerful may act with impunity – pray that soon they glimpse eternity.

Give....

2006-12-01T11:25:00.000Z

Philip. 4:10-23 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. [11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
[14] Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. [15] Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; [16] for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. [17] Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. [18] I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. [19] And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
[20] To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

[21] Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. [22] All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
[23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

It’s December 1st as I write this. Downstairs the boys have opened the first doors on their advent calendars and on my desk is a catalogue for a mail order firm called ‘I want one of those!” It’s a time of year when many of us think about receiving.

Paul’s words about himself here are inspiring. He has learned to be content with the circumstances that he finds himself in because of his trust in Jesus. He knows that it is Christ’s grace that he depends on, and since that mean that the riches of heaven will be poured out on him he is grateful.

But here Paul also relates to us a story of giving. This is a church who are used to giving, often at times sacrificially. Paul, amongst others has been the beneficiary of such giving. But it is their value to God that Paul focuses on. Not that God needs our stuff, but that he is pleased when some of his children abandon pursuit of the materialism in this world.

‘Things’ are not bad. They can bring us joy. But pursuing them relentlessly instead of finding contentment in serving God will ultimately damage us and the mission of the church.

Peace....

2006-11-30T10:39:00.000Z

Philip. 4:2-9 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. [3] Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

So many of our conflicts start because we obsess on the little things, like status and position, who gets the credit or the blame, whose idea is used, who gets seen to be the person in charge. I wonder if that is what Paul is referring to here when he mentions these ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, that their efforts to further the Gopsel are being undermined by the disagreement between them. How we are seen to handle conflict is important, and the truth is that through the ages we haven’t always been very good at it….

Paul’s hope that when there is disagreement then what is evident to anyone looking in, is not cleverness of speech and argument, but gentleness of spirit. Gentleness is a quality that Paul calls for five times in his writings and he places a high value on it. It is not to be confused with weakness, nor should it be seen as timidity. In fact to display gentleness requires strength of character and a real trust in God. To be gentle is to be kind and amicable. It is not to be rough, severe or violent. It is to have an absent of bad temper.

So how do we acquire gentleness in our lives? Paul’s answer is once more to look up to God, and to spend time in his presence. A mark of gentleness is peace. Those who know that the future is in safe hands will act with grace towards those around them. So when there is conflict gather those who are in disagreement and look up to God. Present the issue to him and wait on him for an answer, knowing that those who put his will into practice will be walking a path of peace, knowing they are following in the footsteps of God.

It is in looking up that Paul closes this section. Don’t focus on the petty and the mundane, but look up to heaven and see the goodness that is there and when you do, aim to imitate that goodness here on earth. In a sense it is ‘brainwashing’. I don’t mean mind control, but just training your thoughts to focus on the goodness of God rather than the corruptness of the world around us. And when we learn to put that goodness into action, in our own lives and in the lives of our communities then we will find that conflict has been replaced by the peace of God falling on us all.

Citizen....

2006-11-29T09:55:00.000Z

Philip. 3:17-4:1 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. [18] For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. [4:1] Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

The way that Jesus asks us to live often stands out from the pattern that people who do not call Jesus follows. And here Paul calls us to follow his example, to live like him in living like Jesus. But as in most groups of believers it would seem that not everyone was living fully for God. As is often the case our attention and energy is often diverted elsewhere.

The concept of citizenship is one which would have resonated with the church in Philippi. In the ancient world citizenship was a ticket towards rights and privileges that many people were denied: the right to property, to special protection under the law, to representation. In fact most of the church at Philippi were probably people who were denied citizenship. You could maybe see why people’s earthly intentions were focussed on getting citizenship. But this required obedience to the Imperial laws and pledging of loyalty to the Emperor. It would lead to compromise, often exhibited in having to indulge in a lifestyle that while honouring Rome would deny Jesus.

So Paul again lifts the eyes of his readers towards heaven, and away from what is now towards what is to come. We are to look not at the earthly things that surround us, but towards the risen Jesus who will come again in power. We have to grasp our place as citizens of heaven, with all the protection, riches and privileges it brings with it, now and in the future.

Perpetual Motion....

2006-11-28T10:19:00.000Z

Philip. 3:12-16 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, [14] I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
[15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

There are few things that beat the taste of fresh water. I don’t mean the chemically enhanced stuff that comes from your taps, or even the over priced confidence trick that is bottled water, but a clear crisp mountain stream on a hot day when you’ve been toiling up a hill. But when the stream starts to dry up and the flow of fresh water is reduced and it turns into a stagnant pool then the taste of the water, and your appetite for it decreases….

I think Paul, in these images of striving, is telling us that here about our walk with God. We can never think we’ve made it, we can never stop seeking to become more like Jesus everyday, there is always room for us to get better. If we think we’ve made it then we stop striving to move forward, and we stop seeking ways to get refreshed by Jesus. We become like a stagnant pool.

A stagnant pool doesn’t actually stay the same. Over time it deteriorates. And for those of us who for whatever reason have stood still in our walk with Jesus have found, this walk starts to worsen too rather than stay constant. We are not called to stay constant though, we are called to grow. In fact Paul tells us that we have to live up to the level we are on – we cannot go backwards. Keep on running forwards….

I want....

2006-11-27T14:08:00.000Z

Philip. 3:7-11 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. [10] I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

These are powerful words, and they echo Paul’s sentiment in chapter 1 – to live is Christ, and to die is gain. It is more powerful for where it comes in the letter, just after Paul’s description of his attempts to make himself right with God through obedience to the law. But now, after having experienced Grace, Paul says that his former life just does not compare to the one he has now, serving Jesus and experiencing his presence in his life day by day.

It’s Paul’s plea, that day by day he experiences Jesus in his life.

He wants to experience this by sharing in Christ’s sufferings – that is by taking part in God’s mission, his plan for the redemption of mankind. Because this is the big story, and for anyone who has met Jesus it is the only story worth getting involved in! The truth is that Paul acknowledges that this is not easy – there will be opposition and hardship when we take up the cause of the Gospel in our situations every day. People will laugh at us, ignore us and turn against us. Yet by doing this we share in Christ’s work. And when we do it we discover this – that we become dependent on Jesus. We realise that we cannot do the work by ourselves, but can only accomplish it by experiencing the outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives and situations. By depending on Jesus and letting him work, following his lead, not our own, we experience God’s power working in our lives, and through that we grow closer to him.

Wouldn’t it be incredible if every person in every church spoke as Paul did, and asked to experience the every day presence of Jesus in our lives….

insurance....

2006-11-24T16:45:00.000Z

Sorry guys.... spilled coffee on my laptop this morning so it's off to the repair shop and my morning just went....

see you on Monday

By the numbers....

2006-11-23T08:14:00.000Z

Philip. 3:1-6 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
[2] Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. [3] For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Circumcision was used by the Jews to show who was part of the Covenant people with God. The story of the Old Testament is of God’s faithfulness to the Jews, even when they were not faithful to Him. But the New Testament story is of a new covenant, a new relationship of care and trust, not with one group of people, but open to the whole of mankind. Regardless of race, colour, gender or nationality we can all join God’s chosen people.

In Paul’s time, there were people who wanted to force all believers to embrace the lifestyle of the Old Covenant, including physical circumcision and obedience to the whole of the Jewish Law and all its regulations. Paul’s deep feeling was that this created a system you could follow and it didn’t promote living faith in Jesus Christ. You could do religion by the numbers….

I wonder if the contemporary Church can be like that too. I wonder if we look at people coming to Jesus for the first time and we try and put burdens of tradition and assumed behaviour on them which are not necessary. I wonder if we try to draw lines between who is in and out of the circle of believers by accepting that a certain type of dress code, lifestyle and social beliefs matter, when actually the Gospel would say they are not essential. And if we do I’m sure it cannot be laid at the door of the established churches alone – the new and emerging churches have their own codes too. And we adopt them quickly – watch how a new believer quickly picks up on the ‘internal code’ of the faith community they join…. I wonder how much emphasis we place on acceptance of the code rather than life transformation.

So here Paul restates his opposition to people who want to live that way. He points to his old life of religion by the numbers, saying ‘I tried it – it doesn’t work, and I should know because nobody gave a better shot at it than me!’

Instead Paul points to a new mark of circumcision, not a physical one, but a spiritual one. Those who are in the new covenant are those who have put worshipping Jesus as Lord as the central part of their life and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. In effect Paul is saying that the real mark of belonging to God is a life transformed to be like Jesus.

Honour....

2006-11-22T07:28:00.000Z

Philip. 2:19-30 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. [20] I have no-one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. [23] I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. [24] And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
[25] But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. [26] For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. [27] Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. [28] Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. [29] Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honour men like him, [30] because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Paul writes about to of his co-workers, and pays them great tribute. In one sense it seems incongruous that he has spent all his time talking about submitting our egos to worship and serve Jesus, yet now he seems to be picking out two men for special mention.

But I think that Paul knew that serving the Lord could be hard and that the greater the task the bigger the sacrifice. Timothy had taken on the role of a travelling pastor, touring with Paul and serving in cities far away from home. Epaphroditus, having been sent by the church at Philippi, had almost died of an illness. At the same time Paul talks about Timothy’s humility and his genuine concern for others. He doesn’t seem to be the type of man who is in it for his glory.

I think that Paul’s thought here are about how we treat those who have made big sacrifices to serve the Lord. Our communities need to be loving places, who acknowledge that some of us will be called in devoting ourselves to serving him full time. These people still need to eat and live, and the body must take care of them, ensuring that they do not find themselves in relative poverty. Also we need to acknowledge that Church needs volunteers to function. We need to honour those who have given of their time freely to serve God. I must confess that I haven’t fully worked out what exactly honouring means – but at the very least it must include an appreciation, actively and continually expressed, to all who serve the Lord.

Shine....

2006-11-21T08:40:00.000Z

Philip. 2:12-18 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
[14] Do everything without complaining or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe [16] as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing. [17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. [18] So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

The world we see around us, and the communities we live in are not perfect. Ever since Adam and Eve we have lived in a world which is fallen, a world where people have turned their back on God and seem to be running away from him. Because of that they are destined to spend an eternity without God.

So for those of us who have met Jesus and encountered the life transforming truth of the Gospel it is important for us to stand out. The way of life that Paul has related to us, of living without selfish ambition and ego, of having a servant attitude like Jesus, is crucial in pointing other people towards the truth.

When I was a student a classmate came up to me and told me he heard I was a Christian. Excitedly I wondered what had given it away: my Jesus loves you ruler; my turn or burn t-shirt; my SU badge on the lapel of my jacket. But before I could find out he remarked that he would never have known if a mutual friend had not told him….

Our lives, as individuals and communities must be exemplary, mirroring Jesus in every situation, reflecting his love and glory to those around him. We need to learn to be his hands and feet, to shine like stars, so that around us, in the lives of those who are close to us, we can see God act out his good purposes….

Attitude....

2006-11-20T08:02:00.000Z

Philip. 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

[6] Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
[7] but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
[8] And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
[9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
[10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
[11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Just prior to this passage, Paul has been exhorting us treat each other with humility and love. Now he turns to Jesus. It is as if he is saying if you want to know how to behave then copy someone who modelled it. And as well as illustrating his point about love and humility Paul also treats us to a wonderful statement about the relationship between the Father and the Son.

Jesus’ nature is that of God. The trinity of Father, Son and Spirit is one of the most incredible concepts in theology, and it is hard for us to get our heads around the three-as-one reality of the God-head. But we need to understand that all three are divine, all three are God, all three have incredible stature. Yet the nature of the Trinity is not of power and hierarchy, but of live. The trinity is a model for the community we try to form in the Church. They love and serve each other. Jesus shows this here. He is God, but does not seek the stature that comes with it. Instead he serves. There is no ego-fuelled competition going on.

The divine became man. When it was required the Son came down from heaven and suffered here on Earth for us. There is no task too small for him – his pride does not get in the way of serving. He is willing to go the whole way, sacrificial love, in order to love us.

The Son is exalted. Not by himself, but by an other, by someone who has recognised what he has done. In humbly serving the Father, he finds himself exalted by the Father.

In our communities we must learn to be people who do not compete with each other for power, be willing to live lives of sacrificial love and to honour others for what they have done in serving us. That way we will learn to act without selfish ambition, or vain conceit.

One....

2006-11-17T08:05:00.000Z

Philip. 2:1-4 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

If you are united in Christ with your brothers and sisters then there should be no room for conflict with them of any sort.

Great and wonderful in theory, but in practice much harder….

Let’s be honest, anytime you get groups of people together there is always conflict, eventually. I watch what happens when my friends and family gather, even for social events, and there can be some pretty heated disagreements about what we should be doing…. Imagine the potential for real division when something important is up for discussion, imagine what could happen in the Church when it is making decisions about some of the most important tasks imaginable. When you feel right about an issue, when you are passionate about the cause and when you encounter someone who feels just as right and just as passionate, but has a different way of doing things then watch out! Sparks can fly!

Paul is aware of this and he wants us to be united, by having the same mind, same love, being one in spirit and purpose. And he points barriers to this; selfish ambition and vain conceit….

Ambition can be good, it drives us to achieve. We should be ambitious for God, to see his kingdom advance forward and to be involved in his work. But when we start to think of our position, our ego, how we are viewed and respected by others, when we think of the kudos and the honour and even glory we can accrue then it is vanity and self-centred, the puffing up of pride, the competition to be seen as better than others intensifies.

But out of love we should glorify Jesus in what we do and love others. For it is only by consistently showing love to others, and being in a community where the needs of all and the worship of Jesus is central that we can be unified and of one Spirit.

When you serve the Lord be careful to check your ego and at the door, and don’t collect it on the way out.

Manner....

2006-11-16T08:01:00.000Z

Philip. 1:27-30 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. [29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

It is one of Paul’s big themes throughout all his writings – how you live your life, as individuals and as communities of faith matters: people will judge Jesus by how you and the group of believers you are a member of behave. And a quick check of what happens in the media and in public debate today will confirm Paul’s thesis. People judge Jesus on what they see in us. So it is important, now as then, to live lives which truly reflect Jesus, not just some pale or corrupted copy.

So what does it mean to live a life worthy of the Gospel? Well here are some suggestions….

Your Life. Make sure that the choices you make in life are consistent with the message of the Gospel. Jesus said be forgiving, so do not bear grudges. Jesus said seek justice and mercy, so get involved in social action. Jesus said live lives which are not corrupted by sinfulness, so aim to be holy and transformed like him. Remember that wherever you go, you are the hands and feet of the Gospel. Your actions count.

Your Message. Remember that Jesus gave his life so that others could be saved, and rose from the dead to announce that victory. Remember that your life and actions should announce that message. Remember that Jesus came to bring reconciliation between man and God, so live lives which bring reconciliation. Remember that Jesus came to love others, so bring grace. Preach truth, live grace.

Our Communities. It’s not just individuals who are judged by others, but our Churches too. We need to be united, not divided; we need to be places where our lives and message are seen to work out, not to contradict. They need to be places where we love each other – because this is how others will see that we truly follow God. We need to be of one Spirit.

By our choices and actions we can live lives which honour the Gospel, or we can drag the Cross through the mud….

Life Statement....

2006-11-15T07:35:00.000Z

Philip. 1:18-26 Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, [19] for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. [20] I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Every so often you come across a phrase which stays in your mind and won’t go away. To live is Christ and to die is gain, is one of them. When Paul writes these words you sense it is the hear of a man who is writing in humility, in total submission to the will of God, with complete confidence in Jesus Christ.

It is humble, because there is no sense of personal ambition in this statement, no sense that what Paul wants to accomplish are his own desires. He has got to a place in his walk with God, a place where he is so much in touch with the heartbeat of his Lord, that he desires the same things to be accomplished. He is willing to spend himself wholeheartedly and unreservedly in that cause. Paul knows that God’s big mission, the redemption of mankind, is not just a worthy cause but the cause. He understands that there is nothing more important than worshipping God and seeing other people coming to know him.

It is about submission to God’s will because in everything he does it is not Paul who must shine through, but Jesus. Every thought, action, attitude of the heart, every word, every breath should be about bringing glory to the Lord. Paul believed that people would believe in Jesus if the message was carried in the hearts and lives of believers, if others could see that the love of God shinning from them. For Paul it was important that every believer lived a life of love and grace, mirroring Jesus Christ.

And it is about complete confidence in Jesus Christ, not just for now, but for eternity. Paul is deeply aware that his time in this world is short, but that all who believe in Jesus we will be with him for eternity. This incredible thought brought him comfort and strength to face the trials of today. He longed to be in eternity sitting at the feet of God. But even here his humility shines through, because he is not just thinking of his own joy, but for the needs of others and the will of God, for so long as he has something to offer others he knows that the Lord will keep him here.

To live is Christ, to die is gain. What an incredible personal statement! Imagine a world where every believer had truly grasped and enacted this in their lives…

Credit....

2006-11-14T08:37:00.000Z

Philip. 1:12-18 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. [13] As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14] Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
[15] It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. [16] The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. [17] The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. [18] But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice….

I think that Paul must have been an optimist – one of those really annoying people to be around. You know when the house falls down, and the dog is run over by a bulldozer, he’ll turn round and say ‘well at least we’ve got our health’! But as we’ll discover as we go through this letter that whatever optimism he as comes from his complete confidence in God to work wonders in whatever situation Paul is in. Here, while writing from Prison all his guards, and we believe they may have been the Elite Praetorian Guard, know that he is a prisoner for his faith. Without a doubt, Paul would have started to share his faith with them.

This is Paul’s great joy, and it should be ours too, to fulfil the Great Commission and make Christ’s name known in whatever situation we find ourselves. Sometimes it may cost us to acknowledge Jesus before people, but remember that when we do so God will pour the riches of his grace out on us.

And again Paul goes on to see the good in every situation. Perhaps Paul’s friends on the outside were annoyed that ‘rivals’ were taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to make names for themselves among the Church. I love Paul’s answer, because it is full of genuine humility – it’s not about me or my position or about stroking my hair and massaging my ego; it’s about Jesus, that’s what matters, and if his name is advanced then it doesn’t matter who gets the credit, because more people have come into the kingdom. It makes me happy because that is all that matters….

Completion

2006-11-13T07:16:00.000Z

Philip. 1:1-11 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

[2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[3] I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

One thing that the Bible does not hide from us is that there is pain in the world, and that we will often go through it. And though we will often see that pain as a bad thing, because at the time it hurts, we have to learn to see that God is at work in all of these situations. This is what Paul is driving at when he talks about God’s good work in us being completed.

God is interested in our character, how we are right now, and how we can change to become more like Jesus. The truth is that it is easy to be like Jesus when things are going well – it is harder when our backs are against the wall and pressure is mounting up on us. But this is when character is revealed and refined. It is when we are facing struggles that we find out who we really are. It is also when we learn to depend not on ourselves, but on God. It is when we find that we are too weak to overcome a challenging situation that we need our Father to give us grace, for him to lavish the riches of heaven onto us, and for us to see that He overcame the situation and that He deserves the glory. Each time we rediscover this truth we grow. God’s good work in us moves further towards completion.

We find this too – if we allow God to change our character when we struggle with him through our adversities then we build up a knowledge base that we can refer to in the future. Paul prays this for the people at Philippi, that their love would grow in knowledge and insight, so they could see what was pure ang good in each and every situation, so that when the day of Christ came, God’s work in them would be completed. We need to pray the same for ourselves and the people we know: that as we go through pain and struggle we learn to lean on God, to be changed by him, so that he brings his good work to completion.

In the end....

2006-11-10T08:17:00.000Z

Sorry we missed you yesterday – we had to take a trip to the Doctors’, but everything is fine….

Jeremiah 5:26-31 "Among my people are wicked men
who lie in wait like men who snare birds
and like those who set traps to catch men.
[27] Like cages full of birds,
their houses are full of deceit;
they have become rich and powerful
[28] and have grown fat and sleek.
Their evil deeds have no limit;
they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it,
they do not defend the rights of the poor.
[29] Should I not punish them for this?"
declares the Lord.
"Should I not avenge myself
on such a nation as this?

[30] "A horrible and shocking thing
has happened in the land:
[31] The prophets prophesy lies,
the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
But what will you do in the end?

As we draw our time together in Jeremiah to an end for the moment we find a great question. What will you do in the end? It’s a tough question. Jeremiah’s world seems to be much like ours. There is injustice and oppression of the poor and powerless by those who are better off. The rich are growing fatter at the expense of the poor and it seems that no one is standing up for them. God cries out for those who are faithful to take their side, but who will stand with them? It seems that those who should know better, the religious leaders of the day have in fact become compromised. It’s funny how this repeats itself down through the ages.

But the question remains: What will you do in the end?

Stand up for the poor. Speak out for the marginalised. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Feed the widows and clothe the fatherless. Become your brother’s keeper. Do not walk by on the other side.

What will you do in the end?

Fear....

2006-11-08T08:16:00.000Z

Jeremiah 5:20-25 "Announce this to the house of Jacob
and proclaim it in Judah:
[21] Hear this, you foolish and senseless people,
who have eyes but do not see,
who have ears but do not hear:
[22] Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord.
"Should you not tremble in my presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea,
an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
they may roar, but they cannot cross it.
[23] But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts;
they have turned aside and gone away.
[24] They do not say to themselves,
'Let us fear the Lord our God,
who gives autumn and spring rains in season,
who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'
[25] Your wrongdoings have kept these away;
your sins have deprived you of good.

I don’t think that fear of the Lord is abject terror alone. It’s true that when the Bible records people encountering God their reaction is one of fear, but the Lord’s reply is always do not be afraid…. It’s awe inspiring that he has to state this because I points to the power and impact that encountering the glory of the Lord causes.

Fear of the Lord is about acknowledging God in his rightful place, as the centre of everything. It is about having respect for his name, reverence for his word and obedience to his will. It is about conforming our hearts and minds to mirror his. Scripture tells us that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, for by acknowledging God in his rightful place we then start to let the other pieces of our lives fall into their proper order.

The Jews should have done this. The story of the Old Testament is of their inability to consistently do so. But again let’s ask ourselves the same question: where do we acknowledge the Lord in our lives? Check your thoughts, actions and attitudes. Is he at the centre? If he is then the pieces of your life probably fall into their proper place. Or have you consigned him to the periphery of your heart?

Mock....

2006-11-07T07:26:00.000Z

Jeremiah 5:7-19 "Why should I forgive you?
Your children have forsaken me
and sworn by gods that are not gods.
I supplied all their needs,
yet they committed adultery
and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.
[8] They are well-fed, lusty stallions,
each neighing for another man's wife.
[9] Should I not punish them for this?"
declares the Lord.
"Should I not avenge myself
on such a nation as this?

[10] "Go through her vineyards and ravage them,
but do not destroy them completely.
Strip off her branches,
for these people do not belong to the Lord.
[11] The house of Israel and the house of Judah
have been utterly unfaithful to me,"
declares the Lord.

[12] They have lied about the Lord;
they said, "He will do nothing!
No harm will come to us;
we will never see sword or famine.
[13] The prophets are but wind
and the word is not in them;
so let what they say be done to them."

[14] Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty says:

"Because the people have spoken these words,
I will make my words in your mouth a fire
and these people the wood it consumes.
[15] O house of Israel," declares the Lord,
"I am bringing a distant nation against you—
an ancient and enduring nation,
a people whose language you do not know,
whose speech you do not understand.
[16] Their quivers are like an open grave;
all of them are mighty warriors.
[17] They will devour your harvests and food,
devour your sons and daughters;
they will devour your flocks and herds,
devour your vines and fig-trees.
With the sword they will destroy
the fortified cities in which you trust.

[18] "Yet even in those days," declares the Lord, "I will not destroy you completely. [19] And when the people ask, 'Why has the Lord our God done all this to us?' you will tell them, 'As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.'

We cannot mock God. We cannot hear his words to us and laugh them off dismissively, especially when they are words of correction. The people are telling Jeremiah that to them the words of the prophets are wind – like air they carry no weight and have no force. In effect they are meaningless. Yet God tell his prophet that the words he gives him will be like a consuming fire. It is almost as if he is encouraging Jeremiah by saying that he will see with his own eyes the judgement that is about to come.

And that judgement will be terrible and shocking – partly because the people of God have taken his goodness for granted. They are relying on their special place in God’s heart to protect them, no matter how they behave. They have taken no effort to conform their lives to his will. But God is not to be mocked. His judgement is coming. I wonder if there are areas of my life, and the life of the church I am part of, which takes God’s goodness for granted, and doesn’t follow the correction he brings?

Because God will correct us, he will take action to put an end to our destructive behaviour, as he is about to do to the Jews. But even in his discipline his goodness shines through. He is not vengeful and his wrath is tempered. He does not intend to wipe out the Jews, but to send them into exile. He wants them to learn that he cannot be mocked.

Reflect

2006-11-06T07:20:00.000Z

Jeremiah 5:3-6 O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth?
You struck them, but they felt no pain;
you crushed them but they refused correction.
They made their faces harder than stone
and refused to repent.
[4] I thought, "These are only the poor;
they are foolish,
for they do not know the way of the Lord,
the requirements of their God.
[5] So I will go to the leaders
and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the Lord,
the requirements of their God."
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
and torn off the bonds.
[6] Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them,
a wolf from the desert will ravage them,
a leopard will lie in wait near their towns
to tear to pieces any who venture out,
for their rebellion is great
and their backslidings many.

Jeremiah had found that the covenant between God and his people had completely broken down. Just about everyone had turned away from God, from the lowliest to the mightiest. It seems that Jeremiah found that ordinary people had abandoned God, but took hope in the belief that the rulers of the nation would know better. After all our leaders should be people who point the way towards God. But not here – it seems that the nation’s leaders are just as involved in the backsliding as the ordinary people. Maybe, even, because they are leaders they have in fact set the tone….

Attitude reflects leadership. If a group is motivated, loving and hardworking for each other, then it is probably because the leaders are. If they are grumpy, self-centred and lazy then look at what the leaders of that group are doing.

Therefore we have to look at leadership as a great responsibility, and pray for our leaders – after all, the Bible tells us that one ay they will have to give an account for how they led us. And we should also be people who look to making their task a joy, by serving those who are called out to lead us. Leaders, through their words and deeds should point people towards God. They need to be living in a constant relationship with him. Pray today that your leaders become people that you will follow….

Look....

2006-11-03T09:44:00.000Z

Jeremiah 5:1-2 "Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.
[2] Although they say, 'As surely as the Lord lives,'
still they are swearing falsely."

A friend of mine, who wasn’t a Christian, once gave the most painful critique of Church I have ever heard.

She knew lots of Christians, came to Alpha courses several times, came to church a nearly every week, but she didn’t seem about to commit her life to serving Jesus. I asked her why one night.

“It’s the people. They all seem so smug and self-satisfied with what they’ve got – the feeling that they are going to heaven, are going to be alright. Yet they don’t seem overly concerned with those who aren’t. If what Christians believed was true, then they would scream it from the rooftops and grab everybody they came across on the streets and tell them….” It was an answer that left me numb.

What if there was just one person out there who would hear and respond to the truth? Would we invest all the time and energy that was required into reaching them? Maybe that is what God is driving at here in his dialogue with Jeremiah. God’s forgiveness is open to all. We cannot ever risk withholding it from anyone because we were lazy, or smug, or indifferent. Because as Jeremiah ahs already explained to us, God’s judgement on those who rebel and sin and stay apart from God will be terrible. Maybe all of us who are Christians need to come before the Father again and ask him for a glimpse not just of Heaven, but for the sense of the pain we would feel if we were to risk eternity outside of his presence. Because then, maybe just then, we would discover a sense of urgency about pleading with our family and friends to discover a relationship with our loving Father God.

Hell....

2006-11-02T08:36:00.000Z

Jeremiah 4:22-31 "My people are fools;
they do not know me.
They are senseless children;
they have no understanding.
They are skilled in doing evil;
they know not how to do good."

[23] I looked at the earth,
and it was formless and empty;
and at the heavens,
and their light was gone.
[24] I looked at the mountains,
and they were quaking;
all the hills were swaying.
[25] I looked, and there were no people;
every bird in the sky had flown away.
[26] I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert;
all its towns lay in ruins
before the Lord, before his fierce anger.

[27] This is what the Lord says:

"The whole land will be ruined,
though I will not destroy it completely.
[28] Therefore the earth will mourn
and the heavens above grow dark,
because I have spoken and will not relent,
I have decided and will not turn back."

[29] At the sound of horsemen and archers
every town takes to flight.
Some go into the thickets;
some climb up among the rocks.
All the towns are deserted;
no-one lives in them.

[30] What are you doing, O devastated one?
Why dress yourself in scarlet
and put on jewels of gold?
Why shade your eyes with paint?
You adorn yourself in vain.
Your lovers despise you;
they seek your life.

[31] I hear a cry as of a woman in labour,
a groan as of one bearing her first child—
the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath,
stretching out her hands and saying,
"Alas! I am fainting;
my life is given over to murderers."

A pastor once said you have to be friends with people who are going to hell. I don’t think he meant that you could then adopt an air of smug, self-satisfied complacency, secure in your salvation and in your eternal destiny of being with the Lord. Rather so you would grow to love them. Too many of us Christians face a problem – we do not know people who are going to hell. We study and work and play alongside them, but our closest friends are those in our churches who are saved as well. We don’t put enough emotional investment into people who aren’t saved – maybe because we think that we have to do all we can to remain pure and uncorrupted by the world.

But by doing this are we insulating ourselves from the pain of knowing that those near to us are doomed to spending an eternity without God? Maybe we shouldn’t. Jeremiah paints a horrible picture of what will happen to those who are under God’s judgement – something similar awaits all those who do not respond to the call of the Gospel. This means lost people. Unless the church reaches out to them and takes Jesus’ message to them, this is the fate of these people. You may be able to shrug your shoulders about the classmate in the far corner, though you would be wrong to do so, but can you about the close relative or family member who you love dearly?

And this is the point: these people are lost. Unless we draw close to them, we will never feel the pain of knowing that these people are doomed to an eternity far from God’s presence. But maybe we should feel that pain, because maybe it would add urgency to our witnessing and our prayers. Every lost soul matters to God.

You have to be friends with people who are going to hell.