Trevor's Bible Blog

Where do I find Him?

2010-12-16T22:04:00.001Z

When life gets busy and the pressure is mounting, and your to do list is looking like it could take the next month to finish not the next day it can be hard to see God or know His presence. When some national disaster strikes people will often say "where was God?" as if He missed the whole thing. When some personal tragedy happens we can find it very hard to see God at work in it. But be assured God is in it.

When these types of issues or difficulties arrive our common anchor is that "God has a plan and a purpose in this." But there has to be more than that. Don't get me wrong, it's a good anchor. It's true, solid, dependable. But God gives us more than an sovereign insurance policy.

God is not only working behind the scenes, weaving His amazing tapestry of life. He also longs to be centre stage with us in the midst of the storm. As we cry out "where are you God in this storm", he replies "I'm in it".

Psalm 46 has some great comfort in these times.

The Psalmist says that "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Some versions say "a very present help". Maybe God is most available and present when we need Him most. We on the other hand are often most conscious of His presence when we need Him least.

I like how The Message puts part of this Psalm "God lives here, the streets are safe". We can often forget God lives where you live. His presence is here.

But often our cry is "I can't feel him" but the Psalm doesn't call us to feel His presence but to know. However our ability to even know is hampered by our rushing.

“Be still, and know that I am God!" the Psalmist says. God says "know that I'm in it and you will know my peace and feel my presence."

I learnt a really simple technique to help with this. When my mind is rushing and I'm struggling to see God at work or know His presence I say the following:

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

I say this a few times and as I do I try to slow down each time. As I do, I often find I know where God is.

He is here.

On YouVersion

Before you preach

2010-12-16T00:25:00.000Z

Let's face it, the bar is set pretty high for preachers. We can often have too high an expectation. When we realise they have faults and struggles like the rest of us it can be a shocking revelation. Just because you preach doesn't mean your perfect or have it all sorted. Paul spoke of his 'thorn in the flesh' and his struggle to do the very things he wanted to do. Nonetheless nobody wants to be taught by a novice. If you wanted to get better at a sport you would go to an experienced coach. If you wanted to learn to cook better you may look for someone who has actually catered before, or been a chef in a restaurant.

The same is true with the pulpit. The congregation expects to hear from someone with experience. In fact God expects the preacher to not just 'talk the talk' but to also 'walk the walk'.

This is something Ezra understood. Ezra 7:10 records 'For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.'

This simple single verse sets a template for preachers. - study it - do it - teach it

I get to preach on a reasonably frequent basis. This verse alone has served as a timely wake up call. It's easy to draw from the latest thing you believe God has revealed to you. A recent teaching you've heard. Or a passage of scripture you've never noticed before. But many times when that happens it's primarily an intellectual exercise. 'here is what I've read now you can read it too'. There's a place for that sort of preach but when you draw from life experience something entirely different occurs.

You're humbled. By actually doing what you've studied before you preach it you see how challenging or tough something is. Or you realise how gracious our God is. Your overwhelmed by his mercy and favour. It's stops you getting puffed up and thinking 'its simple, God says it, I believe it, you just do it.'

Keeps you stable. You can get a revelation in an instant. Living it takes time. The Bible speaks of not being 'blown around by every wind of doctrine'. Living it before you preach it helps prevent this.

Puts things in context. A single verse in the Bible stands in context with the whole council of God. If we just read 'I will bless the Lord at all times' without also reading there is a time for weeping we may get unbalanced. Putting what we study into action into our lives places it in context with everything else God is doing in our lives.

It's credible. When you speak from experience people see it. They can tell you've been there first and are living to tell the tale. You're not asking them to trust God in a way you haven't already. You can truly say 'guys this works'.

So I read this verse 6 months ago. I've been putting this principle into practice in my life. And now I'm teaching it!

On YouVersion

Encouragement from the sidelines

2010-11-28T08:56:00.003Z

Hebrews 12:1 speaks of "a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith" and running with endurance. I love the scene of people running in a marathon with crowds lined along the side screaming "come on!", and "keep going!". Far too often this isn't picture of christian community. As people run a long and tough race there is often opposition and others looking to criticize and "correct in love". It's not the way God intended it to be. He intended for us to encourage one another. Hebrews intimates that even those gone before us, the great heros of faith, are our crowd of witnesses encouraging us to keep going.

I used to blog regularly. I posted my daily blog on youversion, blogger and facebook. If you're reading this entry, you're probably on one of those sites now. i don't do this so often now. Not because I don't want to. But I've found I need to focus more on my private blog, my journal. Just between God and I. But I've also found that there are some really good bloggers out there. Far more accomplished than me. And I'm not talking about the pro's. Those who do this for a living. They may be great but what blows me away is the insight of the amateurs and the young. My 14yr old daughter has started blogging and she's really good. I know a father would say that but really, she is good.

So in line with the verses in Hebrews I join a great crowd of witnesses to those of you blogging and commenting on youversion about the word of God and shout "come on!" and "keep going!".

When you blog or comment about scripture you rarely get positive feedback. People seem to take more effort to correct your theology. But for my part I want to say what a blessing so many of these entries are. Praise God for the big names. But in fact there are thousands of unknown people, engaging with scripture on a daily basis and blessing the socks of people like me.

On YouVersion

Church Taboo's

2010-09-29T00:03:00.006+01:00

On my facebook page I recently asked the question:

What 'taboo' subjects are not spoken about at church but should be?

The responses from people were fascinating. Personally I didn't find anything (other than a refernce to quiche at church lunches) that was off limits from the pulpit. However I did have to recognise that maybe we don't provide enough teaching on some areas. Probably because they are tough to speak about, and tricky to make sure you are provide meaningful answers that are both full of grace and totally biblical.

As a leader in my church I have to evaluate whether we have left some gaps in our preaching that have left people with unanswered questions. I should hope overtime we could redress that.

But I am so encouraged that while our church (small 'c') may need to pick up on a few areas we are part of The Church (big 'c'), the body of Christ. Across this church there are some great preachers and teachers who have the kindness to make their resources available to others.

So in order to address some of the "taboo's" raised I have attempted to find some really good resources to answer peoples questions. I would commend each of these sources and indeed taking the opportunity to listen to other preaches from these sources.

Some of the responses from people were as follows:

Sex - Homosexuality, Sex before marriage, Pornography, Masturbation, Contraception, Teenage pregnancy, Sex for pleasure and not just for reproduction!!

The best teaching I have heard is from Gateway Church, Austin, Texas. They did a five week series on Sex that covers most of the issues raised. I would highly recommend the teaching on "Same Sex" as the most sensitive I have ever heard. You can listen to them individually but they really work best as a series.

An alternative source would be from Willow Creek. Go to their media player and look for "What intimacy requires" under the Summer at the Creek 2010 series.

For specific teaching on Porn visit the teaching from lifechurch.tv with their Porn Sunday message.

Debt

The best practical and spiritual teaching on money and debt is from Dave Ramsey as guest speaker at Lifechurch.tv. Listen or watch their series on Life, Money, Hope.

Violent films

There was a series from lifechurch.tv called Toxic. This covered many subjects but the week on Toxic Influences specifically dealt with this subject.

Hell

The classic question "How can a loving God send people to Hell" is answered in a sermon by my brother from Hope Church, Orpington.

Others I am still looking for are as follows:

Leadership vs empire building (I am sure I have heard some good teaching on this but need to find it!)
Politics
Child protection
Suffering, Sickness, Healing, Disability (I am sure I have heard some good teaching on this but need to find it!)
Calvinism (Plenty of sources for this just looking for the best one)
Consequences of sin as Christian.
Christian divorce
Swearing

If you listen or watch any of the above then I would really like to hear if you found them useful or not. Comment here or on Facebook. If you want to recommend any good teaching for the above topics then let me know also.

Left to soak

2010-09-21T22:00:00.003+01:00

Romans 2:4 "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"

In our house we have a few consistent meals that we will cook on a regular basis. One of those that is a favourite with everyone in the family is Chicken Breast cooked with Sage & Onion Stuffing. Without turning this into a recipe blog you cook fillets of chicken breast covered over by a thick layer of stuffing in the oven for about 2hrs until everything is cooked and the stuffing forms a nice crisp surface with a soft texture underneath. While this tastes wonderful the major draw back is cleaning the dish this was cooked in afterwards. Due to the way it's cooked you get a rim of stuffing almost welded to the dish afterwards.

You have two choices. You either scrub away at this for about an hour afterwards, wasting all your effort, scoring (and probably ruining) the dish and deciding never to cook this again, or fill up the dish with warm soapy water and leave overnight to soak. In the morning the dry burnt on stuffing is saturated with the water it simply falls off and can be thrown away and cleaned with ease.

I have seen people who are exploring Jesus start to come to church. They come under the sound of the gospel. They become part of the social life of the church. They form friendships with people in the church. Maybe they join a home group or start to socialize with people in the church. In fact they are watching, listening, waiting to be convinced. If you dearly love this person its a frustrating wait. You look for minor sign of change, or a "damascus road moment".

In fact, God has them in soak. He's just working on them in His own way and His own time. His kindness leads them to repentance. Be patient. He doesn't want to attach them with the spiritual scrubbing brush and ruin the wonderful person he placed inside of them to be. He wants to prepare them. Lavish his love and get them to the point where a mild soaking causes the pain and ugliness to melt away under His grace.

On YouVersion

Dangerous Prayers

2010-09-21T09:25:00.000+01:00

If God answers prayer (which He does by the way) then I've been looking through the Bible for the most dangerous prayers to pray.

As I find them I shall add them here:

#1: "SEARCH ME, O God, and know my heart, TEST ME and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and LEAD ME in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

#2: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. SEND ME!” Isaiah 6:8

#3: "yet NOT MY WILL BE DONE but yours." Luke 22:42

#4: 'GIVE ME AN EAGERNESS FOR YOUR LAWS rather than a love for money!' Psalm 119:36

#5: 'TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.' Psalm 143:10

On YouVersion

Eat the cookie?

2010-09-18T12:27:00.001+01:00

Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Just had a lesson of greatest frustration. Went to get a pile of biscuits (cookies to those in the USA) and a drink of milk (a too frequent indulgence). Started eating one of the four biscuits and felt the Holy Spirit say "so you want to thank me for healing your tooth ache and then carry on eating the very thing that caused it?"

After 30 seconds of arguing with God (you know you're going to lose that one) I gave up and put the uneaten 3 back.

God's grace is that He puts things right even if they were caused by our mistakes. But grace is not a license to carry on doing wrong while in the back of the brain saying "God, get ready to mop after this one!"

Boy, I hate being wrong. Galatians 5:13 says "Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh".

I know Joyce Meyer says "Eat the cookie" (http://www.joycemeyer.org/cookie) but she wasn't in the kitchen with me!

On YouVersion

What's in a name?

2010-06-18T13:16:00.001+01:00

This was originally posted on the Christian Vision for Men blog by Alex Willmott - Post

She can say “peas” which doubles up as the word please, “chocolate” a word which will become imperative vocab as she becomes a woman and the customary “mum” and “dad”.

Fi is just 17-months-old and I have had the honour of being her friend since she was just seven months. I knew we’d be friends when I discovered one of her hobbies was waving her hands at the dinner table and impersonating a wild banshee…an art I have been mastering since I was her age.

Her parents feed me every Wednesday evening which involves me sitting at the table with Fi and her four older siblings. (As you can imagine it’s a peaceful affair). I sat next to Fi and helped her conquer the pasta challenge which saw her decorate my suit with her unwanted mouthfuls once again.

She was humming a little tune as the older folk chatted about Jesus. I too hummed her little tune which she found most interesting. In fact, she lit up at the thought that I could repeat the composition she had created. The family grew quiet as they watched a 25-year-old Welsh man mimic a child. I would have been slightly embarrassed but a 17-month-old gives men the licence to be childish once again. She scanned the table to see all eyes on her. She smiled before saying something which I will remember for the rest of my life.

In the silence, after she had met the gaze of all her family and her Welsh journalist friend, she said: “Alex.”

The whole table took a breath. As a man who cries at certain films, big sporting events, and anytime the Welsh National Anthem is played, I had to work seriously hard not to blub. My name is now one of the few words little Fi can say.

Gents, with this in mind I want to remind you of something which is true. The creator of everything in the known and unknown universe knows your name. He says it when you wake up groggy from your late night. The moment you address him in thought or word he says it. The second you are reminded of his forgiveness, his sacrifice, his unconditional love and grace, he says it. He is the most personal being that has ever been.

He is the most emotional, most alive and most welcoming creator we could ever hope to have authority over this world. The Lord Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit who carries out the will of God, knows your name. We do not worship an estranged dictator or a flippant politician who cares for numbers and obedience only. The Lord is not sitting pretty at a distance wondering what your needs in this world are. He does not wait anxiously for you to slip up to impose guilt in a world which preys on the weak. No. He knows your name. He loves your name. (Yes, even yours Clive).

The Lord who spoke to Moses speaks to us. Be encouraged gents. During the Exodus (Chapter 33:17 to 20) “The Lord said to Moses: I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name. And the Lord said: “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by.”

Peace.

Does God get more glory if people have free will?

2010-06-17T23:07:00.003+01:00

This was originally posted on the DesiringGod.com blog by John Piper - Post

A friend thinks allowing men free will, and yet still achieving his purposes, shows a greater view of God's sovereignty. What are your thoughts on this?

Let me define the term first, and then I'll respond. I'm going to assume that by "free will" he means something really controversial, not something obvious. What I'm going to assume the term means is "real, ultimate self-determination," because that's the only kind of free will that is controversial.

I think most lay people, when they talk about free will, just mean, "I really choose," and of course you do. So fine, you have free will. We all do. But those who are theologically thinking and writing about this, what they mean is that I, John Piper, am able, ultimately and decisively, to determine my own will, and God cannot and does not when I chose that he won't. So I have that kind of autonomy in the universe.

I don't think that exists anywhere. There's not one verse in the Bible that says we have such a thing. And the people start grasping for verses: "Whosoever will, let him come!" Well of course whosoever will let him come! But why does one will and not another? That's the question.

So, is God more glorious to somehow ordain that human beings have autonomy (self-determination, ultimately), so that he cannot, once he has made that decree, guide what they do without intruding upon their moral capacities and turning them into robots?

They say that God doing that and still pulling off his ultimate purposes is more glorious. And I would say that they've just created a universe in their head that doesn't exist, and they're pronouncing on it.

I don't create universes that don't exist. I don't find it helpful to imagine a universe that doesn't exist and then say that it's a more glorious one than this one, because I'm given a universe. And then I'm given the Creator's interpretation of the universe, right here in the Bible. And this book says that universe doesn't exist. You could speculate about it all you want, but it doesn't.

Now I'm going to go further than that and say that a universe in which God gives all people that kind of autonomy and self-determination, that universe isn't superior, because God would have made it if it were superior.

If you say, "You're going in a circle here, aren't you?"—saying it doesn't exist and therefore I don't believe it, and then saying that if it were better it would exist—I say "No, because I'm just basing my understanding of this universe on this book." This book says we don't have that kind of autonomy.

Romans 9:16-17: "It is not of man who wills or runs, but of God who has mercy." Our willing and our running are not decisive. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is the one who is at work in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Verse after verse in the Bible teaches that my willing—which is real, responsible, accountable—is not decisively and ultimately my own creation. It is God's decisive governing.

My willing is real. My willing is responsible. And this is what's glorious, if you ask me what's the most glorious universe: the most glorious universe is the universe in which we really will things, and we are really responsible for what we will, and we will be held accountable for the choices we make. And God is still absolutely sovereign over those willings.

That's the great paradox. That's the great mystery and the great glory. Not the universe that somebody creates out of their own heads where everybody is endowed with the autonomy that only God has.

Where's the blog?

2010-06-17T23:05:00.002+01:00

First I found it hard to find the time to keep the blog up to date.

Then I found it hard to write.

While I go through a bit of dry patch I shall use this blog to highlight some of the great contributions from others.

Normal service will resume....

Work – Part 2 – power and ambition

2010-05-24T00:59:00.001+01:00

Introduction

Recap on last week

· 2 weeks on work – using the life of Joseph

· Can approach work in 2 ways

o Aligned to world values – Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

o Aligned to kingdom values – Colossians 3:17 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.

· God is more concerned about how we do our work than what we do

· Looked at Success (Cultivate our relationship with Him first)

· And Integrity (God is the boss – we work for Him and we work smart)

The power struggle

Struggling with a powerful boss

· Genesis 41:8-10 8 The next morning Pharaoh was very disturbed by the dreams. So he called for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. When Pharaoh told them his dreams, not one of them could tell him what they meant. 9 Finally, the king’s chief cup-bearer spoke up. “Today I have been reminded of my failure,” he told Pharaoh. 10 “Some time ago, you were angry with the chief baker and me, and you imprisoned us in the palace of the captain of the guard.

· Pharaoh never earned his right to be ruler – the right to power

· There are always difficult bosses

o Pharaoh’s anger had people imprisoned

o The stresses of work - Difficult bosses

· Daniel 2:5 penalty was brutal death – Management by threat

The king replied to the astrologers, "This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble.

· Power belongs to God - Psalm 62:11 God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you;

· Recognize that even princes and kings are subject to God

o Psalm 47:9 For all the kings of the earth belong to God.

Struggling with your position of power

· Genesis 41:15-16

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."

16 "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

· “No-one ever listens around here”

o Wherever you are, build a good reputation (v15)

· The lies of work - Value is your position

o Lead wherever you are

· Be prepared to acknowledge what you cannot do (v16)

· The stresses of work - What if I lose my job, Don't get fired

· Maintain your walk with God in low and high times

Struggling to not abuse power

· Genesis 41:33-40

“Therefore, Pharaoh should find an intelligent and wise man and put him in charge of the entire land of Egypt. 34 Then Pharaoh should appoint supervisors over the land and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. 35 Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh’s storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities. 36 That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land.”

37 Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. 40 You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

· You’re best noticed when you’re not trying to be noticed (v39)

o Don’t be driven by personal interest (v33)

· Why do you want power? - May 28, 1991 President Václav Havel of Czechoslovakia acceptance speech

Why is it that people long for political power, and why, when they have achieved it, are they so reluctant to give it up?

In the first place, people are driven into politics by ideas about a better way to organize society, by faith in certain values or ideals and the irresistible desire to fight for those ideas and turn them into reality.

In the second place, the’re probably motivated by the natural longing every human being has for self-affirmation. It gives tremendous opportunity to leave your mark on your surroundings, to shape the world around you, to enjoy the respect that every political office almost automatically bestows upon the one who holds it.

In the third place, many people long for political power and are so reluctant to part with it because of the wide range of perks that are a necessary part of political life -- even under the most democratic of conditions.

These three categories are always intertwined in complicated ways, and at times it is almost impossible to determine which of them predominates. I have never met a politician who could admit to the world, or even to himself, that he was running for office only because he wanted to affirm his own importance, or because he wanted to enjoy the perks that come with political power. On the contrary, we all repeat over and over that we care not about power as such but about certain general values. We say it is only our sense of responsibility to the community that compels us to take upon ourselves the burden of public office. At times, only God Himself knows whether that is true, or simply a more palatable way of justifying to the world and ourselves our longing for power, and our need to affirm, through our power and its reach, that we exist in a truly valid and respectable way.

· The lies of work - It's all about the next step

· The lies of work - I = Me / You

o Be prepared to wash feet – (I make the tea!)

Struggling to use power for good

· Genesis 50:16-21

16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said.

19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

· Those at work who have it in for you (brother’s past)

o See God at work in it all – “God intended it for good”

· Resist revenge - Behave with integrity

o Live at peace – Rom 12:17-19 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

· See the opportunities of work - to demonstrate Christ's character

o Like Josephs kindness to his family and others

What is your ambition?

Our dreams are rose tinted

· Genesis 37:5-8 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. “Listen to this dream,” he said. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.

· His beginnings were privileged - attitude was arrogance/triumphant

o Do we dream like this “I’ll show them” (e.g. The Apprentice).

· Our defeats knock us into shape

o Genesis 37 – Brothers sell him into slavery

o Genesis 40 – Falsely imprisoned

· His 'defeats' humbled him and formed his character

o God will train the called – not call the trained

The end isn’t the way we planned it

· Genesis 42:21-24 Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.” “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy?” Reuben asked. “But you wouldn’t listen. And now we have to answer for his blood!” Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. He chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes.

· The fulfillment was not triumphant but emotional

· If I just ……. Then I will be happy - Promotion – To the top

o Eccl 3:22 there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work

· Never satisfied with the ending (More overtime – promotion)

o 1 Tim 6:6-10 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

· We don’t love money? We just don’t have enough

o Eccl 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income

The final analysis

· Genesis 50:24-26 22 So Joseph and his brothers and their families continued to live in Egypt. Joseph lived to the age of 110. 23 He lived to see three generations of descendants of his son Ephraim, and he lived to see the birth of the children of Manasseh’s son Makir, whom he claimed as his own. 24 “Soon I will die,” Joseph told his brothers, “but God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, “When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.” 26 So Joseph died at the age of 110. The Egyptians embalmed him, and his body was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

· Joseph died - he saw his great grandchildren

· No-one on their death bed wishes they spent more time at work

· What do you want your final words to be?

o More time at work? More time with family? Live for a purpose

· 1 Tim 4;6-8 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Work – Part 1 – Success and Integrity

2010-05-24T00:56:00.003+01:00

Introduction

Current context

· Within this church our work lives are becoming an issue

· Many are out of paid employment

· Those in employment are finding it tough

o Longer hours / More for less / Applying for your own job

o Uncertainty in job security / Greater fear of job losses / Tougher

· In my workplace I am causing some of this - I have my own issues!

· Overheard 'I am very stressed out by work at the moment but I have to focus on work because it enables me to do everything else'

How does work apply to everyone

· You are in work and there are lessons for you

· You don’t realize your in work and there are lessons for you

· You are looking for work and need a Biblical perspective

· You are retired from work and can support the next generation

What do I mean by work?

· Student? Your studies are your work

· Mother at home? Raising children & managing the home are your work

· Voluntary? That is your work

· Child? Your chores and schoolwork are your work.

o Eccl 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….

· My main approach is based upon “the workplace” – paid or unpaid

The bibles view of work?

· The Bible has a lot to say about work

o We don’t often preach about it

o Can seem like were in competition with work

· Ecclesiastes 3:22 there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work

· 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

· 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands

· A biblical ambition is not to win the lottery and sit on a beach! (Benefits)

2 ways to 'survive' the world of work

· Aligned to world values – it seems right – there are so many doing this

o Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

· Aligned to kingdom values – recognize that Jesus invades every part

o Colossians 3:17 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.

· God is more concerned about how we do our work than what we do

Looking at joseph

· Story is rich with reflections on work

o A great comfort and direction to me over years

· Take his whole life story and draw out lessons from relevant parts

o Week 1 – Success and Integrity

o Week 2 – Power and Ambition

How to be successful

Success comes from god

· Genesis 39:2-6 (Potiphar)

· Success is God given (v2) 2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master

· Promotion may be given by man but it is in God's hand (v3-4) 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned.

· Responsibility is ours to demonstrate (v6) 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned.

God’s success comes in any place

· Genesis 39:21-23 (In prison)

· God's presence brings recognition (v21) 21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.

· Responsibility follows the responsible (v22) 22 Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. 23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.

o Do you keep being given things to do?

The heart of success (good book!)

· Matthew 6:31-33 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

· Start with God – Cultivate your relationship with Him

Maintaining Integrity at work

Managing the perks of the job

· Genesis 39:6b-10 – Joseph and Potiphar’s wife

· Every job has its 'perks' (v6-7) Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!"

o The lies of work “Outwit the boss”

· 'With great power comes…' – To God (v8-9) 8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

· God is the boss!

o Col 3:23 (Msg) Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ

· Daily he refused to conform (v10) 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

o Going against the world may be costly – the world won’t like it

o If God is boss do we trust him?

look for opportunities to shine

· Genesis 40:13-14 Within three days Pharaoh will lift you up and restore you to your position as his chief cup-bearer. And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.

· It’s not wrong to raise your profile

o Don’t brag - Don't moan “It’s not fair” if it doesn't happen

Act wisely in God's hands

· Genesis 46:31-47:6 Joseph said “I will go to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘My brothers and my father’s entire family have come to me from the land of Canaan. These men are shepherds, and they raise livestock…When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, you must tell him, ‘We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.’ When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.”

Joseph took five of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?” They replied, “We, your servants, are shepherds, just like our ancestors.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have joined you here, choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.”

· Know “the rules” and be shrewd - Not wrong to “work the system”

o But act with integrity

· Matthew 10:16 (Msg) Be as cunning as a snake, as inoffensive as a dove.

What about him, Lord?

2010-03-30T20:03:00.002+01:00

John 21:18-22
"I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus lovedâ€”the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me."

I love the characters of the bible. They are there in black and white, warts and all. Their failings and their humanity for all to see. It's of great comfort to me as it shows me that God can use anyone, even me. Peter is one of those classic characters. He is first to speak, fails in a spectularly obvious way, is restored, renewed and becomes a key figure in the birth of the church.

The passage in John 21 is something I think everyone can identify with. Jesus gives a cryptic prophetic word outlining how Peter would die for Jesus. It wasn't lost on him though. He knew what it meant. When Jesus said 'you will stretch out your hands' he said this with holes in his own from the cross he had been on only a few days prior. Did Jesus say this as he visually motioned His own outstretched arms? I think so. Peter knew what Jesus was saying.

It's a tough load to carry to be told one day you will die like I did. But then he sees 'the one Jesus loved' - John. His reaction was probably the same as many of us would have - 'what about Him?'. Jesus, don't tell me I have to die a cruel death and he gets away with something easier. Isn't this our issue. We don't mind so much a heavy load to carry as long as someone else isn't getting off lightly. But that's not God's way. Each has his own load to carry.

So for me, I have to stop being concerned with whether life 'is fair' or not. Whether I have a tougher deal than others. The reality is my load is my load to carry. I can look at someone and say 'what about them Lord' but that's not my call. In fact if I look beyond my own cross to carry I see that there are in fact real people dying real deaths for their faith in Jesus. I don't suspect they are saying 'what about Him Lord'.

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Charity Giving - The Orpington Foodbank Marathon

2010-03-28T16:56:00.000+01:00

Charity Giving - The Orpington Foodbank Marathon

Does my bum look big in this?

2010-03-25T21:43:00.003Z

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

What's the question men most dread being asked by their wife? "Does my bum look big in this?" It feels like a trap. How do you answer a question like that?

Well I've found there is only one way to answer it. Be honest. Now being honest doesn't mean being tactless. There's the obvious need to be sensitive, encouraging and diplomatic. But if you lie to this question what does it mean when you say "you look lovely today". How do they believe you. Do you really mean this or just saying it to sound good. It's a simple application of a biblical principle but so often we can think God's word only works in the big issues but God's word is true in all circumstances.

Proverbs says an honest answer is like a friends kids. When we are people of our word, our yes is yes and our no is no, we can be relied upon. We stand for integrity. Why would a friend lie to someone? We can tell ourselves we lie to help the other person feel good. But in all honesty we are placing short term gratification over long term deep friendship. Our honesty, both tough and lovely statements, are like a friends kiss.

If you're going to apply this to the difficult marital question for the first time. Go with caution, if its the first time. You've probably overly developed your honesty beyond your tact. Both are required!

Loving the praise of man

2010-03-24T23:16:00.002Z

John 12:42-43 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

I think people in general fall into 5 categories when it comes to faith.

Some people, in fact many people, don't believe in God or put their trust in His son Jesus. They are clear about their lack of faith. They are not embarrassed by this or ashamed of this. I watched a 5 minute interview with Richard Dawkins who when asked 'would you like there to be a God' simply stated it was "a silly question and what he liked or not was irrelevant to the facts". When the same question was put to Ricky Gervais, a self confessed atheist, he replied "I wish there was a God but I know there isn't".

There are those who have a religious faith in a God of some form. Its not the God of the Bible but they follow a life of faith. There confession is neither ashamed or embarrassed.

Then there are those who openly confess their faith in God. He exists, He came to earth in the person of His son Jesus, is alive and well today working through His body the Church. There confession is equally unashamed or embarrassed. They don't have all the answers but are convinced of the reality of God. I think I safely fit in this category.

There are those who are exploring whether God is real and if Jesus is truly alive. They're undecided and open to suggestion. For the time being they are 'on the fence' and should be allowed the time to explore their faith and allow Jesus to reveal himself and the Holy Spirit to convict and save.

Then there is the last category. This is the category referred to in John 12. These people have been convicted in their heart and come to realise Jesus is the Christ. They believe in Him. The only problem is they are embarrassed. In truth they know their faith will alienate some people. They know some will mock and some will think less of them. But as John puts it "they loved human praise more than the praise of God". What a tortured life. To love someone but to love the praise of others more than that love.

The truth is if anyone should be ashamed or embarrassed it should be Jesus. To call us as His own is not a great acclaim. But nonetheless he call us His own. When we fail and bring His glorious name down by our sin He still calls His own. When we are at our worst He holds us close and calls us His. Let us not be ashamed to call Him our saviour. Let us not love the praise of man more than the praise of God.

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I found treasure!

2010-03-19T09:14:00.003Z

Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

I have been married for 18 years this Sunday. I have known my wife for 22 years. More than half my life has now been spent with this wonderful woman. The word of God is truth, and nowhere can I see that clearer than Proverbs 18:22. I often wonder what life would be like if I had never met my wife. What a gift I would have missed out on. What a treasure I would have lost.

I know not every marriage is a happy one. I know the statistics about divorce. I cant answer why this isn't everyone's experience. And I can't be complacent that marriages that last a lifetime just happen without any work. But I have a treasure, and I have found favour with the Lord. All God's gifts are good, and none so much as this one.

Thank you Lord.

Ego and Security

2010-03-17T09:40:00.003Z

Genesis 11:4 Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world."

The tower of Babel is a curious story. It provides some explanation to the diversity of language and geographical dispersal of the worlds population. In all honesty I struggle with the explanation but accept by faith it's in the Bible to teach me something.

With that in mind it's interesting to see the motivation of the people planning to build this great tower; to "make us famous" and "keep us being scattered". The drivers of ego and security. How often these still drive our decisions today.

We want to be noticed, to get some attention, to be well known and highly thought of. Our pride and our ego fights against accepting God is the only one worthy of fame, glory, honour and praise. We look for security in the people around us, the structures of society, and the power of a united crowd. We strive to make our own security rather than trust ourself fully to God where true security is only found.

I'm looking for ways to make this alive in my everyday activities. To not seek to be getting the glory. To trust myself to His promises. I have more blind spots than I realise and probably make most of my decisions based upon ego and security. But just like Babel, God loves me too much to pander to this. He comes along and confuses the situation intentionally. Until all I can do is trust Him and give Him all the glory.

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You can't teach me

2010-03-16T21:38:00.002Z

John 9:34 “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.

Who can teach us about Jesus? Surely they need some formal education. Perhaps even to have gone to Bible College. Obviously they need to be living free from sin. Of course, they must posses some form of communications skill. It goes without saying they must hold some position within the church with a grand title. Never let us forget they need to also be dressed smartly in a clean white suit or even a robe.

Its difficult to see these conditions in the Bible though. But over time we have built up a set of criteria that qualifies people to be able to teach. Don't get me wrong there are certainly qualities expected of those 'overseeing'. I also hold the pulpit in high regard and wouldn't throw it open to any old nut-job to spout their latest theory. But let's not get too religious either.

The pharisees showed themselves unteachable when they refused to listen to the man born blind in John ?? To be born blind they considered he must have been born a 'total sinner' and hence how could they ever learn from him. Far too often we limit God's ability to use others to teach us by placing restrictions on who is qualified to educate us. But its just being like the pharisees.

Let's stay continually open for God to use all manner of people to show us the character of Jesus, His amazing power, His limitless love, the truth of His word and the extent of His grace. Lord, don't let me close my ears to the message you are saying simply because I don't like the look of the messenger you are using. Help me daily to kill my judgemental and self righteous spirit.

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We need strong oxen!

2010-03-15T22:30:00.003Z

Proverbs 14:4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Ever been told something obvious by someone? It makes you wonder 'Why are you telling me this? I already know that.' By its nature something obvious is something you already know or could come to the same conclusion without any great effort. But when told something obvious you have to ask yourself what the reason for being reminded is?

The book of Proverbs has many sayings that while profound and are often not earth shattering. They are somewhat obvious. Working hard is a good thing that will benefit you. Adultery will ruin your family and your life. Correction will refine you, don't ignore it. But God put them all in His word for a reason. Each for a reason. Proverbs 14:4 says 'Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.'

For churches wanting to see growth there is a great principle here. If you don't want to see any growth, any salvation, any lifes changed then you don't need any strong leaders, any devoted followers, any passionate believers. The opposite is also true. Without any strong leaders, any devoted followers, any passionate believers you won't see any growth, any salvation, any lifes changed. But if you want to see a large harvest you better have some 'strong ox'.

Stables were meant to be messy. They were never intended to be clean, well organised, sterile environments. They were meant to reflect the mess of the work going on. If you want to keep the stable clean best you keep the animals out! But if you really want to see a big harvest then be prepared for the mess and make sure the ox are strong enough to cope with the harvest.

This is a wake up call to all in church whatever their responsibility or role. If we truly want to see growth, even of revival proportions then we need to both be ready for the mess and be strong enough to cope with the harvest.

Co-incidence that Jesus was born in a stable? I think not. Most christian are also born (again) in a stable.

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Flesh eating

2010-03-09T21:18:00.004Z

John 6:51-53 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.". Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" they asked. So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you.

In popular culture there seems to be somewhat of an obsession with vampires and other mythical type monsters. There are films and TV shows that depict them as 'normal people' with a strange habit and those that present them as evil personified. They drink blood and eat human flesh. A rather graphic and distasteful image. Whatever the case there's no mention of them in the Bible!

When Jesus spoke in John about eating His flesh and drinking His blood the people of the day must have been both confused and shocked. Jesus' words are equally graphic. But they are intentional also. This level of graphic language shocks the hearer or reader. It causes you to stop and ask yourself - "What does Jesus mean here?". It certainly caused the crowd to ask this question.

Now we have the benefit of hindsight. We can see the story more fully than they. But lets not simplify this statement down to just a communion service where we eat bread and drink wine symbolically. What Jesus is saying is deeper than that. He's saying "you have got to participate in the life I live". We cant be spectators or distant admirers. We cant simply observe that Jesus was an amazing person. That wont allow us to experience the wonder of having eternal life within us.

It's hard to consider the words "eat my flesh" and "drink my blood" without being fully immersed in the life of Jesus. That's not a light touch christian experience. It's a full on, radical transformation of living for Him. There's a part of me that reacts by saying "I'm not there yet". But I'm certainly having a nibble and a sip!

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Prove it!

2010-03-08T23:39:00.003Z

John 5:36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.

In our post-modern society there is often a lot of talk about truth. What is truth? How can you prove something is true? Just because I say something is true should not prevent you from asserting that the opposite is also true. Truth is relative.

So when it comes to Jesus people often ask how can you prove Jesus is really the son of God? How can you prove God exists? All interesting questions as if it were a maths exam or a science experiment. But its a bit like asking 'how can you prove its wrong to brutalise a child' or 'how can you prove your wife loves you'. Proof is the wrong test. I know its wrong to brutalise a child. I don't know how to prove it. I know my wife loves me. I can see how she demonstrates that love but I can't prove it.

Jesus spoke in John 5 about how He was the son of God. His cultural context was nowhere near post-modern but it had the same demand. 'Prove it!'

Jesus reminds them that John testified to who He was. However He also states that this is not important or necessary as He brought with Himself a greater witness - His teachings and His miracles. The trouble is that so many who reject the witness of Jesus have not truly assessed His teachings or received His miraculous work in their lives.

The only way to see if teaching is true is to give it a go. The only way to experience a miracle is to receive it by faith first. So if we truly want to know that certainty that Jesus is the Son of God, that He is alive and that He is the saviour of our souls we have to read His teachings, put them into practice, ask for His miraculous work in our lives and wait expectantly for Him to work in our lives.

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The heart is a rudder!

2010-03-07T16:19:00.008Z

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It's no coincidence that we use the word 'heart' in two different but similar contexts. Of course, we all have a biological heart. It's sole function is to pump blood around our bodies every moment of the day. It goes without saying that the most common use of the word 'heart' in the Bible is not referring to this. More commonly when we, and the Bible, refer to heart we mean that all encompassing word that attempts to capture the essence of who we are, what makes us tick and where our greatest affections lie. Whether we can adequately define what this heart is, doesn't really matter. We know we have one and we know the sorts of things that fill it!

Proverbs offers us some strong advice "guard your heart". Motorbike riders guard their head with a crash helmet. Soldiers guard their bodies with bullet proof vests. Machine workers guard their fingers with safety guards. But the advice to all is to guard your heart, something we rarely think off. The Bible says that it's this one single thing that determines the course of your life. It's like the rudder of our life. We know this to be true just by looking at our lives or history. Those with a heart for the stage pursue this with great determination. Someone falls in love and changes all their life priorities to be with their new love. Someone's heart is in their career and they 'make it to the top'.

Of course there is no guarantee that what your heart is set on is what you will get. But the proverbs is still true. It will determine the course of your life. Why? Because your heart will determine the choices you make. Jesus said that your heart is where your treasure is. What you hold dearest is where your heart will be. If your child needed a life saving operation that would cost you more than you could afford. Who wouldn't sell their car or even their house to pay for this? Because they are your treasure, your heart. They will dictate your choices.

But the warning would imply two things. One, that our heart can be directed towards the wrong thing. Be on guard. Make sure you allow your heart to be filled with the right things. The other implication is that we are not fully in control of where our heart is direct towards. Be on guard. You can wake up one morning asking yourself how did I end up here?

So we need to watch out. Although in my romantic mind I think the idea of love at first sight is lovely. No-one can really fill our heart until we start to get to know them. The same is true with anything that can fill our heart. We can 'court' the things that fill our heart and slowly let them fill our hearts, good or bad. They then become our treasure, direct our choices and ultimately determine the course of our life. But this isn't a negative thing. If we let Christ fill our hearts this will determine the course of our life. And what a life it will bring. He will become our treasure, the most treasured part of our life.

Some people are very loveable. Spend enough time with them and you wont help but let them fill your heart. Jesus is the ultimate example. The more time you spend with Him the more He fills your heart. Let this happen and the direction for your life will be like no other.

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Nothing just happens

2010-03-05T18:20:00.003Z

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.

I recently listened to a preach by Paul Scanlon on the well known scripture Romans 8:28. The theology is not new but the way he put it was new for me. It made me think...

When we look at this scripture what happens if we consider a negative of this. Ask yourself 'how many things that have happened to you was God NOT working for your good?' How many? If God is working all things for my good then surely there are literally absolutely no things that God is not using to work for good.

I know there have been disappointments that turned out for good. The first house my wife and I wanted to buy fell through. God founds us a better one. My career choice of drama at school was not available. This led to my current career. Far more stable and fulfilling. I didn't get a recent promotion. I'm grateful now as I would have hated the job and not been up to it.

But what about the really low parts of my life. My mother passing away. My father emigrating. My worst arguments with my wife. My cat being run over. A deal to build a new church falling through. Bad financial decisions. When my children are really ill. When those close to you hurt you. When you let people down and can't repair the damage. Is God at work in these too?

Our assurance is that God is at work in ALL things. As I heard someone say recently "you've got to have a very big God to make sense of all this". And we have such a big God. His ways are higher. His thoughts deeper. His plan is glorious.

How do we know this? God took the horror of false accusations, vicious beatings, meaningless violence, a brutal and bloody death, all done to the kindest most innocent man who ever lived. He took all that and used this for the salvation and hope of the world, He can certainly use ALL things in my life for good.

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How to build a good reputation

2010-03-04T22:24:00.003Z

Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favour with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Few people live in an island completely isolated from others. We are all in some form of community. Many of us have a number of communities we are part of. Whether its the family, the workplace, the church, the friends, the neighbourhood, there are still relationships to be managed.

Despite what we may tell others we actually care what others think of us. It's not a bad desire. We know what we think of ourselves. We know the person we want to be. We just hope that others see past our faults and see our best self. We want a good reputation. But how do you get a good reputation?

Proverbs gives a clear instruction that loyalty and kindness are the key. These oppose self interest, looking out for 'number one'. These aren't surface attributes that we put on every now and again to win favour. We are not kind one day and cruel the next. We are not loyal one day and back-stabbing the next. When the writer says 'write them deep within your heart' he's saying 'make them an integral part of your character'.

This isn't a quick fix. Its probably a daily battle. Loyalty is about looking out for others. Standing by others in difficult times. Lifting them when they are low. Defending them when under attack. It's tough. It takes effort and self sacrifice. It's built over years and shown at its best in the worst of times.

Kindness is a generous spirit. It's thinking the best of people at all times. It's saying difficult things because we want the best for others instead of taking the easy path of 'ear tickling'. It's loving those we would happily see harm come to. It's showing grace and forgiveness. It's going the extra mile. It's not easy and it's a life's mission.

We want the reputation but do want to pay the price. What will I do today to not only show loyalty and kindness but to build it into my character. What will I put to death today, oppose and 'nip in the bud' that fights against this? The things that seek self interest and self gain.

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Its a balancing act

2010-03-03T23:09:00.004Z

Psalm 2:11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling

One of the great things about the global church is the diversity of its expression. If the church really is the body of Christ then its a very broad, mixed and imperfect bunch. I think some of best examples of Churches expressing Christ are those who have acheived 'balance'. This balance is where the whole council of scripture is considered. These churches do not focus purely on one aspect of God's character or one part of the story of the Bible. This doesn't mean the watering down or ommission of difficult doctrines. It means the rightful positioning of all parts within the overarching context of the gospel.

Psalm 2:11 gives a verse where seamingly opposing perspectives are placed together. It says "Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.".

Service is normally willing. You would associate slavery with fear. Servants have usualy elected to serve. Rejoicing is often associated with happiness and joy not trembling fear. Nonetheless these are together. The reality is I am a servant of Christ, but I am bound to Him much as a slave is bound. I am joyful in Him but must never forget His awesome might and power.

A blog is simply too short to adequately balance and contextualise many of these together. However, God is my friend while He is also my King. Jesus has compassion and forgives whilst He will also judge and condemn. The Holy Spirit both comforts and convicts.

Our best place to know God as fully as we can is where we can hold a number of these contending views in one context much as the Psalmist has in 2:11.

I will live a life bound to Christ, free in His grace.
I will rejoice in my suffering.
I will subject my flesh to a spirit led life.
I will come just as I am and never be the same again.
God's will is at work in my choices.
The Holy Spirit convicts hearts through the words of men and women.

It's a balancing act to not over-emphasise only one half of these statements!

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Everyone has a right to education.

2010-03-02T16:37:00.004Z

Proverbs 1

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.

2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

In the western world the right to education has become a norm. We see how essential it is to educate the young, to equip them for adult life and to enable them to support themselves and contribute to the society around them. Where we see other countries in poverty we know that establishing education for all is fundamental to the well-being and development of that community. What a shame we so often neglect these concepts in our own Christian communities.

The same principles stand for us as new born believers. In order to equip us for a mature adult life with God we need to be educated. To support our own development and to contribute to the community around us we need to develop in our education. But this education isn't just head knowledge. The opening of the book of Proverbs promises us that these words teach wisdom and discipline, help us understand the insights of the wise, to build a disciplined and successful life and do what is right, just and fair.

Access to education can be a problem in less developed societies. Praise God for the his word. This is our unending source for education. We no longer have to wonder where to find the resources to equip us for life. He has provided this in His word. I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ. His body. A living and vibrant organism that expresses His life on earth. Yes, its messy. Yes, it has its faults. But it's all part of God's amazing plan. I believe in preaching. The power of the word of God expressed with life, vitality and relevance to every day lives. But if we rest there and don't invest in our own education through engaging with the Bible on a daily basis we will be 'under-educated' and inadequately equipped for all the greatness of a daily walk with Jesus.

I have just committed myself to a yearly bible reading plan. A daily appointment with God. Now I'm good at starting and poor at continuing. But it's my commitment. How are you going to invest in your ongoing education?

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If it feels good, do it!

2010-03-01T20:12:00.002Z

Romans 8:4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

Welcome to the SatNav generation. Streets upon streets full of cars with little boxes declaring 'in 300 metres turn right', and 'at the next roundabout take the second exit'. Punch in your destination, stick it to the front screen, switch of your brain's personal sense of direction and do as it says! For someone like me who has very poor sense of direction these are quite handy. My SatNav has shown me many a useful shortcut when in less familiar territory. However, I won't speak of the times it has directed me to drive through rivers or private farms!

Prior to the SatNav was the compass. Still used as a primary instrument at sea. But imagine if everyone's compass had a different North or everyone's SatNav had a different map it was following. There would be chaos. It's a picture of the 'if it feels good, do it' culture. Everyone being led by their own personal compass. I want to do it, I enjoy doing it, I'm going to do it. Is that our personal compass?

But what about the 'right' thing to do? There is a true north that all compasses point towards. I could decide what I think is north but in reality it won't help me get to where I want to or need to go. In our everyday life the Holy Spirit wants to provide a true North for us to follow.

My own desires, directed by what feels good, may want to guide me. But let's face it, its a fake compass. When I follow this compass I have placed my frequent idol, self, in the driving seat and told God 'it's OK. I know best'. But I don't. My personal compass is my sinful nature as Romans describes it. It's broken and guides me exactly to the place I don't want to go. The true compass is the Holy Spirit. He guides me to the best I can be, the best God wants for me, the way God intended it to be.

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Project Management 101

2010-02-27T02:10:00.000Z

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

My work is often focused around projects. Large, complex projects, using vast resources and with significant risk. I also work in an industry that has a poor track record for delivering projects on time and in budget. When things go wrong 3 things are usually to blame

- There was no effective project management

- A clear goal was not established for everyone to aim towards

- The plan was not credible, realistic or adhered to

Yours and my life have got to be some of the most complex projects in the universe. We have been invested with the most precious resource ever (the gospel) and the risks are great. Praise God that these three fundamental issues are in good hands?

Who's the project manager? God - we are God's workmanship. He's the boss. It's his project. We may have a part to play but in the end he is the one doing the shaping and moulding. What a relief. Such an awesome task is in the hands of someone vastly more capable than you or I. If you have ever worked for a really good manager this is a pleasure. They make the burden light and the project a pleasure. They manage the risks and build the team. Its a joy to be involved.

What's the project? Good works - created in Christ Jesus to do good works. He set the mission statement, the goals, the "critical success factors" those things that really matter! There is nothing more depressing than a dead end job with no purpose or meaning. We have the greatest purpose ever. To do God's work!

Who's got the plan? God - God prepared in advance for us to do. He sets the milestones and the objectives. The pace is set by him and the tasks are prepared for us to. We might not see the whole project plan but we are given our daily part to play.

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No-one cares?

2010-02-26T00:54:00.001Z

Psalm 142:4

Look to my right and see;

no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge;

no one cares for my life.

I love the honesty of the Bible. Clearly the Psalmist felt very low. Don't we all have moments like this? We dont know if in fact no-one did care or if it just felt like no-one did. I know in my life in fact there are more moments when you feel alone than the ones when in fact absolutely nobody cares. Whether fact or fiction the feeling is just as strong. Isn't being a 'real' christian someone who can be 'real' with God? If you feel like you are alone - let God know. As plainly and as clearly as it feels. The great story of the Bible and God's love is that he cares, his son Jesus cares and invariably he shows it by sending someone to demonstrate it.

Turn it the other way though. Who do you know right now that might be crying out like this. Is God calling you or I to go tell them God loves them? It sounds so simple and obvious. But those three words at the right time are like a kiss from heaven.

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It's not always about you!

2010-02-24T19:36:00.002Z

Galatians 6:14-16 (The Message)

For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!

I have a bad habit of only half listening. At its worst this is when someone is talking to me. My mind may be elsewhere, spawning a thought about something they said that has now taken my mind down a blind alley. But in general my half listening is when I am busy and others around me are talking. I'll hear bits and pieces of the conversation. Often meaningless snippets that my sub-conscious is try to piece together. Something will alert my interest and I will almost subconsciously find myself interrupting and adding my thoughts on the subject. Due to my only partial attention span I will probably get the wrong idea. A common response from my wife at this point would be "it's not always about you!"

Because in my mind it is always about me. Unlike a film where many characters play their part in a complex plot of lives interelated my life is all about me. I only see it through my eyes. I only experience it in my body. I only feel it in my emotions. It's ALL about me. How many of us have had that childhood thought "what if this is all a dream and I'm the only real one in this?". That's because the most real and best understood experience in this life is my own.

But in fact while my flesh my feel this way it's not all about me. As we come to Christ a progressive shift in our focus needs to occur. Being saved isn't about me. God isn't here to personally serve my wants and whims. "He isn't your sugar daddy" as my Pastor would say.

Paul knew this. The Message puts it well when it says "Can't you see the central issue in all this? It's not what you or I do-submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing and he is creating something totally knew, a free life!". So often my focus is on what I could, or should be doing. In doing so I overlook the marvellous thing God is doing. We sometimes talk about eyes of faith, or seeing others as God sees them. If we are to do this then we will have to stop looking through our own eyes. To die to self.

What a shift! To not make this life all about me. To be more concerned with God's plans and purposes than with my own dreams or aspirations. Maybe I'm only half listening to God's conversation. Busy doing my own giving partial attention to what he is saying and doing all around me. Only to interrupt and presume it was all about me. Time to listen fully to what God is saying and recognise "It's not always about me!"

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I don't want to go to school!

2010-02-23T21:05:00.002Z

Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

His mother walked into the bedroom and for the fourth time said, now in a strong and persistent voice, "It's time to get up. You have to go to school or you're going to be late".

"I don't want to go to school" the response came. "I don't understand the subjects, all the children hate me as well as the teachers. Give me one good reason why I should go."

His mother replied "Because you're the head teacher dear. They pay you to go!"

Is there something you don't want to do? Not a one off chore but a daily habit or discipline that you need to persevere with. Somethings are not that bad in themselves but consistently keeping going requires stamina and perseverance. I'm a great starter. I get very enthusiastic about the beginning, the vision, the concept and the planning. But once the doing starts, and worst of all requires daily or weekly attention, the excitement starts to wear off.

Paul writes in Romans how perseverance has an effect on our lives. His context was persevering through suffering. Few of us suffer in the way Paul did. Nonetheless the verses in Romans 5:3-5 promise that perseverance produces character in us. That consistent character that can be depended upon. Character that will stay the course, finish the job. Character that will not grow tired in doing the right thing. Character that will be proven and tested. Paul also states that character produces a hope within us. A hope that does not disappoint. Not a whimsical hope but a firm confidence. Because that hope is based on the knowledge of God's love poured out upon us.

As we persevere we experience that same perseverance that God has demonstrated towards the redemption of mankind, the perseverance towards us with our failings and mistakes. This is how He has shown His great love. He never gives up on us. He daily bears with our weakness.

Somedays I don't want to go to work, I don't want to study, I don't want to read the word, I don't want to blog, I don't want to tidy up the house, I don't want to help that person in need, I don't want to tithe. They're all good things that I love but somedays I just want to be lazy or selfish. That's when perseverance has to kick in, character has to be built and hope has to be founded in God's love and eternal promises.

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God's remedy for tough times

2010-02-22T23:29:00.003Z

Isaiah 40

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

When people are going through tough times three things seem to be of great help: to know someone's listening, to know there is a greater purpose to this temporary situation, and to be given strength to carry on. Isaiah 40 starts with a pledge to speak comfort to God's people when they were going through very tough times. It provides a picture of God's awesome soveriegnty, his limitless knowledge and power and a contrast of His greatness against our insignificance.

In this great contrast it would easy to assume our trivial lives are far too insiginificant for the one who 'stretched out the heavens like a canopy' (v22). But this isn't the case. Even though by contrast even whole nations are 'regarded as worthless' (v17) when Isreal and Jacob are heard to complain that God pays no regard to their cause the response is clear. God doesn't grow tired, even of hearing our issues. His understanding is unfathomable and He strengthens us in our weakness.

So much of our current culture is set up such that those with great need never get an audience with those who have the resources to meet that need. Not so with God. He is beyond measure, His resources limitless, His counsel beyond refute. But He engages with our lives. He gives power to the weak. Don't let His humility to reduce Himself to our level cloud our realisation that His power is immense. But, don't let His immense greatness lead us to believe He is not interested in our lives.

But how does His strength come into our lives? The passage leads to a song I am very fond of 'strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord'. But the language may be less than helpfull in todays modern world. How does one 'wait upon the Lord'. Different translations give different ideas but the Amplified bible captures many of them as "those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him)".

When my strength is feeling spent and extinguished it's time to ask 'where is my hope?' For when my hope and trust is in Him his promise is to renew my strength and give me fresh wings to soar with.

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lastminute.com

2010-02-09T00:43:00.004Z

Matt 24

v44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

I remember when I was old enough for my mum and dad to go out and leave me alone in the house. It would only be for a few hours, perhaps for them to go to a meeting, or visit a friend. I would stay playing a game, making music or watching the TV. More often than not they would leave some small chore that needed doing. The washing, clearing the mess I had made or something similar.

It wasn't much to ask. Nonetheless I would generally leave it to the last minute. You know the last minute? In this instance it would be between hearing the car pull up outside and them walking through the front door. It was never long enough and they would soon realise I had forgotten or simply not bothered. I sometimes spot this in my own children now!

Jesus left us with a mission. He said He will return. He didn't say explicitly when. But we know He will return. You can almost 'hear the car pulling up outside'. What a tragedy to find him returning for us to finally attempt the mission He has left for all of us to do. The Great Commission to make disciples across the world.

I don't want to leave it any longer. I want the master to return and find me busy about His business.

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My inadequacy is my opportunity

2010-02-04T00:09:00.001Z

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

What if Peter had some silver or gold? What an ordinary and uneventful story this would have been. The lame man would have asked for money and Peter could have been generous and given to him. So often when we have the ability to meet a need we see that as our response. And it probably should be. But when we see a need and don't have the means to meet that need we often assume there is nothing I can do, or that it is obviously someone else's "ministry". But maybe my lack is just a chance for God to do something amazing. Maybe my biggest inadequacy is God's greatest opportunity.

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Just don't get caught!

2010-02-02T20:58:00.002Z

Proverbs 14:9

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

Apparently someone at my daughters school once said 'It's only breaking the law if you get caught'. It's an interesting perspective on what's right and wrong. In fact the law makes no provision for the 'it's alright if you get away with it' philosophy. But so many people live this way. The words 'I'm sorry for what I did' could often be interpreted as 'I'm sorry for getting caught'.

In fact sin is damaging. It often affects those around us. It certainly wounds our own soul and it grieves the heart of God. The great news is we live under God's grace and mercy. 'If we confess our sins He is just and able to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:9). So our drive to make amends is not to earn this forgiveness but to heal the damage caused.

Still fools will mock this view. If you can get away with it, what is their to put right? If you're forgiven then why do you need to do anything to put it right? But this is foolishness. The illuminating power of the gospel in our lives, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, drives us to make amends. To heal relationships. To help those we hurt. To worship the God who forgives. To show goodwill as the Proverb puts it.

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Burning the candle at both ends

2010-02-01T22:36:00.002Z

Psalm 127:1-2

Without the help of the LORD it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.

No-one enjoys wasting their effort. To work flat out only to find it was all in vain is soul destroying. However many people find they come to this conclusion later on in life. They spent years on their career only to be made redundant when the hard times came. They invested years into their children only to see them leave home and make the mistakes you tried to spare them from. People pour years of their life into a marraige to find their partner has been unfaithful and destroyed everything they were building.

The Psalmist says "unless the Lord builds the house the people labour in vain". All our efforts are simply wasted effort without them being Christ centred. The Contemprary English Version puts it well "without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a home". So much of the modern culture is about putting 110% into everything. However this scripture in Psalm 127 places the focus elsewhere. It's not about spending more and more time on something, it's about who is helping you, who is doing the building. The CEV puts it as "It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living". But so often this is our answer. Do more. Work harder. Put in more hours. Meanwhile God says "I give rest to the ones I love"

Lets face it. There is always more to be done than can fit into one day. So do we stay up trying to get it all done, running at the pace this world has set, franticly cramming it all in. Or do we, go to bed, rest, enjoy the peacefull sleep that God gives safe in the knowledge that he is building the house. I'm not saying we should be lazy or neglectful. We shouldn't adopt a "laissez-faire" attitude. But God's people should demonstrate his peace at work in our life. We should work hard and sleep well. He gave us rest. It's His gift to us.

A common theme in the prayer time that my wife and I have before sleeping is to say "Lord, we want you to be in the centre of our family, our marraige, our life". I can't say I really know what this fully means, or how God works it out. But it's an invitation to God to put himself squarely in the centre, to be the one who is building the house.

And so to bed, uncharacteristically early!

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Just one thing - Part 1

2010-01-31T23:55:00.003Z

Notes from today's message preached at The Oak Community Church.

Audio can be downloaded from:

http://www.oakchurch.co.uk/podcasts.htm

JUST ONE THING

INTRODUCTION – MATTHEW 28:18-20

• What one thing that is the focus of your Christian walk?

• If you could ask God for one thing what would it be?

• What would you consider is the one thing this church focuses on?

• What is the one thing the bible calls us to do?

o Truth is it’s hard to limit this to one thing

A JOURNEY

• Remember the movie “Fantastic Voyage” or “Inner space”

o Closer to the heart - you would hear its beat as you got closer

• Two week journey to the heartbeat of the church

THE WHAT

• The church has one great commission

• This is our mission - the what

o Make disciples / Baptising them / Teach them

WHAT ABOUT THE HOW?

• The bible provides a few 'one things' – Six ‘one things’

o All important to OCC

o Each gets closer to the heart of the church

• Not exclusive but complementary

o Not just ‘one thing’ but not equal either

DIFFERENT SORT OF MESSAGE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS

• A bible study

o Take us on a journey to the heartbeat of this church

o Examine 6 different focus areas for churches

• Purpose of this preach

o To draw you closer and closer to the heartbeat of this church

o This is corporate vision – Vision leaks!

1) A FOCUS ON ESCHATOLOGY - 2 PETER 3:3-15

• Churches with a focus on eschatology

o Doctrines related to the 2nd coming and end of the world

• The Bible is both historic and prophetic

o All the events relevant to man are contained in the bible

o Basis Instruction Before Leaving Earth? Maybe!

THE DANGER ZONE

• Obsessing - We are the bride

o We should anticipate the wedding – not obsess

• Fixated with interpreting the signs

o More attention to ‘The beast' than the savior

o Stories of the antichrist – Prince Charles

• Bogged down in doctrinal disagreements

• Scare Tactic Evangelism based upon ‘The end of the world is nigh'

ESCHATOLOGY AT THE OAK

• Stand on the very clear parts

o Jesus is returning

o He will come back to judge the living and the dead

o He will come when we least expect it

• Don't speculate the ambiguous

o Order of events and timing is not central – He’s coming back!

• Feel free to have a view but don't be dogmatic or obsessive

o Podcast of 3 very different views

• Spend your time on what matters

o Are you ready?

ONE THING

o God's timing is perfect - He longs to save people

THE GREAT COMMISSION

• Share the gospel - Jesus is returning

• Have hope - a new world order (and earth is coming)

2) A FOCUS ON THE MIRACULOUS – JOHN 9:24-25

• Churches with a focus on healings/miracles

o God is a miracle working God

o Many experience God's healing hand upon the body

• Miracles are a reversal of the natural order of creation

o Red sea, Blind eyes, water into wine–cars without a carburetor!

THE DANGER ZONE

• Chasing the miracle not the source

o Focus on the spectacular

• What can God do for me culture

o Quick fix culture

• The reality of God is directly link to existence of miracles

• The power of God is directly linked to the size of the miracles

MIRACLES AT THE OAK

• We believe in miracles

o happened in the past

o And can and do happen today

• By their nature miracles are rare occurrences

o We haven't seen many

• We should pray in faith believing

• We take a mature approach to welcome God to develop us

o Bring glory to him through the absence of a miracle

ONE THING

• Experience doesn’t always lead to conversion

o Some don't know Jesus despite experiencing his healing power

THE GREAT COMMISSION

• Show your faith in God to others even when miracles don't come

• Be confident to pray for others

o Don't exaggerate God's hand

• Make space for power of the testimony

• Look for personal commitment beyond personal experience

3) A FOCUS ON TEACHING – LUKE 10:38-42

• Churches with a focus on teaching

o A centre for teaching

o Maybe a bible college attached

o A programme of bible classes

• A TV ministry

THE DANGER ZONE

• All head knowledge and no heart/character

o Teaching knowledge induces unteachable character

• TV ministry becomes bigger than the church mission/community

• Individuals isolate from church and focus on independent teaching

• All Mary no Martha - 'One thing' of teaching excuse for not serving

TEACHING AT THE OAK

• To equip you as best as possible to grow in your relationship with Jesus

• To remain relevant to everyday life

• To empower personal growth in your own personal study

o Great resources – podcasts, blogs, everyday with Jesus

• To learn together how the word of God relates to our lives (Kairos)

ONE THING

• Being busy without Jesus is wasted effort - sitting at Jesus feet

THE GREATE COMMISSION

• Our message is that good works won't save you, only Jesus

• Conversions must develop into disciples/learners

TWO PARTS

• Next week continues to our final destination the heartbeat of the church

o Look ahead of what 'one thing'

• For now

o Remember these are not exclusive but also not equally important to us

• These are all how's to the what

o We have a great commission

o Matthew 28:18-20

Who turned the light off?

2010-01-31T23:32:00.003Z

Psalm 119:105-112

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.

107 I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.

108 Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.

109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.

111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.

112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

When life gets really busy, I miss out on quality time with my family and especially my wife. It's not a contract that we must spend at least an hour of quality time each day with each other. It's a relationship. When it doesn't happen it's often for good reasons. We both understand why. It's not a guilt trip. But we both miss that time. We both long to get back to a routine where we get that regular time together. If we see life slipping into a pace where we don't get that quality time for a series of days we know the balance is lost and we need to get back to a right pace of life.

I try to read the word of God every day. It's not legalistic. I don't feel guilty if it doesn't happen. But in the same way I do miss it. That same warning bell goes in my head that says "need to get some time back in the day for the word of God". This week has been one of those!

The Psalmist said "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." When I miss out on the time for God's word, the lamp isn't guiding me and the pathway looks a little dimmer. When this was written the Psalmist must have been in great personal danger. "My life constantly hangs in the balance" he would say, and "the wicked have set traps for me". I cant say I experience it as severely as that. But I have my own pressures, struggles and hinderences.

Looking at Psalm 119:105-112 I wrote my own paraphrase that fits my life well:

The Bible guides my choices and shows me how to live. God, Your way is the right way and I'm committed to follow it. Yes I've suffered, but you've promised to keep me safe. So, I'm going to continue praising you. Teach me more of You. Life has its dangers, but I wont forget your word. Some have it in for me, but they wont sway me from doing things your way. Your words are mine forever, they're my greatest treasure. My commitment is to stick with your plan

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I do this because I love you

2010-01-28T22:48:00.004Z

John 11:5-6 (NKJV) Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

I always remember my mum and dad telling me "we only tell you off because we love you". Whenever they did things I didn't like that were apparently for 'my good' they would roll this line out. When I couldn't have the sweets I wanted, when I received some punishment for being naughty, when I couldn't go and play on the motor bike that other kids were (I was only 9!), the response was "it's only because we love you". As a child it wore thin. But I know it wasn't just a line. It was a reality. To give way on these things simply wasn't the way of showing love. To say 'no' many times was the best way to show love. Maybe you have to become a parent to fully understand most of things your parents did.

The story in John tells us that Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. It also explains that it was because He loved them that He didn't rush to see Lazarus when he was sick and dying. Some translations wrongly use the 'but' word. Jesus loved Lazarus, but, he stayed where he was for two days. In any conventional understanding it would make sense. The NLT says 'although Jesus loved Lazarus he stayed' like we was doing something wrong. However, as shown by my parents, doing what would seem at first detrimental is sometimes the best way to show love.

It was because Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus so much that He waited to return to them. He knew that the delay would mean He would arrive well after Lazarus's death. Had He arrived in time He could have healed him. Had He arrived soon after Lazarus death many would have said "he wasn't really dead, just very ill, or sleeping". By Jesus waiting two extra days He made sure He arrived when Lazarus was well and truly dead.

Yes, Mary and Martha would have gone through some pain in mourning. But what joy they would have gone through in seeing the resurrection. How greater was their trust in Jesus through this event. How more indisputable was their testimony with Lazarus being dead so long. What greater opportunity would this have given all three to testify to God's greatness.

When Jesus' way seems strange to you. When the timing is off. When you go through pain before great joy. Realise it's because He loves you that He does this. It's not "Jesus loves me, but, He did this." It's really "Jesus loves me, so, He did this."

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Have you seen my kingdom?

2010-01-24T23:13:00.004Z

Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

Luke 17:20-21 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

Matthew 21:31 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

If you've been to my house you will have seen a piece of my kingdom. I cant say I have complete dominion over this place as my wife and 3 children place their own mark on it. However, there are many things the way I want them to be. The guitars are hung on the wall where I want them. The lounge is laid out how I like it. My T-Shirt draw is organised in the way I want them to be organised! It's probably easy to think of this house as my 'kingdom' (if you stretch your imagination a bit!)

If you come to my place of work you may also get a glimps of my kingdom. As with the house many other people have influence over how my team runs. But some of the culture, the values, the behaviours and the practices have my stamp on them. It gives you a glimps of how I would like the world to be. Although the physical office space is not my kingdom, how some of it operates is a part of my kingdom. It's not physical but observable nonetheless. It's imperfect, just like me.

The concept of the Kingdom of God is one of the most empowering and exciting concepts in the New Testament in my opinion. It's also the most commonly misunderstood. I'm not an expert on the subject and recognise that many have written and preached volumes on the subject. However I do see that many substitute the words "Kingdom of God" with the word "Heaven" when reading the Bible. If that's true we have a problem with some of the passages. Both Mark and Luke tell us that some who stood with Jesus would not taste death before seeing the Kingdom of God. Did that mean they would visit heaven first? In Luke 17 Jesus said that people cannot say "here it is" or "there it is" because the Kingdom of God is within you. Is Heaven really found inside of us?

To quote Dallas Willard, the Kingdom of God "is the range of God's effective will, where what God wants done is done." I like this definition. If that's the definition then I want the Kingdom of God within me. I want to pray "Your Kingdom come, your will be done". I want to sing "Lord, we want to see Your Kingdom come". When I look around me and see injustice, oppression, cruelty, poverty and sin, I can say "God's Kingdom is not here and needs to be". Best I bring God's Kingdom to those places! It would appear that Tax Collectors and Prostitutes are moving into the place where God can truly have His way before the religious leaders ever let Him have a say!

Oh, and when I see the faults in my life, the sin, the mistakes, the poor character and the ego I can also say "God's Kingdom is not here and needs to be", time to let the true King rule on the throne of my kingdom. He's probably not too bothered about the T-Shirt draw but there's no harm in asking anyway!

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Did God really say that?

2010-01-23T22:04:00.002Z

Hebrews 2:1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

Remember playing Chinese whispers at school? I don't know if they still play this game, or even if it's politically correct to use that title. There is certainly no evidence to suggest that the Chinese are any better or worse at passing on messages whispered in the ear! If you've never played the game its simple. A collection of kids stand in a line. One person at the start of the line whispers a message in the ear of the person next to them. They in turn pass the message onto the person next to them. No-one is allowed to ask for clarification, you must simply repeat what you think you heard. The last person in the line speaks outloud what they heard and everyone laughs at how the final message could ever have derived from what was originally spoken. Some sermons can be like that!

When you were not at church that week you ask someone who was "what did tne Pastor speak about on Sunday". The person then attempts to repeat what they think the Pastor said to those absentee. They then tell someone else "I hear the Pastor said such and such on Sunday". There is of course no guarantee that this retelling is now anything like what the Pastor said.

This happens with our own memory too. We hear something once said and store it in the memory bank one day. On a bad day the devil tries to play these words back to us - "didn't the preacher say such and such, you are not a very good christian are you". It's ironic how the devil did this in the garden of Eden with Eve. The devil questioned "did God really say you must not eat the fruit" and Eve replied "we must not eat it or touch it". God never said anything about touching and the Devil's business was to cause doubt and use good words to bring trouble.

The warning in Hebrews is that we must listen very carefull to the truth we have heard. This doesn't only mean we must listen carefully to what is preached but listen to the source of the truth - the word of God. After all the preacher is still the 2nd person in the chain of chinese whispers. The source is still the infallable word of God. So lets hold fast to the truth. Our memories will fade. Our enemy wil twist words to condemn, confuse and generally cause trouble. Our preachers will all at some point make a mistake in their preaching (I speak as one who does!) But the word of God never fails. 1 Peter 1:23 says his word endures forever.

So listen carefull to the truth of His word or we may drift away from it!

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I could never make a difference!

2010-01-22T00:33:00.004Z

Matthew 14:19-21 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 15:35-38 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children.

How often do I see an impossible challenge which I can do nothing about. The scale of the problem seems so big that its overwhelming. I know a miracle is the only thing can change the situation and hope and pray for God's amazing power to be shown. In fact it can be a very passive waiting for God. As if He will pluck out of thin air the resources and solutions to this huge challenge with no effort on my part. Of course He can do this, but so often works in a different way.

I tell myself that I can do nothing about the situation but in reality what I mean is the little I could do would make little difference. Since I can't do enough I won't do anything. God's challenge to us is to bring what we have, no matter how small, and play our part.

Matthew contains two different accounts of multitudes being fed from a very small amount of bread and fish. We often think of this as a single instance but it would appear this may have been a more regular occurrence. The great thing about seeing at least two examples is we can see a common thread in both accounts.

Firstly, the resources available for the problem were vastly insufficient but Jesus still wanted to use these. Secondly, Jesus gave thanks for what was available. Thirdly, the multiplication happened in the disciples hands as they started to use the resources available. Fourthly, God provided more than enough than was ever needed. (My wife would remind me that lastly the disciples tidied up the mess afterwards but I'm not convinced there is a spiritual principle here!)

So when I see the challenge of a project with insufficient funding, a harvest field with insufficient workers, broken community with inadequate expertise for the complex issues, it's best I remember these principles.

Give and use what little I have.

Thank God for these resources no matter how insignificant.

Start doing the work and let God do the multiplication.

Watch and see God's abundance at work!

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Did Jesus grieve?

2010-01-20T14:25:00.003Z

Matthew 14:9-13 Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.

We have all known someone who has died. Its a sad loss and is often associated with some form of grieving process. For people we know little of it may prompt a moment of thought. We may think of the brevity of life, the good memories of the person or how they will be missed. For those closer to us this may be a significant grieving process that takes a long time to work through. When Jesus heard than John the Baptist had died he appeared to go through some form of grieving process. He withdrew for some solitude.

At first glance this seems perfectly normal. "Jesus the man," feeling human emotions, identifying with our frailties and mourning the loss of a family member and good friend. But when you think about it there may be something different going on here.

Jesus knew how and when John would die. He holds the keys to life and death and is sovereign in all things. Jesus may have missed John but knew with complete confidence that He would see him in glory. Jesus also knew the truth of the words that John said 'he must increase, I must decrease'. Jesus knew John's ministry was to diminish and His was to come to forefront. So why did Jesus seek a solitary place and wish for some time alone?

We can only speculate but nonetheless let's speculate. Perhaps He thought of John's beheading and considered His own suffering that lay ahead of Him. Perhaps He considered the last days of John and what he would have gone through. He may have thought of the fear John may have felt when he knew he would be beheaded. Jesus may have considered the feelings of John's family and his disciples and the pain they would no doubt be going through. Either way I strongly suspect Jesus was not grieving for His own loss but for the thoughts and feelings of others.

What comfort to know that Jesus shared our humanity. Jesus had human emotions. But what greater comfort to know that His thoughts are towards us. He knows our pains and suffering. He suffered too.

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How long is this going to take?

2010-01-19T00:07:00.003Z

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

This a favourite verse of a good friend of mine. It came to mind today on the early Monday morning commute to work. Who knows why? You wouldn’t think that doing good would be a tiresome thing. However the Bible recognises this is often the truth. Doing the right thing is not always doing the easiest thing. The pressures of life push us so often towards “the path of least resistance”. The easy route, the short cut, the ‘microwave solution’ all seem very enticing but don’t often find the route to the right outcome. At work there is often talk of the “quick win”. In my experience the quick win leads to the long term loss. Jesus said “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13). It would appear that many choose the easy route and few take “the road less travelled”.

But why is “doing what is good” wearying. I think its because the main reason we often do “what is good” is to obtain a good outcome. This isn’t necessarily a good outcome for us personally. We share the gospel with a friend in the hope that they will come to faith themselves. We help the alcoholic in the hope that they will discover a life free from the stronghold of drink. We coach the staff member in the hope they will reach their own potential. The wearying part is that the outcome we often hope for seems to take forever to arrive.

But Galatians teaches us to not give up hope. We are assured that the “harvest of blessing” will be reaped at the right time. This right time is God’s timing. This is not always our timing and probably isn’t as soon as we would like it to be. But God sees the bigger picture. He’s not only working in the situation but He’s working on us. He’s shaping our character, building our trust in Him and working through the situation to demonstrate His glory and love.

So on my tired Monday mornings, I remind myself to not take the quick easy option, but to keep choosing the narrow path. At the right time the harvest will come.

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Did anyone see that?

2010-01-17T23:32:00.003Z

Matthew 6:1-3 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

I don’t know how rewards work in heaven. You would think that being in the presence of almighty God would be enough reward in itself. But there is enough scriptural references to “rewards” or “crowns” for us to accept there is some form of reward system in glory. However this reward system works, I am resigned to the fact that there won’t be many waiting for me. It’s not because I don’t play my part in “doing good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” as Ephesians puts it. But it would appear most of the things I do are in public. You get the thanks here on earth!

The Bible paints the clear picture that good works done in private, purely to serve God and please him, are the ones with the greatest rewards in heaven. Those of us in the public eye appear to have the “greater role” to some on earth, but in reality it’s the not the place that God secretly smiles on the most. I could claim some independence to the public nature of my good works, as God’s sovereign plan. In reality, it’s a place I’m very comfortable, probably too comfortable and too enjoyable.

However, you know about the wonder of those who do amazing things in private when you have the privilege to be close enough to them to spot it. These people don’t shout about the good things they do. They don’t unsubtly drop hints about what great exploits they did when no-one was looking. You get those rare glimpses of seeing them in action by being close enough. In God’s great balance he has coupled me with a wonderful wife who does so many things for God that most never see. But what a reward awaits her in heaven! I wonder how many others are daily blessing others and blessing God without ever being seen?

So let’s all look for the times where we can bless others when no-one is looking. Let’s fight the need to be thanked and noticed. Let’s be reassured by knowing that the Father sees, smiles and says “thank you, there’s a reward waiting here for you”.

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This place is awesome!

2010-01-17T01:29:00.002Z

Genesis 28:16-17 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven."

When you feel the presence of God it is amazing. That awareness that God is truly “in this place” leaves you still but active, at peace but in reverent fear. When we hear God speak, even just a faint awareness that God is speaking to us, it’s deeply comforting and an amazing grace of God. I have been in meetings with other believers, often worshipping God, and known that “God is in the house”. The Holy Spirit is moving in His amazing gifts through people and it’s an amazing blessing. It doesn’t have to be in a Church even. Sometimes it’s in someone’s home, in a school hall you’ve borrowed, or even in a tent!

For the past few years I have attended a Christian camping holiday that has been a real blessing. Some of the regular attendees have the expression “when God speaks, he speaks at camp”. I have to say God has used this camping holiday to provide an opportunity to really speak into my life some things maybe I wasn’t as open to listen to at other times. So I know what they mean.

When Jacob heard God speak in his dream about the ladder and the angels his reaction was a fascinating insight into our human nature. He declared “God is truly in this place, this must be the house of God.” I have some friends from Cornwall who call it “God’s country”. The strange thing is my friends from Scotland say that is “God’s country” too! So between Jacob and my Cornish and Scottish friends someone has got it wrong. Truth be told, Jacob missed the point like many of us. What God was saying was important. The fact that God, the maker of all things, was speaking to Jacob was important. But the place where He spoke was the least of the issues.

We so easily focus on where God speaks, or who He speaks through. The real focus is God wants to meet with us, listen to us, and speak to us. So maybe, as in my case, God speaks at camp because that’s where I am listening. He could have said the very same thing at the kitchen sink, if I were ready to hear.

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What do the words really mean?

2010-01-15T16:34:00.004Z

^{Matthew 12:7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice', you would not have condemned the innocent.}

Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Matt Redman says in one of his songs "I have heard so many songs, listened to a thousand tongues". We have all probably heard so many sermons, read so many verses. But the question is do we really get what was meant by the words in the Bible. We can remember and recite as many verses of the Bible as our brains can manage but that wont help us if we fail to understand what it really means. Do we need get ourselves in the Bible more, or more of the Bible in us?

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees in Matthew and told them if they really understood the words of Hosea they would not be condemning the innocent. Their sacrifices may well have been there to pay the penalty of their sins, to give them right standing again with God. But that did not place them in the position of judge for others, to condemn the innocent. They failed to see that God's heart was based upon forgiveness, mercy, grace, long-suffering. Instead they took their self righteous position of judge, jury and executioner.

What about me? Do I really understand the verse in Hosea 6:6? When I fail I want to 'pay God back' to somehow earn his love. But His desire is mercy. He puts relationship above repaying. I couldn't repay God if I tried! When others fail me or let me down, do I expect them to repay me, or do I show the same mercy that I have received in abundance. Do I condemn the innocent? Maybe I should try letting God be the judge, or the mercy giver!

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His choice is His love

2010-01-15T00:18:00.005Z

Ephesians 1:4-5 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—

I used to struggle with the doctrine of predestination. I know the worldwide church is not in complete agreement on the matter. I also know that whether you believe in predestination or not isn't core to your salvation. But for me, my faith and understanding of the word of God has only got stronger and clearer since exploring this issue, reading the word, listening to teaching, and settling on a very strong conviction that God chose me long before I ever chose Him.

Whatever your view on this subject we can't escape this verse in Ephesians. Whether you accept that God predestined us for salvation or explain this away with a view of God's advanced foreknowledge that we would in fact choose Him this is not the point. The issue is that 'in love' He predestined us.

Because everything God does is 'in love'. It is His very nature. This gives us a confidence even when we can't as yet make sense of God's actions. I rejoice that God chose me. But I lament He hasn't chosen others. Matthew 11:25-27 shows Jesus praising God for hiding the gospel from some. I can't say it makes sense to me yet.

Romans 9:13 shows us another choice of God's. His love of Jacob and rejection of Esau. In all honesty Paul doesn't give a great explanation of why God chooses. His main defence is God is the potter and we are the clay. He gets to choose. But our confidence is not in God's almighty power and right to choose. But our confidence is that 'in love' He makes these choices.

His choice is His love. Even if we don't like or understand God's actions. We can be sure both His motives and the outcome are an expression of His love. He works everything together according to the counsel of His will. The same will that purposed Christ to die on a cross. A choice that made little sense to His followers at the time. But His choice to die was in love. His love for you and me.

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Seeing is believing

2010-01-13T20:50:00.002Z

1 Peter 1:8-9 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Not many people have had the privilege of seeing Jesus in the flesh, face to face while on the earth. Across the population of the world for the last 2000 years this must constitute a tiny percentage. Even fewer had the opportunity to speak with Him. Only 12 people in the history of time had the opportunity to walk and talk with Him almost continuously for 3 years of his life. To hear Him teach publicly and discuss privately. To see the power of His miracles, the gentleness of His approach, the strength of His resolve, the compassion of His heart and the devotion of His life. To see Him beaten, tried and executed. To meet Him in His resurrection body and see the holes in His hands. To see Him ascent to heaven. What a privilege.

Peter did all these things. He couldn't mistake the reality of who Jesus was. "You are the Christ the son of the living God" was his confession. Peter knew this reality because of what he saw, what he experienced, what he heard. He had received the great commission. How could he not believe? No wonder he speaks specifically to commend those of us who were not in this privileged few. "Though we have not seen him we love him. Though we don't see him now we believe in him."

Hear Peter's commendation to us. His wonder and his praise of our faith. Not to make us big headed or proud but as an eternal brother saying "Wow! You haven't even seen Jesus, but you love him and believe in him". And in that belief we receive a great reward. The salvation of our souls. The thing even Angels long to look into.

Angels cannot be saved. Its a process they can never experience. They have nothing to be forgiven of. And those that fell, that do need God's forgiveness, will never experience His grace. That's why Angels long to look into this. In a similar way although we will never experience Peter's physical encounter with Jesus on this earth I sense he was in awe of our experience. To never see Jesus and still love Him. To never see Him and still believe. What a faith! What a reward!

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Did I really say that?

2010-01-12T20:04:00.003Z

Romans 3:8 (NLT) And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.

Ever been misquoted? Someone comes to you angry because of something they heard that you said. A friend of a friend who lives next door to someone who overheard something you may have said under your breath while walking past talking to someone else. Nonetheless the reported words were so upsetting this person is now very angry with you. And you never said anything like it in fact!

Maybe you've been the angry one. Not clear of your facts but ready nonetheless to give this person a piece of your mind.

Paul was often misquoted it would seem. People were reporting he was telling people to do more evil that good may come. Having had this rumour spread others now joined in and confirmed this was true.

'The internet is pure truth' according one of the characters in the latest Transformers movie. How easy do false chain mails get sent around. When you read a quotation from someone on some website - did they really say that? We need to both make sure we quote people correctly and tread carefully when reading or hearing a report on someone else. Especially something less favourable.

Romans 12 tells us to not think too highly of ourselves (v3) but to give preference to one another (v10). We need to think the best of each other, say the best about each other and believe the best from each other.

When we hear someone may have said something and we don't have all the facts. Let's think the best of them. And when we are misquoted remember we're in good company. So was Paul!

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Don't be a Pharisee!

2010-01-11T23:27:00.001Z

Matthew 8:5-13

Who gets the greatest revelation of how God works? It's so often the ones we least expect. The gospel is in fact quite simple, and we so often over complicate it. God is more than capable of doing the impossible, and with just a single word. But I often make it more complicated than that.

What a blow it must have been to hear Jesus say he hadn't seen such faith in all of Israel. They were God's chosen ones! Mathew says Jesus turned to face those following him. They were probably mostly Jews, the people of Israel. Jesus was literately saying "this guy understand this stuff far more than you lot ever have". This centurion was a Roman. He wasn't God's chosen people, was he? He was seen as the enemy by many. But in fact, he had been given a revelation of how God works to a far greater extent than the Jews ever understood.

We often give the Pharisees a hard time. They were super religious, strict in the law, judgemental and self righteous. But maybe a bit of Pharisee slips into my character when I think God couldn't possibly speak to "that person" before speaking to me. Or judging that someone's greater faith in God's ability to move mountains is just simple naivety. "If they really knew how God worked they wouldn't see it so simply". In fact maybe Jesus is saying "greater faith have I never seen in all your life son". I need to watch out for that bit of Pharisee that slips in every now and again.

God used a donkey. God used a Roman centurion. He can use me, but in fact, He can use anyone.

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Justified by faith alone?

2010-01-11T23:17:00.001Z

Matthew 25:31-46

"When you die what's the one thing that will decide whether you go to Heaven or Hell?"

It's not an uncommon question in Christian circles. While people may use slightly different words, with different scriptural references, anyone who has read the Bible and in particular the New Testament will probably say something like "whether you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and saviour".

Romans 10:9 says "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:13 says "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Ephesians 2:8 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God"

We truly have been justified by grace through faith. But lets not stop there. We may be justified by faith alone but our faith does not stand alone. Matthew 25:31-46 gives us a fuller picture of what it means to be saved. How does salvation change us? What does it drive us to do? If salvation is a work of the heart how would you spot it on the outside?

How sobering a thought it is that although the work of God happens in my heart the moment I pray for him to come into my life, if it doesn't turn into action maybe they were just empty words? All these good works in visiting the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the poor can never save me. Only Jesus can do that. But they can demonstrate that has saved me. Look at the verses in Matthew. I could actually be feeding Jesus, or clothing him. What a privelidge!

"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matt 25:40

On YouVersion

Why on YouVersion?

2010-01-11T22:41:00.000Z

I like the idea of Blogging. But looking at other's I'm not sure I would make a good blogger. Maybe one day!

But I do like YouVersion. YouVersion is an online Bible where you can add your own Bible commentary. If you want to check it out go to www.YouVersion.com. If you want to see all the entries I have made on YouVersion go to www.youversion.com/search/contributions?q=trevoroakchurch

But I know that some people will have difficulty using it. I think it's a very cool way of connecting using the Bible. However it doesn't allow for commenting like this Blog does.

So my plan is to post any entries on YouVersion on this blog too. Who knows, I may one write something meaningful! But at least you can comment here if you want.