Confidence

As you stood on the threshold of the new year, which is already 7 weeks old, did you wonder what it will hold: dreams fulfilled or dashed on the rocks, unexpected crises, loss of loved ones, success, failure, joy sadness.  Not one of us can know what each day, let alone a year, will bring with it.  But it is possible to step into it with a confidence that the God we love, loves us with an everlasting love and his ways are good.  Not only that, he is the one who will cause ALL THINGS to work together for good to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). Not some things, but all things.  That is what his word says.  Our challenge then is to trust that word and expect that he will do just that.  We may not see it just as we don't see the legacy we leave, but remember the heroes of faith.  They looked for a Messiah who they never got to see, still they held onto the promise of God and their names appear in our Bible because they believed God's word would come to pass.

I had a little plaque that someone gave me years ago.  I kept it on my kitchen windowsill for many years until it was ingrained into my mind.  It read, "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you."   How true that is, I have proved it over many, many years and in many different situations.

A similar reminder is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13.."The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."  There is nothing that this year can bring that you and God, together, cannot conquer.  He is faithful and true, he is merciful and just and his plans, as always are to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Step out confidently into this day with a strong affirmation in your mind and your mouth, The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. Psalm 118:6

Loving heavenly Father, thank you for this new day. Thank you that you constantly watch over me and your steadfast love for me endures forever.  This year please help me to grow in confidence in your love and be a light for those who do not know you.  Amen

Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Early in this new year as we neared the end of our three and a half months holiday in Australia, (two and a half of which we had been making a final holiday in our caravan), we were praying for buyers for both the car and caravan.  We had been told previously by an acquaintance who has been in the caravan business that January was not a good time to sell vans as most people already had theirs and were on their long summer holiday.  This, of course, challenged our trust as we continued to pray for buyers of both or each of our advertised the vehicles.

As it turned out we showed the van to 2 people on the way back from our holiday and the second one purchased it.  The car was sold 2 days later and this is the story I want to tell you about because it demonstrates God's goodness to his people.

The man who called us on the Friday night turned out to be a Nepalese Christian man who had served with the British Forces in Hong Kong and was there at the same time we were.  He was very keen to buy our model of car because it had 8 seats and he had already followed up 2 similar vehicles which were not suitable.  The first one was in Melbourne and because he lived in Sydney and didn't want to waste a flight if the vehicle was not to his liking, after speaking to the owner and being satisfied that the vehicle seemed to meet his requirements and had the logbooks to prove the service history, he had a friend in Melbourne check the vehicle out. The vehicle sounded good and he was told it was worth the trip.  So he flew to Melbourne but when he asked for the logbooks he found he had been misled and they were not available, so he did not buy the vehicle.  To inspect the next vehicle he travelled a number of hours into the country but found that the interior was not good.  Again disappointment.

I imagine that he had made this purchase process a matter of prayer as we always do and was probably by then wondering to himself and perhaps to God, "Why is this happening?"  Then he found our vehicle and got the prize.  A vehicle which had logbooks and had been faithfully serviced, lovingly polished and kept in great condition by my diligent husband.

This was a reminder to me that we are sometimes too impatient and too easily discouraged when we don't have our prayers answered immediately.  We can also be too quick to think that maybe we are trying to move outside of what God wants for us.  If we can patiently press in and keep trusting our loving Father we will find that delays often only mean that we haven't found what's right for us yet. I am convinced that God always wants the best for his children.

Prayer:  Loving Father, thank you for your faithful love which is willing to allow me temporary disappointment in order to bring me to the place of your best for me.  Help me to patiently trust you.  Amen

Sinkholes

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

In what turned out to be a short half hour window in an afternoon of thunderstorms, we visited the Umpherston Sinkhole.  This is just one of the natural attractions in Mt Gambier, South Australia.  It is an old volcanic area and its limestone foundation makes for some fascinating caves, sinkholes and the beautiful Blue Lake.This sinkhole has been made into an amazing garden with curtains of ivy flowing down from the edges.  There are seats to sit and enjoy its beauty and even a barbecue area behind the ivy.

The garden filled me with gratitude for the man who had originally thought to do something beautiful with what was just an old cave on his farm before the roof caved in, and thanks too for the people who have kept it looking good to share with the public.

I couldn't help thinking about it in the context of our lives which sometimes have sinkholes when stuff happens and life caves in bringing failure, disaster or disappointments.  We have a choice in those times to become bitter or better.  Even to pretend they didn't happen if you are ashamed of your failure.  But our sinkholes of life can become great experiences from which we can draw wisdom, understanding and growth in grace which can become a blessing to others.

If you are in a slump (or a deep hole) right now, have a think about how you can, with Jesus' help, make your sinkhole into a beautiful garden which can, at some future time, bring rest, strength and encouragement to others.  Or perhaps you can think about sharing your own failure at an appropriate time to encourage someone and help them up when they have fallen.  You could let them see behind your wall of ivy for not one of us is perfect and we shouldn't let people think we are.  We all need God's grace for our weaknesses, and bringing them to His light removes our shame.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you know the sinkholes in my life and the challenges that I face when I consider the things that brought them about.  Please help me to get your perspective and see that they can become a place of beauty and rest for the benefit of others in the future. Amen

Shelter

                                                                                                                               

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.  Psalm 119:114

It is a good feeling to be sitting safe and dry in our caravan this morning, with thunderstorms growling all around us and with, (so far), gentle rain falling on the roof.  We feel snug and protected, but we do hope that it will dry in the next hour so we can hook the van to the car for our 10 am departure.

When storms of life roll into our comfort zone we need a place where we can feel safe and snug; a place to retreat to in the fiercest gale.  Sometimes the lightning of life's storm comes with a mighty crack and makes us cringe as it did just now, bringing with it stinging hail.  We surely need protection and we need to know where to go for shelter.

That place is Jesus.  He wants to be our hiding place, a refuge in our personal storms, our comfort and shelter no matter what life throws at us.  We can come confidently to him because he has invited us.  He has said 'Come to me ALL who labour and are heavy with burdens', (Matthew 11:28), and he has promised, 'Call to me and I WILL answer you' (Jeremiah 33:3) and, 'I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5), and again, 'As your days, so SHALL your strength be' (Deauteronomy 33:25).

Your protection is there for every storm of life if you will just come to him.  But you must come and you must call.  He will not fail you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I believe that you came and died in my place that I might have an open door to God.  I come now for shelter in my storm and I thank you that you are with me. Amen

Photo by Sandy Simmons

Thankful?

Giving thanks always for all things..... Ephesians 5:20

It has recently come to my attention (twice) in the past couple of weeks that I have somehow missed this verse in my theology. Oh dear how inconvenient!  When people have spoken about giving thanks for all things I have confidently pointed out that that is not what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 teaches, but rather that we are to give thanks IN everything.  There is a bit of a difference there.  It's so much easier to give thanks in everything than for everything.

I have often thought of Paul and Silas singing praises to God while they were in prison chains, giving thanks in everything.  However when I revisit that I can see that they were giving thanks for their circumstances because they counted it a privilege to suffer for their faith.

But what of difficulties that befall us; things like health issues, financial difficulties, family crises?  If I give thanks FOR those things, isn't it as though I am attributing these difficulties as coming from God?  That doesn't seem right does it?  Though God is not the author of such things he does allow them to come to us through his filter of love and in a desire to see growth in us.  In Romans 5:3-4 Paul writes, "but we glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance character; and character hope.... "

What is your challenge today that you need to give God thanks for?  As you do it, remember also the truth that God is able to make "all things work for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.  He's doing a good work in us during those hard times when we yield to a spirit of thankfulness because we are only able to do that if we are trusting and relying on him and his strength.

Prayer:  Father, help me to thank you in the difficulties as well as when things are going well. I choose to trust that you are working these circumstances for my growth.  Amen

Confusion

 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will . Luke 23:25

I have no particular current world situation in mind as I pen these thoughts, for there are many; some will no doubt come to your mind as you read.  As I read the account of Jesus' trial and sentencing, I imagined afresh the confusion in many minds as they watched this farce play out.

The crowds cried out for an innocent to be put to death and for a murderer to be released. What was Pilate to do?  His wife had warned him not to touch this man, she'd had a dream.  Yet not only was the crowd calling for his execution but the religious leaders were too. Pilate had power to make the call but he wanted to have the favour of the people. Finally he washed his hands of the matter he couldn't face and handed Jesus over to his own people.  Was it cowardice?  Who am I to say?  He did, however, have the last say through the customary written charge on Jesus' cross. He wrote "This is the king of the Jews", and he refused to change it when the people complained (John 19:21).

Can you imagine the confusion of his followers as they watched this play out; the pain and disappointment when Jesus finally died? Surely this could not be God's will, this man demonstrated his power over sickness, disease and death, wind and waves and so much more.  Why this waste? In hindsight we know it wasn't waste at all but the greatest gift ever given to the human race. Jesus gave his life, it wasn't taken from him.

We have all been touched by confusion at seeming injustice in our world.  We have cried out to God to protect his people, save our sick, bring justice, have mercy; then watched as our cry seemingly went unheeded and unanswered.  Why God, why? We know you have the power....

We may never know, and certainly never understand why such sad, even terrible things occur, especially to God's people.  But Jesus did tell us that 'in this world we will have trouble'  (John 16:33, Matt 24).  The word for 'trouble' can mean pressure, oppression, affliction, tribulation and distress.  Our trouble can take many forms, and when it comes we have the choice to remain in confusion, or to rest in the confession that Jesus has overcome the world.  This is not the end, it's part of the journey.  

The battle here on earth seems to continue but it has been won in the heavenlies; Satan does not get the final say.  If we choose to trust God's wisdom even when we cannot understand, our confusion will turn to peace.  The reason Jesus warned us that we will have trouble is so we that won't be taken by surprise when it comes, but rather rest in peace in the knowledge that he is still in control.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that even when I am confused and troubled by things around me, I can rest confidently in your peace, knowing that, though the enemy may triumph for awhile, the final victory is yours.  Hallelujah! Amen

It's My Choice

......and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9b

In our crazy, fast-paced, and increasingly dysfunctional world, the word of  God continues to provide solid guidelines for healthy living.  For this I am so thankful.

For many years I have referred to a few verses in Philippians 4 as 'The Recipe for Mental Health', and today I feel the need to remind myself (and you), of this again. As the news and social media provide an abundance of serious, sad and negative words and images to fill our minds and thoughts, I find myself needing to combat this by renewing my mind with what God teaches is the recipe for true peace of mind.

It is too easy to be caught in a negative thought trap, so today I simply offer you a recipe that, if followed, will bring peace in these troubled times.  For if my heart and mind is tuned into union with Jesus Christ, I will know more clearly what His will is for me TODAY. And today is all he tells me to be concerned with.  Burying my head in the sand?  No, I choose to focus on the greater reality that he is in control and he is coming again and what he wants from me in a trusting relationship.

"...... whatever things are true, whatever is noble,  just, pure, lovely and whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ......and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9. That is a promise!

So, I sit and survey the bright splashes of colour of the pansies on my patio, a fading half moon the blue morning sky, fluffy clouds, new leaves bursting on the tree outside,  and a seagull soaring through the scene.  I feel His peace rise and my heart is filled with thanks and praise.

Prayer:  Father thank you for the beauty on my doorstep and the wisdom of your word.  Help me to set my mind on what will bring true peace today. Amen