Direction

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

Has there ever been a time when you thought you had things all figured out, 'all your ducks in a row', everything planned out perfectly then suddenly everything changed?  Life was going along so well then someone got sick or died just as your long-planned holiday was underway, or perhaps you lost your job or were transferred to another town.  It was like your plans had been picked up and thrown to the wind and you thought "Why is this happening God?"

I have been reading through the book of Samuel which tells the story of King Saul's disobedience to God and God's rejection of him as king.  Samuel, the prophet had been directed to anoint David as the future king of Israel but the waiting time was a time of great testing as Saul became jealous of David and tried to kill him many times.  David's heart was tested greatly.  He had at least 2 opportunities to kill Saul and take the throne but he determined to allow God to order the timing of his kingship even though the wait was long and hard. The story makes very interesting reading.

During the time of keeping his distance from King Saul David lived for some years in Ziklag amongst the Philistines, who enemies of Saul, and would sometimes go to battle with them.  On one particular day the princes of the Philistines complained to their leader and objected to David joining them in battle. David complained, but was overruled and I'm sure he wondered why.  As it turned out there were 2 good reasons why this happened.  One was that when David and his men returned to their city they found that it had been attacked by the Amalekites and everything and everyone had been taken captive.  Because they were there soon after this happened they were able to pursue the raiders and recover their families and their goods.  The other very good reason for them not to be on the battlefield that day was that it was in this battle that Saul and his sons were killed.  David could not be accused of having any part in it because he wasn't there. (1 Samuel 29 & 30).

We may not always know why things don't go the way we plan but God will always have a very good reason why it doesn't.  We have probably all heard stories of people who should have been on a plane that crashed, or some who had been delayed on their way to work in the twin towers in New York on the day they were attacked but something had prevented them from being there which may have been frustrating as it was happening. If your plans go awry, see if you can take a moment to say a prayer of thanks that God is guiding and ordering your steps; he will have a good reason to have changed what you had planned.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father please help me to willingly submit my plans to you and trust you to order my steps.  Amen

Freedom

...and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

Are you a 'rule keeper'?  I guess I have grown up that way; I was expected to keep the rules and I was a compliant child.  Not because I wanted to be for the most part.  I envied friends who didn't mind taking a risk and getting into trouble.  I was always afraid of the consequences of making a mistake. But let me be clear straight up, I am not saying for a moment that we shouldn't keep the laws of the land because we should (Romans 13:1-3 NLT).  They are mainly there to protect us.  But there were rules, particularly religious ones, that Jesus obviously had a problem with.

When the disciples were asked if Jesus was avoiding paying temple tax Peter came and asked him if it was true.  Jesus used it as a teaching tool for Peter then told him to go fish and the money to pay taxes for each of them would be in the first fish's mouth. (Matthew 17:24-27).  The religious rules that Jesus had a problem with were because they had become so many as religious leaders had added more and more rules over the years, rules that had become a hindrance to the grace and freedom that God wanted for His people.  Dare I tell you that God is a religious rule breaker? Let me show you.

When Jesus, (God with us) was hungry on the sabbath he plucked grain and ate it as he walked through the fields.  By doing this he broke a religious rule.  You were not to work on the sabbath, and picking grain was considered work! He healed the sick on the sabbath and got into trouble, not just once. He tipped over the money changer's tables in the temple.  I'm sure that was against the rules and he rebuked the religious leaders publicly for their hypocrisy.  I'm sure that didn't go down well.

The best thing that struck me in my reading today in Mark 5:25-34  was that Jesus healed a woman who was blatantly breaking the religious rules.  In fact it was one of God's rules (Lev 15:19).  This woman was desperate; she had been haemorrhaging for years, had spent all her money on doctors and was no better.  Jesus was her last hope but she wasn't supposed to be in public with her 'problem'.  She broke the rules and was healed.  Jesus did not specifically pray for her healing, she was healed as she reached out and touched his garment in desperate faith. She was not the only rule breaker that immediately comes to mind.  There were also ten lepers who were supposed to keep themselves separate from people.  Jesus didn't rebuke them for coming near, he healed them.

You see Christianity is about freedom and grace.  If you find yourself bound up by rules and regulations you are not free to live and make your own authentic choices - even if you don't always get it right.  If you fear making a mistake you don't understand the love and grace of God. Just look at Peter (Luke 22:61 & Mark 16:7).  Jesus said that when we know the truth (about God's love and grace) we shall be set free.

God is nothing about control but all about allowing us the freedom to choose. He warns us there are choices that will bring life and choices which lead to death.  (Deuteronomy 30:19). Much as he would like us to make choices that lead to life, he gives us the freedom to choose.

Prayer: Thank you loving God that you have given me the freedom to make choices in my life.  Help me to make choices that bring life, joy and freedom, and please give me a clear nudge when I begin to become rule-oriented. Amen

Gifts - 3

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:9

In the past two Daydrops we have looked a little at the gifts that we have been given for the building up of the body of Christ, but I felt this time to look at a different angle;  another way we give into God's work.  My question is 'How much is enough?'

Jesus was a frequent visitor to the temple; teaching, challenging, observing.  Little escaped his attention.  I am inclined to think that he sometimes 'flew under the radar' as he sat with his close circle of followers.  The temple was a busy place with many comings and goings.  Recently my attention was caught afresh by a familiar story. Jesus was sitting near the treasury and visitors to the temple were putting their gifts into this box which would help with the upkeep and the work of the temple, rich and poor alike.

It was not those that were generous with their big gifts that he chose to make an everlasting example of.  The gift that caught Jesus' attention that day was that of a little lady, completely oblivious to the attention her donation was getting.  The sound of her two tiny coins (mites), falling in the box had a different sound to all the heavy coins that were more prevalent that day.  Did she feel ashamed that she could give such a small amount?  Perhaps she did, but Jesus commended her above all the others because they had given out of their abundance but she had given her last two coins.  Trusting that God would take care of her, she withheld nothing.

The work of the church costs.  It costs to pay our pastors and leaders and those who assist in administration.  We need money to feed the poor, help the needy, support our missionaries, run training, print literature and so on.  Churches can't run on fresh air.  That is why we are to give joyfully, not out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), recognising that all things comes from God and it is only of his own that we are giving back to him as David said. (1 Chronicles 29:14)

If we can give much then let us do it humbly and give God thanks and praise, but if we can only give a little it can be much more in the sight of God so we should also give gladly and not be ashamed. he will by no means despise the little.  Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father thank you for your faithful provision of all that I need.  Help me to hold loosely the money you give and to be a joyful and generous giver, always thanking you for what I am able to give, whether much or little.  Amen

Gifts - 2

I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to do the work at the tent of meeting. Numbers 18:6

I couldn't just write once about gifts as it encompasses such a huge area.  I cannot possibly do it justice but with God's help I would like to take it a little further.

As I read through Numbers recently I came across the verse above as though I had never seen it before.  The Lord said that he had selected the Levites as a gift.  How so?  They were especially designated to help with the practical work associated with the tabernacle.  God thinks of everything and has everything covered if we will all step up and do our part.....He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16.

As I thought into this I wondered if we realise what a gift we have in those who do the work of ministry in so many areas of church life. Usually it is left to a faithful few who get involved, working hard not only on Sundays but many times through the week, while the rest come as partakers on a Sunday.  That is certainly not how God intended things to be.  Look at Romans 12:4-8.... "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;  he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." When I sit in church I am often blessed by the beautiful flower arrangements which various people contribute.  I thank God for those who use this gift for His house.

Many and varied gifts are given to us individually by God's grace. And it is only by his grace that we can use them effectively.  If you are not in a church which makes way for you to use your gift then perhaps you need to ask God where and how he would like you to use it for his glory so that you too may be involved in building up the body of Christ.  He has a place for it somewhere.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift in my life.  Help me to know how to best use this to glorify you and help to build up the body of Christ.  Amen

Gifts

                                                                                                 Photo by Barry Doig
  

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.  1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

                                                                                             
There have been a few birthdays in my world lately, including mine, and birthdays inevitably speak of gifts given or received.  But last night as I drove to my study group I had the Christian radio playing in the background and it caused me to think on a different kind of gift.  I wished later I had been listening more attentively to the lovely voice because as it finished the announcer said it had been sung by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Now this is one woman you will have no doubt heard of even if you don't know of the many gifts in her life which she has shared with the world.

Joni will be 66 years old this October and has lived a remarkably giving life in spite of becoming a quadriplegic after a diving accident when she was 17.  Her story tells of her anger and her struggles but her history tells of amazing victory in overcoming her handicap.  She is a great artist, (she paints by mouth), she has written many books, spoken in scores of places, is a radio personality, an advocate for the disabled AND she sings.  Freely she has given of herself in spite of the challenges she has had to overcome to do it. Her aim has been to glorify Jesus Christ who allowed this tragedy to occur and has chosen, so far, not to answer the many prayers which have been offered up for her healing.

I found this very humbling and it certainly stirred me to get writing again.  What excuse do we able-bodied people have for not using our God-given gifts for the help, blessing and encouragement of others inside or outside of our church.  Not only that, God does not limit us to only one gift.  We see many people who are multi-gifted and I believe that as we use and explore what gift or gifts we have, God is willing and able to allow us more.  Not for our own glory and satisfaction but for the building up of the Body of Christ and serving mankind in whatever way He may lead us.  If you need more convincing.....He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16. Each of us has at least one gift for which we are responsible and accountable. If you are not sure what yours is, ask yourself, "What am I passionate about? What do I love to do?" If it's cooking, teaching, caring, helping, encouraging, leading, whatever it is use your gift to bless those God puts in your path.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that you have gifted me.  If I am not using my gift as you want me to, would you please show me how and where to do that, so I can glorify you and do my part in building up the Body of Christ. Amen

Visual Effects

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.   Luke 12:27

Recently I became disturbed to realise that I take so much for granted.  There are so many things that God has put around me that I never really stop to consider very deeply.  After a few housebound wet days I was out walking recently and enjoying the autumn colours.  I did pause to say thank you to my wonderful heavenly Father for the beautiful pictures He paints for us in nature.  As I enjoyed the beauty I realised that my spirit had lifted considerably and the colours, and my appreciation of them, had been a real tonic.

In a world that is struggling to keep its head above water with trouble on every side by way of famine, storm disasters, earthquakes, strife and wars; not to mention political problems, riots and personal issues that plague so many people, we need to take time to appreciate the beauty around us.  If we allow our eyes to take in the woes of the world on TV, if we are facing personal challenges of our own or those in our family or circle of friends, we can lose our sense of perspective.

It is so very important that we intentionally look for beauty around us.  Visual effects are very effective and the natural world affords many for our pleasure.  Also we need to take in the word of God which comforts and sustains our spirits.  As we read the scriptures God will speak into our needs and strengthen us for the path we are on.  Finally maintain an attitude of gratitude in all things if you can.  If your situation is so difficult that you can find nothing to be thankful for then thank Him that He is with you in it.....because He is. He said, "I am with you always".. Matthew 28:20;  and "I will never leave you nor forsake you."..Hebrews 13:5.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for the visual effects you have placed around me, even to the tiny miracles of nature which with our amazing technology I can now see in full detail.  Thank you for your constant presence with me  even in my most difficult times.  Help me to lean into you and make your faithfulness my focus.  Amen

The Mind

                                                                                 Photo by Jenny Williamson

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NLT)

When I have difficulty in sleeping, I have sometimes wondered how many lights I would see shining at 1 or 2 in the morning if I took a walk round my neighbourhood.  I know I am not alone in my wakefulness. Fortunately this only happens now and then and I haven't yet succumbed to taking a walk!  The thing I find frustrating, though, is that even lying awake, I find it difficult to focus my thoughts for very long either on scripture or to pray effectively for long. My mind just jumbles and rambles so in order to focus I need to get up, which I usually do.

I read something the other day which suggested that the mind is even harder to control than the tongue, I hadn't really considered that but of course it is true because our mind is the source of our words, good or bad (Matthew 12:34).

If our sinful nature, (that's the one that pleases itself, does its own thing, looks out for number one first and often enjoys focussing on the negative) is allowed to be in control of our thoughts, it leads to death (Romans 8:6).  For death you could read 'misery'.  We probably all know someone who is full of misery and woe.  That is because their mind is focussed on their troubles and themselves.  That is not what God wants for his people.  We have to allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of our mind and to do that we need to feed our mind the right 'food' and that is found in the Bible and good devotional books that will focus on hope which brings joy and peace in believing.

Today's world is full of negative news which breeds fear.  If we have a steady 'diet' of negative information and we don't counter it with regular input of God's word which contains instruction and hope, we will be on a slippery slide to despair.  As I look at Jenny's beautiful photo above, I see pure water which obviously comes from a pure source, but its also easy to find putrid, stagnant streams which have no life, no sparkle.  That illustrates perfectly the difference between the life controlled by the sinful nature and a life controlled by the Spirit of God. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. We are the ones who choose what will fill and control our mind.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father please help me to draw water from your pure spring of life, which is Your Word, so that my mind will be more and more controlled by You.  Amen