Magnificence

 

Over the years I have had the privilege of seeing many amazing buildings in places around the world. Some of the newer ones are imposing but not really beautiful.  It's often the old buildings and cathedrals that take our breath away with their magnificent architecture and amazing artisanship. I have stood in wonder inside more than one old cathedral and asked myself, "How did they do this?" 

It was the same wonder that the disciples felt as they and Jesus left the temple that was in Jerusalem.  "Just look at these magnificent buildings, look at the amazing stonework." they said to him.  It was a beautiful building, worthy of a second glance but Jesus knew that it only had another 40 or so years to stand before it would be totally destroyed.  Not one stone would be left upon another. This happened in AD70 went the Romans ransacked Jerusalem. 

I suspect that Jesus was seeking to draw their attention from the temporal, to the eternal. It seemed to work, because when they sat down together later they asked him, "When will these things happen, and what will be the signs?"  Jesus went on to speak not only of the time of that temple's destruction but also signs to look for before his coming again. Mark 13 ff.

It is too easy for us to set our sights on the magnificence of earthly things. I see it becoming so much easier for us today to see only the growing wickedness which the world thrusts upon us daily.  We shouldn't be surprised.  Our Bible tells us it will happen. Philippians 2:15

As wickedness envelops our world, many people are wondering where this is all headed.  The climate warnings grow more urgent as certain groups fear the changes they see happening.  As believers, we should be expecting this.  Certainly if we are students of God's word, which we all should be, God has not left us ignorant or without warning. We are to shine as lights in the darkness, so how can we do that? Only by focussing on the magnificence of our wonderful hope of the new heavens and earth which we have been promised.  When we focus on Jesus and his promises, we have nothing to fear, but so much to look forward to. 

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,  and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:21-22

PRAYER: Father God, help me to keep my eye on the goal of what you have prepared for those who love and follow your word.  Help us to shine as lights in this dark world.  Amen

Pruning Time

 This is our flowering cherry tree three years ago.  It always gives us great joy in the spring. The birds love it for the treats that Colin so faithfully puts in it daily.  Our gardeners had not pruned it properly since this photo. It had become very 'twiggy' and ungainly. After it had dropped its many hundreds of leaves this year I decided it needed a pruning and this was done a couple of days ago.  We now await its September display.

This pruning reminded me of one of Jesus' parables that he told in John 15:1-8.  Jesus spoke of himself as the vine and his followers as branches. Living in a wine growing area we are very familiar with the leafy vines and their heavy bunches in the summer.  In the winter, however, they are pruned back to very little so that there can be fresh and fruitful new growth for the new season.

I looked up the reason we prune and it's basically for 3 reasons.  Firstly it is to remove dead or diseased branches so that the health of the tree is preserved.  Secondly it can be to shape the tree.  Thirdly and probably most importantly is so that it will bear 'much fruit'. Jesus gave the reason for his followers to 'bear much fruit'; it was that the God the Father might be glorified verse 8. 

The fruit that Jesus speaks about is what he expects to be found in the lives of his true followers.  It is known as 'the fruit of the Spirit or, the characteristics that can be observed in the life of a believer. (Galatians 5:22-23). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  All good things, nothing that is against the law. You may have noticed that this verse 22 begins with a a 'but'.  That's because it is contrasting what a godly life looks like, as opposed to what the 'fruit' a life lived to please oneself produces (verses 19-21). Check it out!

A life with Jesus requires regular pruning, as does the vine.  We have seasons of fruit-bearing and seasons of rest and recuperation.  These occur in different ways.  Sometimes through ill health, difficult times, or sometimes because we get careless in our spiritual life and need to be 're-shaped'.  

The important thing is not to be surprised when you feel like you are being pruned. It is a normal process so that we bear more fruit and bring glory our Father in heaven.  Pruning is uncomfortable but if we can draw nearer to God and allow him to do his work, we can look forward to becoming more like him.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you that you are a wise gardner who can be trusted to shape my life into one that is pleasing to you.  Help me to yield to your pruning shears so that I can bear more fruit to your glory.  Amen

 Last Friday night we braved the cold and went to the beach to watch the Blessing of the Fleet Fireworks display.  Nelson is very much a fishing port with many deep sea fishing boats based here, coming and going every few weeks.  We have 2 large companies in the area who process fish in various ways, fresh, frozen and tinned; so blessing the fleet of fishing vessels is quite an occasion.

As darkness fell and we waited for the 6:30 pm display, many people streamed onto our lovely beach with families, food and friends.  Then, right on time the sky was filled with a wonderful display of fireworks.  There was much delighted oohing and aahing from the crowd (including us) as we watched.

I was going to share a picture with you here that we took, but then this glorious one (above) came in on a Telegram channel I follow. It was taken in Norway (and had no credit attached), I hope it's not photoshopped!   Because of recent solar flares from the sun there has been the most glorious display of "God's fireworks" in many parts of the world and they are so much better than anything we could produce. 

This picture reminded me of Jesus' words to his disciples, recorded in Luke 21:25-26 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken."

We see and hear every day of people, though maybe not terrified, who are becoming more and more concerned about things they are happening around them and afar. God is very much into letting us know what is coming so that we will not be taken unawares. Later in Luke 21 verses 34-36 Jesus gives this warning, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,  like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.   Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

We have God's word, let's take every opportunity to read it, study it, hear it..... every day.  We can never say we didn't know if we are willingly ignorant.  These days I realise more and more how important it is to draw near to God.  My peace depends upon it, and though you may not know it, yours does too.  

Let me leave you with encouragement to get your Bible out, (or go online) and read Hebrews 10:19-25, and draw near.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your word and your warnings.  Help me to draw near to you each day and live in the peace that only you give. Amen

Is Everything Falling Apart?

 

When you look at the news, when you look around you, what do you see and what do you think?  Depending on how our own life is working out at the time will affect how we see things of course.  Perhaps we would rather not face what's going on, but that won't change it. We'll just be burying our head in the sand, not wanting to consider where we are headed.

When I look at events happening around the world, I see everything is falling into place just as the Bible says it would, because the things it talks about are coming to pass very quickly.  That is why I feel the need to write what I'm about to write. Whether you think I'm crazy or not, you need to be able to recognise what I'm going to share with you when it happens.

First, let's take a look at what is happening.  This past week we had NZ students 'striking' for climate change.  Their fears for the future, stirred up by others who also fear, pushing them into action. There are also huge concerns about our health and education systems not to mention the financial health of our country. We are certainly not alone in this.

Knowledge is increasing at a frightening rate, so much so that the inventors of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are calling for the pause button to be pressed because they are getting very concerned at what they might have created. Could robots one day rule the world?

Wars and rumours of wars are too many to report.  Ukraine was on our 'radar' for a year but has been quickly overtaken by the Israel/Gaza 'conflict'. Today as I write, things are heating up between Iran and Israel with many sirens going off in Israel for people to take cover as missiles are shot down overhead.

Earthquakes abound, and other seismic activity like the volcano in Iceland are on the increase. This week my friend in Sicily posted a picture of Mt Etna (above) saying that a new fissure had opened, and it was blowing perfect smoke rings.

There is a growing lawlessness, not only in our country, I'm sure. Yesterday a knife attack on innocent shoppers in a part of Sydney changed their world. Our children are rebellious towards parents and teachers, many people in general have no respect for the law on any level.  

When being questioned by his disciples about what the times of the end would look like,  that is, the time before Jesus comes to judge the world.  He also mentioned famines and pestilences and we know these abound in many places. See Matthew 24:1-8.  

In the midst of all these things there is a great rebellion towards God, who created us and made us for his enjoyment and purpose. People have increasingly turned away from the God of the Bible to their own ideas of what life is all about.  They are taken up with the pleasures of this life, running here and there after something to satisfy them, be it making money, getting famous - in sport, on TicTok or Youtube, seeking fortune-tellers, tarot readers, other religions, same sex unions, transgenderism and so on. The list is almost never-ending and all in pursuit of personal fulfilment.  'If it feels good, it must be right for me', but it's not because nothing satisfies. They are all looking for the next 'high'.

So what is it that you need to know? For the followers of Jesus Christ there will be a day when they will be caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. On that day billions of people will just disappear from earth.  Here I must say that there are different views among Christian scholars about at what stage in these end times events the 'rapture' will happen.  Check them out here.

Personally I adhere to a pre-tribulation rapture, but I have friends who differ.  It doesn't matter when it happens, but it WILL happen. There will come a 7 year time of great tribulation, such as has never been seen before. Jesus alluded to these times in Luke 21:25-26.  I don't believe there is a solution to the Israel/Palestine situation apart from God's actual intervention.  I believe that before this happens the book of Revelation and it's prophecies will come to pass, just as they have up until this time.

There is lots that could be said on this subject, but this is not meant to be a theology lesson. (There is much written on the subject if you desire to study more.)  It is meant to be a 'heads up', because I believe we have come pretty close to the 'midnight hour' and I don't want to leave you saying "Why didn't she ever tell me?"

If God has stirred your heart and you want to know more, read this short account in the book of Romans. Every person has a choice to make before they leave this earth because it is appointed for us to die once and after that we face God's judgement.  Hebrews 9:27-28. No, I don't believe in reincarnation!

I hope you will take the time to check out the Bible references.  If you are not familiar with the Bible I've made it simple for you to just click the link and the verses will pop up.  If you want to know more feel free to email me jsimmons08@gmail.com.  I don't have all the answers but I can find them for you or refer you to some good books.

My Prayer:  Father God, thank you that you have given us free will, to choose faith in you or not. Without a relationship with Jesus Christ who paid the price for our sins, we are lost.  Please open the understanding of those who read this, that they might see what an amazingly costly price you paid to bring us back into relationship with you so that we can live forever in your presence where there is only joy.  Amen

Understanding the Kindness and the Severity of God

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't understand God"? Perhaps that is a line that you have used yourself, having never been able to reconcile the things you have read or heard about God. May I offer you some food for thought?

As a disclaimer I need to say upfront, that I am not a theologian.  You will get that if you continue to read this page!  However I have been a follower of Jesus Christ, a lover of God, and a student of the Bible for over 60 years, and I continue to learn.  One of the things about the Christian life that I love, is that there is always something more to discover about God. The Apostle Paul who wrote most of our New Testament wrote this, Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! Romans 11:33.  If we could fully understand God, he wouldn't be God.  There is mystery about Him. But God made Himself more fully known through Jesus Christ, "His Son in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge". Colossians 2:3

In writing to believers in Corinth Paul wrote, "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."             1 Corinthians 13:12. NLT. Paul was referring to having a full understanding when we meet Him.

Just as we cannot really know a person until we live under the same roof with them day in and day out, we can't even hope to begin to understand God unless we ask the Spirit of God to give us understanding.  Why, because as Paul writes, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through  [or with the help of] the Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV.

It is not difficult, as we look around our world and as we watch the news, to see how evil our world has become, and how desperately people are trying to 'save the planet'.  In so many ways our society is becoming more and more unjust.  The rallying cry is for social justice, yet there is more inequity than ever.  Why?  Because people choose their own way and not God's way.  They  value the 'created' more than the Creator. They choose their own wisdom, rather than His. If we turn away from the all wise God, we can expect to walk in foolishness.  

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 9:10 (and many other verses), that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding...".  To fear God means to choose to believe and obey Him. Only then can we begin to understand and make sense of the principles of life, death, heaven, hell and eternity. 

God's truth, according to the Bible, is this; "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23.  Therefore if God is just, he must punish our disobedience. How does He do that?  "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,  so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people." Hebrews 9:27-28.

So, in short, the kindness of God is that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to bear the penalty of sin for all who would believe in Him. They will receive eternal life in Heaven with God. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17

The severity (or justice) of God is that "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36.  

As I see our world "going to hell in a hand basket" as some say, and as I come nearer to the end of my life,  I feel an urgent desire for people to know and to understand,  that we get to choose our destination before we leave this earth.  We cannot just assume that our loved ones are 'up there' or that we 'hope to get there'. The good news is that we can be assured of our place in heaven if we choose to believe in and follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Will you consider praying this prayer if you have never professed faith in God.  If you do, that please let me know so that I can encourage you in taking steps in your new life of hope in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father I thank you for your kindness in sending Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to choose the wisdom of believing in and following Him in my daily life that I might be assured of a place in heaven with you forever.  Amen

Patience and Petulance

Petulance is a word that is little-used these days.  One definition says it is 'the quality of being childishly sulky or bad tempered'.  I find it interesting that it says the 'quality of....'.  I usually associate quality with that which is good but I guess we  also speak of poor quality goods.

I was reading a story in the Bible which many people think is just a myth, but Jesus didn't refer to it as a myth when he used it as an illustration of his death in Matthew 12:40. Yes, I'm talking about Jonah.  He was a man who God wanted to use to warn a large city of impending doom so they could repent and be spared destruction. You would kind of think that would be an awesome mission but Jonah didn't want any of it.  Instead he bought a ticket on a ship that was going in the opposite direction!

Jonah's act of disobedience almost cost the loss of the ship and many lives on board during the great storm that rose up.  The ship's captain and the sailors were frantically crying out to their gods and they pleaded with Jonah to pray to his God. Instead, Jonah said, "I'm the cause of this storm, just throw me overboard!" Did he think by doing this he was going to escape his mission? No, God wasn't giving up on him yet!

During an incredible 3 days and nights in the belly of a large fish Jonah came to his senses and repented of his disobedience.  On God's command the fish vomited Jonah out onto a beach and he went on to Ninevah to give them God's message. Did he have to go through such turmoil? I don't think so, but I think God was working on this fellow's character as the rest of the story shows.

You would think Jonah would be happy that people actually listened and believed that his message was from God, that they repented and cried to God for forgiveness.....think again.  Jonah watched and waited to see what God would do and when God relented from destroying Ninevah, Jonah was angry and petulant.  He actually said to God, "I know that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness.  One who relents from doing harm. Therefore take my life now, it is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:2-3.  Jonah showed himself to be childishly sulky and utterly selfish in not being able to rejoice in God's mercy on Ninevah. Maybe God was showing him some areas in his life that needed changing.  We all have those, and God knows how to put us in positions that test us to grow us.

There are many lessons we can take from this story and please, look for what God wants to say to you about it.  I want to highlight what Jonah knew about God, and that is, his patience and long-suffering, his mercy and kindness.  As 2 Peter 3:9-10 tell us 'The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.'

I feel like I am beating the same drum, but even as I was writing, I didn't know how this article was going to finish until I prayed about what I was to take out of this for myself.  I believe it is this, that God, in his love and mercy, is continuing to call people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ so that they do not perish when his judgement finally comes on our world.  He's calling us to wake up and walk with him, to speak up, and to love people enough to lead them to the Great Lover of their souls.....Jesus Christ, the son of God who takes away the sins of the world.  

PRAYER; Lord God, help me to be a lighthouse for you, looking for the lost, warning of danger, guiding to safety and leading them to your light.  Amen

What Will Lighten Your Darkness?

 

As we stand on the cusp of 2024, do thoughts and questions assail your mind about what this brand new year will look like?  The year past has certainly brought with it many disasters, deaths and distractions, both natural and man-made. Do you worry about many things - finances, family, the future?  Perhaps you wonder even if there is a future for this troubled world.

Although 2023 has been an increasingly difficult year in some aspects, and we certainly don't know how the next year will shape up, I am thankful for the hope, the picture of what the future holds, and the security that my wonderfully wise and loving God gives me day by day as I read His Word. I am thankful that I received His gift of faith in Jesus Christ so many years ago.  He is the One who gives me hope.

The Bible is, contrary to the assertions of some 'modern thinkers', the inspired word of God.  The more I read it and compare it with the historical evidence of the many prophecies fulfilled (and there are hundreds), I am inspired. The more I study it and discuss it with other believers, the more I am encouraged.  The more I take its words at 'face value' and not try to overthink it, the more I am challenged. The more I choose to believe it and obey it as best I can, the more peace and joy I have in my everyday life.  It is surely, in my humble opinion, the Manufacturer's Handbook, and we neglect it to our detriment.

This is a Book that will definitely lighten your darkness if you choose to walk through it with God's Holy Spirit guiding you.  It says that a person cannot understand it without having the Spirit of God in them.  You can be very religious, you can do more good works than your Christian friend, but unless you choose to have faith in God's wonderful gift of Jesus Christ who came to save us from our sinful selves, the Bible will not make sense to you, and you will have no hope of eternal life.  

Today as I prayed I felt the Spirit say, "Read My Word, Love My Word, Live My Word." This will certainly be what I will take into whatever the new year will bring, because "His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105.  

"How is that?” you may ask.  Because it tells me that He is faithful, true and protective of me, that I can rely on Him and His wisdom in the most difficult of situations.  It tells me that His love and protection will never leave me no matter what happens.  It tells me what the future of this world looks like and what comes next.  Because of that I am not afraid.  I believe what this Book says.

If you want to walk in lightness of spirit, and be filled with hope in 2024, then choose to walk closely with Jesus Christ for He is the Light of the World, and not in the wisdom of you own thoughts.  Read His Word, Love His Word, Live His Word.

PRAYER:  May the Spirit of God keep your heart and mind in peace as you choose to live His way. May God's joy be yours as you believe in Him and trust your future to His care.  God bless you with peace and faith in the year to come. Amen