Candle Snuffing

 

There is something special about the light of a candle.  I love to watch the flame flicker and dance as the air moves around it, fuelling it's light.  There's something restful, soft and comforting to be had from enjoying such a simple pleasure.

I enjoy lighting a little tea light when I have my time with God.  It reminds me to quiet my heart and soul; to prepare myself to meet with my Maker.  There is nothing better!  It reminds me that Jesus is the light of the world, and he told His followers that we are to carry his light.  He said this, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 As a growing darkness envelopes our world in more ungodly, crazy, upside down thinking and behaviour; not to mention the growing fear and anxiety that is stirred up by media reports which are generally only bad news; I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,  traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

On the other hand I am comforted by Jesus' words, as I read my Bible, that those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life in Him.  He is our good news. Those who believe and trust in Him have a wonderful hope of a glorious future with Him.  This world is not our hope, He is!

It is possible, however, for our lights to grow dim, or even be snuffed right out, if we are not careful. We can be caught up in the “cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things" (Mark 4:19). These things starve 'our light' of oxygen and the flame is easily snuffed out. 

So, what is the oxygen that our lights require to shine brightly? It is time spent in quiet, alone with God to read His word, where there is wisdom for a light-filled life. A heart filled with praise and thankfulness will focus our mind on Jesus and not on our worries and stresses. And regular communication with God.  He tells us very clearly, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

When I place the lid on my clear tealight jar I am always amazed at how little time it takes for the candle to be snuffed out.  Don't put your light under a bowl (Matthew 5:15 NLT), it will soon use up all the oxygen and go out.  Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. (Luke 11:35)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to get taken up with the cares and comforts of this world, but to honour you with my heart by spending time in your word and in prayer.  Keep me burning with bright 'faith light' so others may see and be drawn to the comfort and peace of Your light.  Amen

Hide & Seek

Hide and seek, Google tells me, is a game that is played worldwide, and almost since the beginning of time.  We play it first with babies and call it Peek-a-Boo, and we do it because we love to hear their giggles. It's a game that children can play successfully from about 3 years old and it seems to stay alive in every generation.  There's something about the thrill and fun of hiding, and being clever enough not to be found....or hit, if you are paint-balling! 

Years ago at a wedding I remember sitting by a pastor's wife who was probably as old as I am now and she told me that just that week, she had hidden in the wardrobe and jumped out at her husband when he came looking for her......just for fun. It's good to stay child-like in some things!

However, some of us take this 'game' into adulthood but mostly not in a good way.  We use the hiding part but we really don't want to be found.....for many and varied reasons.  If you don't wish to be challenged, you'd better stop reading right now!

Why do we hide?  

This can be for many reasons, which really have the same foundation.  Adam and Eve hid from God in the Garden of Eden after they had sinned.  (Genesis 3:8)  They were ashamed because they were naked.  It hadn't been an issue before they sinned because they were in innocence. They hid because they feared God finding out what they had done....as if He didn't already know! 

We, too, can hide out of shame at something we have done, and also for the fear of being found out. But there is always forgiveness with our Father in Heaven.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) It's interesting that the verse before that says, "If we say we have no sin we are only fooling ourselves...." we are certainly not fooling God.

We can hide from challenge for fear of 'not being up to it', and from fear of failure. Remember Saul who had been told he was to be king?  When the prophet Samuel came to honour him he was found hiding among the equipment (1 Samuel 10:22).  Even though he stood head and shoulders above the rest, he felt he was not up to the task because he was from the smallest tribe (1 Samuel 9:21).  He forgot that it was God's task to equip him for the work He had assigned to him. Much later Samuel had to correct Saul because he had become proud and disobedient to God. He reminded Saul that it was when he was little in his own sight that God had made him leader. (1 Samuel 15:17).

We can hide from the fear of being known for who we really are and, of being rejected. Recently I was with other Christian friends and we were recounting some of our teenage misdemeanours concerning smoking. (I must add here that I am so very grateful to God for challenging me to give up cigarettes early in my Christian life.) We were laughing and my friend, Alice, who hasn't known me for very long, said, "Jackie, I don't know who you are!"  She said it with a smile and I agreed with her. "No, Alice, you do not!"  But, I am not afraid of her knowing me because I know she is a truly loving woman and will accept me, faults and all.  I hope that if I need correction, she will correct me too, and that I will be willing to receive correction, by God's grace.  You see there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18)

How do we hide?

There are many ways a child can find to hide; from just behind their own hands if they are very little, to behind the couch or under a bed as they are bigger, or maybe in the empty rubbish bin or some other dark and scary place if they are very brave.  We, too, find ways to 'hide'.  

We steer clear of friends who might challenge or disagree with us, keep busy with work or even with mundane tasks rather than spending some serious time with God.  We might stop attending church regularly, or hide ourselves in novels, movies or games that 'take our mind off' our guilt, or shame, fear, or inadequacy.  However, there is no lasting peace in any of that.  We have to make a decision.

This is a day to realise that not one of us can 'hide' from God.  (Psalm 139:7). He sees us and loves us too much to leave us in our misery. BUT we have to come out of hiding and come before Him who is the Prince of Peace, the King of Love, the Great Shepherd and lover of our souls.  He is Jesus Christ, our Saviour. God is calling us out of hiding.  Will you come out and allow yourself to be seen?

Prayer: Father God, help me to see if there is any way that I am hiding, from you or from others. Help me to come into the light of your presence and love, throwing off the fear, shame, inadequacy or anything else that is stopping me from finding real joy in your presence.  Help me to press in to know you intimately and be known by You. In Jesus' name. Amen

How Hungry Are You?

 I am increasingly disturbed by the many people going hungry, not only in our own country but in our world.  I also feel increasingly helpless that there is so little that our resources can do to relieve that, but still, we give as we are able, and we pray knowing that God is able to use our little for the many, in some way.

 

Jesus knew what it was to be hungry.  When he was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he hadn’t eaten for 40 days. Satan’s first challenge was to get Jesus to fulfil his physical hunger with a miracle of producing bread. Jesus replied using the word of God - “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4).  In saying this he was not denying that food is important, but that food for our spirit is much more important. The Bible is God’s word to us.  A Book of books that is harmonious, and miraculous in the way it came to be. 

 

Growing up, my parents always sent me and my sister to Sunday School, and once a month our parents would attend the family service.  They were good people but not committed to following Jesus.  I have since learned though that many of my Mum’s sayings which she had learned from her mother, were words from the Bible, often from the book of Proverbs.  My Dad had been a chorister and an altar boy, so he had grown up in church.  

 

When I was about 8 years old, I remember asking if I could have a Bible for Christmas.  My request was granted – a good old King James Version which was probably all that was available then.  When I was 13 I heard the gospel message clearly for the first time through the Open Air Campaigners who were visiting our church.  My heart was changed that day when I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. I was encouraged to read Scripture Union Daily Bible notes which I tried to do faithfully.

 

I have heard some people say, that when they came to salvation, they couldn’t get enough of the Bible.  How wonderful that must be, but it was not really my experience.  For me it was a matter of discipline, a discipline in which I have had varying success at over the years!  I still ask God to give me more hunger for His Word, because I know how important it is to my spiritual well-being.  As Jesus said, bread is not enough.

 

Why is food not enough?  Well, we can have full stomachs but still be discouraged, depressed or hopeless.  Food does not help with ‘heart or soul hunger’.  The psalms demonstrate this  very clearly so many times.  The writers don’t usually talk about physical hunger but about emotional distress and how they deal with it.  They cry out to the Lord and then remember how God has helped them in the past, they feed on the word that tells of God’s victories and deliverances and they are encouraged.

 

Psalm 119 is full of praise for the greatness of God’s word.  Here are a few examples…..

Vs 25….My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. (Discouragement)

Vs 28…My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. (Depression)

 

 

Vs 105….Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Guidance)

Vs 169….Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. (Wisdom)

 

Jeremiah 15:16……And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;

 

The Word of God has power to satisfy your heart, soul, and spirit in a way that nothing else can.  In times of difficulty, discouragement, depression I have turned to God’s word and it has never failed to encourage me.  The words of an old song tell the story so true….

            

            “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face,

            And the things of earth shall grow strangely dim,

            In the light of His glory and grace.”

 

That reminds me of a scripture I love, “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5

 

Jesus is the living Word of God.  He said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger….” John 6:35

 

If your heart is feeling unsatisfied today, I strongly encourage you to turn to God’s word and read until it speaks to your need.  “The Word of God is living and powerful…..and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

Prayer:  Father in heaven, please give me a heart that is hungry for your Word which brings life and peace, wisdom, joy and satisfaction. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Radical Thoughts?

 

As I write this New Zealand enters the first day of a 'new normal' with what is called 'the Traffic Light System', as a way of trying to control the spread of the COVID virus.  It remains to be seen how effective this will be, but there are very clear guidelines as to how this works.  It is bringing a clear division between those who are vaccinated and those who are vax resistant (some for health reasons, but most out of personal conviction or choice).  Each of us gets to choose which way to lean and each now gets to live life in a certain way because of our choice.  Vaccination pass equals freedom, no pass, limited freedom; the choice is ours and the consequence of that choice is ours too.

As the world has radically changed these past 2 years, my thoughts as a Bible believer and Jesus follower have mulled over these events. Specifically I have been thinking about what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 and also the revelation given to the apostle John which we read in the book of Revelation. In these passages God clearly warns that things on this earth will get tough before "heaven and earth pass away" (Matthew 24:35). Yes, in spite of every human effort to save this planet, (and we should be responsible in our care of it), it will, one day, (possibly sooner, rather than later), pass away.  God has a timetable, and I agree with the scientists, who tell us that the clock is almost at midnight.

So, you may ask, what does this have to do with choice?  A great deal!  I have felt that the changes happening in our world are really just a 'warm up' for bigger things to come. Jesus referred to some of the things we are seeing now as ' the beginning of sorrows'.  And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled,  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:6-8. We are certainly seeing these 'warm up' signs in the world now.

The other 'warm up' as I am calling it, is the vax dilemma. Many people were hesitant at first because of a lot of misinformation which has been, for the most part, debunked.  There will come a time for a choice that will have life-changing consequences, in this world, for those who choose to believe and follow Christ rather than accept the sign of a 'new world' worship system.  Let me quote......He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,  and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark. Revelation 13:16-17.  Although Revelation is acknowledged to contain a lot of 'picture language', I think God has made this particularly clear to believers so that there will be no question in our minds about it when it comes to pass. Refusing that mark, however it is given, is going to be an affirmation of the choice we have made to follow only Jesus Christ and worship only Him.

It's not only the governments in this world that are calling people to make what are life-altering choices.  God, our creator and sustainer, also requires an eternity-altering choice from you, from me, from every person who has ever walked this earth.  We only get to make this decision while we walk this earth.  And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27. There is no second chance, no re-incarnation as some would like to think.  

As Christmas fast approaches, decorations go up, carols are sung, take a thought again about what we are really celebrating.  You may have made it about people, families, parties and presents but the real reason for the celebration of this season is the world-changing arrival of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God who says, I am THE way, THE truth and THE life.  No-one comes to the Father except through (believing in) Me. John 14:6 (Parenthesis mine).  He was God in the flesh, born with the express purpose of reconciling sinful humanity to God.  Our sins have separated us from God BUT Jesus' death and resurrection have made a way back to the Father.  Consider Him and make your choice.  The apostle John reinforces the need for choice when he writes...  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.... 1 John 5:12-13.

This is the biggest choice and most important choice in life you are called to make.  Choose thoughtfully.

Prayer:  Creator God, maker of all mankind, speak to my heart and show me your truth. Amen.

Facing the Fire

 Everywhere we look today, it is so easy to see people surrounded by trials, tribulation and tragedy.  We see displaced people suffering at borders, drowned trying to escape to a safer place, senseless murders, unexpected flash flooding, wars, hatred, distrust.  Closer to home I have friends with cancer, fighting for their lives, families divided, and some facing great financial hardship.  This is life and it's hard.

Jesus warned his followers that even they would not be immune from difficulty.  He said, "In the world you will have tribulation..." John 16:33.  This word tribulation can mean pressure, anguish, affliction, distress, persecution. All of us experience some of this at times, no life is trouble-free in this fallen world.

If you are facing the fire of tribulation or trials today, I have some words of comfort for you.  Also in John 16:33 Jesus said the words he had been speaking to his disciples in these hours leading up to his most pressing trial to encourage them.  He said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  Jesus suffered much in his few years on this earth and his greatest trial was about to happen, the fiery trial of beatings, mocking, scourging, culminating in a cruel crucifixion.  He knows about facing the fire because he's been in it and triumphed over it so that, eventually, we can dwell with him forever in a place where there are no tears or sadness, only peace, and joy.

This morning I was reading in Daniel 3 the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were Jewish boys in captivity in Babylon who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's huge statue when the appropriate music was played.  When challenged they were given a choice, bow or be thrown into the fire. Their response was, "If this is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O King.  BUT IF NOT, we will serve no other God, nor will we worship the golden image you have set up."

These young men believed God was able to deliver them from the fire and he did, BUT they first went through the fire and Jesus was seen walking with them in the fire. When the king saw the power of their God, he had them brought out of the fire.  The amazing thing was that not a hair of their head or their clothes were affected, and they did not even smell of smoke!! And, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged their God as the One to be feared.

Can you say with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that your God is able to deliver you but if not, you will still worship him?  Their trial did not make them angry or bitter or discouraged. Your fiery trial can be a place of closeness to God that you couldn't experience any other way. God will teach us lessons and refine us in every fire, if we just put our trust in Him, and in His faithfulness and love for us.

If you walk with Jesus through your fire you too can come through without 'smelling of the smoke' of bitterness, anger, disappointment and the other things that spoil our witness and trust in God.

Maybe you are not facing the fire right now but you know many who are, nearby, and across the world.  Pray for them, feel with them, give to them, that they might be strengthened and encouraged, that they might know the peace of God that passes all understanding in their trial.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our faithful God, I praise and thank you for your love in never allowing your children to go through the fire alone.  You have promised to never leave us or forsake us, and so I ask today for your presence, your power and your grace to be with those who find themselves in any fire of affliction.  May they be comforted and strengthened by you as they trust in you.  I ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ who died for us.  Amen

What are you thinking!

In the craziness of our world today what is uppermost in your thoughts? What occupies or exercises your mind the most?  For some, maybe many, it will be COVID....and when will it ever end? For others it will be your health struggles and keeping track of your medical appointments.  You may be wondering how to 'make ends meet' this week and the stress of dealing with the needs of your family. Again, it could be the pain of what is going on in your family that you are helpless to fix.  

Yes, there are many things that preoccupy us and cause us distress.  It is good to take stock of what we are thinking because our thoughts affect our mental health, our relationships, our actions and reactions. There are many 'gurus' who have advice to give on this subject and some is good, but the best advice we can take is from the "handbook on life and living' AKA The Bible.  

Paul writes to the Philippians, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (4:8)...in other words, think happy thoughts. That's easier said than done, you might be thinking.  That is true, but there's a reason for these wise words, and the reason is they are to do you good.  Paul goes on to tell the result.... peace of mind, and that's unarguably what we all want.

Grab a Bible, from your bookshelf or go online.  Read Philippians 4:4-9 and then try doing it.  I promise you that it works.  If that's too hard right now, just look around you at the flowers, the birds, the amazing night sky, the intricacy of an insect, and be thankful to the One who gave us such beauty to enjoy.

Do yourself a favour, make a mental shift today and turn your eyes from things you cannot change, to the One who can change you, the only One who can give you lasting peace in the midst of chaos, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Lord, you know my struggles, my fears, my tears.  Help me today to fix my thoughts on the things that will bring me peace and joy.  Help me to commit to You the things I cannot change. Amen 

Shaken, not stirred......

                                                                                                               

 

Many of you will recognise the title of this post, 'shaken, not stirred' which I have borrowed from James Bond 007. It has nothing to do with martinis, but it is all about being shaken.

In life things happen to us that cause us to feel shaken up; a traumatic experience, the loss of a dear one, a near miss on the road, a difficult encounter, or even an unsettling conversation with someone.  As our bodies age, various ailments may cause our body to develop the shakes.  All of this is uncomfortable at best, unnerving at most.  Let's face it, life is full of shakes, especially here in New Zealand AKA "the shaky isles".

As we watch what is happening in our world right now, it is very obvious that there is a great shaking happening on many levels;  in families, in society, in political systems and climate changes. Just in the last 2 weeks we have seen unprecedented floods in some unusual places including England, Belgium, The Netherlands, India, China and so many other places, many which have not even touched our news.  Added to that there have been landslides, and sinkholes in many places (that are also rarely reported on our news), wildfires in Turkey, the USA and Canada.....and so it goes on with wars, famines and pestilences,  serious earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  Newsreaders are starting to use the word 'apocalyptic' to describe some of these events.

We are certainly living in unprecedented times on so many levels that it has given me much pause for thought.  It reminds me of Jesus' words to his disciples in Matthew 24 when they asked him what would be the signs of his coming again, and of the end of the world.  He said, "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. ……  And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold." (NLT)

Yes, our world is being shaken and many are fearful and growing hopeless in it all.  How can we be shaken, yet not be stirred?  This week I randomly read some verses of Psalm 46 which speak right into these days.  Even though they were written hundreds of years ago, it was as though they were written for us today.  Here is a clip from it; you can read the whole psalm for yourself......

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge

….The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble,

God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!.......

 Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: 

 See how he brings destruction upon the world…..

 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation.

 I will be honoured throughout the world.”

Psalm 112 speaks of the one who fears (reverences, bows the knee to) the Lord.... the righteous one, not trusting in his own good living, good works etc but he is trusting in the righteousness that can only come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has taken our sin and made us righteous, before a holy God.  This is the one who will not be shaken.  Yes his eyes will see all that comes; the carnage, the loss, the hopelessness, the anxiety, yet his heart will be steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:7) This is the one who has hope for eternal peace.  If your heart is shaking in fear of things coming upon the earth, you can choose to find peace if you will put your trust in Jesus, he gives a peace that passes understanding.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you that you are the only one who can truly give us peace in these troubled times.  I pray for those who feel fearful and shaken, that they will choose to put their trust in you and find peace.  Amen