A Key To Success - 2

What is success? I define a successful life as one where you are at peace with yourself and God.  Maybe you think it's too late, too impossible or too hard. Read on, because I want to give you an important key to a successful life.  (If you haven't read my previous post it would be good to do as as this is a continuation.)  I was writing about Joseph, favourite son of Jacob who had a huge future ahead but for many years he suffered; yet through it all Joseph kept heart, was faithful in his given tasks and........ believed in his dream.

Joseph found himself propelled into responsibility as the second highest person in Egypt. He had been found faithful in the small things as he had been prepared for this major role in life.  It had required patience, perseverance and holding on to hope.  He had trusted God and continued to hope.  I believe that as he looked back on the events of his life he could see God's plan and preparation for the famine that came not only affected Egypt but also Canaan where his family lived.  I think he was at peace with what his brothers had done and held no bitterness towards them.  But that was yet to be tested.

Perhaps you have known betrayal, major disappointment, abuse, been cheated or falsely accused. If it's been done by family members it's all the more difficult to forgive.  You may think, "why should I forgive them anyway, they don't deserve to be forgiven. I can live without them."  You probably can live without them in your life, and that may be the wisest thing to do. However, you do need to forgive them .......for your own sake!

Why do we think that holding unforgiveness hurts the other person and has no effect on us.  It has been said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die!

One day, right out of the blue, Joseph is confronted by 10 of his brothers, the very ones who had sold him into slavery so many years before.  They now came on behalf of their father and whole family, begging to be sold grain as their land was in famine and they had no supplies.  They bowed before Joseph, just as he'd seen in his dream as a young man.  What kind of emotions would you have felt were you in his position?  Joseph wasn't ready to reveal his real identity so he spoke harshly to them and accused them of being spies.  (Read the story in Genesis 42.)  He questioned them about their family to see if they were honest and to find out if his younger brother and father were still alive.  Then he set them a test of loyalty and honesty which filled them with fear.

As time went on they passed the test and returned for a second supply of grain.  It was then that Joseph finally revealed himself and wept with joy.  Why could he weep with joy?  Because he had forgiven them. He had seen that God had a plan to save his family (Genesis 45:8)

We will never fully understand God's ways but sometimes he accomplishes them through the most difficult things in our lives.   If we learn to see that God can use what we see as injustice or abuse of power or downright unkindness, and we grow in wisdom, grace, peace, joy and love if we will forgive.  It is for our sake that we forgive because it allows God to forgive us which will bring us the peace we so need to lead a successful and fulfilled life.

For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. Matthew 6:14 (CSB)

PRAYER: Jesus, you know what it's like to forgive those who abused you, mocked you, beat you and hung you up to suffer and die.  You spoke words of forgiveness from the cross in the midst of your pain.  Help me to forgive from my heart.  Amen

A Key to Success - 1

Most people if not everyone has a desire for success in life. I tend to think that God built it into us because he desires that we have success. Probably very few actually achieve their dreams.  As I sat to write I was reminded of a young man who had phenomenal success and rose to great heights and I looked again at  his story Genesis 35-45. This is the journey of Joseph.

Recently our nephew shared the starring role of Joseph in the Nelson Youth Theatre's musical of the well known Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. A story of favouritism, prophetic dreams, jealousy, betrayal, lies, imprisonment, famine, and ultimate honour.  

I love this story of Joseph because it shows me just how much attitude determines what kind of life we lead.  Joseph's older brothers (from another mother) were jealous of Joseph and when he had a dream and (probably unwisely) shared it with them, they became angry.  Their father had showed his favouritism by giving Joseph a wonderful many-coloured coat, so in their jealousy they plotted to get rid of him. This resulted them selling Joseph off to passing slave traders who took him to Egypt.  They then splattered his beautiful coat with animal blood and told their father that Joseph had probably been killed by a wild animal.

In Egypt Joseph was bought by Potiphar who was a military man in Pharoah's army.  God had plans for this young man but they wouldn't come about without much testing of Joseph's character. Because of Joseph, God prospered the household where Joseph served.    Very soon Joseph found himself in charge of Potiphar's whole household and land.  But trouble was brewing.

Potiphar's wife had an eye for this handsome young man and made a play for him.  Joseph was determined not to play her game and refused her advances.  He wanted to be faithful to his master who had put so much trust in him.  This made her so angry that she lied about Joseph saying that he had tried to seduce her.  Joseph was immediately shipped off to prison where the king's servants went when they fell out of favour.

Amazingly even in prison it seems that Joseph kept a good attitude which gained him favour with the prison guard who put him in charge of everything.  God had a plan and even in the prison His plan was being worked out. His presence was with Joseph who continued to serve well, and so he prospered.  He just got on with life.  I believe he had a heart to serve the God who had given him an impossible dream of leadership.  He believed his dream.

How difficult it is to hold onto hope when there is no obvious hope on the horizon.  Eventually Joseph was asked to interpret dreams for the king's cupbearer and the king's baker who were in prison with him.  The dreams were fulfilled exactly as Joseph had predicted, but another 2 years had to pass before God was ready to send Joseph on the ride of his life.

Do you have a dream which seems impossible? Have you become discouraged, disillusioned, disheartened?  Has life taken a turn for the worse?  God had a mission for Joseph which required great preparation, and with God's grace Joseph kept his attitude right.  He waited patiently and suddenly overnight he shot to the second highest rank in the land.  Impossible?  Not for God.

However, a few years down the track Joseph's attitude would be tested again.....next time.....

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. " Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer:  Lord God, help me to remember that no what happens to me it is part of your purpose to develop my character.  Help me to keep an attitude that will honour Jesus Christ and enable you to bless me as you did Joseph.  Amen

Stability

Over the years I have lived through a number of typhoons... (in Hong Kong) and some big storms in Australia. As I've observed the aftermath of these, especially great fallen trees, I never ceased to be amazed at the shallow root system these big trees have which is why they are so vulnerable to high winds.

There are 2 main types of root systems for plants and for trees.  They are tap root and fibrous roots and most of us have learned about these in our nature study classes in primary school.  The big oak trees that stand for sometimes hundreds of years have tap roots but others like the eucalypts in Australia have shallow fibrous roots that can't withstand a lot of pressure.

So what would make me want to write about them here you may ask.  Because they speak about stability and in our very unstable world I think trees have a lesson we can learn. Unlike trees, we, as people, get to choose what kind of root system (or foundation) we have in our lives.  That will depend upon where we put our confidence and trust.  Many people, probably the majority, put their confidence in their own abilities, knowledge or money.  They feel no need to look elsewhere for strength and support.  Others of us have learned that we cannot trust in ourselves, possessions, knowledge or even people, who can let us down when we most need them; so we have turned to the one who can give us stability in the toughest times and peace in the midst of life's storms.

Listen to what Jeremiah 17:7-8 says....

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD

and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,

with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat

or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green,

and they never stop producing fruit."

This speaks of a blessing for those who trust in God rather than in themselves or others.

They will have water in drought so won't be bothered when the heat comes.

On the other hand, a person who chooses the fibrous roots system....trusting in many things rather than centering their trust in God alone will not have the same confidence.  In fact the consequence is more dire..... Jeremiah 17: 5-6

This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,

who rely on human strength

and turn their hearts away from the LORD.

They are like stunted shrubs in the desert,

with no hope for the future.

They will live in the barren wilderness,

in an uninhabited salty land.

As we head into this new year I see only an increase in the distress of nations and uncertainty of what the future holds.  When I look at what has happened even in the past 2 months in natural disasters, and what we are told may happen with multiple volcanoes threatening eruption; the mountains of rubbish and floating masses of waste kilometres long and wide in oceans; refugees

numbering millions and the problem of feeding and housing them, I see that only God has an answer to our problems.  I pray that you will decide to put your trust in Him who is the one who gives peace and hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Prayer:  God forgive me for trusting in my own strength, abilities, assets and people.  Help me to have the wisdom to put my trust in you and grow strong roots to give my life stability and purpose. Amen

A Brand New Year

Happy New Year to you....may 2018 be a year to remember in the very best kind of way. May you live it without regrets, may you have hope, peace and joy as you face the challenges that life will no doubt deal you and me. How?  Let me share with you how I plan to live this year in hope, joy and peace.

Forgetting the things that are past and reaching to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13.
It is too easy for us to beat up on ourselves for our areas of failure but it brings nothing but condemnation and depression.  I choose to do myself a favour and forget what is negative from the past.  I have brought it to God and asked His forgiveness and now I choose to forgive myself.

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone,  forgive them, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.   But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. Matthew 11:25-26 
There will be opportunities this year to either get offended or to forgive people.  If I choose to forgive those who hurt me (whether intentionally or unintentionally) I know I will find peace and joy.

Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done.  Then you will experience his peace. Philippians 4:6-7

There is so much going on in the world right now to depress, spark fear and bring hopelessness if we choose to dwell on it.  Instead I choose to Fix my thoughts  on things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:7-8

I  can rejoice because Psalm 5:11-12 says But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend (protect) them; Let those who also love Your name be joyful in You.  For you, O Lord, will bless the godly; with favour You will surround them as with a shield.

As you can see God's word is full of everyday wisdom for those who trust their lives to Him. May He be your strength and shield as you walk into this new year.

Prayer:  Thank you Father for a brand new year.  Thank you for your love which is ever present.  Help me to walk in the circle of your love this year and to demonstrate your love as I journey through this year.  Amen

Provision

I love to hear a story of God's provision. Recently a friend shared something that had happened during her week.  Her little girl is growing up fast and, as they do, growing out of her 2 year old clothes.  With recent extra household expenses and Christmas looming there was no money to go out to shop for clothes so she did the best thing ever.  She handed the need over to God.  "Oh well God, you know what we need."  And she left it with Him.  Awhile later she was in the garage and thought to check in the pile of boxes.  She opened one that she'd forgotten about and there was a whole lot of pre-loved clothes - size 3!  Need met, problem solved.  What struck me was that before she prayed, that box was there just waiting to be rediscovered.  The scripture verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 65:24 " ...before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

This story reminded me of the wonderful provision of a Saviour that God made for you and for me in the person of Jesus Christ.  It's Him we celebrate at this Christmas season.  Jesus really is the ONLY reason for the season.  One day, and I think it may be soon when I look at Bible prophecies being fulfilled around the world, He will come again.  Not as a babe but as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings........ Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.  Revelation 1:7 Why will people wail on account of Him?  Because they have not realised the reality of His Lordship and have not believed that He is the Son of God.

Because we became separated from God through Adam's sin and God wanted to restore our fellowship with Him again. He created us to be in fellowship with Him.  I love the following verse....But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. 2 Samuel 14:14b (NLT) We need to recognise our need of forgiveness in order to have a relationship with God.  It's not about religion, being in church or living a good life. In other words, it's not about what we can do to get to God but about what God provided for us. It's about being in relationship with the living God through Jesus Christ, and walking in His ways.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.  But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:8-9  If you have never prayed the following prayer I hope you will consider doing so today.  

Prayer:  Father God, thank you for the provision of forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ.  I acknowledge that I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me today and make me a part of your great family of believers.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Welcome to the family!  Merry CHRISTmas.

What Are You Facing?

Life is full of challenges.....how we face them DOES determine whether we will either sink or swim, be defeated or victorious, be miserable or joyful, be hopeless or hopeful.  Every day, sometimes multiple times a day, we face challenges.  Some are like rolling meadows (filled with prickles), others are look like impossible mountains..... your mind screams "where do I start?"

I am thinking today about some of the people I know or know of who are facing various difficulties and/or challenges.  Some of them are undergoing what they hope will be life-saving therapy for disease, another faces a change in life circumstances which brings the challenge of living on a greatly reduced income; others are facing imminent departure from this life, another is facing the challenge of being harassed by an 'ex' and all that it could entail.

On a wider stage there are many refugees facing the fear of having nowhere to go as the Manus Island Detention Centre is closed down in PNG and the people are basically abandoned in a strange and possibly unsafe country where they have been virtual prisoners.  I heard too, through an international aid organisation, who have been providing one thousand meals a day in an African country and the money has run out so the programme will stop.  United Nations too are running out of money for their aid programmes.  Governments face these issues which  we are so often ignorant of.

When we face such situations it is easy to feel helpless, hopeless, abandoned, fearful.  But we actually do have a choice about what we do with our feelings and how we handle these challenges.
What many people don't know is that they don't have to face them alone.  You have probably heard the saying "a burden shared is a burden halved" and it is helpful to share with a trusted friend, but most times they cannot really help us apart from being a listening ear and caring heart.

My first 'go to' trusted friend is Jesus because I have learned that his love and care for me is far above anything I could imagine.  He knows what it's like to face challenges head on.   He willingly suffered for you and for me because he loves us.  He is able to help us as we look to him.  He can give us comfort, hope and peace, and he has the power to intervene and change our circumstances.  One of my favourite life verses comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Some of these people I mentioned are facing their challenge with God, others are trying to do it alone.  Jesus loves you dearly, knows what we are facing and he wants us to turn to him and ask for his help.  He would love to 'do life' with you and give you a hope for eternity with him.

"Since (Jesus) himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."  Hebrews 2:18

Jesus, thank you for loving me and dying for my sins, please forgive me for trying to face life in my own strength.  Come into my life today and teach me how to do life with you. Amen

Darkness

Are you, or is someone you know, going through a season of darkness?  Darkness can be physical.....power blackouts after hurricanes and storms; it can be physical....sickness, separation from homeland, hardship; or it can be emotional....... grief and trauma following accidents, loss, or mental illness.

As we look at the news we can see these things happening everywhere in our world, even in our own backyard.  Some things seem so senseless, like the recent death of a very young teenager who thought it 'fun' to steal cars.  Just yesterday 2 motor vehicles collided in the North Island killing 4 people and leaving many others injured, some critical.  The recent ravages of 3 tornadoes in the Caribbean and USA have caused much 'darkness', not to mention the horrific massacre in Las Vegas which killed almost 60 people. 

Can anything good come from such things?  I think it can.  The common response to such disasters is "How could God let this happen?" or "If God is so great and loving why doesn't he stop these things from happening?"  

Well, why doesn't he?  He is certainly able.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  A book has been written with that title which will go deeper than I am about to, but I am going to give you my very simple perspective.

The Bible tells us very plainly that it's not God's desire for anyone to die without knowing Him personally (2 Peter 3:9).  As he ALLOWS difficulties to come into our lives He is wanting them to cause us to ask questions about life and its meaning, about God and His plans for us.   

I was halfway through writing this blog when I went to the gym this morning.  On our notice board the thought for the day was.....

When the winds of change blow

some people build walls -

others build windmills.

When dark times come into your life, winds of change or winds of adversity what will you do? You can choose to build a wall between you and God, OR you can say, "God what are you up to in my life?  What treasure can I pull out of this experience, what can I learn that will make me stronger, more empathetic, more patient, loving or kind?"  

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches.

I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, 

the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.  

Isaiah 45:3

Prayer: Will you help me God to learn from the dark times and find treasure in the darkness. Amen