Purpose?

 What is my purpose? This is undoubtedly a good question to ask oneself at the beginning of a new year.   Probably better than making a New Year's resolution. Some people often choose a word for their year which will motivate them to grow in personal development.   For example someone I follow found her words for this year ....'love well'.  

'What is my purpose', is a question that can broken down into a few parts, many more than I will list.....

    * Do I feel I have lived purposefully this past year?  

    * What has given me a reason to get up in the morning?

    * What has given me joy? 

    * What is to be my purpose this year?

Research has shown that people who know their purpose in life do better in many ways.  This is a quote from an article I read on a blog called Psychology Today....."According to Time Magazine, purposeful living has been linked to a lower risk of disease, better sleep, and other healthy behaviours. And, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry, having a purpose in life helps ageing people maintain their function and independence. People in the study, who reported having a sense of purpose, were less likely to have weak grip strength and slow walking speeds, both of which are signs of declining physical ability and risk factors for disability. They also noted that people with purpose are more proactive in taking care of their health. Additional studies reported that purpose-driven people have lower levels of inflammation." Wow!  There are quite a few good reasons for having a purpose in life.

I often find myself asking young people "What do you want to do in life?"  That was not a very complicated question in my day.  The opportunities were much more limited......nurse, secretary, teacher, scientist, inventor, pilot, train driver.....you get my drift.  Today the possibilities for career are almost limitless, and probably quite confusing.  It takes much longer to decide and I find many just cannot really answer that question at all.  A better question might be "What are you passionate about?"

We have been created for purpose (and passion).  The Westminster Catechism says "Man's (read mankind's) chief end (purpose) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."  God created us for the purpose of worshiping Him and enjoying fellowship with Him.  His plan went quite wrong early in the Garden of Eden but it doesn't have to stay wrong for us.  Having faith in a loving and faithful God who wants the best for us, just as a good father wants the best for his children, gives us a good reason to worship Him and find enjoyment in having a relationship with Him. Having purpose in your life will enrich your days, improve your health and bring you joy.

Knowing God has a purpose for us, should encourage us to find out what it is, because it will improve and enrich our lives, and the lives of others.  But in the 'doing' or working out of your purpose, don't forget the chief purpose you were created for.....to worship God and enjoy Him forever.

If you find yourself not enjoying life then perhaps now is a good time to ask yourself 'why?'  Then find a reason to get up each day.  Make a plan to meet with others, take a walk, bake a cake for someone, write a letter or make a call.  Do something for someone else that will ease their burden, make them feel they matter or make them smile.

Jesus stated his purpose for us....."my purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10b.  I have believed that for many years, and walking in that knowledge enriches my life.

Prayer:  Father God who created me for purpose, please help me to find and to fulfil my purpose in life.  Amen

To Pray is to Love

 On our recent trip to Australia some dear friends gave us these little wooden praying hands.  These friends have prayed with us, and for us, and for many others over many years, so it was a very fitting gift. The first thing I noticed about these little hands was the natural heart in the woodgrain, and as I look at this each morning during my time with God, it has occurred to me that to pray is to love.  How so?

Firstly, to pray is to acknowledge and turn one's heart and mind towards God. Jesus was our example as he often went off alone to pray - to talk with his Father.  He prayed for God's will to be done in his life, and in his death (Luke 22:41-42)  He prayed for his followers (John 17:9-26). He prayed for the sick on many occasions.  He prayed because he loved. He cared about his world and its people. Prayer formed the foundation of his life on earth, and he continues to pray for us as he intercedes for believers at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25).

My own growth in prayer has been quite strange to me.  I have never considered myself to be much of a pray-er but God has put in my heart a desire to pray.  I have been a reluctant pray-er but God seems to have nudged me on.  I've loved to read about people of prayer and books on intercession but those people have always seemed to be on a different plane from me.  However, in quite a few churches I've found myself, usually reluctantly,  thrust into heading up prayer ministry.

Prayer is not a spiritual gift, it is a spiritual discipline, an act of love towards God and our fellow humanity. It is a confession of our reliance upon God, an act of humility, it is a gift of love, as we worship God and pray for others.

Feeling anxious about what 2023 will hold?  God's word encourages us......Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. This is practical advice from the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6.  Practical because, as Jesus said, "Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?"  The answer is, of course, NO.  So let's not waste our energy on a fruitless act, but rather turn our anxious thoughts into trusting prayers.

May this year find us growing in, and giving ourselves more, to prayer.  Our world needs it and we need it.  Enjoy the fellowship and learn the discipline of praying with others.  The more you do it, the more you will want to do it.  It will be time well spent.

Jesus, thank you that you demonstrated prayer in your own life and taught your disciples to pray when they asked you. They recognised its, value but confessed their need of learning how to pray. Please increase in me this year, the desire to pray and the discipline to do it. Amen

Treasures

 

My mission yesterday was to collect some interesting stones to refashion our garden fountain, so, in the beautiful mid afternoon, we headed for Ruby Bay just half an hour away.  I seemed to remember that it had a nice variety of coloured stones.  However, when we drove up to the beach I wondered if I had been wrong, because from just a few yards away it looked quite ordinary with a general ‘beach grey’ look.  Maybe I wouldn’t find my pretty stones here after all.

As we walked with eyes down, looking for colour, we found it!  I’d taken a shopping bag and it was getting increasingly heavy and Col was saying “I think that’ll be enough”, but then we’d find one more!  This morning as I put the stones into my re-purposed birdbath, I found that we had collected just about the right amount, and an amazing variety of stones.

That beach was a bit like God’s word.  From a distance it looks like a whole lot of words on a whole lot of pages, but as we look more closely it’s a treasure chest of gems – life stories, battles, victories, failures, wisdom, poetry, songs, love stories and so much, much more. 

If we look from a distance we only see words…..probably many more than we want to read!  However, for the diligent it is a never-ending delight which I like to call “The Maker’s Handbook”. The writer of Psalm 119 was so convinced of the truth and goodness of God’s word that he wrote 176 verses on the subject!

Because God’s word is life and truth, it can only do us good, and lead us along the path to eternal life and joy which God planned before time began.  Jesus said in Luke 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”  It is food for our soul.  Psalm 19:7 says “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

I love knowing God’s word in these uncertain days because it tells me what is coming and what is to be expected, so instead of being fearful, I have a peace and assurance that God is in control, and that in the end……He wins!  Ask God to give you a desire to read His word.

Prayer:  O God, you are the source of all wisdom and you have revealed your wisdom and your ways to us in your word, the Bible. Help me to have a heart to seek your truth and love your word because your ways are life and peace. Amen

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.