To BE like ...

Henri Nouwen wrote, "At every moment you have to decide to trust the voice that says, 'I love you. I knit you together in your mother's womb' (Psalm 139: 13)."

What most jumps out at you from this? Decide? Trust? The notion that someone, God, loves you? How He created you? Or is it even a questioning of how this choosing might be dependent upon the circumstance, after all, it is much easier to trust when things are going good for us, isn't it?

What might your choosing, your deciding be?

I know for me there is a strong desire to ALWAYS trust, 'whatever' the circumstances. There are occasions where this has been put to the test and yes, I have trusted, my faith has remained unwavering. Yet I can understand the occasions where this might be difficult for people.

Is this the thing that makes the difference though - this last aspect, whereby we listen to the voice that says, 'I love you. I knit you together ...' I cannot get away from this thinking that what really makes the difference is not God knowing me, but me knowing Him. And further getting to know Him, more and more and more. That the real factor here is my relationship with Him developing, growing, becoming more significant every day, because I spend time with Him. 

Think about it a moment. What tends to happen when we do this? Is it not true that we often begin to pick up on the attributes of this One we spend time with? Something of them begins to rub off on us? We begin to be influenced by them.

That is how I see it with God anyways. As I spend more time with Him, I hope I begin to BE more and more like Him. Do I always? No! But it is my aim, my desire.

To BE like Jesus, this hope posses me ...

But then God...

I had a terrific opportunity to connect with a friend in the UK via Facebook chat this morning. The conversation surrounding what we are doing now, work, where we are living and family, leads me to remember the faithfulness of God.

I think of our (Jenny & I) children  and realise how wonderfully blessed we are. That blessing reflects the graciousness and faithfulness of God. I have always wanted that they are solid in their own faith, have good partners (Christian) in their lives and enjoying life (happy & fulfilled). 

Well, both our girls are married and their partners in life are great guys. They are loved, have fulfilling jobs and are very happy. They enjoy life and family and friends over anything else.

Our son has had a challenging time the past month or two. For him it was like the whole world was collapsing around him, all that he loved and hoped for. It is hard when you just want to say it will be ok and embrace them and care for them in your home. Easier said than done from a distance and when you are living in trust and in hope. You commit it all, commit them all in prayer to God, again, trusting, hoping and believing. Time tests you, makes you wonder, allows room for some doubt, wondering...

But then God...  back to the beginning, faithful always. Prayers answered. A house with some mates to share with. Some good final gig's for a couple of bands he has been in. A tour to commence in three states this coming week. God IS good! 

Not detracting from the faithfulness of God, I am grateful for the faithful people (some of you) who have been prayer warriors alongside us. Those willing to remember our children before the Lord and pray - 'thank you!'

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness - always! Keep our children/families close to Your heart, protecting, comforting, caring and empowering them for ministry and life - thank you!

Where do you run ...

In some suburbs we have identified houses which are termed safe houses. A place of refuge for any children going to school or returning home after school, for whatever reason might feel, or sense they are unsafe. These are places where someone is known (usually) to be home between these hours. These people are trusted. They will provide a safe place, a listening ear, comfort and act upon the threat that exists.

That is what came to mind for me as I read the following:

Psalm 143:1-12 (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my plea!

Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

2 Don’t put your servant on trial,

for no one is innocent before you.

3 My enemy has chased me.

He has knocked me to the ground

and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

4 I am losing all hope;

I am paralyzed with fear.

5 I remember the days of old.

I ponder all your great works

and think about what you have done.

6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.

I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,

for my depression deepens.

Don’t turn away from me,

or I will die.

8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I run to you to hide me.

10 Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing.

11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.

Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies

and destroy all my foes,

for I am your servant.

And especially this verse:  9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.

I think it is important to know where to go when we are feeling uncomfortable in some situation. A place where we can feel accepted. Where someone can care for us. Where someone can set us on the right path. A place where it is safe. And I certainly believe there is no place where that is more applicable than if we were run int the presence of God. We can do this because He is faithful and righteous. We can do this because of His unfailing love.

Let us trust in Him in the ups and lows of life, and know Him to be our safe refuge and place of acceptance.

And know ...

There is often some real gems in the Psalms for us. Tonight I pick up on a couple of points that stood out for me, you will find them in bold in the Psalm below:

Psalm 46 (New Living Translation)

1 God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

3 Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,

the sacred home of the Most High.

5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

From the very break of day, God will protect it.

6 The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!

God’s voice thunders,

and the earth melts!

7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:

See how he brings destruction upon the world.

9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

I love the reminder that in God, I find both my refuge and strength. The Psalmist highlights the effects of disaster that obviously would have been familiar to the people, earthquakes, high seas ... This reminded me of a Blog by Major Brad Watson whilst on deployment to Haiti. Attending a worship service one Sunday, the people were singing of this very fact, though the elements were against them, they trusted in the Lord. Oh that I might continue to place my trust in God to be there for me when stuff is happening around me, and especially when I am affected by it. I want to bear testimony to His faithfulness to me in all things.

The next point was the lovely invitation to - “Be still, and know that I am God!" For me a challenge to settle back and take some time out with God. Reflect upon His majesty, His goodness, His presence, His being. To know Him, and get to know Him better, as God.

Enjoy the Psalm and see what the Lord has to say to you through it.

Small windows ...

You may have heard before the urgency that lies for us to be faithful in telling the Message of God (the Good News). Such Scriptures remind us of Jesus coming as a thief in the night (in other words, the timing being unknown, but it could be any time, so be prepared, ready, on guard even).

Another reminder comes in this passage of Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Firstly, be reminded of the task at hand: we are to preach the Word of God. And there is a huge challenge in this task – "whether the time is favourable or not." And further to this, here is what this will look like (the preaching of the Word of God) – with patience correct (let them know what is wrong with what they are doing, how they ought to be going about their lives, what is truthful, accurate, acceptable , remember though, in patience), rebuke (reprove, reprimand, take to task over – again remember, this is still in the framework of patience), and encourage (I like this one and find it more natural for me, give confidence – your confidence in them, hearten them, cheer them on).

Secondly, and back to the urgency aspect, for a time is coming when they will no longer be willing to listen, the window of opportunity is at times very small and could close at any time. They may give their attention to the ways of the world, chase after that which satisfies the flesh. By then it may have become too late – they reject the truth and chase after myths, false teachings, etc.

Wow, what a responsibility we have. How important that we are faithful to the call God has placed upon us to faithfully preach His message when the opportunity presents. Yet, don’t be too overwhelmed into thinking of the responsibility that you freeze from responding. Remember, the Lord provides the strength and the words, we just need to respond by being in the place He has sent us and open our mouths as He directs.

“Lord, it seems at times a daunting task. It is easy to become overwhelmed and even respond that this is too much of a responsibility to be placed upon my shoulders. Yet, it is good for me to remember then, that my responsibility is not for the salvation or response of others, but to be faithful and  obedient. Lord, help me to BE Your willing and obedient servant.”

Contentment ...

I am reminded again today of just how easy it is to fall short of the mark or the goal I might have. Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in Philippi with these words:

Philippians 4:11-12 (New Living Translation)

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

I am still to learn this practice of contentment. I tend to be a person of the "more and better". I love technology and electronic gadgets. I love new. I love to learn (thus more books are purchased, and yes, most if them are actually read). However, I wonder how I would fair if there were only a couple of things I could have? What would I choose? I have thought of this at times in this fashion, if I were to get an appointment overseas and could only take a few boxes of books, what would I take? (I reckon Patrick Lencioni would fair well, as would Andy Stanley, Wayne Cordeiro and Bill Hybels, I reckon that might be my limit of books already.)

I am glad though that Paul did not leave it there when referencing his contentment, for he goes on to record:

Philippians 4:13 (New Living Translation)

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

It is still a journey, yet I think I am getting there. I reckon I am learning to be more dependant upon Jesus to be my sufficiency. And the more I think about it, even right at this moment, I believe I could do without my gadgets and such (well maybe not the bike and riding gear, but I think He might allow those things for keeping physically in tune - here's hoping).

"Jesus, I desire for You be not only my Hope and my Protector in life, but that You also give me the strength for each new day. So that I can stand firm in the promises You have for me. So that I can be effective for You in this mission of connecting with people with the Good News. Help me to keep learning and trusting in You each brand new day."