So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. (NLT)
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Nehemiah - a life well lived.
If you find a spare moment sometime soon, or you're looking for some inspiration, then take a look at the character of Nehemiah. Thirteen chapters provide a personal account of one man's remarkable life, and I wanted to share some points God has shown me as I've been reading through this book.
1. Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king - but God still had bigger things for him. There's a challenge not to look at life - and say 'I'm peaking here, this is as good as it's ever going to get'. Or to say - 'there is surely nothing more that God will use me for'. (God brought me up on this on Sunday - a small voice whispered in my ear during communion, 'How can you ask, Lord - is this all my life will ever be? when I gave up my life to so that you could have it all') You may feel unimportant and insignificant or you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility but know this God still has more for your life and in his strength you can achieve it.
2. Nehemiah cared about the honour of God and life of the people of God. Rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem was not about making Jerusalem look good it was about honouring God. It was an outward sign of an inward choice to put God first and declare his greatness to all people.
3. Nehemiah's words and actions lined up with each other. How often do you say something and yet live in a way that makes your words count for nothing. Nehemiah lived out what he spoke and people trusted his leadership as a result. When our words are reflected in our lives we will have a profound influence on those around us.
4. Nehemiah's faith in God's goodness and provision was shown by his actions. Nehemiah knew that success in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem depended on God - not on him. He believed that God would accomplish the task in hand and so he stepped out in faith time and time again despite the voices of opposition around him.
5. Nehemiah's genuine faith and concern had a positive impact on those around him. Look at what happens in chapter 5, life was tough for this generation - food was scarce, debt is rife and children are being sold into slavery. But Nehemiah rather than complaining or despairing took action on behalf of the poor, he asked the land owners and nobles to deal responsibly with the people - no charging unfair interest, no more exploitation, and he led this by example, humbly serving the people.
6. Nehemiah prayed at all times. Before anything - he prayed. Seeking wisdom - he prayed. In the tough times - he prayed. When the task was done - he prayed. We are told to 'pray continually' what does this mean in practice? It means involving God in our lives all day, everyday.
1. Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king - but God still had bigger things for him. There's a challenge not to look at life - and say 'I'm peaking here, this is as good as it's ever going to get'. Or to say - 'there is surely nothing more that God will use me for'. (God brought me up on this on Sunday - a small voice whispered in my ear during communion, 'How can you ask, Lord - is this all my life will ever be? when I gave up my life to so that you could have it all') You may feel unimportant and insignificant or you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility but know this God still has more for your life and in his strength you can achieve it.
2. Nehemiah cared about the honour of God and life of the people of God. Rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem was not about making Jerusalem look good it was about honouring God. It was an outward sign of an inward choice to put God first and declare his greatness to all people.
3. Nehemiah's words and actions lined up with each other. How often do you say something and yet live in a way that makes your words count for nothing. Nehemiah lived out what he spoke and people trusted his leadership as a result. When our words are reflected in our lives we will have a profound influence on those around us.
4. Nehemiah's faith in God's goodness and provision was shown by his actions. Nehemiah knew that success in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem depended on God - not on him. He believed that God would accomplish the task in hand and so he stepped out in faith time and time again despite the voices of opposition around him.
5. Nehemiah's genuine faith and concern had a positive impact on those around him. Look at what happens in chapter 5, life was tough for this generation - food was scarce, debt is rife and children are being sold into slavery. But Nehemiah rather than complaining or despairing took action on behalf of the poor, he asked the land owners and nobles to deal responsibly with the people - no charging unfair interest, no more exploitation, and he led this by example, humbly serving the people.
6. Nehemiah prayed at all times. Before anything - he prayed. Seeking wisdom - he prayed. In the tough times - he prayed. When the task was done - he prayed. We are told to 'pray continually' what does this mean in practice? It means involving God in our lives all day, everyday.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Extension update...
I though my blog was lacking in pictures of late so here is a quick update on my extension project!
Yes, my little house has had the builders in the past week, the lady of the house was horrified at the amount of dust created (though probably the housemaid was more concerned by all the extra cleaning!) The basement is up, painted and woodwork all varnished, all ready to be developed into a Victorian post office and pharmacy. Next step - lighting and flooring!
Yes, my little house has had the builders in the past week, the lady of the house was horrified at the amount of dust created (though probably the housemaid was more concerned by all the extra cleaning!) The basement is up, painted and woodwork all varnished, all ready to be developed into a Victorian post office and pharmacy. Next step - lighting and flooring!
Monday, 5 March 2012
The Lord is good and he does good!
Just a quick post of some of the verses we've looked at in church over the past few weeks on the goodness of God. Be inspired to dream big, to trust God for those things that are beyond human ability to achieve and seek after his heart. God is not chasing after you with a big stick - he's running towards you with arms wide open! Praise him for his mercy, thank him for his goodness, be a carrier of the gospel of good news.
Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34v8
I would have fainted unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27v13
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23v6
I don't want my life to pass by as a wasted opportunity for God to reveal his goodness. I want to experience it my life and carry it to the lives of others.
Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34v8
I would have fainted unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27v13
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23v6
I don't want my life to pass by as a wasted opportunity for God to reveal his goodness. I want to experience it my life and carry it to the lives of others.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Every adventure starts with a dream...
My brother and I are planning to walk the Wainwright coast to coast over two weeks in the summer. 190 miles from St Bees in the west to Robin Hoods bay in the east. The route covers some of England's most beautiful places crossing the Lake District, the Pennines and the Yorkshire moors. It's an adventure I'm looking forward to.
The adventure started with the seed of an idea - that grew into a vision. That vision found a voice and became reality. So what do you dream about? What adventure are you hoping for?
We're currently at the planning stage - what do we take? Where do we stay? Where do we eat? etc.etc.The planning stage is important. Successful ventures are generally the well planned ones. You only have to watch one episode of the apprentice or grand designs to realise that poor planning doesn't end well! Planning shows commitment and builds determination. And planning for our life isn't contrary to faith, God was a master planner - he lined up prophesy after prophesy revealing his plan for mankind and Jesus spoke about the importance of planning for his return. However, we must keep Jesus in the plan and when the planning is finished put our faith in him who can make it come to pass, no matter how impossible the dream may seem. Step out of the boat and enjoy the adventure!
The adventure started with the seed of an idea - that grew into a vision. That vision found a voice and became reality. So what do you dream about? What adventure are you hoping for?
We're currently at the planning stage - what do we take? Where do we stay? Where do we eat? etc.etc.The planning stage is important. Successful ventures are generally the well planned ones. You only have to watch one episode of the apprentice or grand designs to realise that poor planning doesn't end well! Planning shows commitment and builds determination. And planning for our life isn't contrary to faith, God was a master planner - he lined up prophesy after prophesy revealing his plan for mankind and Jesus spoke about the importance of planning for his return. However, we must keep Jesus in the plan and when the planning is finished put our faith in him who can make it come to pass, no matter how impossible the dream may seem. Step out of the boat and enjoy the adventure!
Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
and your plans will be established.
—Proverbs 16:3
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Jesus hates religion?
One poem is currently causing controversy on the internet, entitled 'Why I hate religion but love Jesus' it has gone viral in the past week and attracted both praise and criticism from Christians and non-christians alike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1IAhDGYlpqY
The video condemns religion as man-made activity that imposes rules and regulations to make people feel guilty, and focusing on what we can do to draw closer to God and building churches for the people we like rather than being in the world to reach the people Jesus loves. It's true Jesus didn't speak favourably of the Jewish religious leaders - they were self-righteous and missed the very saviour they had been waiting for. And today Jesus is still not looking for self-righteous, perfect people - no he is looking for sinners who are open to his grace and transformation. The only things that ever impressed Jesus were faith and hearts sold out for him. Your best efforts will never come close enough to earn your salvation.
But can you cut religion out and still have Jesus? In my opinion, this perhaps boils down to how you define religion. Like many words (awful, cool, and random for example) religion has changed it's meaning within certain contexts. Religion meaning belonging to a group of people with shared beliefs is quite different from self-made religion which acts as a substitute for faith.
Below is a critical review of the poem and that knowing Jesus doesn't exclude religion, I don't think I agree with everything the author puts forward but it's worth a read and he certainly makes some good points.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/13/does-jesus-hate-religion-kinda-sorta-not-really/?comments#comments
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/14/following-up-on-the-jesusreligion-video/
A relationship with Jesus should result in a lifestyle change, you can live how you choose but surely living God's way is going to be best? You don't have to go to church and that certainly isn't what makes you a Christian - but why wouldn't you? You don't have to pray but if we could only grasp how powerful prayer is, and understand that God not only delights in listening but also has something to say to us personally then we would surely commit hours of each day to spending time in his presence. You don't have to read the Bible, but it will build your faith so why not? If this is religion - then I guess I'm religious! But it comes first from Jesus - and if he get cuts out then it's just a waste of time. I thought the poem was a great piece of art, a message challenging the world, on what religion can become and expressing what Jesus really stood for. It challenged me - what do I do because I think it will make me look good to other Christians? Are there times where my attitude is driven solely from religious perspectives? How closely does my life match up with that of Jesus?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1IAhDGYlpqY
The video condemns religion as man-made activity that imposes rules and regulations to make people feel guilty, and focusing on what we can do to draw closer to God and building churches for the people we like rather than being in the world to reach the people Jesus loves. It's true Jesus didn't speak favourably of the Jewish religious leaders - they were self-righteous and missed the very saviour they had been waiting for. And today Jesus is still not looking for self-righteous, perfect people - no he is looking for sinners who are open to his grace and transformation. The only things that ever impressed Jesus were faith and hearts sold out for him. Your best efforts will never come close enough to earn your salvation.
But can you cut religion out and still have Jesus? In my opinion, this perhaps boils down to how you define religion. Like many words (awful, cool, and random for example) religion has changed it's meaning within certain contexts. Religion meaning belonging to a group of people with shared beliefs is quite different from self-made religion which acts as a substitute for faith.
Below is a critical review of the poem and that knowing Jesus doesn't exclude religion, I don't think I agree with everything the author puts forward but it's worth a read and he certainly makes some good points.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/13/does-jesus-hate-religion-kinda-sorta-not-really/?comments#comments
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/14/following-up-on-the-jesusreligion-video/
A relationship with Jesus should result in a lifestyle change, you can live how you choose but surely living God's way is going to be best? You don't have to go to church and that certainly isn't what makes you a Christian - but why wouldn't you? You don't have to pray but if we could only grasp how powerful prayer is, and understand that God not only delights in listening but also has something to say to us personally then we would surely commit hours of each day to spending time in his presence. You don't have to read the Bible, but it will build your faith so why not? If this is religion - then I guess I'm religious! But it comes first from Jesus - and if he get cuts out then it's just a waste of time. I thought the poem was a great piece of art, a message challenging the world, on what religion can become and expressing what Jesus really stood for. It challenged me - what do I do because I think it will make me look good to other Christians? Are there times where my attitude is driven solely from religious perspectives? How closely does my life match up with that of Jesus?
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