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Meditation Monday: Thoughts to ponder from this year’s ‘Global Leaders Summit’.

* Bill Hybels opened the conference with his usual setting the tone, inspiring message.
Within this message was much for leaders of all levels.
Bill recognises that the church can’t simply stay where it is, there has to be a desire to move to the next point of the journey that God is calling His church too.
Some, within the church may feel that things are going well, God is being glorified, and not what to move on.

• A thought for the church to ponder, “What is the cost of staying where we are”?

* Adam Hamilton spoke about “leaders falling”! A very difficult subject to cover and one that Adam did very well in his message.

I want to share the • 5 Steps to “Resisting Temptation” that Adam spoke of:

1. Remember who you are: A father, a husband, a child of God.

2. Recognize the consequences of your actions:
“Will I feel better or worse after this?”
“Will it make you feel more of a sense of freedom or more one of shame?”
“Who will be hurt by my actions?”
Think about the worst possible outcome….

3. Rededicate yourself to God:
Stop, Drop to your knees, and pray whenever you feel temptation – doing so is like taking a cold shower.

4. Review struggle to a trusted friend: By telling the secret to another, it lessens its hold/power over you.

5. Remove yourself from the situation.

The above steps need to be applied by all; I’m sure you would agree!

* Bishop T D Jakes closed the conference and was a surprise gem for me. I’ve never heard him speak before.

I’ll close with this last thought From the Bishop, specifically for leaders:

“As leaders we need to gain out direction from God and then feed that through to the church; in doing so we MUST guard against diluting or polluting Gods direction”!

A Thought for Thursday - No Condemnation!

Do you ever get to a time in your life when you feel like you need to turn over a new forest, let alone a new leaf?

Then you decide that tomorrow is the day. You're fired up, motivated and ready to rumble. But when tomorrow gently wakes you, you turn over and hit the snooze button. Know that feeling?

Paul felt the same. He talks about it in the book that he wrote when God's Holy Spirit inspired him.

Read what he says:

^21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

²⁴I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?

²⁵The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. ^1-2With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

^3-4God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that.

The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.

^5-8Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored. (Romans 7:21-8:8, The Message)

Another translation puts it like this:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Do you feel condemned? Does something keep telling you that you'll never be good enough? That you'll always hit the snooze button and never get those leaves turned over? I have news for you. If you belong to Jesus Christ:

Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. !

Nuff said.

Meditation Monday: God has green fingers!!

Growth, have you ever sat and wondered about it?

God loves growth!

Look with me at some examples from scripture:

In the book of Genesis we are introduced to Adam and Eve; one young couple with a mighty big task before them.
God created Adam and Eve then called them to fill the earth with mankind; in other words, God wanted them to make babies!

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27–28, NIV)

Today there are approximately 7 billion people on the earth.

God loves to grow things!

Okay, think now about the nation of Israel.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the Old Testament character by the name of Abraham (You can read his story in the book of Genesis). Abraham had some sons, one was called Isaac who also had some sons, and one was called Jacob.
Jacob had a bit of an issue with his brother Esau.
The dispute led to Jacob living away from the land of his birth for a long time!
One day, after deciding to return to the land of his birth Jacob had an amazing encounter:

24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.
28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:24–28, NIV)

The name Israel means ‘he struggles with God’.

So God gave Jacob a new name and the nation of Israel was born.

Today there are between 7 & 8 million people living in Israel.

God loves to grow things!

One last example from scripture:

The church

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:13–18, NIV)

The Apostle Peter probably had no idea what he was letting himself in for. God was going to grow His church on and through him!
You can learn how the Words of Jesus were fulfilled by reading the book of Acts and seeing how God’s church grow; we today, as the people of God, are a part of that growing church.

Today there are approximately 3.7 million Christian churches meeting around the world.

There are close to 50,000 new congregations being added to the church each year.

God loves to grow things!

So what’s the secret to God’s success?

One word: NURTURING

God as the Master Grower does the nurturing; He feeds, He waters and He protects those things He seeks to grow.

He feeds and waters us today as He meets our physical and spiritual needs!

He protects us from the attacks of the enemy!

God loves to grow things, and guess what - He is good at it!

So today let me ask you this, ‘what growth is God looking for in your life’?

Are you a new Christian just starting out in your relationship with God? Then He will want to grow the relationship He has with you.

Are you someone whose been walking with the LORD for a long time? Well, God is still looking to grow you!
He wants to challenge you today to step out into something new, to try something new as an act of service and worship to Him.

Are you going to let God use His green fingers in your life?

When preaching yesterday at ‘The Vine’, I closed my message with the statement below; let me close this meditation with it today.
I would ask you to ponder it as you seek more of God and His will in your life:

“Growth from God will only come as we surrender to Him. We need to stop trying to bring about growth in our lives by ourselves, and let God work his miracle of growth in us”.

Will You?

A Thought for Thursday: 'Dare to go for it'!

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan-

Some grow through childhood in to adulthood being told that they are ‘useless’ because they’d failed somewhere along the line in something they sought to achieve.

But shouldn’t our failures become our life lessons?

It is rare for a person to ‘always get it right’, but if they give up because they’ve listened to the voices of criticism around them - the world in which they live will lose out!

Mistakes made today are ammunition for your future!

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:13, WEB)

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday: Mothering the Poor

For today's w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r I've listed two links that you can use to find out more about the heroine who inspired us on The Vine yesterday:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1979/teresa-bio.html

Bill Hybels has done extensive research on Mother Teresa and highly recommended her biography. The biographies of great people of faith, and also books of their letters can be deeply inspiration, challenging and even life changing. Consider finding one at your local library or picking one up online.

Testimony Tuesday - A thought from a heroine

At a conference two years ago, this quote from Mother Teresa blew me away:

"A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me."

It still does. Despite this quotation being specifically in the context of abortion, there is a broader challenge in there is for all of us, as sons and daughters of God. Do we treat people with the love and respect due to them because they were created by and are loved by God? Do we 'throw people away'? Do we dismiss them?

Or do we have those loving arms...'give him to me'?

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see,that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.” Jesus - speaking about himself and fulfilling prophecy from Scripture about the Messiah - Luke 4:18-19

That same Spirit lives within us because Jesus died for us and we believe. So are we?

Are we:

Proclaiming that captives will be released?
Proclaiming that the blind will see?
Proclaiming that the oppressed will be set free?
Proclaiming that the time of the Lord's favour has come?

Mother Teresa said 'If you don't want him, give him to me'. Jesus says 'Come to Me, captive, blind one, oppressed one.' 'Come to Me, hungry one, naked one, homeless one, crippled one, outcast, unwanted, unloved, uncared-for, burden-to-society, shunned one. Come.'

Mother Teresa, accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 said:

I choose the poverty of our poor people. But I am grateful to receive [the Nobel] in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.

This morning I leave the following song phrases for you to ponder along with Mother Teresa's quoted words and Jesus purpose as He said it in Luke 4. Click through to the link to hear the songs and ask God what your
purpose is within His plan. Who should you be opening your arms to...'If you don't want him, give him to me.'

We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

~ Tim Hughes - God of Justice from album Holding Nothing Back

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

~ Casting Crowns - If We are the Body from album Casting Crowns

Meditation Monday: Women's Day. For Men.

Today we celebrate Women's Day in South Africa.

This day commemorates 9 August 1956 when women participated in a national march to petition against pass laws (legislation that required African persons to carry a document on them to ‘prove’ that they were allowed to enter a ‘white area’).

It's a tribute to the fact that women are capable of far more alone and certainly a great deal more together than they are often given credit for. I'm all for honouring women.

But today's meditation involves men.

Today I want to honour men who choose to hold their leadership within their homes and in business with gentle, thoughtful and considerate hands. I want to honour men who choose to bend their ears to their wives, honouring these with their full attention, insight and understanding. I want to honour men who consider their wives and female colleagues as equal and different to themselves and who celebrate both whether among those who do the same or among those who would scoff.

I want to honour men who strive for integrity at home and within their business worlds. These men want to be the people that they say they are, even when no-one is watching. Men who do the right thing, no matter the sacrifice to themselves or their comforts. Men whose word is still their bond - whose 'no' is no and whose 'yes' is yes.

These are men who make time to mentor those coming behind them. Who lift those young than themselves up to their shoulders and allow them to build where they have laid the foundations, regardless of where man's glory falls. These are men who, in every way they can try to create a frame within which their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters can be beautiful and free.

I want to cheer for men who are equal to the kind of women that marched that day. Women and children are watching you. Because when you stand tall and strong, full of godly character, all our hearts swell with pride and we are inspired to be better people than we think we are.

But you, ..., are a man of God; so run from ... evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. ~ 1 Timonthy 6: 11-12a

Friends Friday: Young friends

God talks to us in His word about children. It's clear that He loves them. When His Son was on earth, He welcomed them. He said that His Kingdom belongs to people like them. God's word says that out of their mouths He has ordained praise.

When I met my young friend Simone, she was still a child. I have learnt a great deal from her. I learnt about how to worship God with abandon. To be perfectly honest, I'm still learning that from her! I learnt, too, about how simple faith works. Just believing that God is who He says He is can change the way you live your whole life.

On Sunday, I will have the deep privilege of baptizing Simone. She has said that she believes in Jesus Christ, she loves Him and she wants to follow Him. On Sunday she will say that to the world. She will tell them what has already happened in her heart. I will be filled with joy.

We make it so complicated and convoluted. But really, it's simple.

How about you? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you love Him? Do you want to follow Him?

When will you nail your colours to the mast and be baptized?

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For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6 verse 4

A Thought for Thursday: 'I don't want your money, honey. I want your love.'

We have three verses to think about this Thursday morning:

"...a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." ~ Jesus (Luke 12:21)
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." ~ Jesus (Luke 12:31)

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." ~ Jesus (Luke 12:34)

I think these verses speak for themselves. It's always good to check the context of the passages. You can read the full passage online here.

What do you think? How rich is your relationship with God - on a scale of 1 to 10 - one being dire poverty and 10 being extravagantly, gloriously wealthy?

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - What's love got to do with it?

Love from a Kid's Point of View

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth."

"Love is when someone hurts you, and you get so mad, but you don't yell at them because you know it would hurt their feelings."

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is okay."

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

—What Is Love—From a Kid's Point of View, LightSinger, (accessed 3-14-02); submitted by Jerry De Luca, Montreal West, Quebec

Testimony Tuesday - From user to pastor in one Jesus step

Our Testimony this week is from regular contributor Mark. If you'd like to talk to him more about it, please email The Vine using the link on the right hand side of the blog and he'll email you back.

...

I was pretty messed up with drugs. I was using cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine regularly. To the point where I couldn’t start, or even get through a day without some kind of drugs, even if it was just cannabis.

As a train driver such living was not good. I had tried to give up using drugs many times but just couldn't get free.

One day I was at work when I was asked to take a train to Edgeware. Upon arrival I smoked a spliff and then drove back to Morden. When I got there I found out they were doing drugs tests and it was likely that I was going to be tested.

I would have failed the test obviously. I called my mother and asked her to phone my work and pretend that someone in the family had died and I was needed at home. This worked. I was allowed to leave work without being drug tested.

Anyway, this messed with my head big time. I caused my mum to lie and I worried about being found out at work.

About this time St. Peters – my mum’s church - was having one of their open days. Trev and my mum were both saved and encouraged me to come along which I did. I was surprised to find that it wasn't just old people but there were loads of young people excited about God. This started me thinking all about the God they were excited about.

I think it was that same weekend that my mother had a birthday party where I met Sandy, a friend of mum’s. She tried to share the gospel with me. I tried to put her off by telling her all the bad things I had done in my life in an attempt to put her off. It didn't work. Sandy sat and listened to me for what felt like hours.

When I had come to an end of what I could tell her she gave me this incredible hug which I now recognise as Jesus hugging me through her. She said that I wasn't a bad person but someone good hiding behind a mask. This blew me away and added to my thoughts about God.

Soon after this I was invited to attend an Alpha course. That evening the subject was “why Jesus died on the cross”. Jesus showed me that night that all the bad things I had shared with Sandy could be forgiven if I turned to Him. The following Sunday I did just that, I gave my life to Jesus and he saved me.

He really saved me. From that point on I no longer needed or used drugs. It was like He flicked a light switch and drugs were out of my life.

I've had a lot to work out with Him as a growing child of God but that work has led me to a new, complete and exciting life with Him.

I'm now some thirteen years later, I’m married and living in South Africa where I serve as a pastor!

I can look back at my life now and see that my drug use, and the other crazy stuff I had done, was an attempt to be accepted and wanted even if by the wrong element. It worked, I was accepted and loved but it could only last for a short time, such a life could only end with my destruction. God has shown me that I'm accepted in Him, I'm loved by Him and that He wants me so much that He chose to die for me.

Man, I love telling my story. GOD ROCKS!

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If you'd like to talk to him more about it, please email The Vine using the link on the right hand side of the blog and he'll email you back. He'd love to share more with you about how Jesus loves you and He can turn your life around, too.

Friends Friday: He ain't Heavy, He's my Brother

Some of my favourite verses in the bible come from the wisdom literature. This includes Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

I'm thinking about friendship today, and I realised that carefully chosen close friends help me to guard my heart:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. ~ Proverbs 4:23 NIV

I believe that it's so important to get good, godly men and women around you as you grow in your journey with God. The Bible has some things to say about this:

^9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!

¹¹ Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.

¹² By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, The Message) emphasis mine

The journey with Jesus can sometimes be hard - in Psalm 23, the psalmist talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. That walk-through can be really tough. Godly friends walk with you and their friendship can be like a mini-oasis in the desert.

⁹ Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, The Message)

Friends keep you grounded and accountable. I trust my close friends always to tell me the truth, even when it hurts.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. ~ Proverbs 27:6 NIV

When I'm not sure about what to do, I ask my godly friends to help me think it through. They help me get perspective and I don't feel so alone.

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. ~ Proverbs 12:26

My close, godly friends love me come what may. I was thinking about this as I watched The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There's a scene at the end where Frodo, who is trying to complete his mission, collapses. His dear friend Samwise Gamgee (Sam) holds him and talks to him about the things that bring him joy - his beautiful home and how it will be springtime soon.

And then...

Sam looked at him and wept in his heart, but no tears came to his dry and stinging eyes. "I said I'd carry him, if it broke my back," he muttered, "and I will!"
"Come, Mr. Frodo!" he cried. "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well. So up you get! Come on, Mr. Frodo dear! Sam will give you a ride. Just tell him where to go, and he'll go." ~ The Return of the King: "Mount Doom," p. 218 emphasis mine

A friend loves at all times... Proverbs 17:17a NIV

...even the hard times...when they have to carry you. Cultivate some godly friendships on this God-journey. You won't regret it.

A Thought for Thursday: Truth

Satan has another name. The Father of Lies.

When negative thoughts fog your mind and drag you relentlessly down, it's wise to carefully consider where those thoughts might start.

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Garbage in. Garbage out. If you let the lies, negativity and ugliness to come into your head and heart, you're likely to end up with a whole load of garbage.

Amy Grant sings:

Are you living in an old man's rubble?
Are you listening to the Father of Lies?
If you are then you're headed for trouble.
If you listen too long
You'll eventually die

...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ ~ Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 10:5) (NIV)

The next time you feel overwhelmed with negativity, check some of those thoughts against Scripture. Against the words of Jesus. And ask yourself if they're the truth. Because the truth will set you free.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - free stuff

Today's post is simply a link to a site with free Christian e-cards. Why don't you send a 'Thinking of you' card to someone who needs encouragement today?

Friends Friday - Life Under The Spirit!

Friends Friday is posted this week by a regular on The Vine, Mark. If you like this, there's a link to his blog at the bottom of the post where you can read other posts and find out more about him. Enjoy!

***

As Christians today, do we listen or should I say, discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?

We so readily turn to a book of rules that show us the way to get things done! When we get things done our faith in rules are strengthened. But what about when we don't get what we're trying to do, done; do those same rules then start to condemn us?

In the Old Testament we see the people of Israel seeking a list of rules from God as to how to live as His people (You can read all about this in Exodus and onwards, particularly when Moses went up Mount Sinai). The people of Israel had been invited to meet with God but sent Moses in their place out of fear. They wanted him to come back with a list of rules as what God wanted of them, rather than going and meeting with God for themselves and having their lives changed by the encounter!

God gave them their rules! And although they had periods where they got things right, they actually spent more time getting things wrong! That's when the guilt and condemnation starting to pull them down into periods of hopelessness and depression. Countless sacrifices had to be made in the temple to atone for all their rule breaking.

This all changed when Jesus came; He was able to complete the law in its fullest and then went on to give His life as a sacrifice for our sin (our rule breaking); a once of sacrifice that doesn't need to be repeated!

For all of us who have received from Jesus, all that His sacrifice for us brings about, including the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), there’s some very exciting news I want to share with you:

The law of the Old Testament, though still important in that it teaches us about God and His will, is not what is going to give us victory as Christians. It’s not the law but the Holy Spirit that gives us victory. If we put all our hope in the Law and allow it to be our guide then we are heading for disappointment, because none of us can keep it fully. However, if we turn to the Holy Spirit to guide us as to how to live this new life, as a Christian, we have hope and will have victory.

"The Holy Spirit not only opens up Gods Word to us; He also enables us to fulfil it."

The grace in the above statement can be life changing if you would but receive its truth into your life.

Are you just a rule follower or a Spirit led believer of Christ?

Life Under The Spirit!

A Thought for Thursday: It's not inside it's on top?

At small group last night, I was reminded again that God's thoughts are not the same as mine. We were reading about God choosing David as king. David's family and even the man who was going to anoint him would have picked someone else. Maybe even David himself would have chosen someone else.

But God said:

"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7

You can read the story here.

I was challenged again by how I evaluate people. Today's thought passes this challenge on to you. How do you judge people? How do you decide who people are?

Ask God to show you which people you have seen from the outside. Ask Him to show you their heart - the way that He sees them.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - Jesus

In my time with God this morning, there's a question from Jesus that all of us end up having to answer:

Who do you say I am?

What's your response?

Meditation Monday - The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

I don't know how many of you have seen the movie The Mission, but there's a scene where a Robert de Niro's character is struggling with a huge burden of things that he is carrying up a mountain. He is struggling to get to the top of the mountain. And then the ropes are suddenly cut away and he's free.

Are you feeling like the camel just before the last straw? Or maybe even after the last straw?

Jesus doesn't want that for you:

He says:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Rebecca St James sings a beautiful song about this called Quiet You with My Love:

Come to me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
...

Lay your head down on my shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while

And I'll quiet you with my love
Rejoice over you with my song, with my song
...

Perhaps you should read through what Jesus says again. It's for you, too.

Friends Friday - Back home: My privilege?

Our Friend this week is the very beautiful - inside and out - Corneli. She serves God full time through Global Challenge Expeditions. They describe themselves as "is a wineskin for God in which young leaders are discipled. It provides a playing field for 20-somethingers to experience life changing challenges inspired in an adventurous journey."

Corneli studied Communications & Politics and, after 14 years of longing for one, has recently bought herself a guitar!

***

I’m home…
After halve an hour in a hot bath, I put on a Nichole Nordeman CD and pore a glass of Amarula cream. While supper is boiling on the stove I place my laptop on the granite kitchen counter top and as I glance at the Africa map against the wall my thoughts drift back…Back to the red dust and the beautiful African sunset, to the mountains of Burundi and the white beaches of Zanzibar. I remember the bumpy two day bus ride across the country of Tanzania, the live chickens that did not survive the baggage hall and the lady’s bag of fish swaying in front of my face. I remember the face of the child, still scared of the Mzungu (white person), but lighting up as the puppet show appears front the seat behind me. I think of the bananas we bought through the window at the bus stop – that was probably her only daily income… Vitumboa in plastic jars, flies and the man with his AK 47 hanging loosely across his shoulder.

My supper is done.

As I return to my seat I remember the three pieces of meat on the bed of rice. I could identify the aorta of whatever it was we ate… And then that child, staring through the door as we ate more than we had room for. Eating because it was expected of us, because the pastor in his buttoned up suit wanted to bless us. I choked at my Coke and the banana in my throat turned dry…
I’m not so sure when last that kid had something to eat… I had just preached about practical Christianity, about sharing your food with the hungry, yet it was my team member that demanded we divide the bananas and hand them out.

Suddenly I wonder if I locked my car…

A car… We were ten people driving around in a Toyota Prado. It was a tight fit, and a bumpy ride. But we could drive where we needed to be. The only other vehicle on that roads is the construction workers in trucks and the one Japanese Bakkie. There you drive a bicycle, with a bakkie’s load on the back.
Seeing the lights of my car flash I think of the one candle burning in the house. We could hardly see each other, and they definitely did not understand what we were saying, but that night the pastors’ family sat looking at us; amazed at this white skinned people, laughing and chatting, being oblivious to what it means to survive in these mountains. Oblivious to what it takes to prepare the meal we just gulped down. Still in wonder and convicted by their unconditional hospitality I remember the warm water running down my back at the end of a day. Yes, the cement floor of the washing room was cold. Yes, I had to pore it out of bucket, but it was warm and enough…

Did I mention they greeted us with palm leaves, singing and dancing? Did I mention they washed our clothes with their hands? Did I mention they gave almost all they had? Did I mention they walked for two hours to hear me teach? Did I mention that I went to serve them? Did I mention that I thought we had the answer?

Now, I have to go and eat, and then I have to iron my clothes and prepare for tomorrow, and phone a friend, and I still wanted to clean my room – there’s too much stuff standing around.
I have to be busy to fit this world, I have to proof my success, I have to become someone…

But when I close my eyes, that big white eyes inside the pitch black face stare at me… Smiling… He just wanted shoes to go to school, but in my busy reflex I said ”Sorry I can’t help you”. Why do they always want money? Always want something?

My food is getting cold.

MY food, in MY kitchen, listen to MY CD, after locking MY car… Maybe I have too much… Maybe it is MY turn to give… Maybe it’s NOT about me…

Maybe my privilege is my responsibility to meet their need…



Bus stop
















Children

A Thought for Thursday: God is.

The thought for today is...What if God is who He says He is? How would it impact your life if you really believed it deep in your heart?

Moses has an awesome experience with God in Exodus chapter 34. God tells Moses who He is:

...He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness... ~ Exodus 34:6 - NIV (emphasis mine)

Do you believe this? How would this understanding of God affect the way you life your life? The way that you speak to Him? The way that you talk about Him?

Read the verse a couple of times. Mull it over. Let it sink deep into your heart. God is who He says He is.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - Still my soul

Today's w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday is a song from Keith & Kristyn Getty. You'll like it. You can buy it online as an MP3, or sheet music or you can look out for their CD's at your favourite bookstore.

Click here and choose Still, my soul be still from the list. The lyrics will be on the page. Let us know what you think.

We have too little stillness these days.

Be still, and know that I am God! ~ Psalm 46:10a

Testimony Tuesday - He saw me

Yesterday we were talking about Hagar, and that, despite awful circumstances, God saw her. This happened to me, too.

There was a time in my life when God showed me that a particular relationship in my life was harming my relationship with Him. I needed to end it. It was a very hard time and I thought that my heart would never be the same. I cried a lot. A lot.

I used to go for a walk every morning during that time. It was a good time to enjoy the fresh air and my beautiful surroundings. Often I would feel God's presence as I walked, partly in His creation. This was a real comfort to me.

One morning, as I walked across the road, I walked under a tree. A drop of water from a leaf fell onto my cheek as though a tear had come out of my own eye. I suddenly realised that God was telling me that He knew how much pain I was in and He was weeping, too.

I often remember the story about Mary and Martha when Lazarus had died. Jesus knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, and yet He felt such compassion for the sisters and for His friend that He wept.

A verse that meant a lot to me in that time of deep grieving was one from the psalms:

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ~ Psalm 56:8

Perhaps you'll think about this verse the next time you are distressed. Like God saw Hagar, He sees you. He knows. He cares.

Meditation Monday - He sees you

We're having a look at Hagar today. This lady was very shabbily treated. Things went from bad to worse. I'm sure that you've been there.

Read the first part of her story here. We'll continue with it very soon. In this part of the story, God speaks with Hagar and she realises that He sees her.

Consider this today. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, no matter what kind of circumstances you find yourself in, like Hagar, God sees you. He loves you.

In Psalm 139, the psalmist cries out to God:

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

When I read Jesus' tale about the lost son, I see this same kind of story again - His loving presence. Watching and waiting. And I hear Him saying gently "Whatever you've done, whatever you've become, come back. I love you."

Friends Friday - The Word

Today's blog is from a friend of The Vine from the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands in SA. Peter is a pastor there along with his beautiful wife, Edelgard. Their children are all grown up and have their own families. He originally trained as an architect and he designed the lovely home that they live in. A recent anniversary present reveals the depth of love between the couple, a lovely flower garden that Peter planted for Eddie. You can listen to more of his sermons here.

The Bible, the Holy Scriptures. Touched my life. Changed my life. Directs my life. Comforts me and counsels me.

As we look at the bible, it's like a diamond. We're familiar with the wonderful facets of a diamond. Take an engagement ring or diamond and look at it in the sunlight and it reflects so many different, radiant, brilliant, dazzling, blinding, colours. One diamond. One stone. And yet the facets reflect so many different and dazzling and brilliant colours. When I mentioned the word 'diamond' to my congregation, a number of the ladies smile. What's that song? 'A diamond is a girl's best friend'? The bible is my best friend. I want to show you some facets, some aspects, of the Word of God.

The first thing that I want to mention is the divine Word. The spoken Word. The Word that was spoken before there was anything. And when it was spoken, there was something.

Of course, I'm referring to the first chapter of our Bible. When God spoke the universe into existence. The first thing that He said was 'Let there be light.' And there was light. And so God illuminated the universe with the light of His truth. It wasn't the same light that we get from sunlight. That came a little later when He made the sun and the moon and the stars. But right there in the beginning, He separated light from darkness. And as I read my Bible - as God speaks into my life through the agency of His Holy Spirit - He separates light from darkness and He illuminates my way. So there is that 'creation Word'. In Genesis 1:3 it says

And God said, 'Let there be light.' And there was light.

I like that.

Then there is the written Word. This particular sermon was written for a Sunday when Bibles for Believers were sharing at our church. Please click through to find out more about the great work that they are doing.

The first record of a written word in the Bible is in Exodus 24:12,

The Lord said to Moses, 'Come up the mountain to me and while you are here, I will give you two stone tablets which contain all the laws which I have written for the instruction of the people.

So we have God's spoken Word in Genesis and then we get God's written Word in Exodus. He puts it down in writing. Sometimes businessmen - unfortunately it's occurring more and more today - ask that something is put down in writing. In the old days, you just shook hands, and you gave your word. 'I want that in writing, please.' 'I want to see it in black and white.' 'Sign on the dotted line.' Praise God! Not only did He speak His Word in Genesis, but in Exodus He got busy and He wrote His Word. 'This is what I have written.'

The other thing about God's word is the indispensible Word. It's found in Deuteronomy 8 but Jesus quotes it to none other than the devil in Matthew 4:4.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

The bible is more essential for my survival than the bread on my table. This is a Word that gives to me eternal life.

But He answered and said, 'It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

We've had the spoken word, we have the written word, and we're told that the word of God is indispensible. We can tell the devil to his face, as Jesus did. But the wonder of wonders is in John 1:14:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

It was spoken, it was written and it became flesh. So we thank God, and at communion, we celebrate the Word that has become flesh.

Then there is the inspired Word in 2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living.

This is a living Word. It's the only book in the world that's alive.

When Adam was created, he was a magnificent clay sculpture. But he was dead. He had no life in him. He just lay there. Magnificent. Beautifully modelled. Beautifully structured. Wonderfully created. But dead. Until, as we read in Genesis 2:7,

And God breathed into his nostrils and he became a living soul.

That clay came alive. Pulsating, vibrant, vital, sensitive, alert, responding life!

This book is alive. Handle it with care. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the Word of God is God breathed. Theopneustos. Breathed of God. It has life in it. And all of us have had an experience of the living Word. That's why, when I read the bible, it speaks to me.

I've read the bible a number of times. I've just finished reading 2 Corinthians in my devotional times. I sometimes read other books or novels a number of times. I like to read military history. I've read a number of books a number of times, particularly the struggles in Africa. But I know what's coming. I know what the next chapter's going to be about. But with the Bible, I know what's coming, but it speaks to me afresh. It meets me today. It's not history. It's not even a newspaper. It's now! In the same way as if I was speaking to you now and you heard me, God's Word is alive and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It speaks to me now! And God knows where I'm at. He knows my experience. He knows my fears. My doubts. My ambitions. My aspirations. He knows the imaginings of my mind and soul and spirit. And He speaks to it by His living Word.

None of these can take precedence over the other. Finally, this is His saving Word. Romans 10:17 says

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

I don't know where you are today. I don't know if you have confidence of salvation or not, but, as you hear God's Word it brings faith into your life. It presents the Word, which is Christ. Christ, who died for you on the cross, paid the price for your sin and mine. It's the Word that saves us.

This is the precious Bible. The Holy Scriptures. With so many different facets shining brilliantly God's truth. The truth that sets us free.

Today, consider sponsoring this living Word of God for someone in Africa through Bibles for Believers.

A Thought for Thursday - Shadows, Light and Salt

Our small group read an unusual passage last night. I don't think I've ever heard a sermon about it.

The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. ~ Acts 5:12-16

We talked about this amazing thing - that God used even Peter's shadow to heal people. I thought about this some more. I wondered about my own life. Why don't I see that in my life? Is God using me to touch people for Himself? For His Kingdom? Is every part of my life available for Him to use to touch others?

It wasn't Peter, but the Holy Spirit inside Peter that healed the sick people. It made me think about a particular passage:

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. ~ Matthew 5:13-16

If I stay close to God - don't lose my 'saltiness' - and don't hide my light away, then I am salt and light to the world. God can use me to touch others for Himself. For His Kingdom.

There's nothing boring about that! Whoooo hoooo!

What do you think?

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - scary hairy malary!

Today's w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r is a cartoon from a favourite site of mine. If you like it, click through to see some of the others at ReverendFun.com.

Testimony Tuesday - It is well with my soul

Today's testimony is the story behind a song that I'm sure that you all know.

Due to time constraints, I'm only giving you a link to the story on Wikipedia. Please click through to it. What an amazing story!

Meditation Monday - Silly Filly

I'll bet you're wondering what on earth this title is all about. Late last year, God spoke to me from a portion of His word:

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant — I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. ~ Psalm 73:21-26

One translation says 'I must have seemed like a foolish horse to You.' And for whatever reason I named it the 'silly filly' verse and God reminded me of it occassionally when I needed His discipline...when my heart was bitter and I wasn't forgiving. This morning I had to forgive again, and remind myself that God remains the strength of my heart. That He is mine forever. I'm not in this on my own. I don't have to do it alone. More than anyone, God knows what it's like to be hurt, to feel angry and betrayed. He knows what it is to forgive.

I had to remind myself about some points from Wednesday night.

This last week, friends of ours from YWAM Jeffreys Bay came to share with our discipleship group. They spoke to us about forgiveness. This is a huge topic that needs to be revisited again and again but it was a really good way to get us thinking and talking about it.

For some, it opened old wounds that hadn't healed, and where we'd not forgiven. I'd felt peaceful on the night, but this morning I realised that I was hearing the silly filly verse in my head again. I'd been sharing my experience with two close girl friends and as I spoke the words that had been the most hurtful and 'framed' the experience for me, I realised again why I tell folks not to let those painful words run like a stuck record through your mind. Capture those thoughts as they start and think of something that reminds you that you're thankful to God for His goodness.
When we don't forgive and we work ourselves up over something, it can turn into bitterness or even a desire for revenge, which we talked about on Thursday, here on The Vine. God has a great deal to say about bitterness and unforgiveness in His word. We'll look a little more at that down the line.

Some things about forgiveness:

> is not a feeling, it's an act of the will.
> is a once off and then again each time you're reminded of the hurt. Something like 'keep on keeping on'.
> doesn't mean that the person or organisation know or understand what they did to hurt you. For example, Jesus prays from the cross “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23
> sets YOU free.
> allows you to be forgiven by God, too. "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us." Luke 11:1-4
> doesn't mean that trust or healing happens instantly.

Hmnn...lots to ponder. We'll be back at this subject soon, I'm sure. Have a great Monday!

Friends Friday - Praying Scripture

Today's blog is a book recommendation from a friend of The Vine, Elaine. She is a pastor's wife that lives on the coast here in South Africa. She trained to be a teacher and enjoys a good game of Scrabble. In fact, I know from personal experience that she's devastatingly brilliant at it.

She highly recommends Stormie Omartian's book The Power of Praying Through the Bible. Stormie is a prolific writer around the subject of prayer. She says her first goal when she writes is to help people come to know God and His love in a deep way and grow daily in relationship with Him. You can read her God-story here.

Elaine says that she has been really blessed by working through this book and encourages us to consider it as a gift for others, too.

You can see a sample of the book on Google Books. Stormie's books are the kind that you read within your quiet time with God day by day. She's transparent and real. She often adds stories from her life that make what she's saying applicable to your own life.

"Stormie journeys with readers from Genesis to Revelation and reveals how God designed prayer so that they can:

communicate with Him
embrace the promises of Scripture
release burdens to God’s care
walk with Jesus daily
listen to the Spirit’s leading

Stormie brings home the truths and the wonder of God’s promises. This gathering of devotions from The Power of a Praying Woman Bible shares Stormie’s heart and the foundation of God’s Word to provide a source of spiritual encouragement and strength for every reader."

Download the first chapter free and see if you agree with Elaine. Let us know how you get on.

A Thought for Thursday - Revenge is...

Today's passage doesn't need any commenting. Jesus said it. Nuff said.

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.

If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. "

~ Jesus (Matthew 5:38-48)

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Romans 12:17-19 (MSG)

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - What are you asking for today?

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and pow'r are such
None can ever ask too much.

~ John Newton 'Ask What I Shall Give Thee'

Do we come boldly before the throne of grace? In our passage today, Acsah was very courageous in asking for further blessing - more than her share.

Joshua 15:13-19

This story reminds me of a couple of other passages - It's important to see what context these words are found in so that we don't get the wrong idea, so click through and read the passages for yourself. If you don't have a lot of time, just pick one and read that passage:

James 4:2b "Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it." Read more about it here.

John 14:13-14 "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" The rest of this story is found here.

John 15:7 "...if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!" Read more about this here.

What will you ask your heavenly Father for today?

Testimony Tuesday - The Kingdom's Pride & Joy

People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." ~ Luke 18:15-17 (MSG)

For a long time, when people asked me to tell them the beginning of my God-story, I had no idea what to say. I don't have a radical 180 degree turning point experience like Mark, who had his drug addiction turn off like a lightswitch. I was just a little girl whose mom took her to holiday club at the church down the road.

Each day - aside from having an absolute blast - they would read to us from Pilgrim's Progress and they'd use felt figures and pictures as a story board. This is probably a bit outdated now for most, but I loved the story. Even as a small person, I identified clearly with Christian and his struggles on the journey to Mt. Zion.

And then one day, they invited us to choose Jesus as our friend. And I said yes. I seem to recall dragging my brother along with me!

Despite many ups and downs like Christian had in the story, I remain deeply grateful that those people didn't shoo me off. That I had the opportunity to accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of childhood and that I've had all these years to love & serve Him.

Give children the chance to hear your God-story and to choose Jesus as their friend. They are the kingdom's pride and joy.

Meditation Monday - Fruitfulness

Today's blog is from a regular blogger here at The Vine - Mark Knight. Click through to find out more about him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5, NIV)

This is a verse that was given to me as a new Christian. I was confirmed in the Church of England by a very special Bishop. The verse is one that God has often brought me back too as I’ve lived out my life as a child of God. It’s a verse that speaks very much of the relationship between a believer and their Saviour. Jesus is our Saviour; He is the source of our life.

A vine can at times look almost dead and even pretty ugly when the season for grape picking is over. I’ve recently seen some such vines in a winery; they hold very little beauty for the observer. In such a state the vines reminded me of the price Jesus paid to give us life. Jesus had produced plenty of fruit in His three years of ministry before He went to the cross.

Then the cross; our broken Saviour beaten and bruised, dare I say even an ugly sight upon the cross. But just like the vine a new season was coming, a time when more fruit would be produced.

Jesus did die, but when He was raised to new life He went on to produce much fruit through those He died for. That fruit continues to be harvested today as people hear the gospel and respond to such a loving grace.

If you are part of the fruit coming from the vine, our Saviour Jesus, then these precious words from John’s gospel should speak to you. We are to remain in Him, the source of life, only then will we produce much fruit. Don’t be found detached from Him, such branches become nothing more than broken twigs, snapped under the harvesters feet.

Friends Friday

Our Friday blog is from David, BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics at university in South Africa. He served for a year with JLife Africa.

Søren Kierkegaard: "Truth demands silence before it raises its voice."

As Christ's sheep you know your Shepherd's voice (John 10). But do you enjoy being preoccupied more than listening? Two of the major ways in which Christ speaks to you is through the Bible and your experiences. However, both of these require you to pull your consciousness away from what is immediately in front of you and do something very rare these days - reflect. Reflecting on how your life has fallen short of God's word, and reflecting on God's presence despite this. And just as a pool which is stirred yields no image of the one staring into it, so too must you be still to know that He is God. No matter how long it takes for your pool to subside, don't stop seeking the truth in his voice until your soul and mind has become completely quiet. Only then will Truth raise its voice and fill you with understanding and peace; an understanding of your ignorance, and a peace which surpasses all understanding.

A Thought for Thursday - Those cheers!

Being at the Nelson Mandela stadium for the England v Slovenia game yesterday was such a blessing! It reminded me of Hebrews 12.1-2:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

As I heard all those fans cheering for their teams, I thought about what Paul was saying in these verses. The roar of encouragement, excitement and anticipation was just a tiny taste of the kind of cheering going on for us every day! This is not just any cheering team - these are the great heroes of the faith from the Hebrews 11 hall of faith-giants.

When the ball was coming towards us for our team to score, I couldn't remain seated...I had to stand and coax them to victory. And I remembered what happened with Stephen in Acts 7:54-56:

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Jesus was standing! Not seated at the right hand of God but standing.

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Run to win. Just listen to those crowds!

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday

Today we're checking out the song story behind 'You're the God of this City' by Bluetree.

We play this in service and sing the words...but do you believe it?

Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done here

Testimony Tuesday - Transparency

Yesterday was my best friend's birthday. You know this kind of person. The story of your life would be very little story if all the bits that included them were left out.

Today's testimony is a little part of my own God-story. One of the things that God taught me along the way is the value of being vulnerable. And transparent. Like a tree without leaves.

Sounds scary, doesn't it? I thought so, too.

My friend and I had been friends for easily 15 or so years when one day, out of the blue, I realised that our friendship could stay the same, or it could grow. Even after all that time. But the growing meant being brave. Very brave. It meant opening my heart to her. Telling her things that I'd never told anyone before. Being real. Being willing to expose who I was underneath and the bits of myself that I really (really) didn't like at all.

Someone had to go first. I took a deep breath and jumped. I said out loud the things that scared me. The things that made me cry on the inside. The things that made me feel ashamed. My secret hopes and dreams. The ones I barely acknowledged to myself.

And now? I can't not be her friend because she knows too much about me!

Now our friendship is written on so many of the pages of my life. It's scripted in bold, italics, and so many different colours and styles. Our friendship has made my life rich and full. And free. Noone tells you about that. They don't tell you that it sets you free. It makes you whole again. Transparency and vulnerability is part of God's design for true friendship.

James 5:16 says

"Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed."

You can read an awesome story of two friends in 1 Samuel from chapters 18 to 21.

Beauty for Ashes

Dear friends of ours had their house burn down this last week. I can't imagine how devastating that must feel. It was incredible to hear him stand up before the congregation and praised God for the miracle he had seen in that. I'm not sure that I would have been quite so ready to bring thanksgiving so soon after something like that.

God has the most amazing laboratory in the world. In His laboratory, He makes beauty out of ashes. Yes - really. You take him the ashes of your life's hopes, dreams and desires, and He makes them beautiful.

You don't give up on your dreams when you become a Christian, you just allow God to change them into what He always intended them to be. God is the author of dreams.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. ~ Isa 61:3

Read the whole passage about what Jesus came to do. As a follower of Jesus, you are a part of this. This is the good news that we share with others when we tell our God-stories. The stories about our journey with Jesus.

Beauty for ashes is not just for you. It's for your family, your colleagues, your neighbours, your friends. It's for everyone.

What dreams have you given up on? What in your life is just ashes? Give it all to God to work on in His laboratory of grace.

I'll trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of Mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

What have you got?

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Acts 3:1-10

What have you got? Or Whom?

And are you giving that away?