August 19-20 – When did you know?

“Though I have the gift of prophecy and have not love, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling symbol....now abideth faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love”. 1 Corinthians 13:

Recently friends and I have been discussing relationships, you know, how they came about, developed, and came to the place they're at today. The responses were really interesting. They went from “they were the friend of a friend and we became one of the group” to “a work colleague“ to “we met at....” to “we were introduced”. But when asked the question, “When did you first know that you loved them”? They became far more vague in their responses. Some could recall a defining moment, but in most cases love sort of crept up on them as they discovered more and more things in common – it was the friendship that came first, until one day something happened and they came face to face with the knowledge that they loved this person. In common was the fact that with the acceptance of the feelings of love, came the need to make a decision regarding the way ahead.

These responses struck me as being so like our Christian walk. How did we come to have a relationship with God? Did it just creep up on us, or were we introduced to Him by a friend? Was there a tragedy in our lives, or with our loved ones that brought us to reach out for help? When did we come face to face with the knowledge that we loved the Lord and accepted His sacrifice for us? I'm sure our responses will differ widely, but I'm sure the one thing we will have in common is that once we accepted our feelings, we knew we had to do something about it.

Like many of you I was blessed in that I grew up with the Lord from before birth – we can testify to the truth of Psalm 139, 'before I was formed in the womb He knew me, He could count the number of hairs on my head'. He has always been there for me – a constant friend. Ask me to define the moment that I knew I loved Him, and I would have no idea – we sort of grew into each other, then the day of decision came.

What is your experience? When did you know? As important, what have you done about it?

When looking for a song to go with this blog I came across a video by The Gaithers. This aptly expresses our search, whether the love may be human, or divine.

Click on the picture to listen to “When Did I Start To Love You”?.

August 17-18 -

"If the world hates you, remember that they hated me before you". "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

It was October, my mother's birthday, and I had taken her up to the Lake District for a few special days of celebration. We stayed at a small guest house in a village way up in the mountains. What you tend to forget when your home is in a city suburb, is just how dark darkness is at night. Without street lights the darkness, like a heavy blanket wrapped around us deadening the sound of our voices. But looking up above us, the skies....! If I'd ever hoped to see the glory of God, and feel His peace, it was that night. This must have been the experience of Father Josef Mohr that night in Arnsdorf, Austria.

Father Mohr was on his way home on foot after a day visiting parishioners. He was culling over in his mind how he could resolve the problem of the broken church organ in time for the Christmas Eve service – everything else was arranged and he had wanted to round the service off with some special music.

Up in the mountains it was silent and dark, and the only lights he could see were a few from the village below him – and the stars above. Sitting down to rest on a rock, his mind drifted back to another night of silent darkness – the night in Bethlehem that brought us the birth of Christ....Silent night, Holy night. Slowly the words began to come to him. He couldn't wait to get home and start writing them down.

The following day he showed the words to his organist Franz Gruber. As he read on he felt the peace of that first silent night surrounding him, and he began to sing. Those around him knew from then on the song would be immortal as it passed down through the centuries.

There was no organ music in the church on Christmas Eve But as Father Mohr sang, accompanied by Franz Gruber on guitar the congregation listened in wonder as the first rendition of “Silent Night” filled the old church....a Christmas gift to the world, generation after generation, after generation.

(Acknowledgements Author Unknown).

“God is Here” - There is an anointing in the Sanctuary – once again one of Bryn's selection. Click on the picture to listen

August 11-13

August 11-12 -

Wikipedia describes 'Quiet Time' as “a term used to describe regular individual sessions of Christian spiritual activities, such as prayer, private meditation, worship of God or study of the Bible. The term "Quiet Time" is used by 20th-century Protestants, mostly evangelical Christians. It is also called "personal Bible study" or "personal devotions". Rick Warren points out that it has also been called "morning watch" and "appointment with God".[1]

Practices vary according to denominational tradition: Anglican devotions, for example, will occasionally include the use of prayer beads, while Catholics may use a rosary. Billy Graham suggests that Quiet Time consists of three main elements: prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. He also mentions that many Christians accompany these three elements with journaling.[2]

Throughout my life I have always known the 'Morning Watch' as a period of the day set aside to have a “Good-morning” chat with God, worship and praise Him, and ask for His directions for the day ahead. Or, as Rick Warren describes it – an “appointment with God”. To me this period of set-aside time has a whole different function to reading the Bible, or study time, which can be inclusive of family, friends, or groups.

I think Greg Johnson, an Evangelical theologian is on the right track when he states that there's a danger that 'Quiet Time' v 'Morning Watch' can be seen as a law, rather than a means of grace.  His concern is that personal devotions can become a performance treadmill with Christians feeling their daily acceptance with God is based on what they do instead of what Christ did.

I don't know what you think, but does it really matter what we call this start to our day? After all, Christians didn't own their own Bible until the printing press with movable type was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany (circa 1439). Western printing technology was adopted in all world regions by the end of the 19th century, displacing the manuscript and block printing. - meaning, that before that time, only the select few had access to God's Word.  Others relied solely on a one-to-one with God to start the day – just as did Daniel, who regularly met with God 3 times a day to talk and listen to Him (see Daniel 6:10). Throughout the Psalms King David also mentions his times alone with God (morning and evening).

Today, the Bible has been translated into many languages from the biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. As of September 2016 the full Bible has been translated into 636 languages, the New Testament alone into 1442 languages and Bible portions or stories into 1145 other languages. Thus at least some portion of the Bible has been translated into 3,223 languages.[1]

Jesus is our example and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) record that Jesus Himself withdrew to meet in a quiet, isolated place with His Father on a regular basis (see Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:13; John 6:15), and the Apostle Paul, on several occasions, spoke of spending time speaking to God.

So, does it matter whether we call our time with God each morning 'Quiet Time', or 'Morning Watch?' It's regular, personal contact with God that's important. Time to thank Him for being our God. Time to thank Him for His mercies and blessings – protection through the night - another new day – health and strength. Time to put our plans for the day before Him and to offer ourselves in service to Him and our fellow man. It's a time that is necessary for our sustainable, spiritual growth.

I hold up my hand and confess that I fall far short of all of this, i.e turning over when the alarm clock rings; early appointments; incoming telephone calls; unexpected visitors – you name it, the list goes on, for you too I imagine. I keep asking myself, who is the most important here? All of the above, or precious time with Jesus? It's a no brainer, isn't it! They say that procrastination is the thief of time, but it's so much more than this....it could well be the thief of our best friend....and we allowed it to happen.

Music today is one from Bryn's collection - “We've Come to Bless Your Name”. Click on the picture to listen.

“....For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.…” - Matthew 13:15-17

A man stood watching an artist painting a tree trunk. Looking from the tree trunk to the painting and back again, the man finally exclaimed n disgust: “What do you mean by putting all those colours into your painting of that tree? I don't see anything but a drab coloured old dead tree trunk standing there.”“You don't?” replied the artist, indifferently, going on with his work. “But don't you wish you could see the colours in it that I see?”

Like the times of Sodom and Gomorrah, this world has much about it that is ugly, sordid, cheap, and lowering. We live in a “I want it now” society – no mattr what it takes to get it. We can be forgiven in thinking that, like the tree trunk, there's no beauty to be found anywhere. But how wrong we would be to accept that conclusion.

We are each designed and made in the image of God, just as is every flower, tree, insect, bird and animal on the planet. Not one is a replicate of another. Each one is unique. In even the most squalid of conditions, beauty can be found. We just need eyes and hearts to see.

There's a saying that beauty is only skin deep, how untrue that is. The finest beauty is not on the surface. It lurks far below the epidermis and is found in character, morals, loyalty, and love for God and others.

God, give me eyes to see beauty in the common things,
in the storms and tempests of Spring,
the sparkle of dew drops trembling on the petals of flowers and leaves alike.
In the dying leaves of autumn, and the late wind's wild and weird refrain.
God give me eyes to see beauty in the love of family and friends.
Let me see beauty in the routine drudge of work;
and give me hope for each day that springs.
God give me eyes to see beauty in the common things.

“If they could see you through my eyes” (LIVE) – Gordon Mote. Click on the picture to listen.

August 5-6 – Yes!!

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” - Isaiah 43:18-19 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

It's amazing! Astounding! A miracle!! No matter how we may have once again, stuffed up, each day that dawns is a brand new start, a new beginning – no matter who we are, where we are, or whatever our circumstances. Unlike us at times, life never stands still, it always changes. This means that we have the God-given opportunity to also change the direction and road we, and our minds, are traveling.

Our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes are a huge influence on whether those changes bring us new and exciting experiences, or mean we will carry on regardless in our old negative patterns.

Over time we may have become frustrated at the influence certain people have tried to impose on us (could even be a situation we find ourselves in, not of our making...?). At these times maybe only a straight kick to our seats will bring about a new way of thinking. Just a decision to replace old negative ways of thinking with new, positive ones. A kick start if you like to a more desirable future.

The beauty of the dawn of each and every new day is that we don't have to wait to be wiser, wealthier, better educated, or to know more about life – just reach out – reach for the stars, and let the Love that flows through each new day support and sustain you.

You think today has been good? Hold on to your hats – here comes tomorrow!!

(Acknowledgements Pearl Monroe)

Music choice is “Every Day” – Jeff and Sheri Easter (LIVE). Click on the picture to listen.

July 22 - Integrity

'Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.' Ecclesiastes 9:10

The Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has resigned over his religious beliefs.

In a statement he said it was "impossible" to remain leader while "living as a faithful Christian".

Farron faced repeated questions during the general election campaign about his views on homosexuality after he refused to say whether he believed that gay sex was a sin.  He said the experience had led him to believe that we do not live in a tolerant society.  I seem to be the subject of suspicion because of what I believe and who my faith is in," he said.  In which case we are kidding ourselves if we think we yet live in a tolerant, liberal society."

He said he had not been able to "[remain] faithful to Christ while leading a political party in the current environment." (Business Insider UK June 14^th 2017)   Have you wondered what you would have done in his place? Or, if you knew this was to be your last day on earth? It's a sobering thought, isn't it?

The media, over the past couple of months, have broadcast tragedy after tragedy - many lives lost - many bereaved families. Just like that! - no warning! Here one second - gone the next!  I can't help but wonder what thoughts had been going through the people's minds. What plans did they have for the day ahead?....perhaps marriage plans?

James was in the prime of life. Just finished a 1^st degree in medicine. The future was bright with opportunity. He was assigned to work in a district hospital and had proposed to his girlfriend. Not long after, he drove into the city to finalise wedding arrangements, but, as he drove home, head in the clouds, one of the car tyres blew out, causing a major accident....bright prospects….about to marry. James was killed.

What thoughts had been running through the minds of others just before tragedy struck? Unfinished jobs they hoped to get done? Decisions they hoped to make on their return home. The surprise holiday they were planning for the family? Were they working out how they could spend more time with the children? Probably apologies were due when they returned home for 'losing it' that morning because they couldn't find a clean shirt, or get into the bathroom first? 

More importantly, did any of their plans for the day include God? Did they know of His amazing mercy and grace? Had they been told? Had any of them given their heart to Jesus, in prayer, that morning? Life records, suddenly truncated. How did they stand with God - saved, or awaiting the dreadful declaration found in Matt.7:23; 'I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'

All around the world - today - at this moment - the words so familiar to us all….'today, thy soul is required of thee,' are being fulfilled….people are being faced with their eternity.

I ask myself this too. If this was my last day on earth, how would I spend it? What would I do? How many wrongs would I need to make right? How many letters of apology would I have to write? What legacy would I leave behind? All I know is, for me, it would be a cram-packed day! Procrastination would sum it up.

Throughout the Bible we read stories of people putting their head in the sand, thinking there'll be plenty of tomorrows to put things right….'let's enjoy ourselves while we can!'

The temptations facing our young people today are horrendous, and much of the trouble they get into stems from things not of their making. They're corrupted by people who grow fat on their money; who worship the idols of power, and instant gratification. People that live for today, and don't care about tomorrow.  Describe the state of the world in Noah's time, and, like in Sodom and Gomorrah, you describe the world today. Marriage, divorce, juvenile delinquency, crime, alcoholism, immorality - name it then, we've got it now! Everywhere, bloodshed, hatred and destroyed relationships. There was a time when a man said, 'I'll kill you,' he was only bluffing. Today, he means it.

There's no time for God and the last warning message. Many hear the appeals and are persuaded they should accept, but, like the people of Noah's day, they laugh it off - put off their decision for another day. Every excuse is put forward - 'it'll interfere with my reputation, my lifestyle. If I accept that, I'll lose my job, and my partner and friends will definitely walk!' Others see no sense in Christianity at all.

We have freedom of choice, and that takes integrity-the type of integrity shown by Tim Farron. Have we made our choice and given our lives totally to Jesus afresh today, so we have the peace of knowing 'it is well with our souls?' In the past great changes to civilisation took place gradually. Now that's changed. History has shifted up its gears. We're in over-drive. God's next intervention in our affairs will be swift. Decades won't pass into centuries, and centuries into millennia before the total break-up of civilisation. The crisis is close. We must heed the signs! We have no time for fence sitting. It's decision time now. Today may be our last chance to choose the life Jesus died to give us.

If today were to be our last day on earth - I wonder - where would we stand?

“What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul?” - Doc Watson and Ricky Scaggs. Click on the picture to listen.

July 20/21 – Time for a change

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception” (Ephesians 4:22 NLT, second edition).

How many times have you overheard people saying, “I'm going to have a good time while I can – anyway, It's too late for me to change now!” Really, is there a cut-off line then? Or is it a case that making a change in our lives takes effort and their get up and go got up and went years ago!

Change requires making choices. It’s not enough to dream of changing. It’s not enough to desire change. In order for you to change, you will need to make a decision. You must choose to change. But if, over the years because of one reason or another, your self-esteem has fallen to zilch, change for you will have to be more intentional.

Do you have an ambition- a goal? Are you going to be any different in six months? Are you going to be better a year from now? Are you going to be healthier, stronger, and more mature? Are you going to be happier? Are you going to be less in debt? Are you going to be more like God wants you to be?

I can tell you the answer right now: It will only happen if you choose to change, because it isn’t going to happen accidentally. It requires a choice.

Much of the time we say we're waiting for the Lord to change us – in His time. No! God is waiting for you. He’s waiting for you to say, “Yes, Lord, I’m willing to make these changes.”

There's no growth without change, there's no change without loss, and there's no loss without pain. If you are going to grow, you will have to change, and change means you let go of some old things in order to grab hold of some new things.

It’s like swinging on a trapeze. The trapeze artist swings out on one bar, and then he has to reach out and grab the other one. At some point, he’s got to let go of one to grab on to the other, or he’s not going to make it to the other side. If he thinks he can hold on to both, what happens? He gets stuck in the middle, and he’s going down.

Some of us are well and truly stuck in the middle, attempting to keep a foot in both camps. But we have to let go of our old ways, our old patterns, old habits, and old ways of thinking, and keep our eyes firmly on our goal.

The Bible says, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life” (Ephesians 4:22a NLT, second edition). In other words, let it go. Those old habits, those old hurts, those old patterns, those old sins in your life — let them go. The Bible says to throw them off and trust that God is working in you “to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13b NIV).

(Acknowledgements fevr)

Music today is “"Change My Heart O God" - the Vineyard (with lyrics) to listen.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Yesterday Roger Federer won Wimbledon for the 8^th time. Nothing unusual about possibly him winning, as he is perhaps the GOAT (greatest of all time) tennis player. But this time he was the oldest player to achieve this feat, aged 35.

Last year was not such a good year for him and many, if not most, had written him off. Indeed, when Andy Murray, the British tennis player, had finally dethroned his long time arch rival Novak Djokovic from the world ranking number one tennis player, many in the sport hailed it as a ‘new era’ of dominance. Federer had different plans though and took six months off the sport to rest and recuperate.

But what did he do in that time? Not only did he rest and spend time with his family but he missed the entire clay court season and the chance to win more money and championships in order to come back on his terms. Well, it certainly paid off as this year has seen more injured players either retire during a match or play badly because of injury than ever before during this tournament prompting discussion in social media about whether these players should get paid for not completing a match.

Do you ever feel exhausted from church work? Granted church is a voluntary choice for most people that choose to go, but nevertheless it can take its toll on time, family and relationships. Maybe you don’t need to take six months off, but consider visiting another church for a few weeks to recharge your batteries. You never know, like Federer, a break could give you the lift required to go that extra mile.

Kelly Willard sing ‘I will cast all of my care upon you’. Click on the picture to listen.

July 13 - True Friendship

Those of us of a 'certain age,' looking back over the years, can sometimes be heard to say “When I was younger....” But I'm convinced it's a fact. Take friendship for instance. It was pretty easy to make and keep friends. Conflicts seemed to be dealt with quite easily, and were soon forgotten, but over time, I've noticed friendships have seemed to become more and more complicated. There are more factors involved and conflicts can run deeper between friends. But with the increasing use and spread of technology, in particular social media - 'facebook', 'twitter' etc., we have become more defensive, and find it harder to forgive and forget. Age too brings it's own changes. As you get older friendships can become harder to make and harder to maintain.

God is relational and God has made us relational people. So why do we find relationships such hard work? Ever since Adam and Eve our world has been marked by strained relationships.

The book of Proverbs offers a great deal of wisdom on the subject of friendship. and spends a lot of Proverbs  describing and defining friendship.

One of the prime qualities of a friend is loyalty.

Prov. 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”

There are friends who merely pretend. But there is friendship that goes deeper and shows more loyalty than that of a brother.

Prov. 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”

A friend in need is a friend indeed. According to Proverbs there will always be fair-weather friends. But a true friend will be there through thick and thin. In case we think only of the friendship we hope to receive, we are told to give this kind of loyalty, even to our parent’s friends, in Proverbs 27:10 which urges,

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you — better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”

You know that old family friend of your parents? Make sure you keep being loyal to them too.

Another quality of friendship in Proverbs is Honest Counsel.  A true friend must be lovingly honest and should help shape their friend’s character.

Prov. 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

Like a surgeon, friends are honest with you – they say it how it is – they cut you in order to heal you. If a friend says hard words to you out of love, it's far better than kisses from an enemy. True friends will rebuke you when necessary, point out where you are going wrong. This is never easy to do, and unless you are a real friend, you probably won’t say anything negative. So if a friend of yours is sinning in some way that comes to your attention, the loving thing to do is lovingly, gently confront them.

Prov. 28:23 “Whoever rebukes a man will afterwards find more favour than he who flatters with his tongue”

Likewise if a friend pulls you up on something they think you are sinning in, don’t go defensive or counter attack, accept their words as words of love. For true friends counsel and encourage each other

Prov.27:9 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel”

Prov. 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”

Friends become wiser together through a healthy difference in points of view. Counsel and healthy disagreement in a friendship can make life sweeter and you sharper. A true friendship will have both elements. So be honest, frank and open with your friends.

That’s the character of true friendship. How do you stack up? Are you an honest and loyal friend? Can you say the hard words to your friends? When you friend goes through a hard time are you the first one there with a hug and phone call or prayer? Or are you nowhere to be found?

Real friends always let you in, and they never let you down.

(Acknowledgements fervr)

What else could be today's music choice but “Can you Reach my Friend” - The Heritage singers. Click on the picture to listen.