Reality of Past, Present, and Future

Recently, each afternoon I have been spending my time by sitting at a table with people from 4 or more different countries and speaking English. For me, this comes naturally as it is my mother tongue, but for others, not so easiliy - but sometimes I definitely wonder if maybe they know more about my language than I do. If nothing else, it has made me more aware of the words I use to express myself and also, at times, more thoughtful of philosophical.

 

For example, some words which came up yesterday were fade, forward, and ahead. Colours fade, fashions fade, seasons fade, memory fades. So many things just slowly start to fade away. In a year from now, how much will I remember of the past 5 weeks, which have been so amazing and encouraging in many different ways, not least of which is the people which have been met and come to know. Whenever I think of moving forward, and what is ahead of me, also the thoughts come of what is behind me which is so good sometimes that it is sad to think that our motion is forwards and not backwards, we will never see those times again - maybe similar times in the future though. It is also sad to think that maybe memory will fade and we will not remember those times. What is ahead is unknown - and what is unknown can be awfully frightening sometimes. Moving towards the unknown - this is what a forward momentum towards what is ahead gives you.

 

On the upside though I know some things which will never fade - like the love of God, and his faithfulness, mercy, and grace. I know that I will never be alone as He will always be at my side. I know that I will never lose some things from my past like the lessons one learns as a young child from their parents. I know that while what is ahead is unknown I am not alone in facing it, which makes it an adventure - one to be taken hold of with both hands, and that it is a privilege to be able to move forwards and seek improvement not only in the world around us but also in ourselves - I look forward to each day and the opportunity to come to know God more.

 

So lets not dwell on what will fade but be excited on what we know never will. And lets be unafraid of moving forward or looking ahead for the Lord has been there before us and with Him at ones side it is a privilege, an opportunity, and an adventure.

 

Thankyou Lord

 

God Bless

Differences, Worry, and Wisdom

Apparently I started writing this post some time ago however when I opened it up to have a look and post it, I found a blank page. I apologise for not posting anything for so long - life has been a little crazy (but wonderful). I am now writing this post from almost the opposite side of the world to where I have been, quite a journey - in more than one way... but you can ask me about that later if you would like to hear more.

I have been learning lots and lots but I thought today I would share just two things with you.. a few things which I found different about living in the UK from Australia, and something I've been reminded of during my quiet times with God.

#1 - the penny piece is still in circulation here as opposed to the 1 and 2 cent pieces in Australia which were phased out sometime ago. This means there is no rounding up or down when purchasing items. £1.99 actually means £1.99 , not £2!

#2 - the traffic lights turn to amber (with the red) before it goes green.. a kind of get ready to go signal, I like it.

#3 - I really like not having to wear a helmet when riding a bike on the road, and can now understand better why others from over this way find it annoying having to wear a helmet in Australia.

Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His rightousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble.   - The Holy Bible, Matthew 6:31-34

This I found as a brilliant reminder of what is most important in life. It starts with therefore, and so relating it back to the rest of the passage which precedes it. The middles sentence kind of covers these though - seek first the kingdom of God and His rightousness. What is most number one in your life? What is most important? What do you worry about the most?

What this passage is saying is that the answer to these questions should be God, and God, and well, we shouldn't really worry about God - but eternal life. We still need food and drink, clothing and shelter, but these should not become so important to us that we forget about God. Our God, the God of the Bible, is a loving God who looks out for His children. He knows we need these things to surivive in this sinful world but He will provide them if we seek Him first. 

What this passage is not saying is that if we believe in God that they will all magically turn up in front of us - life will likely be hard, we must do what we can, and we need to remember that God uses many different people. So thank those who help you, but also praise God for His provision.

As for the last sentence, this is not saying that we should never plan, and live always for the now, what it is saying is that we should not let any day slip away for worry of what is to still come. If you are worried about something, than do what you can and then hand it over to God that you do not waste the rest of the day for worry of something you can do nothing about.

But it is also a reminder of just how God is in control of each and every day, and has power over each and every moment (and worry). But if you are still not sure what to do remember what God has told us through James, in The Holy Bible 'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.'

Please don't misunderstand this passage, it doesn't say you can ask God for just anything and He will give it to you. It is talking specifically about wisdom, Godly wisdom.  

God Bless