New year

So, we are now in January 2015.

I remember some years ago listening to some songs which were looking forward with aspirations to the year 2020. It sounded like such a long way away and now it seems in a blink of the eye and we'll be there. They were singing of an end to all of the world's big problems - but now if it's really just a blink of the eye away, those songs which talk about man destroying everything seem much more likely - unless of course Jesus the Christ returns.

They say that in different cultures we have different ways of looking at things - some look just at the now, some are always looking back, and some are always looking forward. I think these are all helpful things to do.

Think back over 2014 - what's changed? How have you been challenged? Grown? How about others? Nationally? Globally?

Think forwards through 2015 - what's coming up? Any changes? Challenges? Concerns? Think forward beyond 2015 - what are you most excited about? Why?

The world we live in often encourages people to make new years resolutions. I don't know how this stated our where it came from but it is what many people do, and actually that is not a bad thing. The problem is that these resolutions have often become something to wish without putting in any work or effort and so the words are empty.

If you're making any new years resolutions this year, let's make real ones. Ones which takes into account where we've come from and where were going - not just where we're now. And let's be men and women of our words, and follow through - not giving into darkness but remaining in and/or pursuing the light.

So while I don't generally make new years resolutions I feel like I should be sharing with you so if I were to make one it might be something like... To continue and progress in all that I have already begun, reaching and keeping to micro targets/goals along the way, while keeping true to myself and growing closer to God. Okay, if I really made them this would be bullet pointed and more specific but you get the general idea.

God bless.

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

'God's Will'

A little while ago at church we went through a series on Divine Guidance looking at What is 'God's Will'?, Why is Decision Making so Hard?!?, and A Guide to Godly Decision Making. I was reflecting on what was spoken about during this time and a previous blog and thought that I should clarify or correct something which I had said in case it is taken the wrong way.

On June 14 of this year in Gods Guidance I wrote the following in the last paragraph.

'Who better to turn to when we have questions, are in grief, or are so relieved, happy, or joyful about something? I know God has something planned for me to do and in His time this will be revealed to me but for now it is best to do what you can while that time is still on its way. I'm waiting for that time but in this waiting, it is a preparation time and God is teaching me many things.'

God's will for us is quite simple and is given to us in the bible. That we live godly lives. This first means that we know Him and are in Christ.

'And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.' (John 6:40)

Then the question beckons, what does it mean to live a godly life? Is a missionary more godly than the old lady cleaning up after church, or a pastor more godly than those they serve? Based on their positions, the answer is no. Godliness as we read in the bible does not depend on what you do, but how you act. It is to do with our character, the motives behind what we do.

Paul tells the Colossians to

'put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another... but above all these things put on love' -3:12-14

And in his second letter to Timothy to

'Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.' -2:22

This is not to say that God does not also have a personal plan for each of our lives, he does! We read in Psalm 139 (1-4, 16)

'O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether...  

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was  none of them.'

God knows us personally, intimately, even before we ever know ourselves! And he has a plan for us but the wonderful thing is that we don't need to know what it is, and we can't stuff it up, no matter what! Even if we knew it, we couldln't stuff it up. When making decisions don't assume that one path is the one that God wants you to go on and the other is against God. Most of the decisions we agonise over are those where both paths are for God.. just choose one!

This brings me to the other point I wanted to make in response to what I wrote. God reveals things to us over time but everything we need to know he reveals to us through His word, the Bible. In the Old Testament we read of how God appeared to Noah, Moses and Abraham and told them what to do, and in the New Testament how he appeared to Saul. We read this and ask for the same thing, 'God, tell us what to do?' If we really read these stories though we will notice that these are the exceptions, not the norm. And they were not asking God to tell them what to do, in fact, most of the time it was quite unwelcome - they didn't want it, although they followed once it was given.

God reveals things to us through His word. The more we read, the more we spend time with God, the more we get to know Him and His character and are able to make decisions which align themselves with what we know of God. I find that most of the time I see things which have been revealed to me and the way God is helping me to make decisions and direct my life, after they have already happened. There is something to be said about looking back, and considering how God has lead you to where you are now.. just be sure not to dwell on the past.

So, this weeks question is what is something that you have learnt of God Character?

Coming up: a look at 'Personal Symbolism'

God Bless

Gods Guidance

So, it's been a little while since my last post. Partly that is due to the fact that I am not on the internet reguarly and partly due to my momentarily forgetting about this blog, as nobody reads it anyway. Despite this, I am determined to keep it up and I think it is a good thing coming up with things to write about, reflecting, or venting, as the case may be.

Recently during my devotion time with God, He has really got me thinking about what He has designed me to do. And at the same time not dwelling on it, the future or the past, but focussing on what you can do right now while still keeping those thoughts in the back of your head. Multi-tasking in the process of thought and reflection.

single flame god future teaching plan

God has designed each and every one of us as a unique human being, a child of God. He has given each of us different talents and passions that we might all be able to work together to help do His work. This is not because He needs it but because He chooses to use us, much like a child 'helping' their parents cook or clean. And He knows what is ahead of us, the number of our days, before we are even thought of. How Amazing is our God?!

Who better to turn to when we have questions, are in grief, or are so relieved, happy, or joyful about something? I know God has something planned for me to do and in His time this will be revealed to me but for now it is best to do what you can while that time is still on its way. I'm waiting for that time but in this waiting, it is a preparation time and God is teaching me many things.

So, there is a little of what God has been teaching me.. what is God teaching you at the moment?

Changes

This is just going to be a short one as I do not have much time.

It seems like so long since I wrote my last blog but I guess that's because so many things have changed, instead of it just being routine like I was talking about last time. So, I guess there's one big change which I'll get out of the way first. True to form, I am moving again. So.. if you have contact details for me here.. they will no longer get me as of.. probably tomorrow.

Another change last week was that I got to be cook for a few days as the younger boys went into town for a few days to participate in a swimming carnival with the local school. While it was fun and a nice change, I don't think I would like to have to do it all the time.

And the third change which I can think of is that we had the first muster of the season yesterday. It was good to be able to get out for a bit and fun watching the boys go at it. Plus, we got to join in bringing up the back in the ute.

One thing which all of this really reminds me of is just how much God is in control and actively shaping our lives. It's good for us to plan ahead but we shouldn't be against that changing if that's what ends up happening. I am so thankful that my life is in His hands, and not my own!

God Bless.

Endings and Beginnings

Don't really have much to say today but thought I had better put something up as I am leaving tomorrow morning and I have a feeling that the next couple days are not going to leave me feeling like updating this thing anytime soon so..

I mentioned last time that I really do not like goodbyes. Part of this is because it is a focus on the past, on what has been, and sometimes we just get too caught up in this to look forwards to where we are heading, to where God is guiding us.

You know that saying that sometimes when a door closes another one opens. Well sometimes it seems like there is no other door, there is just a room with one door in and out.. look for a window! Not everything is in our face, or obvious, but God is always there for us and if we go the wrong way, He will put us back on the right path.

What I am looking at at the moment is a new beginning, and I am excited to be going and trying to find out what God has in store for me. After all, we are to spread the gospel and do his work, not just sit back in our comfort zone with our friends and family around us, but to keep them while going forth and making new ones as well.

So, let us be strong, unafraid, and go forth! After all, if we are with God, we know that no matter what happens it will all be okay in the end, as He knows what is best for us, even more than we do!

God Bless.