One of my darkest memories as a kid was when my 3rd grade teacher laughed at me because my feet didn't reach the ground at my school desk. It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't in the middle of class where 20 other kids joined in the humiliation. And to make it worse, the next day he brought in a little wooden footrest - which he displayed to the whole class - so that I could rest my feet on it. As a 7 year old I didn't understand the concept of being out of control of my life, but I certainly understood what humiliation was. Being humiliated is being out of control. A child has no way of steering the conversation, pulling the wheel, or navigating their way out of these 'controlled' environments.
Victims of crime can explain to us that feeling of helplessness as someone else bigger, or stronger, dictates the outcome they want. Victims of abuse know all about being out of control, where someone with the muscle, or the authority, holds all the aces. Parents know what it's like to helplessly watch their children make bad decisions, knowing there is nothing they can do about it, and knowing that only 'The School of Hard Knocks' will be the teacher. No one enjoys this feeling. Whether it's the playground, the classroom, the office, or the bedroom, no one likes to endure this powerlessness.
I believe there is built into each of us a God given desire to have control of our lives. Of course, as children we are dependant on parents and carers to protect and guide us toward our futures, but sooner or later we develop a sense that we want to see things unfold the way we want them to.
The central character of my last blog, King David of Israel, is again a prime example of having to deal with this.
One of his sons, Absalom, has decided he wants to be king instead of his father. This is no small feat, seeing he wasn't the oldest boy and the real king wasn't dead yet! The whole account is found in the Bible from 2 Samuel chapter 15, but I'll just take the highlights out of it.
Absalom was a very patient young man. Unfortunately this wasn't a good quality in him, but rather a cunning patience, with his only goal being a king in total control over his subjects. His Father, David had become king reluctantly after years of trial and hardship which taught him about human failure and compassion. But Absalom wanted only the gold, the girls, and the glory.
Absalom spent at least 4 years planning his coup, and 4 years planting doubts about the kings ability to rule the land. He spoke secretly with family leaders, bodyguards, palace officials, and anyone who would listen. He slowly but surely gave them an alternative to his father as ruler, making it look much better than it ever could have been. We've seen this in many modern day nations where some military leader gets it in his head to become President or Prime Minister, and gets the army onside and topples the government. Absalom did this same thing, except he did it over a longer period of time without the violence.
One day when he felt he had the numbers and the support he made his move. He had positioned significant people around the country to proclaim his Kingship at the same time, thereby toppling his father.
But Absalom hadn't factored in 2 important things: 1. There were many people in the nation who would remain faithful to the chosen king. And 2. His father trusted the God of heaven over and above his own ability to remain king. King David makes a baffling decision recorded in chapter 15 verse 14 (Baffling to some people, that is) - He leaves the Capital. He knew that his son would resort to violence to enforce his rule so David leaves, and thereby sparing the population a war. (Can you imagine if this principle were used both in the home, and all the way to the world political scene? It makes me realise how powerful Jesus' words were when He said, "Blessed are those who make peace" Matthew 5). Some of his faithful military people told him to stay and fight for what was rightfully his. But he tells them that it could be that God is finished with him as king, and that God himself will decide who will take charge. I guess we could call this 'letting go of control'.
David wrote songs and poetry as a hobby - a diary of sorts - and at this particular time he wrote Psalms chapter 3. It's interesting to see behind the man, and what it was that drove him. I've already mentioned that the first thing he did was to refuse to defend what God could easily take from him. He starts off this song by saying, "I have a lot of enemies, Lord". He called a spade a spade, didn't he? And he told God exactly how he felt. But then he calls on old truths which he knew were still true, despite the facts and despite his feelings - truths like, 1. You are my shield 2. You answer my prayers 3. I am not afraid
In essence he was making a declaration, God, you are in control! And part of that truth means that I don't have to be in control to make things work out for me.
Think about these things.
Talk soon . . .
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
What if . . . .
Have you ever said this? "What if I . . . "? Or, "If only I . . . "?
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda. These 3 words describe our feelings when something goes south, or we muck up some part of our lives, or we miss out on some fantastic opportunity that happened to someone else. We think we coulda done it differently, or shoulda said such and such.
Some counsellors and psychologists say that if we focus too much on regret (what if, or if only) it can cripple us emotionally, and stop us from getting on with the next phase of life. I think one of the reasons we regret is because we never truly mean to stuff things up so badly. We say something awful in a moment of anger, or worse we act out some nasty deed that we never would have done if we thought it through long enough.
Someone said, "Instant gratification is short lived and full of regret". That's true isn't it? We say or do stuff sometimes because we're angry and want to do something to hurt someone, thinking it will 'even the score'. But it never really evens the score does it? Somebody else's hurt can never fix your own hurt, I believe.
In these moments of madness it's hard to believe what Jesus promised when he said,
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! (Matthew 5:9 CEV)
How do you handle your regrets?
Let me show what one man did many years ago. His name was David, and he was the King of Israel around 1000 years B.C. He saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing and wanted her. He ordered her to the palace and had sex with her. (Whether she was a willing partner or not is not important at this time). She was a married woman and so David had her husband moved to the front lines in the war and he was killed. He then had the woman move in to the palace and he married her.
In the following months God sent a prophet to rebuke David and tell him that God wouldn't let his actions remain a secret, but would expose him for the sins he'd done. David asked for, and received, God's forgiveness. (This is a whole other story in itself which is worth reflecting on, but not right now in this post).
Now Bathsheba was already pregnant with the King's child. After the little boy was born he got very sick, and after 7 days, he died. During these 7 days David lay on the ground, had been fasting, didn't bath himself, didn't shave, ignored his appearance, and generally (it seems) hated himself for what he'd done.
The Bible records that after the child died David got up off the floor and bathed, shaved, did his hair, and started eating again. The palace servants didn't understand him at all. They said to him, "while the child was alive you neglected yourself; but now the child is dead you start living at though nothing bad has happened".
King David's reply here is the key, and the best way to move on from painful regrets, I believe. He said, "While the boy was alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, 'Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live.' But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me".
There are 2 things here that I think are crucial to moving on:
1. Accept the fact that what's done is done. No matter how spiritual you are, or how sorry you feel about your mistakes, there are some things you can't change. Generally speaking the past is one thing you can't change.
2. Get on with the normal things of life. This means getting out of bed, going to work, looking after yourself, and living peacefully with those around you.
A 3rd thing that I personally would do is this: Never underestimate what God can do with your mistakes! He has a miraculous ability to sew your failures into your life's plan and make something beautiful out of something ugly! If you've ever looked at the back of a piece of tapestry you'll see the mess is all behind the picture, away from what is seen. I think that if we can get some of these things in place we will be amazed at what our life's story will say one day.
Talk soon . . .
The whole account of David's sins and restoration is found in the Bible in 2 Samuel 11 & 12 (NIV).
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda. These 3 words describe our feelings when something goes south, or we muck up some part of our lives, or we miss out on some fantastic opportunity that happened to someone else. We think we coulda done it differently, or shoulda said such and such.
Some counsellors and psychologists say that if we focus too much on regret (what if, or if only) it can cripple us emotionally, and stop us from getting on with the next phase of life. I think one of the reasons we regret is because we never truly mean to stuff things up so badly. We say something awful in a moment of anger, or worse we act out some nasty deed that we never would have done if we thought it through long enough.
Someone said, "Instant gratification is short lived and full of regret". That's true isn't it? We say or do stuff sometimes because we're angry and want to do something to hurt someone, thinking it will 'even the score'. But it never really evens the score does it? Somebody else's hurt can never fix your own hurt, I believe.
In these moments of madness it's hard to believe what Jesus promised when he said,
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! (Matthew 5:9 CEV)
How do you handle your regrets?
Let me show what one man did many years ago. His name was David, and he was the King of Israel around 1000 years B.C. He saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing and wanted her. He ordered her to the palace and had sex with her. (Whether she was a willing partner or not is not important at this time). She was a married woman and so David had her husband moved to the front lines in the war and he was killed. He then had the woman move in to the palace and he married her.
In the following months God sent a prophet to rebuke David and tell him that God wouldn't let his actions remain a secret, but would expose him for the sins he'd done. David asked for, and received, God's forgiveness. (This is a whole other story in itself which is worth reflecting on, but not right now in this post).
Now Bathsheba was already pregnant with the King's child. After the little boy was born he got very sick, and after 7 days, he died. During these 7 days David lay on the ground, had been fasting, didn't bath himself, didn't shave, ignored his appearance, and generally (it seems) hated himself for what he'd done.
The Bible records that after the child died David got up off the floor and bathed, shaved, did his hair, and started eating again. The palace servants didn't understand him at all. They said to him, "while the child was alive you neglected yourself; but now the child is dead you start living at though nothing bad has happened".
King David's reply here is the key, and the best way to move on from painful regrets, I believe. He said, "While the boy was alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, 'Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live.' But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me".
There are 2 things here that I think are crucial to moving on:
1. Accept the fact that what's done is done. No matter how spiritual you are, or how sorry you feel about your mistakes, there are some things you can't change. Generally speaking the past is one thing you can't change.
2. Get on with the normal things of life. This means getting out of bed, going to work, looking after yourself, and living peacefully with those around you.
A 3rd thing that I personally would do is this: Never underestimate what God can do with your mistakes! He has a miraculous ability to sew your failures into your life's plan and make something beautiful out of something ugly! If you've ever looked at the back of a piece of tapestry you'll see the mess is all behind the picture, away from what is seen. I think that if we can get some of these things in place we will be amazed at what our life's story will say one day.
Talk soon . . .
The whole account of David's sins and restoration is found in the Bible in 2 Samuel 11 & 12 (NIV).
Friday, May 7, 2010
Life without HOPE . . .
They say that hindsight is perfect, or hindsight is 20/20. Former British Prime minister, Margaret Thatcher made the famous quote, "The wisdom of hindsight, so useful to historians and . . . authors . . . is sadly denied to practicing politicians." Sadly, it's also denied to the average person in the street. Think about it: how many of us, given the opportunity to do something again would do it differently? Of course we all have regrets about the way we did some particular thing that didn't achieve the desired outcome. Some of those things are not all that important, and we can live with the regret. But other regrets are not so easy to live with. Especially when you live with the result right in front of you day after day.
I once read an article by a Mum whose middle aged son killed himself. She said the thing that ate him up day after day was how he had messed up his marriage, and his kids lives, and felt he had no way of undoing it. This is truly what we would call hopelessness.
I think that suicide must seem like the best option (or only option) for some who are weighed down with regrets. Hopelessness is a terrible master! Most of us have a genuine sorrow over things we've stuffed up, and feel powerless when we can't 'fix' it. It's this powerlessness that grinds us into sorrow and despair to the point where we see no other way to move on with life.
(Let me digress for a moment. The whole subject of suicide is taboo for some. I've read that some consider suicide as the unforgivable sin. In past times when cemeteries were built next to church grounds people who took their own life were sometimes not permitted to be buried in the same ground as regular folk who died of natural causes. The thought was that the taking of your own life registers too high on God's list of things that can't be forgiven. I don't pretend to be a theologian, but I don't know where this teaching is found in the Bible. Maybe the people who made these rules up didn't know what it was like to be so downtrodden with life's crap that there seemed to be no other way out but exiting. To think that God sees my hurt, and doesn't understand, and have compassion, is preposterous!)
But I have found that there is a way to move on! It's called forgiveness. There is a famous quote from Paul of Tarsus in the Bible that says, " . . but (this) one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead . . " (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
This man Paul had a whole bunch of things in his past that could have torn him apart with regret. He had ordered the death and imprisonment of many men, women, and children whose only guilt was to disagree with his religion. He did this fanatically over a period of time. But he found forgiveness. His past, and his regrets, could have crushed him with paralyzing guilt, and forced him to despair. But he found forgiveness in Jesus. At first he didn't think this could even be possible, for God to forgive him for treating His people so badly. But then he met Jesus and realized that there was nothing that he had done that couldn't be forgiven.
If you read the whole passage from Paul's letter above, you'll see that he mentions 2 things: forgiveness and forgetting. Now comes the hard part - actually forgetting your past. Here's the trick: we can't really forget the past without a lobotomy, can we? Common sense tells us that we will always be able to remember our past. So how can we be expected to do something that isn't possible to do? Here is the difference between knowing about forgiveness to experiencing it. The New Testament teaches that when we ask God to forgive our past sins and failures he deals with them permanently. Just because we remember our sins doesn't mean they're not dealt with. This is where faith comes into it; and I maintain that until you know Jesus personally you will never fully appreciate the power of forgiveness. I'm not talking about the mere knowledge of it, but the powerful ability to look our past squarely in the eye and realise that it cannot control my future. In fact, if the Bible can be trusted, it clearly teaches that God chooses to wash our sins away permanently so that nothing stands between us and all that he has for us. It teaches that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin, to deal with it once and for all. As far as God is concerned our sins don't exist anymore! That's what the word "gospel" means - good news.
I've included a link at the bottom of this blog. It's the lyrics of a song that Don Fransisco wrote called, "Too Small a Price". It's the story of one of the criminals who was crucified alongside Jesus. It's a powerful song of forgiveness, and a second chance, even when you're at death's door.
Bye for now . . .
http://www.streetdirectory.com/lyricadvisor/song/uulffl/too_small_a_pricejoy/
I once read an article by a Mum whose middle aged son killed himself. She said the thing that ate him up day after day was how he had messed up his marriage, and his kids lives, and felt he had no way of undoing it. This is truly what we would call hopelessness.
I think that suicide must seem like the best option (or only option) for some who are weighed down with regrets. Hopelessness is a terrible master! Most of us have a genuine sorrow over things we've stuffed up, and feel powerless when we can't 'fix' it. It's this powerlessness that grinds us into sorrow and despair to the point where we see no other way to move on with life.
(Let me digress for a moment. The whole subject of suicide is taboo for some. I've read that some consider suicide as the unforgivable sin. In past times when cemeteries were built next to church grounds people who took their own life were sometimes not permitted to be buried in the same ground as regular folk who died of natural causes. The thought was that the taking of your own life registers too high on God's list of things that can't be forgiven. I don't pretend to be a theologian, but I don't know where this teaching is found in the Bible. Maybe the people who made these rules up didn't know what it was like to be so downtrodden with life's crap that there seemed to be no other way out but exiting. To think that God sees my hurt, and doesn't understand, and have compassion, is preposterous!)
But I have found that there is a way to move on! It's called forgiveness. There is a famous quote from Paul of Tarsus in the Bible that says, " . . but (this) one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead . . " (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
This man Paul had a whole bunch of things in his past that could have torn him apart with regret. He had ordered the death and imprisonment of many men, women, and children whose only guilt was to disagree with his religion. He did this fanatically over a period of time. But he found forgiveness. His past, and his regrets, could have crushed him with paralyzing guilt, and forced him to despair. But he found forgiveness in Jesus. At first he didn't think this could even be possible, for God to forgive him for treating His people so badly. But then he met Jesus and realized that there was nothing that he had done that couldn't be forgiven.
If you read the whole passage from Paul's letter above, you'll see that he mentions 2 things: forgiveness and forgetting. Now comes the hard part - actually forgetting your past. Here's the trick: we can't really forget the past without a lobotomy, can we? Common sense tells us that we will always be able to remember our past. So how can we be expected to do something that isn't possible to do? Here is the difference between knowing about forgiveness to experiencing it. The New Testament teaches that when we ask God to forgive our past sins and failures he deals with them permanently. Just because we remember our sins doesn't mean they're not dealt with. This is where faith comes into it; and I maintain that until you know Jesus personally you will never fully appreciate the power of forgiveness. I'm not talking about the mere knowledge of it, but the powerful ability to look our past squarely in the eye and realise that it cannot control my future. In fact, if the Bible can be trusted, it clearly teaches that God chooses to wash our sins away permanently so that nothing stands between us and all that he has for us. It teaches that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin, to deal with it once and for all. As far as God is concerned our sins don't exist anymore! That's what the word "gospel" means - good news.
I've included a link at the bottom of this blog. It's the lyrics of a song that Don Fransisco wrote called, "Too Small a Price". It's the story of one of the criminals who was crucified alongside Jesus. It's a powerful song of forgiveness, and a second chance, even when you're at death's door.
Bye for now . . .
http://www.streetdirectory.com/lyricadvisor/song/uulffl/too_small_a_pricejoy/
Friday, April 16, 2010
Suffering
How's this for a promise?
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
This sentence is taken from a letter written in the 1st century A.D. The letter was written by a man known as Peter the Fisherman, or Peter the Apostle of Jesus. He is also known as, 'The Apostle of hope', because he wrote this letter to encourage those Christians who were being persecuted because they believed and trusted in Jesus.
Christians were thought to be a bit simple and stupid by those who didn't share their faith. Imagine trusting a God you couldn't see, touch, or hear? Fancy putting your trust in a Saviour who actually died a criminals death on a cross? But worse than that, there was a section of the community who wouldn't tolerate this new faith that had Jesus Christ at it's centre. Insecure leaders of various religions passed laws that outlawed Christ-followers who practised their faith openly, putting them in prison, and worse. It was to these people that Peter wrote this letter in around 65 A.D. He could see that life as a Christian had become difficult for some, and had severely tried their faith and trust in God.
And so he wrote to them, " . . . trust your life to the God who created you . . . ".
Today in most of the countries of the world it isn't a crime to call yourself a Christian. But there are still many difficulties that are trying, and taxing on our faith. All of us have stories to tell. Recently I was speaking to someone who had lost their spouse to cancer 10 years ago, and is now looking at the prospect of losing 2 children to the same thing. There are financial difficulties that threaten to ruin our lives and families. Our infatuation with self-seeking, temporary pleasure is dividing families and ruining individuals lives constantly. And somewhere along the line we all suffer to some extent. Drugs, crime, accidents, bad decision making and choices, etc. If you are a Christian you will probably be affected, or know someone who is directly or indirectly affected by someone else's grief.
If you are a believer in Jesus, then this letter by Peter is written for you. If you believe that God is your creator then this letter is written for you.
Earlier in the same letter Peter writes, Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
The first thing you need to do is remember, don't be surprised by your difficulty. It doesn't mean you're going mad, or insane, or there is anything strange about you. It also means you are definitely not alone!
The second thing you need is to keep things in perspective. Again Peter writes, For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. What you are experiencing is temporary. Try to keep in mind that you are powerfully influenced by the "instant" world we live in. For example: we get impatient standing in front of a microwave oven waiting for our 2 minute meal to cook!!
Thirdly, keep doing what's right. Don't make others pay for your frustration with life. Even if you think your paying for other people's bad decisions allow your heavenly Father to work grace and graciousness into your life thru it.
Fourthly, trust your life to God . . he will never fail you. This is a big one, I know. It's one thing to see these words written down, but another thing to actually feel the powerful effect of their truth. And I believe the reason we miss out is this: You will never fully trust someone you don't know. Perhaps the reason we don't live in trust is because we don't really know the one who made the promise. Maybe you've never met him for the first time, or maybe you need to meet him again. I can't give you a formula for meeting Jesus. But you will know when he gives his invitation; it could be anywhere at anytime. That's the time to step out in trust and say yes to him. Then you will be in a position to "learn from him" (Matthew 11:29).
Keep in mind that it was God's idea to come to earth and offer forgiveness. He doesn't stand back and wait for us to get ourselves cleaned up before he accepts us. When you have the humility to admit your need, and ask forgiveness you are on the right track.
Talk soon . . . (Quotes are taken from the New Testament , 1st letter of Peter, New International Version & The Message)
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
This sentence is taken from a letter written in the 1st century A.D. The letter was written by a man known as Peter the Fisherman, or Peter the Apostle of Jesus. He is also known as, 'The Apostle of hope', because he wrote this letter to encourage those Christians who were being persecuted because they believed and trusted in Jesus.
Christians were thought to be a bit simple and stupid by those who didn't share their faith. Imagine trusting a God you couldn't see, touch, or hear? Fancy putting your trust in a Saviour who actually died a criminals death on a cross? But worse than that, there was a section of the community who wouldn't tolerate this new faith that had Jesus Christ at it's centre. Insecure leaders of various religions passed laws that outlawed Christ-followers who practised their faith openly, putting them in prison, and worse. It was to these people that Peter wrote this letter in around 65 A.D. He could see that life as a Christian had become difficult for some, and had severely tried their faith and trust in God.
And so he wrote to them, " . . . trust your life to the God who created you . . . ".
Today in most of the countries of the world it isn't a crime to call yourself a Christian. But there are still many difficulties that are trying, and taxing on our faith. All of us have stories to tell. Recently I was speaking to someone who had lost their spouse to cancer 10 years ago, and is now looking at the prospect of losing 2 children to the same thing. There are financial difficulties that threaten to ruin our lives and families. Our infatuation with self-seeking, temporary pleasure is dividing families and ruining individuals lives constantly. And somewhere along the line we all suffer to some extent. Drugs, crime, accidents, bad decision making and choices, etc. If you are a Christian you will probably be affected, or know someone who is directly or indirectly affected by someone else's grief.
If you are a believer in Jesus, then this letter by Peter is written for you. If you believe that God is your creator then this letter is written for you.
Earlier in the same letter Peter writes, Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
The first thing you need to do is remember, don't be surprised by your difficulty. It doesn't mean you're going mad, or insane, or there is anything strange about you. It also means you are definitely not alone!
The second thing you need is to keep things in perspective. Again Peter writes, For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. What you are experiencing is temporary. Try to keep in mind that you are powerfully influenced by the "instant" world we live in. For example: we get impatient standing in front of a microwave oven waiting for our 2 minute meal to cook!!
Thirdly, keep doing what's right. Don't make others pay for your frustration with life. Even if you think your paying for other people's bad decisions allow your heavenly Father to work grace and graciousness into your life thru it.
Fourthly, trust your life to God . . he will never fail you. This is a big one, I know. It's one thing to see these words written down, but another thing to actually feel the powerful effect of their truth. And I believe the reason we miss out is this: You will never fully trust someone you don't know. Perhaps the reason we don't live in trust is because we don't really know the one who made the promise. Maybe you've never met him for the first time, or maybe you need to meet him again. I can't give you a formula for meeting Jesus. But you will know when he gives his invitation; it could be anywhere at anytime. That's the time to step out in trust and say yes to him. Then you will be in a position to "learn from him" (Matthew 11:29).
Keep in mind that it was God's idea to come to earth and offer forgiveness. He doesn't stand back and wait for us to get ourselves cleaned up before he accepts us. When you have the humility to admit your need, and ask forgiveness you are on the right track.
Talk soon . . . (Quotes are taken from the New Testament , 1st letter of Peter, New International Version & The Message)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Have you ever accused God of . . . ?
You can put your own ending on this question. Maybe you've accused him of ripping your life off big time; stealing someone from you; not intervening in some tragedy; leaving you penniless, etc. The list could go on and on because we are all individuals who have different expectations of what God should do for us. It's seems there isn't some 'super mold' where God pours all humans into the same mold for creation purposes. If he did I guess we'd all look, talk, think, and act the same. But, of course, the opposite is entirely true. We look, think, talk, and act differently than others and therefore have different expectations of our heavenly father. You and I could have a face to face conversation where I tell you how God has failed me in my time of need. But you see it differently, and see how he is working out some other path in my life. That's the benefit of being able to talk things thru with someone who cares about you.
But how do you communicate with God personally? Well, we accuse him when we don't understand his work in us. That's communication, isn't it? I mean, he knows our thoughts anyway, so why not just go ahead and voice our frustrations out loud? Do we think that God will see it differently if we don't actually speak the words of accusation? Believe me, you would be in good company if you did accuse God out loud! Even the Bible records people who vented their grievances at God, and they lived to tell their story later!
It seems to me that the act of accusing God, or venting your anger at him is a sign that you believe he actually exists. I am completely in favour of this whole idea. In fact, I believe that God is in favour of it too. Think about it: Do you believe his feelings are hurt if you vent? Do you think that God is insecure when you get angry? Do you think he will vaporise you? I doubt it! He loves you too much to let a little anger get in the way of your friendship with him. Remember that it was God who visited earth 2,000 years ago, in Jesus, and died a horrible death so that your sins could be eradicated, and so that you could experience what it is to be close to him. When Jesus went back to heaven he sent his Holy Spirit so he could live with all of us, and remind us about him, and continually invite us back to him when we fail or slip. No, I don't think he is phased by our frustration.
As a father I know what it is to annoy the hell out of my children. If they come to me and tell me how frustrated they are with me, I would consider this a golden opportunity for connection with them. I would explain my reasons to them why I act a certain way, and then maybe get some feedback about how I can be a better dad (or at least less embarrassing). Unlike me, of course, God is the perfect heavenly father. He generally has a way of doing things right the first time, I believe. But the principle is still the same - he loves you and wants to show you why he is doing certain things the way he does. Just how HE communicates that to US is the subject of another blog perhaps.
Talk soon . . . .
But how do you communicate with God personally? Well, we accuse him when we don't understand his work in us. That's communication, isn't it? I mean, he knows our thoughts anyway, so why not just go ahead and voice our frustrations out loud? Do we think that God will see it differently if we don't actually speak the words of accusation? Believe me, you would be in good company if you did accuse God out loud! Even the Bible records people who vented their grievances at God, and they lived to tell their story later!
It seems to me that the act of accusing God, or venting your anger at him is a sign that you believe he actually exists. I am completely in favour of this whole idea. In fact, I believe that God is in favour of it too. Think about it: Do you believe his feelings are hurt if you vent? Do you think that God is insecure when you get angry? Do you think he will vaporise you? I doubt it! He loves you too much to let a little anger get in the way of your friendship with him. Remember that it was God who visited earth 2,000 years ago, in Jesus, and died a horrible death so that your sins could be eradicated, and so that you could experience what it is to be close to him. When Jesus went back to heaven he sent his Holy Spirit so he could live with all of us, and remind us about him, and continually invite us back to him when we fail or slip. No, I don't think he is phased by our frustration.
As a father I know what it is to annoy the hell out of my children. If they come to me and tell me how frustrated they are with me, I would consider this a golden opportunity for connection with them. I would explain my reasons to them why I act a certain way, and then maybe get some feedback about how I can be a better dad (or at least less embarrassing). Unlike me, of course, God is the perfect heavenly father. He generally has a way of doing things right the first time, I believe. But the principle is still the same - he loves you and wants to show you why he is doing certain things the way he does. Just how HE communicates that to US is the subject of another blog perhaps.
Talk soon . . . .
Monday, March 15, 2010
Where is God . . . ?
The question "Where is God?", could end a number of ways. For example: Where is God when I need him? Or, Where is God when I hurt? Where was God when that tragedy came? Where was God when I lost everything? Where is God when I'm struggling to keep my head above water? There can come a real weariness when you believe that God loves you, but you see no obvious evidence to support your faith.
There have been many books, prayers, and sermons spoken and written to try and answer these questions; and those who have suffered tragedies, and endured life's difficulties are generally the one's who know the answer to the question, and how it came to them.
Jesus made a direct invitation to those who are weary: He didn't say, 'Work harder, pray harder, be more holy, or get yourself cleaned up'. He said simply, "Come to me . . . and I'll give you rest". So, where is Jesus and where is God? If they promised to never leave my side, then where are they when I struggle?
I wonder if the very first word here may hold a clue for those who are tired and worn out? Jesus said, "Come". It seems to me that in order to 'come' to something, you may need to 'leave' something else. When our children were learning to walk we used to stand them between us and we would call to them, 'Come to daddy', or, 'Come to mummy'. But in order to come to one of us they would have to leave the other who was holding them. And that required trust!
We all have 'safe' things we're reluctant to let go of. It might be things we believe in, or perhaps a person we trust in. Maybe a religious experience, or some event in the past that you hold on to tightly. Only you will know, ultimately, just what you may need to 'leave' in order to 'Come' to Jesus.
When Jesus was 8 days old his parents brought him into the temple in Jerusalem to be blessed by the priest. Israel was a very religious nation, and their Holy books pointed to this exact time when a baby would be born, and would grow up and become their Messiah (Saviour). Of all the 1,000's of people around Jerusalem that day only 2 people would recognise that the Messiah was being carried in his parents arms right in front of them - the old priest Simeon, and another older lady named Anna. My point is this: that it may depend on what you're looking for as to whether or not you recognise that Jesus is right beside you. Most of the people of Israel at that time were looking for a powerful adult to deliver them from Rome; and they missed his entrance as a child.
As a young manager many years ago, a young girl told me off for being inconsiderate of her feelings about her work. I wasn't prepared to admit it straight away, but later I went to her and apologised for being rude and unsympathetic. I recognised that Jesus was speaking to me through her about the way I treated those who worked below me. At times my children have highlighted my ignorance and I've had to listen as Jesus has used them to enlighten me about my 'stuck in the mud' way of doing things.
If you're weary you may need to leave your busyness and go look at a waterfall, or a beautiful landscape. Maybe you need to watch your children sleeping more often to remind you that raising them is worth the effort. You may need to leave your job for a while, take a holiday, and in doing so 'Come away with Jesus'.
About 1,500 years B.C. the Old Testament records an event where a donkey talked to a man to tell him he was headed for disaster if he kept going the way he was (Numbers 22). This man was hardly expecting God to show up in the way he did, and he almost missed him.
God may be closer than you think. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to things unexpected - He just may be right in front of you. He may be speaking to you thru the person you live with. His message to you may be the red traffic light that frustrates you when you're trying to get quickly from A to B. Slow down and have another look, and another listen . . . Talk soon
There have been many books, prayers, and sermons spoken and written to try and answer these questions; and those who have suffered tragedies, and endured life's difficulties are generally the one's who know the answer to the question, and how it came to them.
Jesus made a direct invitation to those who are weary: He didn't say, 'Work harder, pray harder, be more holy, or get yourself cleaned up'. He said simply, "Come to me . . . and I'll give you rest". So, where is Jesus and where is God? If they promised to never leave my side, then where are they when I struggle?
I wonder if the very first word here may hold a clue for those who are tired and worn out? Jesus said, "Come". It seems to me that in order to 'come' to something, you may need to 'leave' something else. When our children were learning to walk we used to stand them between us and we would call to them, 'Come to daddy', or, 'Come to mummy'. But in order to come to one of us they would have to leave the other who was holding them. And that required trust!
We all have 'safe' things we're reluctant to let go of. It might be things we believe in, or perhaps a person we trust in. Maybe a religious experience, or some event in the past that you hold on to tightly. Only you will know, ultimately, just what you may need to 'leave' in order to 'Come' to Jesus.
When Jesus was 8 days old his parents brought him into the temple in Jerusalem to be blessed by the priest. Israel was a very religious nation, and their Holy books pointed to this exact time when a baby would be born, and would grow up and become their Messiah (Saviour). Of all the 1,000's of people around Jerusalem that day only 2 people would recognise that the Messiah was being carried in his parents arms right in front of them - the old priest Simeon, and another older lady named Anna. My point is this: that it may depend on what you're looking for as to whether or not you recognise that Jesus is right beside you. Most of the people of Israel at that time were looking for a powerful adult to deliver them from Rome; and they missed his entrance as a child.
As a young manager many years ago, a young girl told me off for being inconsiderate of her feelings about her work. I wasn't prepared to admit it straight away, but later I went to her and apologised for being rude and unsympathetic. I recognised that Jesus was speaking to me through her about the way I treated those who worked below me. At times my children have highlighted my ignorance and I've had to listen as Jesus has used them to enlighten me about my 'stuck in the mud' way of doing things.
If you're weary you may need to leave your busyness and go look at a waterfall, or a beautiful landscape. Maybe you need to watch your children sleeping more often to remind you that raising them is worth the effort. You may need to leave your job for a while, take a holiday, and in doing so 'Come away with Jesus'.
About 1,500 years B.C. the Old Testament records an event where a donkey talked to a man to tell him he was headed for disaster if he kept going the way he was (Numbers 22). This man was hardly expecting God to show up in the way he did, and he almost missed him.
God may be closer than you think. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to things unexpected - He just may be right in front of you. He may be speaking to you thru the person you live with. His message to you may be the red traffic light that frustrates you when you're trying to get quickly from A to B. Slow down and have another look, and another listen . . . Talk soon
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Prayer . . . for the Weary
Here in Australia I remember reciting what we call "the Lord's prayer" at school assembly (parade) every morning. I don't really think it did a lot for my spiritual development. In fact, I think it probably turned a fantastic piece of teaching by Jesus into a repetitious paragraph void of any meaning whatsoever. I think that only recently have I come to appreciate some of the real meaning and teaching behind this 'model' prayer.
Like most followers of Jesus, I've often heard advice and explanations about this prayer. But for so long I don't think I was ever really inspired by it because of the boring act of repeating this prayer from my school days. Having said that, I know there are people who feel very close to God every time they say this prayer, and that I'm sure is the whole aim of prayer.
But for me, I think God knew I wasn't wired up to learn that way. For something to become true and real to me I would have to experience some kind of 'reality', or 'revelation' about prayer or God himself. Prayer would need to be something more than reciting words over and over. I think I began to understand more about prayer when I realised the power of the first 2 words Jesus said.
"Our Father". You know, I'm sure there were a bunch of words Jesus could have used to introduce God to us. Like, 'Creator', or 'Powerful Being', or 'Lord of the Universe'. But he chose the words, Our Father.
Right at the beginning of this teaching there is Relationship. Now I'm no scholar, but I reckon that if we were to move on to Jesus next point without getting the first, I think we would be missing something important.
It seems that prayer without this relationship would be like writing a letter to someone else's loved one pretending to be them. It's a bit like reading someone else's mail - you read and understand the words, but you're just not part of it. Is it possible that we need to stop all pretense and ask ourselves, "Do I know the one I'm praying to"?
This isn't a accusing statement; I just want to be real. It doesn't matter at what depth or level you think you know God - some are just starting out on this road to friendship with Jesus, and others have been on the road a long time - what matters is honesty! Do you believe that God would want you to continue this pretend friendship, or do you think he wants us to get this right and be known to you as a loving, interested Father? If we really believe that reciting a 'list' of requests to the heavens, hoping that there is some sort of Karma going on then there is a good chance that you don't know the Father that Jesus knew. You only have to imagine yourself as a parent putting these expectations on your own kids to realise how wrong the concept is. This kind of 'praying' can only lead to ritual and weariness. I say weariness because your joy in prayer will be based on how well you perform - Did you pray the right way? Did you say the right things, in the right order? Did you spend enough time? These things are so unnatural in good family relationships; why do we think that God is different?
Jesus said, "Come to me if you're weary . . . ". Do you think he made the invitation just so he could punish you when you came to him? God loves us so much more than our lists and attempts to reach him. Human attempts to reach God are wearying and useless. He's the one who made the invitation in the first place, with just a couple of strings attached: 1. Come with simple, child-like trust; and 2. Come with honesty. Remember, God knows your failings, and yet still invites you. He also knows your true spiritual state; so why try and pretend different? Come as you are.
Talk again . . .
Like most followers of Jesus, I've often heard advice and explanations about this prayer. But for so long I don't think I was ever really inspired by it because of the boring act of repeating this prayer from my school days. Having said that, I know there are people who feel very close to God every time they say this prayer, and that I'm sure is the whole aim of prayer.
But for me, I think God knew I wasn't wired up to learn that way. For something to become true and real to me I would have to experience some kind of 'reality', or 'revelation' about prayer or God himself. Prayer would need to be something more than reciting words over and over. I think I began to understand more about prayer when I realised the power of the first 2 words Jesus said.
"Our Father". You know, I'm sure there were a bunch of words Jesus could have used to introduce God to us. Like, 'Creator', or 'Powerful Being', or 'Lord of the Universe'. But he chose the words, Our Father.
Right at the beginning of this teaching there is Relationship. Now I'm no scholar, but I reckon that if we were to move on to Jesus next point without getting the first, I think we would be missing something important.
It seems that prayer without this relationship would be like writing a letter to someone else's loved one pretending to be them. It's a bit like reading someone else's mail - you read and understand the words, but you're just not part of it. Is it possible that we need to stop all pretense and ask ourselves, "Do I know the one I'm praying to"?
This isn't a accusing statement; I just want to be real. It doesn't matter at what depth or level you think you know God - some are just starting out on this road to friendship with Jesus, and others have been on the road a long time - what matters is honesty! Do you believe that God would want you to continue this pretend friendship, or do you think he wants us to get this right and be known to you as a loving, interested Father? If we really believe that reciting a 'list' of requests to the heavens, hoping that there is some sort of Karma going on then there is a good chance that you don't know the Father that Jesus knew. You only have to imagine yourself as a parent putting these expectations on your own kids to realise how wrong the concept is. This kind of 'praying' can only lead to ritual and weariness. I say weariness because your joy in prayer will be based on how well you perform - Did you pray the right way? Did you say the right things, in the right order? Did you spend enough time? These things are so unnatural in good family relationships; why do we think that God is different?
Jesus said, "Come to me if you're weary . . . ". Do you think he made the invitation just so he could punish you when you came to him? God loves us so much more than our lists and attempts to reach him. Human attempts to reach God are wearying and useless. He's the one who made the invitation in the first place, with just a couple of strings attached: 1. Come with simple, child-like trust; and 2. Come with honesty. Remember, God knows your failings, and yet still invites you. He also knows your true spiritual state; so why try and pretend different? Come as you are.
Talk again . . .
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