Perspective and Humility 🌅

You may have heard this before ...

I love the story of a sea captain who, while navigating his ship through a storm, found himself on a collision course with what he thought was a large vessel in the distance. He ordered the approaching vessel to alter its course ten degrees south. The reply came back: “Alter your course ten degrees north.” Incensed, the captain shot back, “Alter your course ten degrees south. This is the Captain! I am a battleship!” The reply came back: “Alter your course ten degrees north. This is ensign third class. I am a lighthouse!”

It's all about information, knowledge, perspective and attitude! It's not always best to presume that because you have control, might and a superior title, that you are right, dominant and don't need instruction or saving.

Be humble. Listen. Submit if appropriate. Be thankful. Alter your course to avoid collision.

The Bible teaches that those who are the greatest are those who are able to humble themselves and see themselves as the least of people (Luke 9v48).

We're instructed to serve one another humbly in love (Gal 5v13).

Also, in humility, to count others more significant than ourselves (Phil 2v3).

Pride is far more natural to us than humility, yet if we truly do want to be more like Jesus, then we need to become more aware of our pride and let it diminish in the light of his presence ... there we will find true safety and avoid all collisions.

Unlike flies, when attracted to that light which then unbeknownst to them, will zap the life out of them, ... the light that we should look to, is life itself.

Jesus said "I am the light of the world" and if we look to that light, we will have the light of life (John 812). What else need we, if we have Jesus? ... take the world but give me Jesus.

Jeremy Camp ~ Give me Jesus:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wS4JQi4dgvg&feature=share

Ingrid x

A Prayer

Dear Lord

Please help me to become more like you. Please help me to have:

peace in my mind

love in my heart

compassion in my actions

wisdom in my decisions

hope in my demeanor

truth in my speech

courage when needed

calmness in my spirit

dignity in my behaviour

fortitude in my beliefs

security in my identity

goodness in my values

acceptance in my circumstances

contentment with my every day life

passion to share you with others

patience with my children

commitment to grow in my faith

serenity in my soul

self control when tempted

eyesight / vision which exemplifies mercy

grace when falsely accused

long suffering when tried and tested

availability for others 

deep seated joy always

Amen!

And a lovely hymn to listen to ... ‘There is a higher throne’ by Keith & Kristyn Getty:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zvDSG4s5FJw&feature=share

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ The Importance of being Earnest (Part 2)

So back to George Müller. If ever there was a person who displayed consistently, the act of being earnest in prayer, it could be George. I just want to share some of the little book I'm reading so you can see what he says for yourself. I find it inspiring and challenging but also uncomfortable ... partly because I know it would be healthy to adopt a lot of what he encourages, but I feel I couldn't do it ... or don't have the energy and faith to try it!

A lot of his book consists of dates and notes which say what the current need was and whether God had provided yet or not. George didn't advertise the need, in fact he refused to with his reason being that he wanted others to see that as a direct result of earnest prayer, God would provide for the need without anyone else knowing about it. 

On March 26th 1840 he writes: 

"On the 17th of this month I received the following letter from a brother who had been used by the Lord several times to supply our need. 

"I have received a little money. Do you have any present need for the institution under your care? I know you do not ask, except of Him whose work you are doing; but to answer when asked seems to be a right thing to do. I have reason for desiring to know the present state of your finances. If you do not need the money, other areas of the Lords's work or other people of the Lord many need help. Kindly inform me the amount you need at this present time." When this letter came, we were in need. Nevertheless, I answered it as follows:

"While I thank you for your love, and while I agree with you that there is a difference between asking for money and answering when asked, nevertheless, I do not feel at liberty to speak about the state of our funds. The primary object of this ministry is to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is reality in dealing with God alone."

After I sent off the answer, I prayed, "Lord, You know that for Your sake I did not tell this brother about our need. Now, Lord, show afresh that there is reality in speaking to You only about our need. Speak to this brother, so that he may help us." 

Today, in answer to my request, this brother sent one hundred pounds. I now have enough money for establishing the infant school and for ordering more Bibles. Also, the orphans are again supplied for a week."

That's the way he was. Now, I know times are different but I also know that our God is the same! So for me it is a challenge around my view of God and how my direct interactions with Him could be so different to what they currently are. All of us still have needs, whether financial or otherwise ... God is still accessible and waiting to listen just as he was to George Müller. Wouldn't it be amazing to have similar experiences?

I just want to share another passage from the book with you regarding time alone with God. This is a right challenge for me! It makes me smile and at the same time shake my head.

September 9th 1839: "I returned to Bristol and to my old habit or rising early in the morning to commune with God ... I want to encourage all believers to get into the habit of rising early to meet with God. How much time should be allowed for rest? No rule of universal application can be given because all persons do not require the same amount of sleep ... Most doctors agree that healthy men do not require more than between six or seven hours of sleep, and females need no more than seven or eight hours ... Someone may ask, "But why should I rise early?" To remain too long in bed is a waste of time. Wasting time is unbecoming a saint who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus ... Just as too much food injures the body, the same is true regarding sleep ... Anyone who spends one, two, or three hours in prayer and meditation before breakfast will soon discover the beneficial effect early rising has on the outward and inward man. It may be said, "But how shall I set about rising early?" My advice is: Do not delay. Begin tomorrow. But do not depend on your own strength ... Trust in the Lord for help ... Rise at once when you are awake. Remain not a minute longer in bed or else you are likely to fall asleep again ... After a few days you will feel stronger and fresher than when you used to lie an hour or two longer than you needed. Always allow yourself the same hours for sleep. Make no change except on account of sickness."

There you go!!

Ok, so being a lone parent to 3 young children who quite often wake me in the night, this is not something I can even get my mind to manage contemplating! The principle however, is something I need to think about. I do think about God and I do pray during the day, but I don't have a specific quiet time where my true dependency on Him for my needs is earnestly shared. I'm more ad hock and can be earnest all of a sudden as the moment presents itself. But I do think that Mr Müller has many good points which would be worth adopting to my own unique circumstances, so that I, like he did, could experience a closer relationship with the God of all the universe who is waiting and willing to commune, provide and bless.

Like David in Psalm 63, I should pray "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you" and in Matthew 9 "therefore pray earnestly to the Lord". There are many mentions of the word 'earnest' or 'earnestly' in the Bible with plenty being in the NT within the church letters. We are encouraged to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart" (1 Peter 1v22) and to "pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts" (1 Cor 14v1). Our Lord prayed earnestly when on the cross and we see other examples of earnest prayer such as when Peter was in prison ... "but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church" (Acts 12v5). In Acts 26v7 we read about earnest worship day and night.

Quite simply, I am urging myself to become more earnest in every aspect of my spiritual life ... this means becoming more sincere and with intense / zealous conviction ... resolute, with qualities of depth and firmness. It requires time and effort ... less of the 'I'm in a rush Lord so I'll be quickly earnest about this' ... I realise that isn't earnest, it's just being in a hurry or finding myself in a situation that demands a sudden prayer. To adopt state of heart and mind with all earnestness does in fact require that time alone with God, so that my faith inwardly and outwardly, whether in prayer, worship or action, demonstrates sincere conviction and outpours blessing to others.

Ingrid x

Couplets

I love the couplets in the Bible ... there are a lot but I’ll just share these today:

Do justly

Love mercy

Walk humbly. (Micah 6v8)

Visit orphans

Visit widows

Keep unstained. (James 1v27)

Ingrid x

 

Ode to the bluebell

You can blame someone called Claire for this! She asked me if I wrote poetry so I said I’d have a go. So here goes ... I’m winging it.

Once a year and every year a fragrant carpet blooms

On forest floors it starts to show

The haze of blue with heads bowed low

Yet ne’er been near a loom

This carpet floor you see my friends has quietly been sleeping

Those little plants have lain all snug

Through winters cold and snowy rug

No single one was peeping

Waiting underneath the soil till their appointed time

Then without fuss they poke their heads

Toward the sun, they leave their beds

And start to look sublime

Yes thousands in their number they spread out far and wide

And on each plant so many bells

Where fairies practice magic spells

On elves who try to hide

These bluebells don’t need grooming or ways to hide their flaws

They’re just content to be themselves

No fuss or make up on their shelves

We humans are such bores

Why don’t we take a lesson from these truly splendid flowers

No questions about identity 

No need for wealth or pity

To waste such precious hours

Let’s be content with who we are and what we have today

Like the bluebell’s simple beauty

The fragrance comes from just to be ...

You ... there is no better way.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ The Importance of being Earnest (Part 1)

A great book!

Rather than have too long a blog, I've decided to write this in 2 parts (just because I'm quite likely to go on a bit as you know).

There are so many words starting with C which are great ... think about them:

Connection; Compassion; Courage; Care; Communication; Consideration; Collaboration; Comfort; Clarity; Certainty; Contentment .... complacency isn’t one of them!

I just have a deep seated feeling that I for one, and maybe most of us in our ‘comfortable’ western world, have become complacent in our faith, in sharing our God and His rescue plan which is the only answer to any search for significance, purpose and worth. I don’t fully live out my core values and hopes ... I settle for less than what I should, living in mediocrity ... that lukewarm state which in the book of Revelation is described in rather sickening terms, literally ... God spits out of His mouth the in between hot and cold ... the complacent, lukewarm, pitiable church at Laodicea whose works were neither one thing nor the other. 

Living in a rather apathetic society, we have very little to challenge us or force us to our knees on a daily basis. I am most definitely complacent in my prayer life and the crazy thing is, that I know I am limiting God’s power and blessing in my life because of it! So why on earth do I / we do this? Why would we choose to live in this way ... all settled and comfy but massive under achievers when it comes to being a part of God’s plan, His glory and our blessing?

Maybe that's exactly it ... it is comfy and easy. It enable us to pursue our dreams rather than God's. We can fit Him in to our lives rather than fully accept that He gave us our lives and as such, our very breath; how we live; what we own; our futures and achievements should all be His. He needs to be at the forefront and centre of everything. If we could just see God and His power in the everyday detail of our lives, our outlook and responses would vastly change. I don't mean in this instance seeing Him in the detail of our lives in relation to His working and answer to prayer for example, but a step back from that ... His very being and our faith in Him, to drive every aspect of our existence. 

There are challenges and persecutions even within the UK. I think that more are to come, but relatively speaking, we still have it easy. Our faith can be contained in an acceptable way, non offensive and all embracing ... we can be at risk of becoming so inclusive that anyone taking a real interest won't be able to tell us apart from anyone else who does good works in the community. What's the difference, why become a Christian, is it just another club? What do we stand for, what are our foundational truths, is the Bible really God's word and if so, do we truly believe and accept everything He says in it? Or are we scared that it may offend or lead to condemnation by certain groups? Watering down the truth so that no-one is offended flies in the face of any faith and is a compromise too far. How would that work in the justice system for example? We don’t deliberately try to offend, but we do adhere to God’s truth ... He is God and can defend Himself, we are just called to follow and obey.

Of course there is a way of sharing the truth we hold close to our hearts and believe in ... speaking the truth with love, that's always the key, don't separate the two. But going back to the title ... am I earnest about my faith? Complacent or Earnest? Am I earnest in prayer? What does it mean to be earnest? What would it look like to have a really earnest faith?

Think about our natural expectation of daily food. Do we even connect it to God? Is He anywhere in the chain of events that leads to our eating and feeling satisfied? We may say ‘grace’ and thank God for our food, but do we really believe He has provided it for us? If we did, then we could equally assume that He could not provide it ... but that thought seems ridiculous because we know we could just nip out to the shop or take away and buy a meal. 

I’ve been recently reading the auto-biography of George Müller (1805-1898). If you haven’t heard of him, then look him up. Despite his pretty shocking early life, he came to believe in the reality of the true and living God. He chose to live by faith to an extreme whereby when I read about it I am shocked, amused and baffled. I have at times thought it too extreme and almost nonsensical. The stark and raw reality of being in need and completely dependent on God through prayer to provide for that need, was something he committed to, along with his wife and fellow worker ... even for their breakfast. It is rather challenging!

This may sound dramatic and excessive by description, yet the more I think about it, the more I realise that it is a form of spiritual self-harm, not to pray. More than that, not just pray, but to pray in earnest. 

I’ll stop for now ... as I’ve said before, to me the key is perspective and our vision of who God is and where He is in relation to our everyday, moment to moment lives. If God underpins it and is the first layer / filter through which we think and feel, then our outlook, anxieties, desires and fears would dramatically change.

Ingrid x

I had no expectations to travel to Australia this year anyway but I did find this quite amusing! Whatever I may have had in mind, my reality will most definitely be the dishes.

It’s a good lesson in contentment. 

Paul said: “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances ... whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Phil 4v11).

Ingrid x

Fire flies

I had the immense privilege of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee a few years back now. I was staying with the best friends anyone could want and they were driving distance to the national park areas. Unknown to me ahead of time, it was the season for the synchronized dancing of the fireflies. I was going through a difficult time in life and had decided to leave work and take time out ... so what better thing to do than go to Tennessee! It was actually a very healing time for me. The fireflies however, were a huge unexpected bonus to that trip.

How can anyone not marvel at creation? The diversity yet harmony that exists, even all these years since the garden of Eden, is astounding and magnificent. The very small firefly is just one example of God’s creativity and joy of detail. In case you haven’t heard about this display which takes place at this time of year (late May), there is little point in me trying to describe it as words could never do it justice ... but the synchronization is the timing of the flies turning on and off their lights! Up in the forests as dusk turns to darkness, their dancing begins. It can be totally dark, so much so, that you cannot see the outline of the trees and are best just to stay put, having found your place to sit and wait whilst it was still a little light ... then without any introduction, tens of thousands of fireflies light up at exactly the same time ... then they all turn off at the same time! This is repeated over and over ... a mind blowing show of minute exactness and detailed brilliance. No strobe, laser or drone lighting requiring hours of planning, a lot of money, health & safety and genius minds, ... just a load of flies. That’s what can be done when God is in the detail and planning. The beauty of the setting and the complete absence of these flies until they decide (or is there a leader who counts down to lights on time?) to reveal themselves, far exceeds any man made equivalent. In fact I recall being quite stupefied ... it wouldn’t seem right to ooh and ahh in the stillness of the smoky mountain forests. To be dumbstruck and leave with a profound sense of awe was about right.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see many amazing wildlife moments and they never cease to fill me with awe for who God is and what He gave us to cherish and protect. We have a duty to creation and often need to take this more seriously than we do.

I’ve unconsciously written about the ant recently and now a fly! I’ll have to tell you about seeing 2 blue headed lizards fighting next time ... or seeing an elephant and then an elephant shrew on the same game drive, talk about little and large. Not everyone has had a fully grown African vulture fly through the windscreen of their car ... I’ll fill you in on that one soon. Ok I’ll stop for now. 

Psalm 104 ... and just remember that this awesome God cares about every detail of your life and loves you enough to have sent His only son to die for you so that He could spend time with you for all eternity.

Ingrid x

(Photo taken from visitmysmokies.com)

 

A Hymn for you to listen to ...

Probably my favorite hymn, sung by Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans ... Great Is Thy Faithfulness:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NT0HcAr9aeI&feature=share

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Water and Blood

I wanted to share just a few brief and very simple thoughts about these two elements, that in essence, secure our justification and sanctification.

In the Old Testament we see that prior to any approach for atonement, there were rather detailed and rigorous protocols to follow. First in the Tabernacle and then in the Temple ... there were laws and instructions to follow very precisely. Different offerings for different reasons; laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings and so forth. The normal people were not allowed to enter into the holy place and only the high priest could enter the holiest of all, once a year. The people remained outside and gave their sacrifices so that the priests could represent them before the Lord.

There were two key places that always featured for the normal people ... the alter and laver (or basin). The alter was a place of sacrifice and the laver a place of cleansing (blood and water). To my simple mind, it speaks of requiring a substitute in the form of a sacrifice so that a normal sinful person could be brought before the Lord and accepted through the blood of that sacrifice (prescribed by God for that purpose), ... and then the necessary daily cleansing for constant renewal, refreshment and purification. A good reminder that each day every human throughout history has struggled with our inherent sinful nature and requires purifying constantly.

So in the New Testament, we come to the cross ... the ultimate expression of God's love and His desire to bring in a new and living way, open to all. We see in John (19v34) that when one of the soldiers at the cross pierced Jesus' side, blood and water came out. That wouldn't have happened to the two others crucified alongside Him. This is deliberate symbolism and speaks volumes to us about this new way God in His infinite mercy, was bringing in ... for you and me.

Once again, to my simple way of thinking, this blood and water coming out of Jesus tells me that He was the only one who could be sacrificed to atone for my sin and yours ... for everyone's, once and for all. The priests in the Old Testament had to sacrifice for themselves first, before they could represent the people, but Jesus did not need to do this ... He was the only one who could be the guarantor of a better covenant.

In Hebrews we read so much about all of this ... "he holds his priesthood permanently; because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them ... He has no need, like those high priests, to offers sacrifices daily ... since he did this once for all when he offered up himself ... made perfect forever" (7v23-28).

So, if we can see and accept that Jesus was indeed the only and perfect sacrifice and substitute for us, acceptable to a holy God, then we can be confident in this new and better way ... but can we directly approach God with confidence? Yes ...

The other really important event and symbol to me, is that when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn completely in two but not as humans would do it, rending it from the bottom up; it tore on it's own from the top to the bottom ... God revealing that the barrier to Himself was no longer needed ... if we are in Christ, then we are invited to approach God, entering into the holiest of all, with a clear conscience, total confidence and full of faith, to be accepted before Him.  Isn't that truly amazing?

So what about the water? It's sort of obvious that the blood element was indeed the death of the perfect substitute, Jesus Christ, but the water element? ... Hebrews 9v14-15 says: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant". Then in ch 10v14-16: "he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us ... I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds". In Eph 5v26 it talks about Christ sanctifying and cleansing the Church with the washing of water by the word.

To me, the cleansing is an on-going practise which requires being immersed in the word, God's word, the Bible. The Holy Spirit aids with this work and can bring to mind verses to help us during our daily lives, but He can only do this if we have studied them first ... it is our responsibility to clean ourselves spiritually as we would physically. Our sanctification, being made holy before God, has been secured through Christ, but our part is to continue with daily cleansing so that our purpose of being set aside for God to use, can be fulfilled. He has done His part; we must choose to do ours ... if we don't, then we will become 'dirty' vessels, less able to be used by God for the special purpose He had designed for us.

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 7v1).

I'll just finish with the passage from Hebrews 10 because after all, words from the Bible are rather more effective and important than mine!

"Therefore, ... since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that is opened for us through the curtain ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurances of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean ... and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (v19-23).

Remember both blood and water, and enjoy being able to come with confidence into this new and living way, with thankful hearts for Jesus Christ who made it possible.

Ingrid x

My Speech

As Christians, we should be characterised by certain qualities, one of which must surely be the way we speak. I have to massively challenge myself with this one because for starters, I talk too much apparently! 😶 I often become snappy and impatient. I also say things which would have been better off kept inside ... once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back ... I need to learn restraint and to be more considered in my speech. It's that fruit of the spirit ... self control. I like these few verses:

"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1v19).

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4v29).

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Col 4v6).

There is little point searching for quotes about the power of the tongue when you have passages in the Bible like this ... check it out:

"If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing" (James 3v3-10).

Yep! It sounds dramatic but of course it wouldn't take anyone very long, to consider their own use of words at times, or to recall words spoken against them and the lasting damage, to recognise the truth of this description. I have experienced both. Words can hurt far more than sticks and stones, that's for sure. "The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words" (Unknown).

I often pray this (it's a great verse to memorise):

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19v14).

There is the flip side of course, and that's to be brave enough to speak out when needed, and not keep quiet. I don't think that's always easy either ... it can take courage (to overcome fear), and a lot of wisdom. Let's pray for that wisdom from God to enable us to use kind but truthful words when needed, and to remain silent if what we feel like saying is unprofitable, unkind or manipulative.

Set your default speech as being kind ... a kind word costs nothing but could change someone's day entirely.

Ingrid x

 

The Ant

I have a few plants on my dining room window sill which have been thriving through haphazard care and regular neglect ... they seem to like it there.

I have noticed this week that rather than quietly crack on with being healthy, glossy and growing, they have wilted and taken on an odd hue, particularly one of them.

I finally managed to get past all the colouring and craft that has mounded up from my daughters diligent commitment, to reach the window sill and investigate. I had noticed a couple of ants here and there but had paid no attention ... we hadn't had rain for a while until this week, so I just presumed they'd come in seeking moisture and would soon be gone again. I didn't really expect the full frontal attack of my plants by a colony of ants! Greedy little blighters.

It did remind me of the verse in Proverbs though ..."go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest" (6v6-8).

Kinda makes you smile doesn't it? Yes it's annoying that they chose my house and plants this time, but you've got to give them credit for all the effort they take to provide for their colony ... working in little armies, dutifully following rank and fulfilling their roles ... non stop, always busy. You can't fault them for being industrious and productive.

The Proverbs passage is warning against slothfulness and laziness ... too much slumbering which will ultimately bring about poverty. So by inference, we are encouraged to be wise like the ant, preparing for our needs and using our resources to provide.

I agree with the saying that if God wants a job done, He'll find a busy person to do it. I don't think it's about being busy for the sake of being busy, or busy to the point of exhaustion and performance related appearance, but more about a state of mind and eagerness to pull our weight to provide for our needs and those around us in the way that God has gifted us to do. It's not a comparison or competition, it's about knowing and fulfilling our roles and then to continue in them with the right attitude of heart and mind ... seeking God's glory and the best interest of others.

So next time you see an ant, just pause and watch it and it's fellows for a while ... be curious and consider them ... learn and be wise.

I love the fact that God can use these tiny creatures to teach us things ... He cares about all of creation and made everything so specifically for a purpose, designed so intricately ... fine wired, just to be what it is ... in this case, an ant.

Ingrid x

A good resource

Following on from my last post, I happened to have a slugs and bugs CD on in the car for the children and it was playing a song about the full armour of God. I thought I’d share it with you and their website because if any of you have children or are involved in children’s work at church, then it may be worth you taking a listen / having a look. The guys are a bit bonkers (always a good thing) but what I like the most, is that their songs are scripture verses, so by singing them, you’re learning verses off by heart. Most on-line Christian bookshops will stock them if you just search ‘slugs and bugs sing the Bible’ ... I think they’ve done 4 volumes of sing the Bible now. If you want true silliness then watch their show!

https://youtu.be/s9RpaLlIK0w

https://slugsandbugs.com/

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Fighting battles

You and I will face battles.

Consider a battle ... there are usually two sides; we may have preparation time but sometimes the battle can be unexpected; weapons can be involved; pain; conflict; tough decisions; strategy; information about what or who we're fighting; a reason and a purpose; a hope with regard to the outcome; casualties; resignation; victory; grief ... I could go on and on.

I know of many battles from both personal experience and through my friends and family. I will mention a few obvious ones that will undoubtedly be relatable ... health concerns; a child's disability; bereavement; abuse; loneliness; anxiety; depression; false accusation; temptation to sin; addiction; marital disharmony; debt. Many of these involve fear. I often battle within myself that I'm not strong enough to sustain what I want to be ... that I will fail again and let God down. Of course I'll fail in lots of ways, but I don't want to make big mistakes. It's quite easy to focus on the concern or the 'enemy' ... the unknown or the threat.

First, I think we need to know our 'enemy' (whatever it is that we may be battling with) ... what is 'their' weakness and what are your strengths? Learn 'their' nature so that when you confront them, you will not be scared. Fight your war with your heart and not with your 'sword' ... you'll win with your brains and faith, not with your ambition. You can overcome through calm assurance rather than rushing full force into the battle.

We fight battles not just for today but for the future. If I get scared and surrender today, then my children shall tremble at the same 'enemy' years from now. If I keep quiet today, then my children shall listen to the voice of the 'enemy' years from now. If I give in to fear and do not conquer, then I will falter in my faith and begin to loose my hope.

As christians we are armed and can rest assured that God has the outcome of our battle in His purpose and plan. He will not be taken by surprise. His Holy Spirit indwells us and He commends us to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand ... stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness ... the shield of faith ... the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6v10-17). Our God does not need literal swords and spears to save or to win a battle ... take a look at the garden of Gethsemane and then on to Calvary. What looked like a triumph for the roman rulers and religious leaders against God's own son, was in fact a most emphatic defeat ... the victory was God's. They chose their course of action but were mere puppets on the stage of Christ's ultimate, triumphant and glorious rescue mission.

When you face battles in your life, just remember that "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17v47). You may not have chosen or like what you are experiencing, it may be painful and blur your vision as to the truth that God is with you, but rather than fear that the final result is out of your hands, use the moment to trust that it could be the very thing which will draw you closer to Him. God's mercy reaches into your storm and will hold your hand. Healing and peace often come through the toughest of trials. Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.

In the book 'The last Battle' by CS Lewis, Queen Lucy says "In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world". Our Saviour and God is bigger than any battle we may be facing and fighting ... tap into that incredible resource and rest in the fact that despite your fears and doubts, He has gone before and is more than able to find you in your storm, to go with you and to lead you into His plan for your life. Don't give up, but do give in to His presence, protection and peace. 'We are never defeated unless we give up on God'... "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8v37).

I love the lyrics to this song ... Fear No More ~  Building 429:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=3cJFAGw3OaQ&feature=share

Ingrid x

 

Forget the rise of the machines, I say let’s hear it for the rise of kindness!

I read this recently:

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind”.

The Bible says: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph 4v32).

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col 3v12).

Aesop said “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. That is so true.

I think we should start a kindness campaign (although there are SO many amazing, kind people around already ... we just need to sometimes be more obvious about it in smaller ways too). 

Can you imagine if everyone became passionate about kindness, true kindness (as opposed to demonstrative generosity) ... so many other causes, concerns, calamities and crimes would simply vanish or become defunct. Jealousy, pride, self-promotion, greed, anger, bitterness, and so much more, would be reduced through the rise of kindness.

Sides of buses, billboards, banners hanging from bridges on the motorways, at train stations ... the words “Be Kind”.

Yep, me in my bubble world. It’s a nice place though 😊.

Ingrid x

Charlie Mackesy