Midweek Thought ~ Be a person of truth

Chuck swindoll (Insight for living 25.6.21) wrote:

“We need heroes. I mean genuine heroes, authentic men and women who are admired for their achievements, noble qualities, and courage. Such people aren’t afraid to be different. They risk. They stand a cut above. Yet they are real human beings with flaws and failures like anyone else. But they inspire us to do better. We feel warm inside when we think about this rare breed of humanity. The kind we can look up to without the slightest suspicion of deception or hypocrisy. The kind who model excellence when no one is looking or for that matter when half the world is looking.

I am certain of this—if you are one of those people, then you’re not like the majority. You’re living differently, and I commend you for it. It takes unusual people to make a difference in our world. Mediocre people impact no one, at least not for good. But one person of truth can impact the whole world!”

Do any of you remember that old children’s chorus ... “Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light. Like a little candle, burning in the night?” It was first published in 1868. The words were written by Susan Warner and the music by Edwin Excell. At the end of each verse the words are simply: “you in your small corner and I in mine”.

Here’s the thing ... if we’re more concerned about others noticing our impact and light in the world, then we may as well shoot ourselves in the foot. It’s only when we are content with representing the light of the world in our own small corners, with the voice of truth, that we would ever be ready to impact further afield. The goal is never to be ‘known’, but to deflect any recognition or accolade to the one who is the giver of light and life. If we can be authentic and full of integrity within our immediate spheres of influence then indeed that truth can impact the world.

As the chorus says ... a pure, clear light ... there’s no room for debris, impurity or hypocrisy... God wants a truthful, honest heart, one that’s happy to serve him in the corner he has placed them.

Never give in to fear ... have courage to pursue what God has given you to do. If you voice truth in love then you will never be guilty of mediocrity, but will be aflame with a passion for God’s work and your light will shine clear, leading others to the knowledge of eternal life.

This life is a journey and as with any journey, it must have a destination. To meander in circles without any hope of arriving, would be a somewhat disillusioning state of existence. To loose sight of our destination and purpose is to thwart any impact or spreading of light to those around us. David Gooding wrote: “If life has an eternal goal, then every step of the journey has eternal significance ... We rob this life of its eternal, and therefore of its most important and enjoyable, dimension ... For eternal life is not a something that we must wait until we get to heaven before we receive it; it is an added eternal dimension to this life”.

I am living eternal life right now! 

“Lord, may the rest of my life here on earth, be witnessed as infused with the scent of eternity. May I be known for your truth and your love. Keep me from the corrosive and cancerous nature of comparisons and covetousness so that I remain content and will always accept that what I have is yours and is best used for your glory. Help me to guard my mind and protect my heart from falsehood and wrong influences ... that my life may be busy with tending to the needs of others and filled with thoughts from your word and in many daily moments, in communion with and chattering to you”.

Ingrid x

It’s always good to look forward ...

Sure the past helps shape who we are ... we learn lessons ... we can learn and take inspiration from history ... we grow ... but to dwell in the past isn’t helpful; there’s no future in it.

Hope is in the future ... we have a God who holds the whole world in his hands ... he is both faithful and true ... he is just and will make all things right. Often those who do wrong are not made accountable in our time ... will be, in God’s time.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God” (Corrie Ten Boom).

Every step, even a baby one, is still a step ... just do the next right thing and keep moving forward. Lean in to God for strength when your strength is gone ... He will carry you.

One day there will be no pain, no tears, no regret, no guilt or confusion ... just endless peace and a joy that is currently unfathomable ... now that’s a prize worth striving for!

One Day ~ Cochren & Co:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=So94m-Lp6Pw&feature=share

“The future is as bright as the promises of God” (William Carey) ... here are some good ones: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21v4) ... “Let not your hearts be troubled ... in my father’s house are many rooms ... I go to prepare a place for you. And ... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14v1-3).

Ingrid x

When life just becomes too hectic and you end up like me, feeling frazzled, it’s good to be reminded to contemplate the realities of heaven ... sort of puts my running around like a mad march hare into perspective (possible self inflicting lockdown required)! 

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Freedom to live in the light ☀️

Dear friends, you will know by now, that I frequent the subject of liberty and the beauty of being broken but restored ... that we are set free to continue on our path of pursuing holiness because God sees Christ in us and has forgiven us through him.

Well here I go once again and it’s partly down to some daily readings by David Gooding, so a lot of these thoughts are originally his from his book ‘Bringing us to Glory’.

The starting point is salvation ... the amazing forgiveness found through grace in Christ’s death for us. He said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8v12). Therefore we follow the light and he lights our path as we take the next step. If only we kept our eyes constantly on that light and followed closely to the lit path, but we don’t ... we’re innately human and have a natural tendency to fail. I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone and we are all as equally likely to fail as the next person ... the tricky part however, is to deal with our failure and return into close proximity to that light. 

I have always felt so guilty about any wrong doing, that to turn back and ask forgiveness and to allow the past to be the past, is really hard. I want to be forgiven but I don’t feel deserving, therefore I can put off doing what is best for me by keeping short accounts with God, and linger too long in a self inflicted state of guilt.

In his book David Gooding says: “Sin need not have dominion over you! It is possible for you to get up and start again ... Why? Because the penalty of sin has been paid. I’m not telling you sin doesn’t matter; sin matters a lot, and if we’ve ... gone into sin as Christians, there is no penalty, but coming back can be difficult ... But ... you can do it! And you are free to do it! You are not chained by the penalty of the law. You are free, thank God ... You are free to get up and begin again in the path of holiness and in the school of Christ”.

I find it encouraging to look at some of the biggest characters in the Bible ... take Abraham and David as examples ... they wandered and failed, then got back up again not just once, but many times. They were acceptable to God because of their hearts and even though they messed up but turned back a thousand times, God chose them for vital tasks because they had hearts relatable to Him ... they were aware of their human frailty and were willing to acknowledge their weaknesses ... they knew their God and were sincere in their relationship with Him. 

God can use us if we learn through our failings and acknowledge them ... there’s no room for pride, but a heart full of compassion and tenderness, even if it has taken a beating in the past, God loves and can use for the benefit of others and his work. No matter how many times I need to ‘start again’, I am free to do so because I am under grace and not the law.

Often guilt and shame can take a strong hold on our lives, limiting our freedom and hindering us from starting again. It’s inevitable that we will continue to go in circles fairly often ... a freeing, spiritually high time, to a despondent pit of anxiety and guilt. We need courage to face things about ourselves with which we have every right to be discontent, but we should never stay there ... to see ourselves as God sees us ~ accepted through Christ; liberated to walk in the light; forgiven permanently; unconditionally loved and restored to a perfect standing with God. We are his beloved and of great worth to him.

Personally, I feel that what hinders us on our journey of living in liberty and starting over many times if it’s necessary, is less about God and his amazing grace, but more about the voices of others around us. If we feel alienated or shamed; fearful of isolation or disappointment, then we will withdraw and hide in the shadows. Often those closest to us can be the ones who judge the harshest and will seemingly forgive and love, but hold the sin of your past over your head like some expected foreboding that of course you’re going to let them down again, or commit the same offense. Thankfully with God, even if you did do that, it’s as though you’ve started from a clean slate. He has no wish of failure or regret ... he is saddened by sin ... but his heart to forgive and pick you / me back up again is just the most beautifully liberating love that you could ever wish for. He doesn’t condemn (look at John 8) but encourages us to walk in faith and to follow his light. In fact, it is our duty to do so as his disciples ... to hide and feel shame or fear, or to let the threat of others dictate our freedom, is wrong and dishonoring to God in whom we trust (or say that we do) ... we have this great God on our side who rules with justice and pure love ... what can anyone do against that?

With a focus on Him as our path lighter, we will prevail ... and if we should fall ... He will be there to pick us up and welcome us back onto the path. Any shame put on us by others whether through abuse, legalism or a misinterpretation of love, is not God’s love. Those who know what it is like to fail and falter, to be belittled and made to feel worthless, can stand the tallest, knowing that the God of all the universe accepts them, (scars and all), and with this knowledge, he can use them for mighty works because they have tender hearts, closest to his own.

Ingrid x

Celebrating Fathers

Yes I know I should have had this posted for yesterday, but I forgot!

Father’s Day ... I am always so thankful for the parents and family I was born into. None of us have an advanced say in the matter and no family or person is perfect, but to be born into a home where God and his word were revered is a good start. 

My father is a strong man with strong beliefs but is emotional too. He considers things carefully and long ... he is often wise, is generous and caring. He loves nature and enjoys the company of cattle! He constant ambition is to share the love of Christ with others. 

There will be many who have or have had fathers of whom they may be ashamed or scared ... or maybe never known. I can’t emphathise but I grieve for you ... that’s hard. We can often, quite naturally, shape our view of God our Heavenly Father, based on our earthy father and it will often be unhelpful. No earthly father will consistently give unconditional love and willingly sacrifice of themselves for their child ... with perfect discipline and justice in love ... perfect provision and guidance. It would be unfair to expect it, but we can rely on our Heavenly Father for that. 

A good example to prepare for their life ahead ... little bits of wisdom gained along the way is what a good father can give. Umberto Eco said “I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom”.

Barack Obama said: “Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father”.

Frederick Douglas said: “It’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men”.

In the Bible, fathers are instructed to teach their children and bring them up in the word of the Lord ... to not provoke or exasperate them (Eph 6v4).

So, there’s work involved. Fathers are to instruct, guide, counsel, build up, show courage and share wisdom. To do that and be effective, it means they must spend time and be around their children regularly ... this is a commitment and not always something so commonly found these days. 

I also believe that fathers should be fun! Engaged in play and silliness ... outings and make believe ... dens and tree houses ... tractor rides and picnics on straw bales. I recall doing all these things with dad and many more ... being spun around, only held on by a leg and an arm ... the most wonderful Christmas days out to see selfridges window displays ... a seaside trip when harvest was over maybe ... long journeys up to Aberdeen for new year. So many memories and more to come. I am thankful for my father beyond words.

For those of you who don’t know, I no longer live with my children’s father, so to have a stable father figure consistently in the home is something they are lacking ... they spend regular time with him and I am grateful for that. Treasure your time with your father or as a father and seek to do right for your children, but more than that, look to your father in heaven and seek him ... he is everything.

Ingrid x

Let’s fly

Some days I can run … other days I only have the energy to walk … still other days I find myself stumbling. It may be true physically but it’s certainly true spiritually.

Thank goodness for the promises of God who will ‘keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before the presence of his glory’ (Jude 1v24). 

We shall ‘run and not be weary … we shall walk and not faint’. In fact we’ll soar! ‘We shall mount up with wings as eagles’ if only we wait on the Lord … he will renew our strength (Isaiah 40v31).

I don’t want to be content with stumbling around … I want to soar to heights where the air is clear and my perspective is true … where I have the freedom to be who God made me to be and to express his love, peace and provision to all who see me.

Come fly with me! (There’s a song or two there)

Ingrid x

Another poem

Sshhh ... let us hush our minds and souls

For somewhere close nearby

A creature stirs or bird takes flight

Throughout the stillness of the night

New heaps are made by moles

A baby cries, it's nursing mother

Responds to each demand

The rain it patters on the roof

The horse it stomps it's stable hoof

Whilst neighing to another

Night is dark and can bring fear

But simply we don't see

That nature carries on it's course

It's maker God it's living source

To Him they all draw near

God notices each tiny bird

He sees each flower bloom

He cares for earth and living things

Whether with feet or claws or wings

Alone or in a herd

So much so that to redeem us

From inevitable destruction

He sent His son, one with Himself

Born into poverty not wealth

A stable birth, no fuss

Creation clapped, the angels sang

To celebrate this moment

How could creator become 'man'

Was this really God's big plan

Why believe the great Big Bang?

In the stillness of that night

To only nature's sounds

That baby born, the King of Kings

No crown was worn or golden rings

But He would be the light

So hush our hearts and listen now

To what that baby said

He brought us light and life and hope

No need to worry or to mope

Just simply to Him bow

Creation both in night and day

Will happily confess

Their maker cares for them and you

He'll bless you if you love Him too

And in your heart He'll stay

So rise and worship Christ our King

He lives and loves today

He longs to give your lonely heart

A pure and freeing brand new start

He’s Lord of everything.

Ingrid x

(From my garden today)

 

Midweek Thought ~ What should love look like? (The absence of abuse)

I'm hesitant writing about this subject partly because it's very close to my heart and also in case I become too jumbled and unhelpful. I write sincerely and prayerfully, out of concern and love.

Where do we believe love comes from? I believe that the pure and holy origins of love come from God ... the God of love ... unfailing, steadfast, everlasting love. In the New Testament there are many reprimands to those who have left this love or do not live it out. Of course these people probably loved their families and friends a lot, yet they did not have God's love, peace and justice in their hearts, therefore could not live it out and show it to others.

So, there must be different standards and types of love. We know this to be true of course as we'll all have experienced these or some of them during our lives. Most would agree to the four main types of love: 

• Eros ~ romantic; sensual
• Storge ~ familial 
• Philia ~ friendship bonds
• Agape ~ God's divine love for all humans

Agape love is the highest form of love. Why? Because it is divine, unconditional, immeasurable, incomparable, sacrificial and pure. It would be disappointing and futile if you were to expect this love from another human ... elements of it could be seen and known, but the ultimate agape love will only ever be found in God himself and his son Jesus Christ. After all, he did sacrifice himself for us, when we didn't even want what he was offering to us ... we were his enemies. Amazing love. The mind boggles, but as long as the heart can accept it and cherish the fact that God's love embraces me, I am safe and secure for eternity.

One thing however, that no form or type of love should include, is abuse. Never. Thankfully it is impossible for it to exist in God's love.

SCIE (the social care institute for excellence) refer to 10 types of abuse (in conjunction with the care & support statutory guidance). Types of abuse now outnumber types of love. How sad. They are:

1. Physical abuse
2. Domestic violence or abuse
3. Sexual abuse
4. Psychological or emotional abuse
5. Financial or material abuse
6. Modern slavery
7. Discriminatory abuse
8. Organisational or institutional abuse
9. Neglect or acts of omission
10. Self-neglect

Anyone can be the subject of abuse, it does not discriminate. The perpetrator may not always be aware that they are in fact being abusive. Upbringing, teaching, social values, culture, religion, inbred discrimination can all be massive factors. Someone could be abused because of their vulnerabilities, including children. Most abuse happens by someone who is a close relative and maybe even in a very close relationship with their victim. Statistics like 1 in 3 women around the world will have been abused in her lifetime, need to change.

God hates abuse. God is for the oppressed ... He fights for them and will be the ultimate judge, ruling with justice and peace. The Bible is full of God's promises to uplift the weary, to aid the oppressed and to encourage those who are suffering to rest in the truth that His love and justice will prevail. How comforting.

So if within a christian marriage (or any relationship), any form of abuse is taking place, it is wrong and is not God's way of loving. It is not what he ordained marriage to be. As with any crime, it should be dealt with and not covered up or ignored ... it may be uncomfortable and awkward, especially if the abuser is known to others as the model citizen or even someone who takes a leading role in a church. 

Local churches need to become more aware of the signs and have an open door for anyone to share a concern. Pathways, safely put in place, should be governed by safeguarding principles with designated, trained individuals to help and advise. This is a bigger issue than any of us may want to imagine. Marriage is sacred, but someone who abuses their spouse within it, has broken the marriage bond. Abuse cannot be tolerated. In fact, to allow it to continue, is dishonoring to God and is misrepresenting his love to those around us. We should be the loudest voice against abuse with the tenderest of hearts for those adversely affected.

I would like to promote an amazing organisation that I have only recently come across and would ask you to take a look and reach out for resources to help your own local church to gain a greater understanding and awareness of the issue, so that you can help someone who may be suffering in silence ... scared to come forward because of the perceived shame; the thought of not being believed; the consequences of rejection and much more.

https://www.restored-uk.org

'Restored' are working away in a professional, informed way to help both churches and survivors of abuse. They have digital downloads and training available. This is what they say: "Throughout history the Church has been a catalyst for change, a voice for the marginalised and hope for the oppressed. We believe that the Church is the hope of the world and should be taking the lead in challenging injustice wherever it is found. We work to equip the Church to end domestic abuse and bring dignity and fresh hope to survivors".

It's often so easy to interpret passages of scripture to mean what we want them to say, but please do not every compromise the truth that God is love and that we must love as he has loved and commanded us. We are all made in the image of God and are highly valued by him ... equal, precious, worthwhile. God made us to enjoy liberty ... liberty to do good and not evil; to love and not hate; to uplift and not put down; to celebrate our uniqueness and differences and not to dominate or control.

Let's all check our attitudes and the way we love ... deep down, and how we show it. Take a leaf out of Jesus's life and teachings, and esteem others better than yourself. We're all sinners and God's grace is sufficient for all of us ... it's not about pride but about the security to be free to be who God made us to be. We should be celebrated by our spouse, never condemned, belittled, controlled or have any other abusive behaviour or language, whether physical or emotional, in our lives.

Strong words I know and I won't apologise ... I know I haven't quoted verses here but I have been thoroughly reading and going over these things. I can happily expound more and bring in verses another time.

Here's how to be ... "walk in a manner worthy ... with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4v1-3).

We can forgive and be at peace to live in liberty, without abuse.

With love

Ingrid x

 

Balance

Progress will lead to something new, a change ... sounds obvious and has a naturally positive lilt to it. On the face of it and at the time, progress is often positive ... exciting even. Take the invention of the television or the phone ... it’s hard to really image what it must have been like to use them for the very first time. 

Yet if you’re anything like me, you may sometimes wish that they weren’t quite so present in our every day lives. How reliant we have become on these things and how much of our time they fill ... but not that long ago really, people existed without them.

You know I have young children. They love watching TV and I very often love them watching it because it gives me some time to get the tea ready or crack on with a job which needs doing. It’s handy, I won’t deny it. Yet I know that to rely on screen time too much, just isn’t natural or good for them (or me). It’s not just the TV, but the iPad or a games console or a phone or maybe music constantly in their headphones. It’s all artificial even if it’s real people on the screen or singing. Nothing wrong with it at all but there has to be a balance and an acceptance bred into us and our children to be able to stop it ... to change scene, to divert to something else, to escape even.

I’ve seen my children go from being in the middle of creating some amazing lego structure to suddenly standing rooted to the spot, conversation stopped mid flow, just because the TV had been turned on! Talk about halting creativity and social interaction.

If my children are in a woodland setting making dens and climbing trees, they aren’t thinking about wanting to watch TV at all. The environment helps dictate their perspective and desire for creativity, imagination and physical exploration. Likewise if they’re at the beach, they’re not asking to watch Netflix but are chasing the lapping waves or building sandcastles. When in the park, they’re using the play equipment or kicking a ball; even at home if they’re in the lounge having book or puzzle time, they’re engaged and enjoying themselves without the TV being on which is in the same room ... you get the picture. 

So a variety is good ... accessing the physical; our emotions; the imagination; the creative mind; the psychological and the social interaction element, are all vital for balanced growth. Exposure to these things means that screen time can have it’s place but can also know it’s place ... it does not dominate or take away from the real, tangible natural world around us and the real, wonderful other people in it!

As adults we’re often more guilty than the children. We may not have time to sit and watch a lot of TV, but we scroll and scroll, stuck to our phones like barnacles on the back of a humpback whale, even taking them to bed with us because of course it must be the last thing we look at and the first thing we look at each day. Bonkers. (I’m guilty of it). I’d rather look at a tree and hear a bird (I do that too).

So let’s try to get a little more balance in our lives. There is a time for everything ... there is a reason and a season for everything. Read Ecclesiastes 3 ... “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ...” then it lists a lot! It doesn’t include screen time but maybe we should make our own lists but just make sure we keep a correct perspective and a balanced lifestyle, with our aim being to showcase God’s love and add glory to his name ... that should keep us on track.

Ingrid x

A new song I had to share!

Scars in Heaven ~ Casting Crowns:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qCdevloDE6E&feature=share

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Old Ramblings!

Apologies to Theresa May but when I wrote this, there had only been one female PM! I came across this piece that I had written back in 2012 ...  not even sure now what inspired it particularly but there you go ... not too much has changed me thinks. 

Thought I’d be lazy and share it on as I’m currently feeling particularly rough with what I think is flu. 

THE ERA OF ME

A while ago now, on watching the film portraying our only female prime minister ‘The Iron Lady’, I was struck by her conversation with the doctor where she emphatically exclaims “don’t ask me what I am feeling, ask me what I am thinking”. 

 

The point seemed to be that we can overindulge our feelings, dwelling on them so much that we fail to focus on the bigger picture … life in its fullness, our future and what action we can take to help to change it for the better, to make a difference.

 

We have for some time now been living in an era that prioritises me, number 1. We are led to believe so much that our feelings, wants, problems and desires are paramount, that the real root to happiness is sacrificed. As wise old Solomon said: “there is nothing new under the sun”, we maybe need to take a step back and review our thinking. I believe it is now time for the cycle to move on a notch or two from self-absorbed introspection to living out true love (actions rather than feelings).

 

Please don’t misunderstand me, I firmly believe in emotions and feelings being vital to individual and collective well-being, however there can be a danger when these are consistently allowed to dictate decisions and actions (or the lack of). It is often the real-life tough decisions that make the difference for us and our country which if based on feelings alone, would have potentially proved disastrous rather than victorious.

 

I’ve seen t-shirts that epitomise the sentiment “it’s all about me, get used to it”. While it may be amusing as a passing remark, if we all genuinely believed this then we are no better off than becoming pure anarchists and society would continue on its slippery slope to ruin.

 

Take the riots in London as an example, I sometimes wonder whether they really happened … I mean, how could they? Yet they did. People looking to themselves and literally just doing what they wanted with no concern for law, governance or others. This was indeed a most public display, demonstrating the degradation of the human heart; however, it does happen constantly, not so visibly, in homes and hearts across our nation.  

 

I am as guilty as the next person. Going through a marriage break up recently, I ask myself did I give as much as I could, did I try as much as I should have? Or was it all too easy to hide those thoughts behind the more prevailing ‘legitimate’ voices of our society saying ‘what do you feel and want’?; ‘You’ve given it all you can, you deserve to enjoy life and move on’; ‘you’re the most important person, put yourself first for once’; ‘life’s too short, just enjoy it’ (in other words don’t worry about others and if they’ll be hurt in the process, you’re the priority!). Sound familiar?

 

When you break it down, this argument when taken to its literal end is not healthy in the least. No wonder there are so many broken families, homes, hearts and so much confusion and lack of trust as a nation. Maybe if we took a leaf out of Jesus’ book and “loved our neighbours as ourselves” a little more, thinking of and living for others, we may see more rewards than we’d ever dreamed of both individually and nationally. After all, ‘Love’ is an action not just a feeling, it is a choice.

 

We should not do this with the expectation of receiving in return but be assured there will be a domino effect. When driving, have you ever noticed how that when someone has let you out of a road during rush hour (you’ve been sat there for a few minutes fuming!), that you in turn are more likely to spot someone else and let them out? It happens all the time.

 

I truly believe that Great Britain was great because it was a nation founded on good principles (pretty much Bible truth) and as soon as we let these slide, we become weaker and less identifiable. We should not be ashamed of our heritage and we should embrace the truths and principles as a nation to put the Great back into Great Britain. I know we must move forward with the ‘times’ and due to the world becoming a much smaller place this is more complicated than it’s ever been, but we are strong and resilient enough to rise to the challenge. True Brits are stalwarts and if we would just take the time to admit some home truths then put in the hard work (even if it doesn’t mean me first), we would once again become a united nation supporting each other and paving a better way for a future generation. Let us plant the seeds for a better tomorrow.

 

Get to know your neighbour, see the good in someone rather than relishing the worst, help someone in need and if you don’t know anyone then find someone (it won’t be hard), volunteer at something (yes that means giving your time which is possibly the most difficult thing to give), praise your family, work at relationships, overcome evil with good and always show and be kind … “be kind and compassionate” (Ephesians 4v32, The Bible).

 

With the economy as it is and the struggles ahead, I think we would all appreciate a neighbourly helping hand. Although giving money to charity is commendable, try to give time and a personal touch, make it real.

 

Ingrid x

 

(Written in June 2012)

 

I listened to this song again recently ... it’s an old one and written by a much younger woman than me ... it’s upbeat and catchy.

Free to be Me ~ Francesca Battistelli:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4uOy8vbQXqI&feature=share

When I listen to the lyrics I realise they’re much more applicable to me now than ever. The older we get, the more dents and scars we get. The lesson is to get back up and learn to use God’s strength and vision when we’re challenged or knocked down the next time.

It’s when we’re on his shoulders that we become free to be ourselves ... imperfections and all. It’s what he expects and wants. If we were perfect then we wouldn’t need him! 

It’s amazing to me but you’ll know that throughout the Bible there are many examples of women and men whom God chose for important work and public office, but were failures in their every day lives ... they were weak and gave in to temptation or doubted God or tired to run away ... but it was how they responded when God didn’t give up on them, and how they grew in maturity, learning from their life experiences ... this was the key to being fit for God’s purpose for them. They were getting to know their God and could then deepen their trust and faith ... we can do the same.

Perfection is an enemy. Life is complicated, confusing, throws curve balls and will disappoint ... but when those times come, it’s the next step; the next attitude; the next response that truly matters. To grow in spiritual wisdom and reliance on God will bring peace, blessing and glory to Him.

Never stop learning and never stopped leaning on Jesus. Acquire wisdom and keep growing in spirit and in truth.

Ingrid x

Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; Run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. 

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. 

It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

1 Peter 3v8-18 (The Message)

Midweek Thought ~ Freedom! ⛓ 🦅 🆓 🌄

John 8v36 “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.

Isn't that just the best promise and truth to claim?

I wager that everyone reading this would agree to the fact that it is a human right to be free. Sadly there are many who do not experience freedom in this world. Human trafficking and modern slavery are on the rise ... it makes me feel sick and angry. How dare anyone presume to take anothers freedom from them. To be taken by force, bound and forced into labour without choice is barbaric. I am so full of admiration for the charities and organisations that work to rescue / release those affected and to reduce the horrifying statistics. 

I have 3 young children. I assume they will always be free as opposed to enslaved ... I hope and pray so. Anything to the contrary cannot enter my mind. Yet it is not so for many, even children. 

There are less visible ways of your freedom being taken from you which are far more prevalent in our western societies ... control; coercion; belittling; peer pressure; loneliness; the destruction of self worth; bullying; cyber crime; on line group chats for children. Often insidious and subtle to begin with, we can become victims without necessarily realising it before we've been stripped of the freedom to feel content being ourselves. The truth has become so abused that we believe lies and can feel trapped ... our liberty, gone. 

We need to safeguard ourselves and our children from such harm. Preserve, teach, learn and speak forth truth ... instil courage and conviction in our hearts and the hearts of our children.

But the Bible speaks about freedom from the sin we are all born into. Now this is a freedom which cannot be taken away, no matter where we find ourselves. I recall a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that tells the story of when he visited a prison and noticed an inmate who looked different to the others. It turned out that he had accepted Christ as his saviour whilst in prison (Free: https://youtube.com/watch?v=nc3SVvMqqa4&feature=share) 

Freedom from sin brings peace of heart. Knowing where you stand before the Lord leads to true freedom ... being free before Him gives confidence and genuine security. It enables you to adopt the truth about yourself ... how God sees you. 

Often though, we don't feel free. We can feel bound or restricted, maybe even afraid and in fear of attempting to gain true freedom. Feelings can blur the truth and will often dictate our actions or lack of them ... which may then aid in the continuance of feeling contained and limited. It is most definitely the truth which will set you free ... not feelings or falsehood, but truth ... God's truth.

God made you and me to be free ... free to be who he made us to be and to do what he made us to do. To love and share his glorious freedom which even death cannot rule or take away from you. The liberty and elevation that comes with this freedom will give you wings like eagles, to soar ... you will run and not be weary, you will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40v31). The imagery is so beautiful, exciting and uplifting. It's like a bud waiting to blossom or a chick wanting to take it's first flight ... there's no degradation or bondage, just the hope and expression of true liberating, inner peace. Whether you see it as the horizon over the lapping waves on a golden seashore; the eagle soaring to heights above a mountain top; or the eruption of cherry blossom in May ... your heart will experience something never to be forgotten, because it will remain ... liberty, true freedom in Christ.

Complete acceptance ... for you to be you. God is for you, not against you ... and if that is true (which it is), then what is there to fear? Break forth and be free indeed. Shine as the sun ... you are a city on a hill which cannot be hidden ... you are the light of the world!

Two songs to add to the one above:

Who You Say I Am ~ Hillsong Worship

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1Bp13n_4&feature=share

City on a Hill ~ Jars of Clay

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gvY3SFZ0_zc&feature=share

Ingrid x