Harbour in the Storm

A friend shared this with me from ‘Lion Bite word for today’. I hadn’t heard of them before but have enjoyed reading a couple of them. It’s so frustratingly easy to seek satisfaction in all the wrong places. Some places; things; people; activities, may even provide satisfaction temporarily, but the only lasting solution is indeed found in the one who gives living water and undiluted hope.

………………………….

Jeremiah 2v13: My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

I am the source of all solutions, of all hope, all joy, all peace.  I am the source of all wisdom and revelation.  I am the pure source, the unbroken channel, the untainted, unfiltered, pure source of life.  

Like a boat tossed in a storm, the temptation is to run to other lights, to other sources; to those that seem quicker, or easier, nearer, more familiar, or even seem safer.  Like the Israelites who even longed to go back to captivity when discouraged, or the times my people turned to Egypt for her strength instead of mine; do not be tempted to run to any other port but mine!  Do not be tempted to think ‘any port in a storm’.  I am your first port of call, your port in any storm.  I am your safe harbour. 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…. (Hebrews 6v19)

Ingrid x

Words

Do you talk too much? I generally do. I think I’m a good listener too, but I enjoy talking. The Bible has a lot to say on the subject with many proverbs focused on the foolishness of babbling on and on! Talking isn’t wrong, but often the choice or words or the tone of voice can be. There must also be a balance between speech and silence.

Speech is silver, but silence is gold. Words are of such value that they should never be wasted.

Mozart once said that “to talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but that an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop”.

Churchill similar … “courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen”.

The apostle Paul instructs that no corrupting talk come out of our mouths (Eph 4v29) and that our speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt (Col 4v6).

I love this … “A gentle tongue is a tree of life” (Prov 15v4) and this … “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prov 16v24).

James advises us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak” and “from the same mouth come blessing and cursing”. He describes the tongue as being untamable, a restless evil and full of deadly poison, like a fire which can corrupt the whole body. A similar sentiment is expressed in proverbs 18 “death and life are in the power of the tongue”. But also in proverbs we’re told that those who restrain words have knowledge and are prudent; not to be rash with words but that the tongue of the wise brings healing.

You can always add more words if needed, but it’s jolly hard to take them back or to try and get someone to forget what you may have just said. Learning to become more considered and kind with our speech in general is no bad thing. To listen more and to care about the effect our words can have, is vital for the promotion of all well-being … I find it interesting that words are indeed associated with physical health and healing, so it’s not just emotional, psychological and spiritual. 

Words can enrage and cause great physical harm; they can belittle and control; they can erode personalities and strip someone’s confidence; they can lead to war and terror; they can bring great suffering and sadness; they can lie and falsely accuse … but they can also bring joy and healing; they can build up and support; they can give hope and liberty, courage and victory; they can provide justice and reconciliation; they can soothe and be like a warm blanket to a cold and confused heart. Let us choose wisely how we use our speech and let us with the psalmist say:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (19v14).

Ingrid x

 

Fasting beyond Food (a guest contribution)

Thank you so much to Alice Kerby for allowing me to publish the following:

“Fasting is a form of worship that can help to bring us into the present moment and provide a way of focusing on a prayerful intention.

It is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible (Lev. 16:29, 23:29, Luke 2:37, 4:1-4, Matthew 6:16-18, 11:19…etc) and is a popular tool in the arsenal of the modern Christian against a world of excess and saturation.

But what about those whose relationship with food has been far from simple? Perhaps you feel as if you’re missing out on a valuable spiritual discipline and that makes you sad? How can we engage with the practice of fasting if we ourselves have had to heal from disordered eating patterns or the trauma of food insecurity?

 

As someone who spent many years fighting and concealing an unhealthy relationship with food and my body, I am acutely aware of the slippery slope that well-intentioned prayerful fasting can lead me down. Let me say with complete confidence that, if you have received healing from your trauma associated with food, your loving Father who created you does not want you to jeopardise that healing in order to participate in fasting. That would certainly not be a way to honour Him! Likewise, it should go without saying that if you are still on your journey to healing it is even more important to guard yourself against the temptation of engaging in any prayerful activity which might result in harm to yourself. I choose not to participate in the generic custom of fasting from food for important self-care reasons. That said, I have come to realise that this does not mean I have to exclude myself entirely from fasting as a discipline.

 

I see fasting as the temporary deprivation of something I have come to take for granted which can then serve as a reminder throughout my busy day of whatever intention I choose. In this context, I believe there are many things we can forgo which constitute as fasting and can be offered up in worship and prayer to God.

One of my go-to things to fast from is my mobile phone. This small electronic device embodies all my daily distractions, my monkey-mind indulgences, the centre from which my fear of boredom manifests. The experience of depravation from this mental comfort blanket is one where, each time I reach for the pinging pacifier (which happens constantly throughout the day, certainly more often that I eat!), I am reminded to turn my attention instead towards God. The lack of the distraction is certainly an uncomfortable one:The discomfort is a reminder of my prayerful intention: The focus is on God and this, for me, is fulfilling the purpose of a fast.

 

I hope my thoughts have enabled you to have a different perspective on fasting and, ultimately, to be secure in the knowledge that, however we choose to engage in prayerful self-sacrifice, it should be done with an awareness of our need for wellbeing”. (Alice Kerby)

Ingrid x

A change of season

“Be glad … rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before” (Joel 2v23).

Autumn has just started, the autumn equinox being on the 22nd September. The sun shines directly on the equator, providing exactly the same amount of sun rays on both the northern and Southern Hemispheres. 

Many celebrate these times and acknowledge the passing of summer into autumn as a time of shedding off, like the leaves, and letting go, yet simultaneously recognising the bounty that we have with a deep sense of thankfulness for the harvest.

It is good to reflect and utilise significant calendar events I feel. Time passes, seasons come and go but unless we focus our attention and thoughts to the detail of these changes, we will miss out on huge benefits both practically and spiritually.

A recognition of God in these cycles and seasons will surely enable us to deepen our appreciation and gratitude for creation and his provision in our lives. 

Let’s pause and be thankful for the summer. Let’s pause and look ahead into autumn with gratefulness for all that it holds. God’s  purposes and plans throughout all the seasons and cycles of creation are maybe incomprehensible to us at times, but they are beautiful and bountiful. Let’s enjoy his blessings this autumn. 🍂 🍁 

Ingrid x

(Photo courtesy of Shane King)

Gardening

“And the Lord God planted a garden” (Gen 2v8).

This verse just caught me recently. We know that he created Eden and then created man and woman who lived in it; a paradise. But it's amazing the words used here ... God planted a garden. I would tend to, in passing, just assume he spoke it into being like he did most other things ... "let there be light, and there was light", yet this is different.

Any of you who have or may have had a garden that requires tending, will know that it's a considerable task. There are many aspects to it, some quite back-breaking jobs with toiling and commitment. A garden requires tender care, consistent care and specific care throughout the seasons of the year. It needs pruning back, feeding, watering, good soil, thinning out and much more.

And here we have God, yes the everlasting God, actually planting a garden! I'm not even sure how to imagine this in my mind ... God using his hands to craft and create the perfect garden. Why doesn't it say that he said "let there be a garden, and there was a garden"? The description of God planting a garden is so much more detailed, personal and tender, almost as though he wanted to be up close to the detail of every little plant, flower and tree. It's a friendly and calming scene to me.

I love a nice garden and I'm very blessed to have one. I can sit and in total calm and peace, listening to nothing apart from nature. My mother came over recently and as we sat in the garden, two different colours of dragonfly came and landed on our knees. Butterflies and bees abound, birds sing their little hearts out and the variety of vegetation is pleasing to the eye. Trees rise up to form the back drop and spongy grass carpets the earth. No wonder is provides solace and the opportunity for tense shoulders to relax, furrowed brows to unfurl. Apple trees are dropping their fruit and the last of the raspberries are clinging on. The autumn winds will soon bring the pleasure of crunchy leaves underfoot and the abundance of changing colours.

What did God plant? Whatever it looked like and whichever variety of plants, trees and flowers he chose, I know for certain that it was the most relaxing and beautiful place for a human to be. If all this time later, I can feel the way I do about a garden, then goodness knows what that garden was like. I'm so grateful for God's creativity and attention to detail, colour, variety, contrast, art forms, humour and magnificent array of spectacular beauty. I think he likes us taking care of our gardens and enjoying them. I think he likes us taking care of the countryside and forests too, the rivers and streams, the fields and the hills, the hedges and seas, the mountains and deserts ... we have a duty to protect and nourish these amazing creative gifts God has allowed us to enjoy.

If this is the beauty of earth, what must heaven and the new earth look like?!

So, if you're a gardener or just enjoy gardening, then be encouraged ... you're in a heavenly, godly trade! God is a gardener too. He planted a garden for humans ... imagine that!

Ingrid x

UCB word for Today

 

Self-belief

I often find it hard to gauge inner confidence and to know I am truly secure in my self-worth. To accept who I am with all my limitations whilst having the strength of character to make decisions, trust my motives and stand my ground. 

I guess it can often depend or circumstances. We can all too easily become confident and comfortable with what we know and are familiar with, but put into a new situation or made to face a challenge previously unknown to us, of course our self confidence and assurance will waver. Yet that doesn’t mean we are any different to who we were the moment before … we are still just as worth while and valuable.

Confusing both experience and expertise with inner self assurance as to our core identity, worth and purpose will create instability, wavering and doubt … not good!

Let’s face it, everyone could continue to learn something new until they die. We’ll all face dilemmas and feel like a ‘duck out of water’ at some point, but that shouldn’t equate to an inner turmoil of self doubt. Someone who has their ‘core’ right and secure can face a curveball with stability and a calm assurance. They will learn what to do or find out what’s needed; ask for help or wait patiently for further information … it’s a chosen response governed by inner acceptance and peace. To be tossed around and agitated only feeds anxiety, fear and doubt, it’s not helpful at all! It can most certainly affect our health and our demeanor … a ‘fallen’ expression or furrowed brow can turn to harsher persona … not something that’s attractive when compared with the look of serenity!

So, I am saying to myself really, not to allow confusion over a circumstance to waver my known assurance of what is right and also that my motive is ok … don’t give in to doubt or fear … be strong and courageous; stand for justice and faith; persevere and endure … and when all else fails, stand … it is in the toughest of battles that the evidence of God’s presence is not necessarily greater, because he is with us all the time, but it is more relied upon and asked for … when I am weak then I am strong but only because of his strength in me, for greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world. Now that is something to provide great stability, assurance and confidence.

For me, my current battle may involve a court room and difficulties that I hope none of you will ever face, however yours may involve concerns over your health that you hope I will never face, or maybe financial worries … a business venture or having to sell up; a challenging relationship or a grief. We will all have something at some point, but the key is to know with full assurance of faith that we are loved, secure, are of great value and have all the resources our Heavenly Father ready to help and aid us.

I need to doubt myself less and trust my God more.

Ingrid x

A share from Chuck Swindoll

So I’m being lazy again and sharing something that I found encouraging rather than write a post myself. It’s just been hard lately and I find I have little head space left when I come to write. 

I like this … it surprises me that it’s ok to pray like David did … to ask God to hold someone accountable who is attacking me in some way and to get them to fall by their own doing. It’s quite specific prayer! Maybe it’s a good thing though … to off load and hand it over to the one who will do justly and fight for the oppressed. There’s a lot of evil in the world and a fight against righteousness, so we should pray that those who are behind these schemes, fall into their own traps and are foiled in their plans. We can then peacefully leave it with God, knowing that he will do what is right and in the right time.

I certainly want to go around with a countenance exuding peace rather than a bitter fallen face. No matter the battle you or I come up against; no matter the attack, deceit and lies; no matter the injustice and false accusation, let us live out God’s peace which defies human logic, defies rational explanation and goes way beyond our comprehension.

Ingrid x

 God’s Shield against Discouragement

by Chuck Swindoll

Psalm 5:9–12

Sometimes we suffer discouragement because of difficult circumstances caused by no one in particular: natural disasters, disease, economic downturns, injury. Frequently, however, we suffer because enemies cause us harm and refuse to stop. That was David’s lament in Psalm 5. He knew discouragement can easily escalate into resentment, bitterness, hatred, and finally retaliation. He feared becoming like his oppressors. So, David reflected on the Lord’s character and asked Him for the ability to do things His way. David then considers the character and actions of his enemies (Psalm 5:9–10).

There is nothing reliable in what they say;
Their inward part is destruction itself.
Their throat is an open grave;
They flatter with their tongue.
Hold them guilty, O God;
By their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out,
For they are rebellious against You.

In his mind, David deliberately hands his enemies over to God, who has the sole authority to dispense justice or mercy. He also asks God to allow them to “fall by their own devices.” When dealing with those who oppose righteousness, it’s helpful to remember that they are fighting against the Lord, not you. Consequently, you can be sure He will not allow evil deeds to continue forever. He will limit sin and hold the sinners accountable. If left alone in their own counsel, they will fall by themselves!

Paul the apostle says it straight in Romans 12:17–19.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

The daily grind of discouragement is lessened when we trust that the Lord will fight our battles for us.
Finally, having celebrated the righteous character of God, having requested the ability to remain on God’s side of the issue, and having considered the ultimate fate of evildoers, David imagined the future joy of the righteous (Psalm 5:11).

But let all who take refuge in You be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And may You shelter them,
That those who love Your name may exult in You.

The key thought through this verse is joy. How are you doing regarding your countenance—is it joyful? Do you really live above the pressures? Is there an evidence of peace written across your face? If you fight your own battles without the Lord, you’ll become bitter, severe, cranky, and ultimately your face will bear the marks of the battle.

Have you ever taken note of Cain’s response to God’s refusal of his offering? A most significant statement appears in Genesis 4:5: “So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.” Another way of translating the Hebrew text adds a bit more color: “And Cain burned with anger exceedingly and his face fell.” When anger and resentment are harbored, our faces show it. Our jaw tightens with clenched teeth. Our eyes narrow. It is impossible to hide inner discouragement! “Fallen” faces reveal discouraged hearts. David wanted God to take his inner burden and replace it with inner joy.

Finally, the composer mentions a promise we frequently forget:

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, 
You surround him with favor as with a shield.
(Psalm 5:12)

David closes his song with his eyes turned toward the Lord and away from the sources of his discouragement. Having given God his “morning burden,” David’s discouragement fled. The shield he mentions at the end of his song here in verse 12 was the largest of warriors’ shields, covering the entire body. So what is the promise? God will bless the one who looks to Him for protection. How? He will do this by giving him favor and by providing him with His large, protective (yet invisible) shield. Up with the shield . . . out with discouragement!

Love conquers fear!

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! I was pushed hard so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me”. “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you”.

“Have you not been paying attention? Have you not been listening? Haven’t you heard these stories all your life? Don’t you understand the foundation of all things? God sits high above the round ball of earth. The people look like mere ants. He stretches out the skies like a canvas— yes, like a tent canvas to live under. He ignores what all the princes say and do. The rulers of the earth count for nothing. Princes and rulers don’t amount to much. Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted, They shrivel when God blows on them. Like flecks of chaff, they’re gone with the wind”. “Will not the judge of all the earth do right?”. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.

(Taken from Psalm 118, Deuteronomy 31, Isaiah 40, Genesis 18 and Isaiah 41 in the Bible).

Listen to the lyrics in this song … “my fear doesn’t stand a chance when I’m in your love” … 

Stand in Your Love ~ Bethel Jusic & Josh Baldwin: https://youtu.be/MHLEZzyAZrI

Oh the monumental power and peace we have in Gods presence and promises! The liberty from fear and the strength to endure … the inner calm to accept, and the knowledge that God’s ways are far above our understanding yet still for our ultimate good. Rooted firmly in his love, we can surely conquer any fear.

Ingrid x

I enjoyed this from UCB today…

 

 

God makes a way

I have to attend a court hearing in the morning (Monday). I know what I want the outcome to be, but I have no control over it myself. A judge will rule and order … I must then follow through and obey the order. It’s really not an easy or pleasant prospect as I’m sitting in bed now contemplating it. All I can do is prepare and pray.

I’ve been reminded twice today (Sunday) of the path God gave in a very unique and specific way, to his people. My son was taught about the story at church, and a reading this evening reminds me about it again … “for we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt” (Joshua 2v10).

God goes before.

The Israelites had no clue what would happen and if they would be provided for … I’m pretty sure that down to the last person, they wouldn’t have guessed that God would part the whole sea and just make a path across for them! As they approached, they simply had to marvel at the interference and provision of God and then to trust it and keep walking forward in faith. 

You can just imagine some of the chatter as one by one they saw the sea walls standing up and a dry path underfoot … mind blowing miraculous wonder! I think we’d have probably let the Egyptians catch up too quickly by all stopping to take selfie’s with the wall of sea behind us!

Later on it was a witness of God’s provision and grace … others heard and wanted to know this true and living God. Who wouldn’t want to?!

And it’s the same today, and tomorrow … I must trust in God’s interference and provision … He has gone before and made right the path I must take for myself and my children. He is already in tomorrow. He is already in the detail and in the order the judge will give. His justice will prevail and his provision will never fail. Prayers going up to him add protection for me and my children as well as the aroma of pleasing unity and care to the heart of the one God who wants to do exceedingly above and beyond all that we desire and think.

So, I can quite easily now just go to sleep, to lay me down in peace, because he alone makes me dwell in safety (Psalm 4v8). He has gone before and I will rise to witness his power, provision and protection. What an amazing God we have. To trust him is just the most sensible thing anyone could ever do.

Ingrid x

I saw this poem today and thought it was sweet … I saw this view today and found it peaceful. Amidst the chaos and demands of the day there are always moments of help and healing, tranquility and solace … they may indeed only be moments, fleeting seconds, but they are there. Still and small, but present and affecting. Take the moments.

One step at a time, that’s life … some steps may be more rushed than others, more joyful and jumpy, but a step is a step, even a baby one. Take time to notice the steps and to keep facing toward the right direction for your life even if there are pauses and struggles along the way.

Ingrid x

 

Apologies for being quiet … busy time and it looks like more to come including a court hearing. Ingrid x