God of the Moon

I took this photo of the moon a couple of nights ago. It sent down moonbeams and was striking in its steadfast presence.

The moon is just the moon being the moon!… and I totally love it.

The sky was beset with a mottled cloud formation, not that the moon minded at all because of course the moon was just being the moon no matter how the clouds wished to behave.

The moon was created (Genesis 1v16) on the fourth day as the 'lesser' light to rule the night! God specifically created two great lights, one for the day and one for the night. Day and night had already been defined on day one so as to distinguish light and darkness, however the ruling lights of those divided contrasts, came later. Light and dark already existed but the sun and moon were created for a purpose, to rule those hours they had been given charge over. (Then of course He made the stars also!)

I have always found the moon to be a friendly reassuring presence. A stalwart, immovable, dependable, inoffensive ... a constant. It has a drawing presence, as though it has the capacity to sense the need for pause and reflection, for a momentary stillness. It enables and gives permission to even the busiest or most downcast person to stop, gaze and just wonder ... maybe allowing some rather more balanced perspective to be shed on the pressing concerns of daily life.

Have you seen a harvest moon? Or a blood moon? The faces of the moon are many yet the same. It can often be hidden from sight and the night densely dark, or fully out with those beauteous moonbeams shedding a silvery light. Somehow though, it remains as that constant resolute reminder of it's own creators faithfulness and dependability, quietly content to be what it was made to be.

It’s often hard to 'see' God, to know His presence or to experience the light we may need from Him to shine on our path ... yet He's there all the time. He's faithful and true, constant and always available. Our worlds can overshadow and cloud our own perceptions; our emotions create a fog; our anxieties blur the truth; our weaknesses give way to doubt, but He's still there.

Our God is bigger than the moon; Our God is stronger than any obstacle; Our God is always available.

When you're feeling lonely, look to the moon and be reassured that God in His wisdom put it there knowing that it would bring consistent and calm comfort to you. He sustains the moon and He will sustain you too.

When you’re faced with conflict and emotions run high, look to the moon and remain in control of your own feelings. You can choose to be inoffensive and resolute, not allowing someone else to have the power over you to make you feel or react a certain way. It may be hard but it is possible with the help of the moon creator.🌝

Ingrid x

El Roi

The God who sees.

It’s so often used as a threat and a stick with which to wield condemnation, casting aspersions to make us recoil with discomfort, imagining a God waiting with relish to observe what sin we may indulge in today, taking note of our faults then calling us to account. It exudes negativity and the need for punishment.

If the seeds of bitterness hadn’t already taken ahold then the looming threat of ‘God can see you’ would certainly fertilise and assist their growth! A sense of self repulsion / never being good enough would add to possible doubt and anger ... how on earth can I live in a spiritually acceptable way?

That’s not my God! It’s certainly not the characteristic of a truly loving father.

Of course I’m not refuting the fact that God is all knowing and all seeing in that He does indeed see and know our sin. However he takes no delight in that, it grieves him. His desire is to forgive it and to wipe it away with no recourse or dredging it back up again.

My God is full of tender compassion and loving kindness, willing to save anyone who looks to him and cries out for help. He sees, yes he sees … he sees the broken heart; he sees the loneliness; he sees the suffering, the grief and pain; his heart breaks too … he sees those innermost struggles and anxieties; he sees the doubt, the shame, the fear … he sees the weakness; he sees the vulnerability; he sees the cruelty and he sees the caving in to temptation. He sees to the deepest depth of your heart and soul … and he loves. He loves so much. When hurt in the worst way possible, when you have no ounce of self respect left, when you even doubt his presence … yes even then he adores you. To him you are most precious and of great value and worth. 

He sees you right now exactly where you are and he cares. He cares about those momentary stresses and the tiredness which the cares of the day have led to. He sees and understand the nervousness about the next step in your life and your struggle with patience. He understands the complexities of mental health and addiction. He knows and he sees it all.

Hagar was used and then discarded. A single mother alone with a child, abandoned, frightened and facing a slow death, but God saw her (Genesis 21). He protected and provided when no one else was around.

Jesus sought out individuals and noticed those who were invisible or insignificant to others, even those who were hated by the majority (like Zacchaeus). Each one precious to him (the man at the pool of Bethesda), each one seen and known (the woman with the bleeding disorder). It didn’t mean there weren’t problems in life but it did (and does) mean that he is with us in them … now that’s a pretty wonderful and reliable hand to hold.

We are fully known and unconditionally loved! ❤️

Nothing you have done is irredeemable.

I stumbled across the most relevant song, beautifully written and sung by Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicole C Mullen, please take a listen … 'The God Who Sees':

https://youtu.be/l6sX4Vw8mx0

I am so glad that God sees me. No matter that there are millions of other people on the planet … he sees me … and he sees you. It’s like the warmest embrace and most reassuring security you could ever imagine or wish for.

Ingrid x

Weeds 🍃

Tend the garden of your heart and soul.

I have a garden. I love it, truly I do.

I wrote in a previous blog post about gardening (Sept ‘21), how that I was struck by considering how God created a garden, not just speaking it into being, but planting it (Genesis 2v8) … it’s as though He actively took part in the planting and design of it, especially for his new human friends.

Today I’m rather more taken up with weeds! More specifically this one … “Ground elder is a herbaceous, perennial plant. It spreads via rhizomes (underground stems), which can regenerate from just a tiny fragment left in the ground … ground elder can easily creep in from a neighbouring garden or nearby wasteland. It can also be unknowingly introduced with new plants if pieces of its fleshy, white rhizome are hidden within the compost of the rootball or are tucked away among the roots of the plant.” (RHS)

I call it a weed but it is in fact a plant. There’s no stopping it! It’s taking over my borders and infringing upon anything within its underground rhizome reach. It would take dedicated time every day to get on top of it, or to just poison the whole garden, killing everything then starting from scratch (not too desirable or environmentally friendly). However, if I had been here when the first one crept over from the neighbors garden and had carefully dug it up, roots and all, then fastidiously watched out for the next one and proceeded with the culling process, I would have protected my garden and not have the huge influx which I now face. I inherited the ‘problem’ as the ground elder was already rather happily established when I purchased the property but the principle of careful maintenance and awareness of spread still applies.

So many distractions, excuses, good works and seeing the needs in others can take our focus from the weeds spreading in our own spiritual lives. Subtly, under the surface, creating a invasive root system which then presents above the surface as something ugly. Discretion and wisdom are required to pay attention to the warning signs of early weed growth and then drastic action required to kick them in to touch before their roots multiply.

In every life this weed may present itself in a different way. Your vulnerability and temptation will be different to mine. 

Be warned … it is so easy in life to see the ‘weeds’ in someone else and to even encourage them to deal with them (Matt 7v3-4), whilst your own invasive network is galloping away, taking over another area of your heart and life.

So the next time you reach for your ‘roundup stump killer’ or even just see some weeds, consider the soil of your heart and take note of what’s being nurtured. The more we fill our minds and souls with God’s word and truth, the less space there will be for toxic substance. The fruit of the spirit (Gal 5v22-23) and armour of God (Eph 6v10-18) will bring light and life, quelling negative invasions. Those subtle workings of darkness in the shadows desperately want to emerge in outworkings in your life and mine (1 Peter 5v8) … let’s say no! and daily make sure our root system is embedded in the true vine (John 15v4), one which bears fruit for the glory of our God.

Ingrid x

Trust

What a wonderful time of celebrations we've had recently in commemoration of the Queens Platinum Jubilee 🇬🇧. To retain integrity and the commitment to serve those who come under her figurehead, Queen Elizabeth II is one uniquely special human.

With scarily intrusive media and the smallness of the world these days, along with the insatiable desire for gossip, it's astonishing that Her Majesty has remained so preserved from slander. Throughout history I suggest she's among very few who have had to lead for such a length of time yet have retained admiration, respect and love from those who know her, even if at arms length. Whilst other leaders flail to maintain any sense of dignity and honesty, she remains unflappable; resolute in her duty; calm in her disposition and unswerving in her faith.

It's her faith which appears to ground her despite circumstances, demands and grief. This solid foundation ... her trust in God; her higher power to which she can defer and go to for help, guidance and counsel.

Trust cannot be demanded, coerced or be found at a whim when the sudden need for it is upon us. Trust is gained as a natural consequence of a relationship worked on.

Who is the Queen likely to trust? Not many I wager! Those whom she does trust will be people whom she has got to know over a long period of time. They will have shown time and again their loyalty, care, devotion and commitment to her without the need for any public recognition in return. Yet even the best of confidants here on earth can fail, slip up, have a change of heart and cause disappointment.

There is only one on whom we can depend, and like Her Majesty, it is God alone.

Even though He is God, it does not mean that we will find trusting Him easy, especially when we face trials and temptations. It is only through the development of a close relationship, maturing over time, that our first response in the face of a storm will be to intuitively trust Him. When that trust and a deep, inner knowledge and acute awareness of His care, grief and pain alongside ours, is our primary reaction, only then will we know the peace that passes all human comprehension. It will take up residence within us confounding all other more human responses ... because it is from Him. 

God will never misuse trust in Him. He will never take advantage, abuse or demand a favour in return. He wants our dependence, love and trust ... He wants it so much (that special relationship bond with each of us), so much so that He gave all He had, His only Son ... in return we get grace for those times of need, peace, liberty and hope for a much better future!

Abide in Him; develop a daily knowledge of who He is; depend on Him for all things ... the natural outcome = trust, peace and freedom. ❤️

Ingrid x

 

God’s will

Ok so I appreciate that the title of this blog is rather a huge subject and greatly debated with many schools of thought by those far more qualified and learned than myself.

So that being said, I’ll of course stick to my simple ramblings and musings.

Following a conversation with a new friend and realising that we both had big decisions to make this year, I was driving home asking God to make his will known and to show the way ahead to both her and myself. 

I struggle with the fact that it’s so hard to know what God’s will is for a certain decision when in fact it should surely be easy because after all He wants us to walk in His will, so why wouldn’t He make it clear for us … to help us avoid mistakes? As I questioned God again with this whole thought process I realised what I needed to do was to stop all trains of thought and clear the crazy chaos of cognition away. My jumbled thoughts racing in all directions just clouds and fogs up rather than bringing clarity.

At that point, God through Jesus simply said and says “Follow Me”. That’s it!

What better way to calm the soul and make sense of the scrambled egg mind. At the sound of those words from the one who holds my breath in his hands whilst upholding all things by the word of his power; the need to understand every detail relating to my options and plans just melts away. It’s ok. He’s got it.

All I need to do is to make sure I’m following Him. That’s it. 

I may not know what lays ahead. I may not understand the paths I could be asked to walk or decisions which will unfold, but I do know that if I am following God through His word (Jesus) then he will be the light, shining the exact amount needed for my next step. He will light the way and provide for the way … and it will be good.

Perspective and priority … first things first, just follow Him. All else will fall into place and be amazingly less significant than how it appeared prior to the re-shuffle in priorities and perspective.

Jesus wasn’t complicated or cryptic, he simply said “follow me”. There was no need for questions around provision or timings, location or salary. He was more than enough to satisfy any anxieties, and he still is.

Live in the moment and follow Him. No one has or ever will regret it.

Ingrid x

The Faith / Trust Choice

“Sometimes faith changes your circumstances; other times it changes your perspective” (UCB)

So many people struggle with having faith. Often what gets in the way is their need for proof, for fact and scientific backing. Yet these people have faith in other people all the time, without those evidences up front … and they’re just ‘other people’, not God. Children have faith in all it’s simplicity which is why Jesus advises us to have faith like them, unadulterated and pure. Faith is the realisation that we don’t need our own human proof and methodologies because we can trust in the founder and maker of all things. There is no better foundation on which to fully rely throughout all of life.

Faith is a lifelong journey, not just for moments or seasons. ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Heb 10v38) says it all … live by … that’s every moment of every day, our whole lifestyle. Feelings come and go, and our faith may wax and wane but He who is just will remain faithful. Our faith, no matter how weak or strong, can never be misplaced when cast firmly into the person of Christ.

The bottom line is that no matter what God allows on our path; no matter if he answers our prayers or appears to remain silent … He is God and we can trust Him. He is bigger than our greatest fear and he will make all things right when the timeline of his eternal tapestry is complete, of that we can be sure. With this acceptance comes the wonderful inner workings of peace. Why worry when we have a God like this? Why doubt when faith breeds hope? To simply trust is not choosing ignorance but rather the wisest thing you could ever do.

I wanted to share the words of this song which helps me when I have my many moments of angst. I cling on to just keep trusting and to have faith; not in results, circumstances or my feelings, but in who God is, His power, goodness and steadfast faithfulness. He cannot lie, fail or cease to love me and he will never renege on a promise. Hide his word in your heart, memorising those promises so that the spirit can bring them to the fore at just the right moment.

Trust in You ~ Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE

Lyrics:

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I've tried to win this war, I confess
My hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

Ingrid x

Two songs ~ Angel Armies

Two songs came to mind after someone at church this morning prayed in relation to the war in Ukraine. They prayed for angel armies! There are so many occasions where the direct intervention and display of God’s might has changed the course of history. He can still do the impossible. Russia is no barrier to God’s plans; Putin is no foe too great for God’s power.

Thinking of angel armies … In 2 Kings 6 Elisha is under threat of capture by the Arameans. They find out that he’s at Dothan which leads the king to send many chariots and horses to surround the entire city. When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses and chariots everywhere! Distressed he cried to Elisha “oh no my lord! what shall we do now?” … Elisha replied “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them”, then he prayed “open his eyes Lord, so that he may see”. What a sight awaited him! He saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

I believe those angel armies are still available today. In the words of these songs I think about the country of Ukraine as a whole and also every individual affected. God knows every single one … He has gone before and He cares immensely about every moment of suffering. He can truly empathise.

I will share the songs but if you’d rather read the lyrics here, I’ve written them out. 🇺🇦

‘Rescue’ by Lauren Daigle:

https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU

You are not hidden

There's never been a moment

You were forgotten

You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

………………………………………………………

‘Whom Shall I fear?’ By Chris Tomlin:

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

Ingrid x

War

🇺🇦 I’ve no idea what you’re like, maybe you prefer not to listen to the news and would rather go about your business as normal. I can’t seem to do that. I do listen and I get affected. The situation in Ukraine is devastating, wrong and sad. The bravery and commitment of the people there is wonderful to see, their leader a solid, unwavering example of fortitude in the face of fear. Their future is unknown against the progressing might of the Russian forces.

It’s easy to get taken up with all the detail and the straight forward facts like Russia having a greater army and military arsenal so therefore its just a matter of time before Ukraine is completely invaded. However it doesn’t take much digging into history to see that there are many examples of the ‘smaller’ and less likely nation / side winning. June 1967 the six day war … Israel vs a coalition of Arab states including Egypt, Syria and Jordan … against all odds, Israel stood firm.

An easy Bible example is Gideon (Judges 7) … an army reduced by God from over 32,000 to 300 men and then Gideon divided the 300 into 3 companies … so only 100 men in each section! This against: “The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore” (v12).

Gideon and his men prevailed … how could they do otherwise when God Almighty was with them. Against all odds humanly speaking but a guaranteed success when God is in the camp.

I like this verse: “my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73v26). 

The only thing greater than hate, evil and fear is love … but this cannot be any ordinary love, it is a greater love and force than we can humanly conjure up, it comes from God. He enables us to face our fears and overcome … against all odds, he will give the power to prevail.

In the darkest of moments we need one thing … hope. Strength can arise if hope is in our hearts. I pray that those currently experiencing conflict firsthand will not lose hope and that the God of Gideon will provide a way of peace … against all odds.

Ingrid x

My Robin

I have a robin in my garden, a cheeky little thing but the friendliest and bravest bird. It seems unafraid of me and will hop close, looking at me as though checking out whether to come even closer. It sings so loudly and beautifully puffing out it’s chest with gusto knowing with assurance that there is nothing better in the world to do than create wondrous and joyful sound.

How free a robin seems to me. How little to worry about or plan for. Life may have its perils but it is simple.

I’ve been considering simplification recently and as a home group we took a week to discuss it (there is a chapter headed ‘Simplicity’ in the book ‘100 stand alone Bible studies). In the commentary the writer says “the practice of simplicity is a matter of watching our boundaries to see that our lives are protected for God … in a high tech world … where multi-tasking is admired … maintaining a discipline of simplicity is foreign territory”.

Let’s face it, there is so much to do in a day! Many of those ‘things’ are ok and necessary but there are a lot which if we’re honest, are distractions and certainly not necessary. There are also things that can be delayed in order to create space and time within the current day. It may require organisation, lists and consistent commitment to some change, however the de-clutter of our physical space and our schedule gives way to greater opportunities for good … and what a lovely feeling … to have less fog and cobwebs; less rush and stress; less to assault the visual sense and demand action. A calmer energy creeps up, a smoother brow with more space to breathe freely. Remember, your ‘no’ creates room for your ‘yes’. 

No to clutter (in whatever form affects you); no to high anxiety; no to rushing; no to snapping and anger; no to taking on anything more unless you have created space and time for it; no to busyness for the sake of external appearance and performance; no to invites just so that you don’t offend, or are desperate for acceptance. These ‘no’s’ will provide new space … it is how this newly created space is used which will transform your outlook and daily composure.

Yes to calm; yes to meditative time; yes to lists and organisation; yes to new ventures thought through and you have enough regular time to take on;  yes to social activities that bring you joy and not the anticipation of exhaustion or fear around acceptance; yes to time spent appreciating nature; yes to time focused on those you love without your phone nearby to distract your gaze.

It is in this new found and protected space that we can peacefully and meditatively ponder God and his creation. Even if for a few minutes I can guarantee that your calm considerations will lead to worship. What a wonderful place to end up in. It is all about him, not us, and to dedicate time for this at whatever time of day suits you best, is the best change you could make right now.

The birds have it right.

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds”. (The Message)

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they”? Matthew 6v26

By ‘sacrificing’ this time and potentially re-organising our lives to accommodate this worshipful place, we will never ever regret it. Why? Because our Heavenly Father provides and protects. We are of more value, we are precious beyond our comprehension, therefore he will give far more abundantly, above all we ask or think (Eph 3v20).

Peaceful ponderings

Calm considerations

Mindful meditations

Your simplifying will make space for your glorifying. 

Ingrid x

‘Even If’ (a song)

My sister told me that my previous post reminded her of this song … the words are honest and so relevant to many of us I’m sure. Even if God doesn’t intervene or answer our prayers in the way we desire, the key to our inner peace, acceptance and a greater future is to remain steadfast in the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and to hope in Him alone. Remember that verse in Micah (6v8)? We are required to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God … and it doesn’t say only when things are going well. The best thing we can do each day is to walk with God. If we do that, then his presence will be all the more evident and closer when we do face the next challenge this life has to offer.

MercyMe ~ Even If:

https://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y

“They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
'Cause I know You're able
I know You can

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul”

Ingrid x

In the fire

I sit looking into the fire a lot. There’s something about natural elements that are soothing and relaxing to gaze at. Fire has the power to kill and destroy, but contained and managed it provides warmth and comfort.

Sometimes if I’ve put a heat log on and it’s really got going, the heat when I open the door of the wood burner can be fierce. It’s cosy but it’s dangerous.

I reflected recently on the 3 incredible men which you may have read about in the Bible: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel had appointed them as administrators over the province of Babylon. They were senior figures and entrusted with great responsibilities. They knew the laws and would have upheld them.

If you read the historical account in the book of Daniel chapter 3 you'll see it was a huge affair. King Nebuchadnezzar invited all officials throughout the province of Babylon to the dedication of his image in statue form. Heralds loudly proclaimed that at the sound of music everyone was to bow and worship the image. The consequence for disobedience to this order was also loudly heralded ... it was to be carried out immediately the disobedience was noted. A blazing furnace had been prepared and the perpetrators of this crime were to be thrown in.

When the astrologers came forward to inform on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego the King himself chose to double check and gave them a chance to clear their names by asking if they would in fact bow down and worship his image. He even reiterated the consequence of choosing not to. He finished with "then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" Indeed ... could any 'god' rescue men from being thrown into blazing flames?

These men had faith beyond my comprehension. They knew their God was the one who created all things ... fire was nothing when faced with the power of their God. The reality of their personal knowledge of God along with their dependence, trust and faith on and in Him, meant that they did not hesitate or waver in their response to an unregenerate earthly king: 

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

I wish I had faith and courage like that!! It's just brilliant isn't it?

They hadn't received a note from God telling them that he would most definitely protect and deliver them ... they had no knowledge of the outcome. All they had was their resolute faith in their God. There's a sniff of definite defiance and repulsion from them that this King (as much as they were up to this point, loyal and obedient to him and do still show him respect in their response), could dare question the existence of the one true God, defy his power and mock their faith. They had no doubt that God was fully aware of what was happening and that no matter what response and intervention he chose, they would not waver. They simply reported to a much higher authority than Nebuchadnezzar.

These men had their perspective and vision 100% accurate. It enabled them to face what all of us would consider a hugely frightening choice with unflinching surety. Can you imagine seeing the furnace and then being walked toward it after it had been stoked up 7 times hotter than it already was. The soldiers escorting you being caught alight and burnt up beside you as they throw you toward the flames ... you're tied up and have no way of escape  Agonising death awaits because you refused to compromise your faith.

I want to know my God like that. I want to know Him so that whatever I face, which may never be a literal fiery furnace, I have no doubt whatsoever that God is with me and His power within me has overcome the world. No matter the outcome, I can simply trust God throughout.

I love what happens next and Nebuchadnezzar's amazement! You can see him rubbing his eyes and straining against the heat to check what he thinks he's seeing. He asks his advisors to confirm that only 3 men were thrown in and they affirm that this was the case. The 3 men have been joined by another man who looks like a son of god ... they have been unbound and are taking a walk round the furnace! I wonder what they were talking about ... I'm pretty sure it would have been along the lines of worshipping God, thankfulness and encouragement. I like to imagine God choosing the specific angel for the task ... ‘it's fire this time, who will go for me to rescue 3 righteous men? This earthly king has overstepped the mark and must learn that the the God of these men is the one and only true God … and that it is Him who should be bowed down to’.

Sure enough the ‘fire angel’ came and the message was clear to Nebuchadnezzar. He shouted to them "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" An immediate acknowledgment from him that these men served the Most High God ... what a testimony. I suppose they could have continued to wander round the furnace with the angel for a bit longer, but they obeyed their earthly monarch when it did not contravene their faith, so they came out. Not even the smell of fire was on their clothing and how those leaders of the realm crowded round them to check out this miracle.  

Nebuchadnezzar exclaims "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God”. Remarkable. He didn't seem to learn much about the extremity of punishment, decreeing that anyone disobeying his new law would be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, however he had humbled himself in acknowledgement of a greater power than he ... God Almighty and that was all down to the firm faith of 3 men in the face of and in contrast to the whole kingdom.

May we hold fast onto our faith and realise that not matter how small we may be against the backdrop of this dark and present age, we serve a living, mighty God who has the power to save, to redeem and to change the course of history if only we maintain our trust in and dependence on him in good times and bad. Through all my life (and yours), God is faithful and good … he is the God of Hope.

I love this song 'Fires' ~ Jordan St. Cyr. The lyrics remind me that I too can walk through fires because God is with me; with Him by my side I need not be afraid.

https://youtu.be/H-ggZd-SmSs

Ingrid x

In the eye of the storm (a song)

I just wanted to share the lyrics of this song:

"When the solid ground is falling out from underneath my feet

Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see

And when I'm feeling like I've been let down by my friends and my family

I can head the rain reminding me

In the eye of the storm You remain in control

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

When my hopes and dreams are far from me and I'm running out of faith

I see the future I pictured slowly fade away

And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face

I find my peace in Jesus' name

In the eye of the storm You remain in control 

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

When they let me go and I just don't know how I'm gonna make ends meet

I did my best now I'm scared to death that we might lose everything

And when a sickness takes my child away and there's nothing I can do

My only hope is to trust You

In the eye of the storm You remain in control

In the middle of the war You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm".

In the eye of the storm ~ Ryan Stevenson:

https://youtu.be/-sx8wTnnfSc

Ingrid x

There's more ... (3)

Overwhelm ... it's the straw that breaks the camel's back or death by a thousand paper cuts! Tiny and relatively insignificant things which when added and added to, can easily take us to the brink; the tipping point; the place where we sense a spiralling into somewhere scary ... a place where we feel out of control and alone ... it's fearful, unknown and overwhelming. We get worn down. 

Words like 'tedious' and 'relentless' come to mind ... they don't exude positive well-being do they? So even though my circumstances may not be full of great trauma in the sense of persecution, enslavement or natural disaster, yet the build up of these tedious, relentless things can often bring us to breaking point … to the point where the next thing to go wrong may be the dishwasher breaking or someone spilling milk, literally. They can lead us to a point of despair and meltdown that for a brief moment in time I suppose, (when you consider our life-spans and then beyond to eternity its just such a little speck, a vapor) we implode into something of great and disproportionate magnitude which leads to responses of untruth, overwhelm and utter despair.

It's not about criticising or even challenging myself to never get to those times again because inevitably they will come. It's the learning process so that when they do come, they might not be quite as magnificent in their deploring, demonstrative emotional breakdown ... maybe that might be shorter; it might be more manageable. Then it's the picking up process; the learning; the rising and moving forward which becomes more of a reliable response. It's noting that God is in the moment, that He is there. It's us that obliterate our own view, create a fog, normally made up of our emotions that distort and distance God from our view even though He's right there; even though He's the one who is agonising with us. 

He will see us through, He will not let us down. His plan is greater; His plan is wiser; His plan is for our betterment. And even though it may not feel as though he is answering our call because our immediate pressing circumstances or feelings are not being relieved in the way that we humanly wish they were, we have to rest in the fact that His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His vengeance, His justice, His desire to elevate us to a better place, a healthier path, a greater life of holiness, far supersedes and outweighs our momentary despondency.

God is most definitely there. I keep trying to really glimpse him and have an awakening as to his majesty and power. I want my life and all it entails to depend entirely on a constant knowledge and awareness of Him and His goodness.

Let's learn to speak truth over feelings.

Let's learn to trust God when we don’t feel like it … we’ll never regret it.

Claim the promises God has given us through his word … He cannot forget or ignore them.

God is GOOD, all the time. He cannot be otherwise.

It is moving on to the stage of grasping and knowing who God is that will translate and elevate us into a place where we will know his presence in a deep, personal and real way. We will know that despite grief and devastation He is there. It will give a sense of purpose and peace; preservation and provision. We will know without question because He is the God who made us; the God who sustains all things though the word of his power. 

We lift our eyes to the hills and we know our help comes from God, God the maker of heaven and earth; the God who flung the stars into space; the God who determined the exact detail of my DNA for a purpose and a plan. He's not going to give up on me. He thought I was valuable enough to die for ... it would be illogical to ignore me when he determined before the world was created that I was more precious and valuable and of greater worth than anything else, so much so that despite rejecting him and rejecting his perfect creation, he determined on a plan of redemption. 

It's incredible and I feel very ashamed that I got cross when an outcome didn't go the way I thought it should. I will endeavour to keep a firm grasp on the goodness of God. We live in a fallen and unjust world so we can expect more and more battles however it is knowing that when in the eye of the storm God remains in control and is good.

Goodness of God ~ Bethel Music:

https://youtu.be/IvSuGyJQ6oM

Ingrid x

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

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!