The door has opened...

As I write this, I’m 24 hours off leaving my home for 6 weeks, starting the long travel to eventually arrive in Camundambala, Angola. And to be honest, I can’t wait!

The last few months have dragged on as I’ve waited for confirmation of a visa, booked for and had jabs, found insurance and bought tools. Excitement has been swapped for nervousness and back again. I’ve tried to picture what it will look like, what the food will be like, how hot it will be and how much work we can do in the time. I’m helping Jonathan and Ruth Singleton in the building of a school and anything and everything else I can possibly fit in. I want to experience as much of life in Angola (and ultimately Africa), as I possibly can. 

The first reason why is because this trip has been a long time coming. It’s not the first time I’ve hoped to visit Africa to help. I’d tried 7 years ago to go, and the answer was “no”. I tried again 3 years ago to go to Zambia, and it was also “no”. Though it meant accepting God’s timing and will wasn’t matching mine, I was content. But now, all of the doors seem to have opened, and I’m standing on the very edge of my trip with a real sense of excitement and adventure, and feeling firmly grounded in the knowledge that this time, God has said “yes”. 

I’ve thought about the snakes, bugs, spiders and any other wildlife that will share the local vicinity with me. The language barrier (for anyone who isn’t trained up in the “Geordie” accent) and cultural differences. But most of all, the second reason for wanting to go for so long, is to hopefully through the experiences grow closer to my God. I don’t feel that in the western world I honestly pray for “daily bread” like the Lord encouraged His disciples to. I buy it. Sometimes I use cash, sometimes card. Because of our wealthy society, I feel as though it encourages an unthankful spirit. My hope is that I will learn true dependence, and my faith will deepen and ultimately my thankfulness will be genuine. When the trappings of materialism is removed, what’s left? When the bare essentials of life are all you have, does it make you happy? Can Jesus be all we need? And ultimately, just how real can God be? 

One thing I’ve learnt so far is how generous God’s people are, and how God uses them to meet His purposes. Thank you to everyone who has helped towards the costs, it’s certainly appreciated. 

I hope you’re interested to hear how I get on. Feel free to share your own experiences with me, particularly those who have left the western world and visited Africa. Feel free to get in touch as well to encourage me as I lie in the dark trying not to hear what’s outside the door! Ha ha. I’m not sure what I’ll learn, or who I’ll meet or what we’ll get up to.... but I honestly just can’t wait! 

In Him
Dan

Patience

Patience may be the greatest answer to our deepest problem

We've all been there. The foot tapping, constantly checking the time, searching the crowd. Waiting is never enjoyable. The longer the wait, the more frustrated we feel. 

Where are they? What’s taking so long? Why aren't they here? 

We can all be guilty of showing impatience. The more we’re looking forward to something, the slower it seems to come round. If most people had to name a weakness or fault they were conscious of most, i imagine for many it would be impatience.


This impatience is often magnified when it comes to waiting on God. 

We know we should, and we know it’d be best, but we cant help it. 

Why isn't He bringing me that job? Where is the husband/ wife I’m looking for? When will this illness leave? When will my finances improve?

Waiting for God can be frustrating at times, and not knowing when or how He will act also can cause us to doubt His promises. Many of the Old Testament saints experienced periods of waiting for God. Hannah had prayed for many years. Abraham tried to speed up God’s promises. The people of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return, so they built a golden calf to worship. 

The chance to save him was lost, and all hope had gone.


When we come into the New Testament, we find that patience is still in short supply. Mary and Martha have sent for the Lord Jesus. They tell Him “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (John 11:3). They waited for Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus. “Surely He’ll come?” They thought. “He loves Lazarus, why wouldn't He?”. They must have been sad when Lazarus died, and they buried their brother in a tomb. The chance to save him was lost, and all hope had gone. They had patiently waited, but Jesus had failed to help. But God’s timing is different to ours. Sometimes He wants us to go through trials and temptations to increase our faith, and so that when He does act, it’s in a far more miraculous way. Had Jesus gone to Bethany, He could have performed a miracle and given Lazarus his health back, but instead He was going to demonstrate a far greater miracle than that, He would bring him back to life.


There, outside of the village Martha met Jesus, and said “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (John 11 v 21-22). How right she was! Lazarus wouldn't have died, but then they all would have missed out on a wonderful experience! Standing at the graveside, Mary and Martha were reunited with their brother, four days after burying him. How deeper their appreciation would be for their friend Jesus, no longer just the healer of the sick, but the restorer of life! How much stronger their faith would be in “The Resurrection and the Life”.


What about us? Do we always expect our prayers to be answered that same day? or week? 

Perhaps sometimes they are. Maybe it will take many months, or even years, to see God respond to our hearts deepest longings. But could it be that God is trying to teach us patience? It may be that He has something far greater in store if we just wait. 

Patience may be the greatest answer to our problems!

Yours in Him

Dan

Questions to consider:

What are you waiting for most at this moment in time? 

How can you increase your patience?

What other bible verses would encourage us to wait on God's timing?

Happy New Year

So it's the day after New Year, and already we're making resolutions, signing up for the gym, planning to eat healthier and looking to save money in the sales. 

All the hype, magic and fun of Christmas has come and gone. Carol services are over, and we return to the humdrum of employment. This time last year I started to write this blog (Moving Forward). It started off strongly; just as my desire to be more like Christ did. But in a similar way, both became inconstant and cold. Sometimes done out of a sense of duty, or routine. Both of which are necessary, but shouldn't be the driving force behind our Christian lives. So will 2014 be different? Will there be a greater consistency? Will people see Christ in me more, and will I hear his guiding voice in my life, or continue to block Him out with the noise of this world? 

Only time will tell. Resolutions and desires are good, but day by day Christianity is better. I think the best thing to do is to forget the failures of 2013, be encouraged by the positives, and look to learn, grow and trust more. Perhaps this time next year will be a more encouraging one for me. Thankfulness should be my attitude for what I was given, forgiveness sought for where I failed and hope used for all that's unknown in the year to come. I hope 2014 is one of great laughs, unending hope, undiscriminating love and the return of our Lord. 

Thank you all for your comments, shares, likes and encouragement in 2013. There's nothing better than a message, text or comment saying how it's been of help to someone. Sometimes it's been the difference between continuing with it & giving up, so for many of you, a huge thanks.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12 v 1-2

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Please continue to share this blog, chat, and encourage others. Life is a journey that's better shared with others. 

In His name

Dan x

Hidden Years

Hi Everyone,

It’s been 81 days since my last post, and that seems too long. Perhaps some of you might think that it isn't long enough? Ha. I’m so grateful to everyone who has continued to read the various posts and leave comments on them, shared them with friends and generally just being an encouragement to me. It's been a busy few months for one reason or another, but hopefully it'll be a bit quieter for a while. Here's hoping. There have been a few times recently when I've felt burdened to write about a particular topic, only for it to disappear from memory the moment I've sat down to write it.

Why are so many of the year's of Jesus' life hidden from our view?

One thing I have thought a lot about recently is the hidden years of Jesus’ life. After a unique birth through the virgin Mary, and suffering the rejection of not only his own people, but his own Creation, we read that “The child grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him”. (Luke 2:40) Imagine what type of Child Jesus would have been? Perfect, honest, friendly, caring, loving, gentle, wise and purposeful. In contrast to his siblings, he was so very different! Each of them needed discipline, correcting, told off, grounded; but Jesus did no sin. There was no arguing, fighting, hating, lying, cheating, stealing, swearing with him. How could his brothers not notice he was so different? Why wouldn’t they believe on Him?

He already knew that in 21 years time he’d be nailed to a cross outside of this very city!

But after 12 quiet years, he suddenly appears back on the pages of scripture. He’s at the place where he always is that time of year; in Jerusalem, at the feast. On this occasion though, it would be different. This time, He wouldn't be with the travelling party as they returned home, he’d stay behind with the teachers of the law. His worried parents found him after 3 days and queried “Why have you dealt with us in this way? Behold, I and your father have sought you sorrowing” (Luke 2:48). Jesus however corrects their view of him, “Do you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”. This wasn't Joseph’s carpentry shop, but the work of His only father; God. His desire, even as a child, was to please God. He already knew that in 21 years time he’d be nailed to a cross outside of this very city. He’d bear the sin of the world to reconcile it to God. He’d offer himself a ransom for many. It’s no great surprise that Mary “Kept all these things in her heart” (v51). The next time we hear Mary speak, she’ll say “Whatever he tells you to do, do it!” (John 2:5). She had noticed he was different, and even the impossible was possible for him!

Finally, Luke writes “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject onto them:”. How amazing to think that the eternal Son of God, the creator of all things, was subject to human parents. He went to a place which was noted as being extremely sinful, yet for 30 years he managed to remain untarnished, and unblemished by sin there. He walked a perfect walk, and lived a perfect life and “Increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (v52). Jesus learnt, and increased in wisdom. I would suggest to you that the subjection he showed to his parents helped him to be subject to the soldiers and captors later on. When they whipped, scourged, beat, spat and crucified him, he'd be quiet (Suffering Saviour). He would learn how to remain silent before mans accusations. How to be Just among the unjust, Perfect among imperfection, and Truth itself among falsehood.

"He has done all things well"

30 hidden years can be summed up with one heavenly declaration – “You are my beloved Son, In You I am well pleased!” (Luke 3:22). All that he was, and had done, and said, was perfect to God. I’d love to know more, and to hear more, but God in His wisdom has hidden it from view. All we know is that “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37)

Have you any thoughts about the hidden years? Please share them in the comments below....

Trust you’re all well

In His name

Dan

Are you prepared? Part 2

In the last blog post, we looked at the warning God gave to King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20 v 1-3) "Are you prepared??". This first part looked at how a non-Christian might respond to news that their life was to soon come to an end. But how would a Christian respond? 

I think firstly, there would be a sense that we had unfinished business. There were places we'd still like to visit, people we'd want to see before we go, but ultimately there would be a lack of fear. Death contains no fear for those who are certain of their eternal home.

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord

When a person comes to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they gain something this world can't guarantee. Peace. 

Peace within, peace with God, peace of mind, peace about eternity. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) We have peace with God when we believe in Jesus His Son; His perfect life and sufficient sacrifice for sin. This peace is given to us the moment we believe through faith. Instantaneous, and eternal!

There is also the knowledge that a Christian has of where they will spend eternity. To know the destination makes the journey all the more bearable. "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Phil 3 v 20-21. A Christian already has a hope that they'll be in heaven because they're already citizens there. Waiting for a day when they will go there forever. 

But this takes us onto our next point. These bodies of ours, which sin, and age and eventually die, will one day be changed. We (Christians) will be given a new body, an incorruptible body, just like the The Lord Jesus. "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling." (2 Cor 5 v 1-2). Our earthly bodies are temporary and decay and are marked by sin, but there's a heavenly and permanent body to come. Just like a fish's body isn't suited for life on land, our current bodies aren't equipped for heaven, but one day all that will change. 

Finally, (and there are many more we could add), we will try to live a life that is pleasing to God. "Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col 1:10) God wants us to live for Him all through our lives, not just in the easy times, or when we want. There is a future reward for all of the work we have done for Him, and while our work doesn't save us, it does bring rewards in heaven. I hope today you could honestly answer that you'd have the peace of God (through salvation), hope of a future home in heaven, corruptible bodies in the future to look forward to and are living lives which are pleasing to God; waiting to hear those words "Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over a lot. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt 25:21)

Yours in His name

Dan x

Are you prepared?

Hi Everyone. A post from a few years back...

"Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live."

What would you do if you were informed that you didn't have long left to live? Would you give up your job or leave college? Perhaps you would make an effort to visit family and friends that you hadn't seen for a while. I think I’d want to travel a bit more to see some of the places i’ve never managed to visit. Lots of people are starting to make ‘Bucket lists’ of things they want to do before they die, so maybe we’d try to complete that.

“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly." (2 Kings 20:1-3)

King Hezekiah was informed that his current illness would ultimately be his last. He was going to die. He was given prior warning to “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live”.

Firstly, if you aren't a Christian, how would receiving this news make you feel? Would it make you think about life after death? Would you consider the existence of God more? Amos exclaimed “Prepare to meet your God!”. The bible clearly states that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1), and goes on to tell us that He ultimately made all good things. If this is true, while your parents ‘made’ you, ultimately the source of all life and existence comes from God, including YOU! This world has become hostile, rebellious and disobedient towards God, and many people have publicly claimed their lack of faith in Him. However, I’ve heard of atheists who have been fearful of death. Scared to pass into the next life. Unsure of the unknown. Their once strong belief that death is the end is often wavering when that death is looming close. That is because I believe, it is human nature to seek a higher power. We can try to fill that longing with family, friends, fun, employment and pleasures, but they can never provide lasting happiness. They need to be repeated, replaced or increased.

When Jesus (God’s son) was here on earth, he boldly claimed that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to my Father except through me” (John 14:6). People can’t live their lives as they please and then expect to go to Heaven. God’s holiness could never allow it. He will judge and punish every person who dies without trusting in His son. Not because He is bad, but because He is Just! 

Any judge must punish the guilty and free the innocent. No one is 100% innocent in their life. No one can claim to have lived perfectly, and if we’re all guilty of at least failing God once in our lives, none of us could ever be good enough for heaven. We can’t rely on our good works and effort, as none of them give us any right standing in God’s eyes.

 “Prepare to meet your God!”

Here’s where Jesus comes in: God loves you. He tells us many times in the bible how He acts out of love for people, despite knowing that most will never reciprocate that love. In John, we read the most (probably) famous bible verse in the world, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only much loved Son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish, but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16). If sin keeps us out of heaven, then removing that sin would allow us in? That’s what Jesus was saying: “I am the Way”; Not ‘A’ way, or the ‘best’ way, but ‘THE’ way! God, outside of Jerusalem, 2000 years ago punished His own son in a once and for all sacrifice for sin. This doesn't make everyone instantly innocent, but does mean that God will forgive anyone’s sin that trusts in Jesus. The moment we finally realise our guilt before God and confess it to Him (you aren't telling Him anything He doesn't already know), and believe that God punished Jesus for your sin, God removes the debt our sin has built up. Forever! 

Jesus made it possible for anyone to be saved, but only those who believe on him WILL be saved. 

Imagine if I left a large bag of money in London and promised it was for anyone to use to pay their household bills. The money is already there because I’ve done my part and paid, but you only get the benefit when you believe my promise and go and take the money. God has promised to save from eternal punishment because of their sin ANYONE who believes that Jesus is His son, and His death, burial and resurrection made it possible. 


If you found out you were to die soon, would you be prepared?

I haven’t got time to tell you the proofs of Jesus’ existence by secular archaeology and history etc (perhaps a blog post soon on this), but I believe wholeheartedly the bible when it tells us “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31). My next post will God willing look at how a Christian would respond to the same revelation that their death is imminent. 

I hope someone finds this helpful.

In His Name

Dan

Evangelism

I didn't plan to do another post for a few weeks, but this subject captured my imagination. This is the first blog post which I've written that is born out of a simple questionnaire. Sometimes I get curious, and on one particular day this week I was thinking about when people are saved and what influences it? Does evangelism work, and who does it work on and when? I asked the following two questions:

1) How old were you when you became a Christian?

2) Where were you when you got saved?

Before I look at the responses, and what they indicate to us, let me leave a little disclaimer. This is not a 100%, definitive questionnaire. It doesn't allow for the person's upbringing, background, location or in some case what type of church group/ camp etc they attended. There were 105 people who took part, and it was quite a diverse group of people, but It doesn't account for everyone.

The answers fell into 4 groups, people became Christian's when they were:

• Children (Aged 4 - 10) - 55%
• Teens (Aged 11 -18) - 29%
• Young Adults (Aged 19 - 30) - 8%
• Adults (Aged 31 - 99) - 9%

But I just want to look at the first two, Children and Teens.

The "children" section (which includes me) is by far the largest, with most children becoming Christians between 5 - 8 years old. Of the 58 people saved as children, 76% of them said they were saved at home. (19% of them said they were saved at a church event; either Sunday school or childrens meetings). What we can assume from these numbers is that hearing the gospel as a child is a great thing! Children as young as 4 became Christians, children I would suggest come from Christian homes who have seen, heard and believed Godly example of Christian parents.

I hope that encourages any current parents, future parents and Sunday school leaders! Parents, do you take your children to church? Do you allow them to go to Sunday school, youth groups and gospel meetings? Do you read and pray with them? I urge you to keep going, It really works! I myself was saved at a Childrens meeting at the age of 7. Most of the children heard the gospel at organised meetings, but it was interesting how many mentioned parents and grandparents who had influenced them towards salvation. Its vital that Christian parents (Which I'm not, but hope to God willing be one day) not only encourage children to attend gospel efforts, but provide a good example at home and create an environment that encourages a love for and understanding of the Saviour. Keep on going!

Paul wrote to Timothy and said "as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures,which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 3:14-15 NIV)

Children who are raised with bible stories, praying parents, childrens meetings and hearing the gospel are more likely to be saved.

Teens

Then, there are the teens. There were 30 people who became Christians in their teenage years. Again, 40% trusted the Lord while they were at home, but I'm fairly sure that the influence of church events (Which accounted for 20%), and camps (33%) lead to many of them being saved later on at home. 

Again, I encourage any parents to keep allowing/ urging your children to attend gospel work at church and go to gospel camps. Even teenagers who had heard the gospel since childhood came to trust the Lord in their teens. Hearing the gospel many times isn't a bad thing, and on any such occasion a person can be convicted to be saved. Keep on going!

KEEP ON GOING!

What about the rest? Here is a quick break down of the older people.

19-30 Year olds 8%

31-99 Year olds 9% (17 people in total)

Interestingly 59% of them were saved at church organised events. Do you have a bible course, coffee morning, gospel meeting, mother and toddlers? Adults, some even in their 30's (and one in his 60's!) are being saved. Keep on going!

While this post isn't particularly well written or presented, I hope it shows simply that God still saves. There is no formula, and no guarantees. We don't know when or if a person will be saved, but we do know that it's still possible! Have you a young child? Keep going! Are they teenagers now? Its not too late, keep going! Are they adults? Until the moment they die, they can still be saved.....Keep on going! Keep praying that God blesses our families, churches and countries with salvation.

What If you're reading this and you aren't a Christian? If you couldn't fill this questionnaire? Please take the time to read My Testimony (Why and how I became a Christian) and see the explaination there. If you weren't one of the people who sent me their answers, why not answer them in the comment box below? I'd love to hear your story! 

I hope this is an encouragement. - Dan Bilton

The Son

The following blog is not one of my creating. It is a fairly well known story that I have heard many times in my life. Whether or not it is true isn't known, but certainly the moral behind the story is one that stands the test of time. For your encouragement and conviction, I present to you "The Son".

The man who took the son gets everything!

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Monet, Van Gogh to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam war broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later and there was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. 

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence........ Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts.. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting?" Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?". "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!" 

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross of Calvary. God offered His perfect, sinless son Jesus to be a substitute for ungodly, sinful mankind. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" You see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. No money is required. No great acts of kindness or bravery. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved". God, through Jesus is able to remove a persons sins, offer them a home in Heaven and make them right with Him forever. There is no other way, only believe!

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only beloved son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish but have everlasting life” - John 3:16.

Now that’s real love. - Dan Bilton

Some points to comment on:

1) Do you know Jesus as your own personal Saviour?

2) If not, why wouldn't you want to believe in the man who died, was buried and rose again to make you right with God?

3) If you have, do you live in a way which displays that "I have the son, so I have everything I need?

Insomnia

There are few things worse in life than having sleepless nights. Knowing you need sleep and that your body is tired, but you're experiencing "Temporary Insomnia". The frustration of tossing and turning and getting nowhere. Sleep being the furthest possible thing from your mind. Lying wide awake with nothing but thoughts going round and round in your head. Perhaps it's worry, anxiety, fear, nerves, doubts, excitement or anticipation. Whatever it is, it seems to last forever. Every second, minute and hour seems to last a lifetime. 

As a Christian, we aren't exempt from those feelings and emotions. We still have nights of great sadness and worry. We possibly never admit publicly that we are struggling, however, what we also have is a God who knows and loves us. He knows our lives up to their very end, and He cares for us throughout them. Remember "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17 ESV). Also, we have a Saviour (Suffering Saviour) who loved us enough to die in our place. And inside each and every true born again Christian is the Holy Spirit, the God given comforter and guide to help us on our heavenward journey. The three members of the God-head all working together out of love for you. 

I don't know what keeps you up at night. Maybe its marriage or relationship problems, work responsibilities  Parental concerns, health issues, financial worries or exam stress. God always gives His people hope, wants them to have faith, teaches them patience. It will get better. He does know the outcome. He can be trusted. In all your problems remember that "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

Yours in Him
Dan

Being Ready

I acknowledge that the last two posts (Testimony and Commendation) i’ve written were very personal, and quite long in length, so this post will be short. 


You may never be a David, Moses or Abraham........but will you be a Shamgar?


Looking back on your Christian life so far, how would you evaluate it? Has it been consistent? Has it peaked and troughed through periods of spiritual highs, and sinful lows? Mine, more often than not is like the second description. Sometimes we can be guilty of comparing ourselves to the great men of the bible. We look at the faith of Abraham, the trust of Joseph, the courage of Paul, the reign of King David, the wisdom of King Solomon, the spontaneity of Peter or the friendship enjoyed by Moses. 

I believe that God wants faithful, consistent lives lived for Him

I often feel that the work I try to do for the Lord is insignificant. That it doesn’t achieve any real results. That there doesn’t appear to be any blessing. But when did God promise to bless everything we do? At what point did He tell us all our efforts would bear fruit? He didn’t. He told us that “Salvation is of the Lord”. It’s His work and He will bless it and increase it when He sees fit. Also, He doesn't guarantee that we will have a life filled with momentous occasions when we write our names in history. I believe that God wants faithful, consistent lives lived for Him, waiting for any doors to open for Him to use us, whether for small victories or mighty battles.

When God calls, am I ready to serve Him?

In Judges 3:31 we read of one event in the life of a man named Shamgar. All we learn of him is the name of his dad, and that he killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad (Or “cattle prod”, it was a long, pointed, wooden stick). We don’t read about lots of events in his life, or about many great and wonderful victories. We read that when God needed him, Shamger was raised up and strengthened to defeat 600 members of the enemy. This isn’t one of the longest, deepest, or most encouraging posts......but I want to encourage myself and any readers with this thought; When God calls, am I ready to serve Him? I may only get one opportunity; God may use someone else if I say no. Am I ready? Am I listening? Am I willing? The result of Shamgar doing God’s will that day was that “He also saved Israel”. Perhaps God wants to use you to save someone today, are you ready?


“After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an ox goad, and he also saved Israel” - Judges 3:31


Thank you as always for reading and sharing these posts. May they be used for the Glory of God. In the comments section below, please leave your answer to this question... What work has God called you to do for Him recently?

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Testimony

Well as Thursday approaches, I’m looking forward to a special day; my 28th birthday!! I love celebrating birthdays, and I’ve had some really enjoyable ones through the years. From weird and wonderful home made cakes, to full on 21st parties and precious time spent with friends. And then the presents! What wonderful presents; far too many to name.....but all of them greatly received.

But I thought it was time to write about a more important birthday, the one that celebrates the day I trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sin. I don’t know an actual date, but I do know where I was, how old, and why. 

This for those who don’t know it, is my testimony.

“Truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”.


Firstly, I was 7 years old, and for as long as I can remember had been taken along to “church” as I knew it. Now of course I know that the name refers to the “people and not the steeple”, the Christians who go and not the building they meet in. I had for a long time been under the impression (wrongly) that I was safe in the knowledge that I was going to heaven one day, based on the fact that my parents took me everywhere with them. But aged 7, during a week of children’s meetings which I think were taken by Jim McMaster, I understood for the first time that wasn’t the case. Throughout the week we learnt the verse John 3:16 (which is a lot of the reason why the John 3:16 day event was so close to my heart – Sowing), and I eventually realised that I needed to trust in the work of Calvary for myself.  Just as my parents wouldn’t be taking me to heaven, I likewise wouldn’t be going to a lost eternity with them.....I’d be on my own. I had to have personal faith, in the sacrificial death of Jesus for me and the sins I had done.



So one night during the week (unknown to me the night after my best friend Sarah had been saved) I went home and kneeling by my bed, confessed my sins to God; acknowledged with my simple understanding that I was guilty before a Holy, all seeing God and believed that Jesus died to pay for them. I experienced immediate happiness and I wanted to phone everyone I knew. Sometimes I wish I could have bottled that joy. How I could do with it on so many occasions, to go back to that point in time when I appreciated what I had been saved from, and blessed with. Quick question....Have you had a moment like this? Not necessarily knowing the date or time, but definitely having done it yourself? I hope you have, and if you haven’t, now is a great time to!



What next? Surely I went on to be an amazing Christian, missionary, evangelist? Sadly not. I wasted 7 years (And many more in the future), as I thought I had done enough. I had ticked the all important “Salvation” box, and anything else was a bonus. That idea would change very quickly when I was 14. Sitting in my cousin’s lounge, people took it in turns to explain when they got baptised and why. It came round to me, and I didn’t have an answer. Worse still, I had no excuse. So, I plucked up the courage a few weeks later to ask to be baptised, which I eventually was with a very good friend Stuart, and we came into fellowship the weekend after. Since then, my bible reading and study has been sporadic at best, and my devotion to the Lord fluctuates more often than I’d like, but my Saviour and Lord has never failed me. He is always there, always willing, always encouraging. I’m so pleased that my salvation has never been based on how I live or how good I am. I’m saved forever because of the precious shed blood of the Son of God, shed so many years ago because of His unfailing love. (If you want to know more about what He did, you can read it here - Suffering Saviour.)

Why did I need a second birth though?

Jesus told a Pharisee named Nicodemus that “Truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” John 3:3 (ESV). Heaven is only for those who are “Born again”. Nicodemus naturally exclaimed “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:4 (ESV). Jesus however wasn’t speaking about physical birth. We are all born once, and we all die once, just like our original ancestors Adam & Eve. But they had sinned against God, and the effects of that sin has passed down through every generation of humanity since. The second birth then is a spiritual birth, moving from the physical inheritance of sin & future judgement, to the spiritual inheritance of heaven, forgiveness of sins and being right with God. This is done by two things. Firstly, God put the payment down for sin by punishing His own Son Jesus in our place. Secondly, its dependent upon a person responding with faith in what He did. That, is in essence what I did 21 years ago; I believed for the first time that I needed to be saved, that I could be saved, and that Jesus alone could do it. There are many things that I regret in life, but trusting Jesus Christ, and being born again has never been one of them!


Are you able to celebrate being born again?

Journey

I'm sat on a train between Newcastle and Aberdeen and I'm thinking about travel. I love traveling. Whether its flying, driving or going by train, I love a journey.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the phase "life is not just about the destination, it's about the journey to get there" (hmm..... Think I've paraphrased most of that, but you get the idea). Our Christian life is a journey. We know one day we'll get to heaven, but if the Lord doesn't return in our lifetime, we can expect to have 70+ years to live out on earth. Below are just a few thoughts about our life's journey......

You have to be on the right road;
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matt 6: 13-14 ESV
We are born on the wrong road in life. We are heading for disaster from the off. Our great, great, great, great (add a lot more greats) grandfather Adam disobeyed God. When he did, his sin brought a curse upon humanity. We are born with a disadvantage; sin. It's effects on our lives are seen in the wrong things we do, think & say; and ultimately creates a life lived in selfish disobedience toward a Holy God. Because Jesus (Gods own son) died on a cross to bear the root problem of sin, God can justly forgive those people who turn to Him, confessing their own sin & asking for forgiveness. The moment we do, we "enter in by faith to the narrow way". Few people find it, but it leads to eternal life. Are you on the narrow road? Are you still traveling on the road that leads to destruction?

Once you've gotten yourself on the road heading in the right direction (toward heaven and eternal life), its important to follow the course of the path. The more we deviate off the path, the more bumpy our journey will be. There will be highs and lows. Peaks and troughs. Driving on the edge of a mountain pass wouldn't be sensible; and neither is living a life constantly on the edge of sin, in the way of temptations. The further away from the edge we are, the less the chances are of us being hurt along the way. The Holy Spirit Himself has been given to us to guide us in the right way....
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Gal 5:16) whether or not we listen to Him though is up to us.

Do people see my walk as being different to theirs? Surely if I'm on a different road to those who live in sin, my route through life should look different? "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Eph 4:1-2) I could have used several verses here, many I'm sure you could think of; but I chose this one as it not only tells us the purpose for our walk, but also how it should be done. In all honesty, my walk is quite a long way off this, but as I always say in these posts, these are not what I'm necessarily doing, but what I strive to do. If we're walking together, we should try to do it with love. It'll make it far easier for us to travel together!

That's the thing about this journey; it's one of constant learning and improving. We are slowly being changed to look like the man who will be waiting for us at our destination; the lord Jesus Christ.

"Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col 1:10) While on life's journey, we aren't just to take in the view. We have a work to be done, and a person to get to know. Your work will be different to mine and vice versa; but we are to be doing the work God has called us each to do. As we work, we learn about God, and He is pleased to equip and empower us for His service.

Finally; let's enjoy the journey "for we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7) Can you not see the problems awaiting you? Not sure when the blessings will arrive? Neither can I.... But God can! He both knows us, cares for us and will guide us.

Lets make the most of our journey, as it will improve the destination all the more!

Yours in Him
Dan

Restoration

"God doesn't throw us out like an old antique, battered, damaged and broken; He lovingly restores us back to how He wants us to be."

Imagine being in Peter's shoes. He's feeling pretty bad about himself, fairly down. He's rejected the one person he had believed in whole heartedly. He had even promised that he'd follow Jesus all the way to death, but at the first sign of trouble he denied even knowing the Lord.


Peter must of had a lot of mixed emotions. The man who he had been discipled by for three years; who had allowed him to walk on water, raised the dead, been transformed in his presence, removed demons from the possessed and healed the sick had died. Was He a fraud? Why has He abandoned us? Wasn't He meant to be saving us from our enemies?


Peter was aware that he had failed. He had wept bitterly when he heard the cock crow. He had denied The Lord, and had felt the sorrowful stare of the Saviour. What now? Should he just return to fishing? Should he abandon the other disciples?


When the women who had faithfully followed Jesus came to the tomb early on the Sunday morning, they were expecting to find the large stone blocking their way to the body of the Lord. What they found however, was an open tomb, and an angel present. The angel said "Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter "He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you". (Mark 16:6-7 NIV Emphasis added)


"His disciples and Peter"! Jesus was aware how low, guilty, upset and a failure Peter must have been feeling; so He made sure that Peter knew he was personally being called. Peter couldn't say "Oh Jesus wants His disciples, and that doesn't include me". "I've failed Him once too often". 

I've been there. I've felt that "maybe that last sin was one too many?"; I've overstepped the line for one last time. The thought comes that "maybe I'm better off drifting back into the world; returning to my old ways. Ways that require less effort and fewer struggles".


That is not what God wants! He is all too aware of our failures; all of our faults and disappointing efforts are seen by Him. But, He doesn't abandon us! Praise God that He is long suffering and patient with each of us. His Grace is larger than our sins. He knows we can never be perfect. (SinLESS). He is calling us to repent and return. To confess and follow once more.


Peter is later restored to the group, and goes on to be a powerful man in the spread of the gospel. Am I going to just give up when I fail? Will I abandon everything that I've gained so far? "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 KJV). When a Christian sins, the door to Gods blessings aren't closed forever; but its important to confess our sin. Gods Grace will always out measure our sin, and His love means he's always ready to forgive. 

Yours in Him; hope you are all having a great weekend.


Dan

BATTLEGROUND

On Tuesday night i had a fight! Not a fist throwing, karate kicking, head butting kind of fight, but a spiritual fight. Even though I remained steadfast on what the bible says, I still felt spiritually beaten up. 

Sometimes, I feel as though I'm fighting against the majority.

Here in England  as you may have seen on the news, there has been a huge push to allow equal rights marriage. Sadly, there is a great demand to change God's design for marriage (the joining of one man and one woman for life in sight of, and under the blessing of God). For a long time, traditional marriage has either been ignored or forsaken, by an increase of unmarried or divorced couples. But this is another level. Seeking to give to someone something that is completely against the will of God. Same sex marriage.

The "fight", or debate occurred when i questioned on Facebook how our society could glorify and see as being a "human right" for people to indulge in sin. What followed was a 5 hour, 150+ comment debate between born again Christians  and some lovely but spiritually lost friends of mine. Those who believe in God, and those who don't. People who trust in His word, and those who willfully disobey it. This is not the first time my faith has lead to these sorts of debates, and i guarantee it wont be the last. I've come to the conclusion that more and more we are going to have to stand up and be counted, to be more public in our backing of scriptural truth, and more outspoken about sin.

This, and through the encouragement of my friend Tate, has lead me to think once more of the position we're in as Christians  The Christian's walk is not meant to be a stroll in the park. If it is, perhaps you're not walking it correctly? We are told in the bible that it's a battleground we're in, not a playground! 

God wants us to stand up for Him, and in coming months and years its only going to get harder to do. There will be more voices against us, and soon the enemy will even have the law on his side.

Paul said at the end of his life "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4: ESV)
He lived his life in a state of war, always fighting, always running, always believing, and eventually his part in the war and race was over. Now it's our turn. Now we are the soldiers. We now have the race to run.

Are you in the fight? Which side are you on? Paul told Timothy to "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) Timothy was to fight against those who opposed the Christian faith, and to defend the eternal life that is given to those on the side of the Lord Jesus.

Here are a few reasons why we should keep fighting and for your own meditation:
1) God gives us the armour to fight in. (Ephesians 6: 10-20)
2) we are already on the victory side. (1 Corinthians 15: 50-58)
3) God gives us the strength to fight for Him. ( Ephesians 3: 14-21)

Are you prepared to fight? Are you going to stand up for what is right, rather than for what is popular? If you're a Christian, you've already been enlisted!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - (Philippians 4:14 ESV) 

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Yours in Him

Dan