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?

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?

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

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?

Sowing

“He, who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall without doubt return with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him”

What a difference a week can make. 

This time last weekend I was sat at my desk when a very, very simple idea came to mind. I remembered that a year or two back, we had a “Post a bible verse day”, where lots of Christians posted a verse that was a help and encouragement to them. Also, I had been privileged to help out at a "Seed sowers weekend" where they distribute packs with posters of Romans 5:8 to as many houses in an area as possible.

Hmm. What if then, my Christian friends on facebook all posted the same bible verse on the same day? If any of us had any mutual friends, it would really make them think, and force them into considering just what it was that was happening. What if for one day, instead of the usual jokes, pointless chat and complaining on facebook, God’s word was seen. Not just any verse; a verse of love, hope, grace and mercy......John ch 3 v 16. This verse is one of the most quoted, well known, and influential verses in the bible.

The date was set. 48 hours later, in time for the daily commute on Monday morning (8-10am) the verse was to be put up in picture or word form and left for the day. How many friends would get involved? 100? Possibly 200? If all of them, that would be over 400. By Monday morning, at 7.30, there were 11,000 people who had committed to do it (At this point 120,000+ people had been invited aswell, so the actual numbers will never be known). In 40+ countries around the world, in many different languages, the verse would be posted and read. That is unbelievable! Every hour of the day for at least 24 hours, somewhere in the world, someone was posting. Starting in New Zealand, and 24 hours later ending in Chile, the world saw the Love of God in the sacrifice for sin of Jesus Christ. The power of the internet to make something happen so soon, and to so many, so many miles apart is amazing! 

Since Monday I have heard of one girl trusting in the Lord, lots of unsaved people starting conversations about the faith of their friends, and the reason why seemingly “unconnected” people were posting the same thing on the same day. Many Christians have been encouraged to share their faith which perhaps they had struggled to before, and several Christians who had drifted, seemingly coming back to their saviour.

Some people however don’t think this is the best use of facebook. That there are better ways of spreading the word of God. That is their opinion, and I respect them for it, but here is why I thought it would work. On Wednesday, I listened to the Lord’s parable of The Sower in Mark 8, and I noticed the following things.

1) The seed is the “Word of God”. It is therefore powerful to achieve its aims. (Isaiah 55:11)

2) The sower casts his seed widely. He doesn’t seek the best ground, or most fertile. He simply casts.

3) The seed is always the same. It doesn’t change depending upon the soil.

4) The sower doesn’t water the seed; neither does he have any influence on the growth of the seed.

5) Some seed will naturally fall on hard ground. (wayside) Here it will be trodden on, and eaten away by the birds of the air (Devil), who is literally taking “the word out of their hearts”.

6) Some will fall on rock or hard ground. Lacking moisture (encouragement or help) it will simply wither away due to a lack of roots.

7) Some will fall among thorns. Some seed will start to develop and grow, but the pleasures of this life choke the interest and growth away.

8) Some will fall on good ground. This will result in much growing, fruit and joy!

9) You never hear of the sower returning to harvest the seed. Someone else does that.


What then do we learn? Well, God alone has the power to save. It’s His word, His watering and His growth. He graciously allows us to sow the seeds of His word in this world. To assume that our conversations, debates, arguments or persuasions can convince anyone to be saved is to take a view of ourselves which is high. Too High. We are simply called to sow; not our own thoughts, or ideas or views, but the word of God. As a result of Monday, many thousands (and as a friend of mine worked out, perhaps millions) saw the wonderful gospel verse of John 3 v 16. What they do with that information is not up to us. Some will “trample it underfoot”. Some have an initial interest which will be snatched away. Many may consider becoming Christians, and may do, but will fade due to a lack of real interest. Perhaps a few will be saved, but slip away into the world again when the Christian life becomes too tough. But if one, just one person is truly saved, they in turn could grow and develop and “produce much fruit”.

You and I on Monday fulfilled this verse. “He, who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall without doubt return with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him”. Psalm 126:6

Now we are to rejoice with those who rejoice. Pray for the hearts of everyone who saw it, that the Holy Spirit may bless our small effort and enlighten the understanding of a currently unsaved heart. Take any opportunities that may come to speak of our faith and the power the gospel had on our lives who were once in darkness ourselves, but now see.

Thank you for being involved, may heaven alone show us the full extent of mondays effort. 

You can now follow the idea throughout the year on twitter: @John316day and facebook on John 3:16 Explained (A page to guide those curious to in order to find out more). Please share this post to show others what it was that was done, and to increase interest for next year. 
Yours in Him. Dan

Suffering Saviour

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.

Let me set the scene for you.

There is a young man who has been bound up by soldiers, brought to the High Priest Caiaphas in Jerusalem, and he’s now standing among a baying crowd. They want blood. They want a reason to find him guilty. They've called for any witnesses who could declare a fault, or wrong that he had done; But they found none.

Surely they’ll let him go as he’s obviously an innocent man? Perhaps it was all a case of mistaken identity? They had seen him heal a man’s withered hand in their synagogue. They had heard the stories of how he calmed a storm in the middle of the sea with a few spoken words. They had seen Lazarus, a man who had been dead 4 days, alive again because of him. They ask him a few questions, and he doesn't give them the answer they’re happy with. That was the final straw; one of the men actually struck his face, some slapped him, and others came and spat in his face. This man had once spat himself, but his was on the ground. His was used to heal a blind man. Everything he had done was right, and good, and just. Yet they spat in his face.

The defendant was brought to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, and he cross examined him. Pilate said “I find no fault in this man”. Pilate chose to send him to Herod the (puppet) king, but he refused to speak to Herod. He remained absolutely silent. Herod, along with the soldiers mocked him, and dressed him in a fine robe, and sent him back to Pilate.

Pilate, realising there was no case to argue for this man offered to release him instead of a murderer named Barabbas, thinking that the people would favour this miracle performing, truth telling, innocent man. Surprisingly the crowd, having been wound up by the leaders of Israel, cried out for Barabbas to be released, and for the man to be crucified. Surely they didn’t want an innocent man tortured and killed? Pilate again speaking to the crowd, declares “I find no fault in this man”, “I have found no reason for him to die. I’ll punish him and release him”.

 For the second time that night, men spat in his face.

First, the roman soldiers scourged him, whipping his back with a whip of leather, bone and stone, ripping the very flesh off his back. Then, they mocked him; stripping him of his own clothes and dressing him in a purple robe. They forced a crown of long length thorns onto, and into his brow. They pulled the facial hairs out of his beard. Bowing down in fake worship of this “King”, they struck him on his already bleeding head with a thick reed. Finally, to completely humiliate and dishonour him; they spat in his face. For the second time in one night, men spat in his face. Was it the whole band of soldiers, or just a few? It honestly matters not, they had spat in his face.

Now the crowd must be satisfied, content that he had learnt his lesson? This however wasn't sufficient for the mob; they wanted him dead. They cried out “Away with this man, we don’t want him to reign over us”. Pilate gave in to the crowd and ordered the man’s crucifixion. The soldiers lead him outside of the city of Jerusalem, carrying his own cross on his back. Carrying it, that is, as far as his slowly decreasing strength allowed. He was losing blood, his steps getting smaller and taking longer, and so the soldiers compelled a stranger of the city, Simon of Cyrene, to help him. Once they had reached their location, the soldiers nailed him through his hands and feet, and lifted him up for all to see. There, hanging on the central cross of three, was a man who was “without fault”.

You could allow him to be angry; to curse, swear, shout, scream, kick and bite. Yet he had given them no problems. He hadn't even opened his mouth. How the soldiers must have marveled  They must have been amazed at him. They certainly were when he finally spoke, and said “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. Everything he had already endured and he didn't ask for revenge? Didn't want compensated? Didn't want them held accountable? He wanted them forgiven!



Here is the amazing part. Before his initial arrest, the soldiers fell down at just the declaration of his name. He said “I AM”, a title used exclusively by God. He also said that at any time there were 12 legions of angels ready to come to his rescue; yet he chose not to use them. He chose the very moment when his life ended, something that no other crucified person could do. But before that happened, He endured something far worse than the physical sufferings handed out to him that night. This completely innocent man was made sin. That’s right; “He who had done no sin, was made sin for us”. Sin is all of the things we do that is against God’s commands. Whether that’s lying, stealing, killing, hating, lusting, committing adultery, blaspheming etc. All of these are a breaking of the 10 commandments God gave to humanity in order for them to live at peace with God. They actually show that left to our own devices, we all fail. We all sin. God decided to punish this man for all of mankind’s sins. Not just yours, or mine, which are thousands of sinful acts alone, but ALL of humanities. In 3 hours of darkness, this Sinless man, was made sin, and then punished for sin, all so that God could forgive the guilty people who had committed those sins. That makes the man a substitute. Someone who takes the place of someone else. All that God asks is that we trust in this man’s death and willing sacrifice.

Here is the grand finale. No human being has ever been perfect, sinless or completely innocent. So this was surely no ordinary human being, this was the very Son of God. God, in human form, born 33 years earlier through a virgin girl, having lived a perfect life, died on a cross outside of Jerusalem. 3 days his body lay in a tomb, 3 days the Romans, and the Jewish leaders thought they had got rid of him; but on the 3rd day, he rose from the dead. God himself raised him up, because he had finished the work he’d been given to do; he had made it possible for guilty, sinful, unjust people to be right with a holy God. All we have to do, is to confess the fact we are sinners to God, and to trust in this man’s sacrifice.



Who is the man? 

“You shall call his name Jesus, for He shall save his people from their sins”

Please share this post with your Christian friends to encourage them, and your non-Christian friends to challenge them.

Yours in Him,

Dan

The Disciple Jesus Loved

Is it wrong to have a favourite disciple? 

Well, maybe not a favourite; but one of the gospels that you prefer reading? If not, then my preference would be John. It's not that I don't appreciate the others, or enjoy the styles they wrote in; but there seems to be a real closeness about the way John records the events in the life of Jesus. 

John throughout his gospel humbly refers to himself as "the disciple who Jesus loved". That's not to say that Jesus Himself had favourite disciples; or that John was loved more, but more that He was constantly reminding Himself that the Son of God loved Him! 

Whenever you fail, fall short or mess up; remember that you too are "the disciple whom Jesus loved"! 

The first reference John makes to himself in this way is when he is in the upper room with Jesus and the other disciples. "One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him." (John 13:23) He's the closest person to the Lord Jesus, and at one point even leans on the saviour's chest. There was a sense of peace which John felt being near the lord. Think of all the wonderful encouraging things John heard that night; that's where his confidence in Jesus came from. 

How close am I to the Lord? Do I try to have the desire to hear what He has to say to me?

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:26-27 ESV)

John is the only disciple that we read is at the cross. He must have had a heavy heart. He must of had a million questions running through his mind. His Lord is hanging on a cross, hardly recognisable; and yet he hears his masters voice; "Behold your mother". That day, Mary was adopted by John and John by Mary. Even on the cross, the Lord's heart was set on the needs of others. 

God still expects his children to look after each other. God delights to use us to bring about His plans. There are many verses which command us to love, provide for and encourage God's people. Who has God placed into my life to look after? Family? Friends? Strangers? God expects us to look after those who are fellow Christians! Why do we do it? John did it simply because it was the Saviour who commanded it, the Saviour who loved him.

"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." (John 20:2 ESV)

What was John thinking? He had seen Jesus die. He had watched them take His limp body down from the cross. And now the "disciple, whom Jesus loved" heard from Mary Magdalene His grave was empty. He out-ran Peter to the grave, but initially something made him stop outside. Perhaps fear of the unknown. Fear of disappointment. Who knows? But what we do know is that "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;" The empty tomb was enough to remind John that the Saviour rose as He had promised! 

Love "Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV) 

Love is the oil that makes faith easier to live out!

While out on a fishing boat with 6 other disciples, John saw Jesus perform a great miracle. When he saw it, "That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7) Which disciple recognised the saviour's voice? Which one acknowledged the stranger on the shore as his Lord? There's no surprise it was John; that his gospel records the words of Jesus that "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) is no surprise. Do I recognise the lords voice in my life? Do I allow enough silence for Him to speak? 

Personally I fill my life with noise and distractions. Last week I had a 12 hour "music and social network silence". I'm not going to claim I heard great words of wisdom, or had large visions; but I allowed the silence needed to hear the voice of God. My mind was able to think of people who would value a text, or an email. People who I could help. Why don't I do it more?

Finally, John records in the last chapter of his book Peters words with the Lord - "Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" (John 21:20-22) 

Peter had heard how he was to die, and had seen a small part of what would happen in his life. He was however more taken up with John. Was he the betrayer? What would he endure? Would he be given an easier life? 

We all do it. Wonder if someone else is gonna have an easier life. If it will be longer, happier, richer and more blessed than ours? But Jesus tells us simply  "What is that to you? You follow me!" Let's not look at other Christian's lives with jealousy or envy. Lets enjoy our own unique lives. 

No one else in this world is like you! 

God has a unique plan for your life, and only you can fulfill it completely by being the person God made you to be! I hope we can all see ourselves as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". He loved you enough to die for you, he wants you to love Him back.

Yours in Him

Dan 

She has done what she could

This has not been a good week.

I made some mistakes. Had some interesting chats with atheists which challenged my lesser intellect. Haven't really felt like reading my bible too much. And worst of all, justified it by being "busy". Im all too aware that's not good.

I wasn't going to do a blog post this week; I didn't feel up to it, or good enough to do it. I did however read a verse earlier in the week, and I haven't managed to get it out of my head. It's found in the account of Mary, (the sister of Martha and Lazarus), when she anointed the head of the Lord Jesus. It's a verse that speaks all about how God views our efforts differently to those of the people around us.

She had bought an expensive bottle of perfume; a perfume meant to be used in burial. It cost her over a years worth of wages. Did she know the significance of her actions? "She has anointed my body beforehand for burial" was the Lords response.

The disciples criticised her behaviour; thought her show of affection was over the top. Were they simply jealous that this woman had a better understanding of the lord Jesus? Did they think He was worthy of the expensive perfume? Whatever we do for the Lord, there will always be those who are critical. I've experienced it, but more significantly I've done it. Questioned motives. Queried methods. But surely God is the only true judge of those? He knows our heart, not just our actions. He will judge our motives, not just our methods.

Mary would never be allowed to be a great teacher. She maybe never lead anyone to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Who knows if she ever did anything else for her saviour. When the family was being hospitable, she wasn't even busy in the kitchen like Martha. She was sat at the saviours feet. She was captivated by Him. What we do know is the words of the saviour; "She has done what she could". (Mark 14:8 ESV)

God doesn't always ask for millions of pounds, or for us to give up our jobs to preach full time. To go to the other side of the world as a missionary, or be the most knowledgable bible scholar in history. He wants us to "do what we can". You will be able to do different to me, and you won't be able to do the same as me; but we should be doing what we can.

Let us love generously, give willingly, care deeply, and most of all, leave the judging of others to God. He alone will reward rightly. As a friend of mine phrased it; "Those who seek the praise of men are rewarded by men on earth. Those who seek the praise of God gain their reward in heaven".

May we all "do what we can".
Hope you all have a great Sunday when it comes.

Some points to think about and comment on:

1) Would I give up a years wage for my saviour? What about a months?
2) How deep is my appreciation for his death and burial?
3) Am I actively critical of others?
4) Do I seek the rewards of men or God?

Yours in Him.

Dan

If you find this post or any of the others helpful, please share them with others.

Desire

Have you ever used a metal detector to search for hidden treasure? I personally haven’t, but it does look like a lot of fun....especially if you actually find something!


I’m sure you've heard the expression “Nothing worth having comes easy”. I think it’s fair to say that in life it’s true anything valuable, worthwhile and profitable usually comes from hard work. It could be the singleness of mind to achieve it. Or the deep rooted desire to obtain it. Or even the physical effort which is put in to make it happen. But whatever it is, it normally doesn't happen passively.


David wrote in Psalm 27:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple”. (NIV) David had one, single-hearted desire; He wanted to spend his days considering the beauty of God. This wouldn't happen naturally. It wouldn't just occur in his life, that desire to spend the time, and to put in the effort, of seeking after God. In this Psalm, David is aware of his enemies being around him, and his own sinful weakness within him, and yet he wouldn't allow them to distract him from his desire.


If God offered to grant me one request, what would I ask for? Fame, wealth, health, or family perhaps? David’s soul desire was to spend time with God, and getting to know His beauty. It was this craving that lead him to act, and the actions were the very things which made it happen. God wants to be found. He tells us “You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13). You won’t however find God passively. He won’t just come and sit next to you on the bus, or call your mobile. We have to put in the effort.


Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt 5:8 ESV). If we are to know God, we must make sure that there is no sin in our lives. Firstly, if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Saviour, then the sin in your life (All of the times you’ve broken God’s laws) means that God won’t reveal himself to you. Isaiah said “yours iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you” (59:2 KJV). Secondly, once you have had your sins forgiven, God expects us to keep ourselves free from further sin. (While it’s impossible to never sin again because of our sinful nature, we are to constantly confess our sin and keep short accounts with God. You can see more about this in my other post SinLESS.)


God wants us to know Him, He wants us to search for Him; but what beauty can we gaze on when we consider God? Well, imagine a rainbow. Each colour on its own is a beautiful thing. Perhaps red would represent God’s grace. The blue His mercy. Maybe the green His sovereignty? Each one is worthy of our time to consider and appreciate, but when we put them all together, we have a far greater person and understanding to worship and adore God. He is not lacking in anything, He is absolute in all things, and as such is worth the time, effort and hard work to find. Perhaps you could share some of the things you've discovered about Him recently in the comments section below. Its great to share the things we learn about God, each of us adding to the understanding of other people.


What gets in my way from knowing God? Do I allow work commitments, or friendships in the world, or pleasures of sin to occupy my time? I know what personally stops me. What about you? Jesus has given eternal life to those who trust in Him. “This is life eternal, that they may know the only true God and Jesus Christ who you have sent” (John 17:3). He’s worth the effort!

If you've enjoyed this post, please share it with others.


Yours in Him

Dan

JOY

In all honesty, this week hasn't been the best. 

It started off with a few days ill, and then a few days of little sleep. But I guess more importantly than all that, it was one of those weeks when I didn't have too much desire to read my bible. A couple of days I didn't read it. Some I did the bare minimum that the daily reading book required, and some days I read it for my own enjoyment. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has weeks like this. Sometimes, life saps the pleasure away from a Christian. Circumstances, problems, people, work and doubts all can have a negative effect upon our Christian walk.


I’ve asked myself the question “How can I make my Christian life more consistent?” Firstly, I need to make sure I understand the feelings that being a Christian should bring. Most of us expect to feel ‘Happiness’ as a Christian, and that if we don’t have that feeling all of the time, there must be something wrong with us. Happiness however is defined in the dictionary as “the emotion experienced when in a state of well-being”. Happiness then, is an emotion we feel when things are going our way. When life is going well. When our hopes are fulfilled, and our dreams are met. Happiness it would seem depends on how our life is going. In Lamentations 3:17 the writer says “my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is”. Because of the experiences of the writer (thought to be Jeremiah the prophet), he had no happiness in his life.


The bible mentions “Happiness” twice in the ESV, but the word “Joy (or joyful etc) is mentioned 192 times. What then is the difference between Joy and Happiness? The dictionary describes Joy as “Something or someone that provides a source of happiness”. A “Source” of happiness?! Not the feelings that we feel, but the person or object that create those feelings. For a Christian, we have Jesus Christ (person) and the fact we have the benefits of eternal salvation (object) to give us joy. Joy is an attitude that we choose to have, unaffected by circumstances or surroundings, and is always present for the Christian to be in its benefit.


“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7. What brings Joy to God’s heart? When a person turns from sin, and trusts in the Lord Jesus.....That delights God. The verse of course doesn't say that the 99 righteous people don’t delight God, of course they do. God loves those that are His. But He rejoices when a sinner repents and returns to Him, when the prodigal son comes home, and the lost sheep is found.


“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full". John 15:11. What had Jesus told His disciples to inform them of a Joy that was theirs? He told them that He was the vine, and they could “Abide in Him”, and that “He who abides in me, and I in Him, will bear much fruit”. This is the secret for a joyful, fruitful Christian life....Abiding in Him. My daily walk would have more joy to it if I constantly abided in Christ. Sadly, so often it isn’t.


Secondly, Jesus had told them “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love” Is there a better feeling than the one of being loved? A perfect, without motive, always accepting, self sacrificing love, which is undeservedly given to us? If we can start to abide in the goodness of that, we will really have an experience of Joy! I have been guilty of trying to find happiness and love from others, and it can be found, but human love isn’t the same as the Love of God, and it can’t give us eternal, lasting, unconditional feelings of joy.


“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” John 16:22. Jesus promised His disciples that while there would be sorrow because of His death, His resurrection would bring a joy that no one could rob them of. Why was Peter so bold at Pentecost? Why did the disciples lay down their life for the Lord? Because His resurrection confirmed all of their beliefs, that He was the Son of God! We can have true lasting joy in our daily lives because our saviour has risen. He has paid the price for sin. He has gone into glory as our forerunner. And he promised “if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again; that where I am, there you may be also”. My saviour is coming again for me, which should be a source of constant joy. Maybe I’ll see Him tonight?


“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13. The Holy Spirit loves to increase our joy. He loves to remind us all that Jesus has done for us. This shows us that joy can be increased or decreased; depending upon how much time and effort we spend on the Lord. We can have the Joy of God, or fill ourselves with the temporary happiness of the world.


“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9. As a Christian, trials will come. Problems will arise. But then if we can try to see that they are all used by God for our benefit, and to mould us to be more like Christ, then even the most difficult of problems can be a source of Joy.


I’m afraid I have hardly touched the surface of what joy is in scripture, and how we can apply it in our lives, but I hope it encourages you to read a bit more into it. May our walk together be one of deep Joy, as we go on the way with our saviour. Please feel free to share this post with others, and as always your extra thoughts and comments are greatly valued. You can follow this blog at Facbook/ODCAO

Yours in Him.

Dan

A reason for hope

Yesterday morning, before I went to enjoy the breaking of bread service (as described in Hebrews 11), I read the account in matthew of the Lord's resurrection. The phrase "He is not here, for he has risen" stood out, as being such an expression of hope. Of comfort. And of joy! The disciples, who had been locked in a house "for fear of the Jews" would become the same men who would publicly declare that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Their confidence, and power all came from the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Hebrews reminds us that His resurrection gives us equal hope, both in this life and for eternity to come. "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever"

Just a simple thought, and quick picture that I made. Encouraged me, hope it warms your heart as well.