What if God hit pause?

This is just a thought. I can’t point to any particular Bible verse, or say with any certainty what the mind of God might be, but here are a few simple ideas about the current situation.

1. We live in such selfish and self centred times. Our natural human tendencies are currently being seen in the panic shopping, hoarding of goods, financial worry and feelings of loneliness and isolation. Am I trusting God is still in control of His creation?

2. The church in many places has become detached and irrelevant to the outside world. They don’t know us, trust us or care what we believe. If the outside world doesn’t come to us, do I go to them?

3. Christians, if anything like me, have become comfortable, dependant on ourselves and happy with the status quo. “We’re doing our best but people just don’t care”. Dutifully doing what we think is best, but how much is done out of genuine love of the Lord?

4. There is always somewhere to go, something to watch or listen to, something to occupy our minds every second of the day and night. Entertainment is 24/7. When do I give God any time? 

So what if God allowed, using His permissive will, an illness to spread to see what humanity would do? To see how His people would react? We know that to God, all life is precious, from the unborn child to the elderly adult. Each person passing away through Covid-19 has either accepted or rejected God’s wonderful offer of salvation, the chance to have their sins forgiven through faith in His son. The bible clearly shows “The Father sent the Son (Jesus) to be the saviour of the world”. 

But to a world (and maybe a church) so preoccupied with themselves, with lives so full of entertainment and sport, how does God reveal Himself? If you’d told me last year every cinema, club and bar, restaurant, cafe and sporting event were to be closed, not just in the UK but in many of the countries around the world, I’d never have believed you. But they have. Perhaps now, God can be heard.

But how? 

The Lord Jesus told His followers that “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:27‬

It’s really encouraging to see churches and Christians reaching out to their communities. They aren’t the only ones of course, but they’re showing the love of God to others. They’re also reaching out to other members of their church, behaving like a family would. Thinking “What are their practical needs? Would they like a phone call? Can I pray for them?”

They’re looking to meet the needs of others with what they have, sharing and not keeping it to themselves.

They’re looking to God with greater trust, because in the uncertainty of it all, what else can we do? It’s unprecedented. It’s unheard of. But in the uncertainty of it all, God remains the same, faithful and present. So many of us Christians are finally able to put into practice the advice of God to “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. Self isolating and social distancing were unknown concepts (to me at least) until recently, but they’ve allowed us all a chance to slow down and appreciate the important things in life. To give God some quality time. 

Also, now that the churches can’t meet in person, they’re having to come up with ways to “meet”, to keep in touch. It reminds me of Peter’s letter to the “Strangers and pilgrims” who were scattered due to persecution. Peter’s advice was “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭

The one lesson I’m hoping to learn and put into practice is that the world is watching. What if they saw the measure and practicality our love? What if they saw the genuine nature of our faith? Whay if they saw that our hope was truly like an anchor for our souls? What if they saw that the church listened to the wisdom of God-gifted doctors and nurses? What if they saw that when difficulties came, the Church was the tangable body of God in this world. 

Wouldn’t that make all this worthwhile? 

Thank you for reading a few scattered thoughts, I’d love to know yours too. Please leave a comment below, particularly if you’ve a verse that you’re finding helpful. And as with all of these things, any sharing of the post to Christian friends is appreciated. 

For Him and His glory. 

Lukewarm Walking

I know, and have known for sometime that the Christian life is not a continuation of mountaintop experiences. I realise that there are periods of valley trials and temptations which are often God's way of drawing us closer to Himself. Sometime, I find that life seems to be somewhere in between. Not the consistent walk with the Saviour we should strive for, but more the lukewarm stroll through life neither being on fire for God or cold enough to abandon everything.

The last few months have been a real mix for me, and at times I've been privileged enough to teach and disciple young Christians at camp. To equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to love and serve The Lord. However, at other times life's pace and problems, mixed with the attractions of the world sap the energy and drive to be or do anything for God. If anyone has the solution to a more consistent, closer walk with The Lord, then please comment below. I'm sure many others feel the same way as me, taking 2 steps forward and 3 back. Vowing to serve Jesus completely but giving in after the first discouragement. 

I do find this blog a real encouragement to write, and share and if no one commented it'd still be beneficial for me. But it is nice when you know that there are people out there who feel the same, or have helpful suggestions. Your comments and shares (retweets) show me that at least it's hit a positive note with someone out there in internet land.

I plan to get back to writing more (I know I've said that before), and to use it for my own walk. To grow closer to The Lord so that the highest highs and lowest lows are dealt with in the same way and to generate the same levels of trust. I've learnt that it doesn't happen passively, and it takes work, time and most of all a desire to keep coming back when you deviate. 

To be less lukewarm and more burnt out for God!

Now is the time to take the advice of Hebrews 12 v 1-2.... "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."

Yours 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

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

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

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