The door has opened...

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Him
Dan

Building Work

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.”

As a church we’ve just started a course called “Discipleship Explored”. So far (Just had the second week out of eight) it has been extremely challenging. Reading the words of Paul to the Christians in Philippi who were suffering persecution, we noted how it’d be easy for him to be wallowing in self pity and self lothing. Yet he isn’t. He is more concerned about their welfare, their spiritual condition. Despite his chains, Paul is an enthusiastic, determined man, grounded in his own appreciation of God’s love and plans for his life. He was at peace that where he was, he was meant to be. Being able to pray with Joy from a prison cell while chained to a couple of Roman  soldiers isn’t the norm!

His great prayer for them was that their love would grow, and in turn their knowledge. This would ultimately allow them to be able to know right from wrong and make the decision that would glorify God. The verse above has been on my mind ever since, and I’m hoping it’s as encouraging for you as I’ve found it to be. The reminder that “God began doing a good work”. Not my own efforts, lest I should slacken off or give up if it got difficult. Also, God is doing a work in me which is unlike anyone else, and likewise the work he’s doing in you if you’re a Christian (Are you prepared?) is unique to you. God isn’t making robots which are all the same shape, size and with identical gifts and abilities. He’s making a family, a “Body” or a “Building”, with lots of unique parts that make up one harmonious object, all coming together to bring glory to God.

I’m guessing you’ve failed God since you were saved? Yeah, surprisingly me too! Not just a few times either, many occasions when sin prevailed and holiness lost. Did you notice that God “will continue it until it is finished”, or “perfect” as some bibles phrase it. God keeps building and building, allowing for the leaks, problems, stalling and back tracking that sin brings to our growth, knowing that ultimately one day the project will finally be finished, and at that moment, at God’s perfect time, we will be made complete in the image of Christ.

We’re all at different stages of the developments too, some are just at the foundation stage, newly saved and freely relying on our Rock. Some perhaps are further on down the line,  with many years of Christian living behind them meaning the building is nearing completion. Paul had reached that stage. Week two’s verse was “To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.”(Phil 1:21) He was ready to go, with nothing earthly to tie him, and his love for Christ to drive him.

Spiritually I feel that the building work has been delayed in my life recently, maybe even stopped. Hopefully this course will be a big help in once again creating the right conditions for work, and soon God can again continue building. How is the building work going for you? What’s stopping the work of God in your life? I’d love to know your thoughts or any comments you have, especially other verses perhaps which come to mind? Also, if you find this blog helpful, please feel free to Like, Share, and Retweet it. But especially to share your thoughts.

In Him

Dan

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

Are you prepared? Part 2

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

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

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in His name

Dan x

Are you prepared?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 “Prepare to meet your God!”

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

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

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


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

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

I hope someone finds this helpful.

In His Name

Dan

Evangelism

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

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

2) Where were you when you got saved?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teens

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

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

KEEP ON GOING!

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

19-30 Year olds 8%

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

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

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

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

I hope this is an encouragement. - Dan Bilton

The Son

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

The man who took the son gets everything!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now that’s real love. - Dan Bilton

Some points to comment on:

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

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

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

Insomnia

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

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

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

Yours in Him
Dan

Commendation

This blog post has been the most difficult to write. Firstly because it is based on the commendation of my good friends Jamie and Marilyn Mcilree into service for God as missionaries, and I want to make sure that I do their story justice. Secondly, there are so many events and parts to their story and call, that I have to be selective to avoid the post becoming a biography. On Saturday 13th April, I was privileged to hear the call that the Lord gave to them both separately, and to witness the concern and love that they have for the work they are about to embark on. This post is given entirely over to their call, and the work that they have been commended to do. (If you would like to read them for yourself, Jamie read the following verses before he told us his call: Philippians 3: 7-14, Romans 12:1, John 2:5) 

“Is what you’re living for worth Christ dying for?” – Leonard Ravenhill (Just one of the quotes that convicted Jamie)


Jamie and Marilyn are both Scottish and were raised in Christian homes. While Marilyn became a Christian at a young age, Jamie only came to know Jesus Christ as his Saviour in April 2007. I think it’s fair to say that they, like so many young people, had periods in their lives when they weren’t living in a way that pleased their parents. Whether as a Christian straying from the footsteps of the Lord, or as a sinner living out their life in unbelief and rebellion, it wasn’t quite as their parents expected.


Jamie for several years had an important role in banking, but felt very burdened to give up his career and to seek employment elsewhere. What followed was 18 months of unemployment. But during that time, one week of meetings would change the course of his life; He was shown his own lack of any self worth and felt the voice of God calling him through the verse “I charge you...... preach the word”. (2 Tim 4: 1-2 KJV). Jamie recalled that "The 27th nov 2008 was the night God called me. He gave me a deeper appreciated of The cross, eternity and the gospel. He just broke me and took me deeper." After several months, and various times of conviction and believing that he was hearing the call of God, Jamie sought advice from his elder at Bridge of Weir, Stephen Grant. Stephen advised him to keep it to himself, and to keep looking to the Lord for further guidance. Eventually, the Lord opened the door for him to find employment in a local prison. He wasn’t qualified for such a position, and humanly speaking wasn’t even the best candidate, but God wanted him there. He was given the role of rehabilitating prisoners back into society, a position which was more than a day job; it was a real opportunity to show and live out the love of Christ before the inmates. 


“Whatsoever He says to you, Do it” – Mary, the mother of Jesus, speaking to the servants about Him


Marilyn had always had an interest in mission work. From her childhood she had a particular place in her heart for those who serve the Lord abroad. After finishing uni, she took several trips abroad to Spain and Zambia on short mission trips, and decided to return to Zambia long term to help in the Amano (Which is Bemba for 'wisdom') Christian School for a year with her sister Rachel. They would be spending their time with the children as dorm parents.


All good stories, especially true life ones, need a romantic element to them, and their story is no different. Jamie asked Marilyn to become his girlfriend and was greeted with the response “I'm happy to, but I’m off to Zambia for a year, and I’m not changing that”. Quite early on in that year Jamie first visited Zambia, and instantly fell in love with the country. While there, he was offered the chance to visit the local prison; an invitation which he flatly refused. When returning for his second visit however, he accepted the invitation to go and was introduced to the guard on the main gate as “The man who will take over this work from me”; Words which were spoken by the current missionary to the prison, Ian Campbell. Upon his return, Jamie felt the burning conviction of the Lord for him to be involved in the prison work in Chingola. Hearing a man give ministry, Jamie was asked “What has God got you doing now?” King David was presented as a great example, as he was a humble shepherd during his early years of life, but God was training him up with the qualities and attributes he’d need for leading the people of God. Just like David, God had been using Jamie’s employment to fit him for a future work.


On 17th July 2011, Jamie called Marilyn at Amano, and she told him “I believe that God is calling me to serve him”. She had 3 different examples that had spoken to her.

1) Isaiah 6 – Living the life of service.
2) The Disciples – Unqualified, and yet living their lives for the Lord
3) Giving all and not half of her life to God. She believed that if God called her to serve Him, He would always provide the help that they’d need. Jamie continued to receive many confirmations (far too many to list) that he himself was being called, and with added confidence and guidance, proposed to Marilyn. 


After their engagement, they started to look for suitable areas in which to live. The same day that Jamie prayed for a clear sign as to where the Lord wanted them, Marilyn received a text from Ian in Chingola saying “We’d like you to come to Zambia and we have a house here for you”. Could you have gotten a clearer sign than that? 

They were married in September 2012, and having spent the past few months learning the Bemba language, being advised on some of the important things missionaries encounter and sharing their story with several churches and groups, they are now set to go. They have seen God bless them and make many miraculous provisions for them as they have waited for the door to finally open for their departure. On 1st may 2013, they leave their families and friends, the comforts of home and their paid employment to serve the Lord in the prison at Chingola, Zambia. 


“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 3: 13-14


They would value prayer for their health, adapting quickly to the culture and swift learning of the Bemba language. The families they leave behind and the assemblies in which they served in Glasgow need prayer and support as they continue without them. Jamie and Marilyn haven't asked for any financial support, but perhaps I could take the liberty upon myself to say that if you would like to send them a gift to aid them in their service, please contact me at restorationdan@gmail.com and I’ll happily help to arrange that. Their contact details are seen below, and I’m sure they would love to hear from anyone who wished to encourage them in the work. Also, any comments left below will be forwarded to them. A video of Jamie speaking at Auckinleck can be viewed here - Jamie at Auckinleck


Let me say in closing what an encouragement they have both been to me personally, and I find it challenging that such a young couple would choose to give up all the things that this world places value on, to seek to be obedient to the call of the Lord, and be involved in His work. May they know the hand of the Lord upon them, and be conscience of the prayer of the Saints of God for them as they go.

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

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