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

She has done what she could

This has not been a good week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some points to think about and comment on:

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

Yours in Him.

Dan

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

Finger of God

Bit of a strange question, but have you ever cut your finger?


Maybe just a paper cut, or possibly a far deeper cut than that, but either way it really hurts. Due to my line of work I need to use my hands and fingers a lot. Sometimes for heavy manual work, and other times for intricate detailed work. There is a risk at times when using machinery that they could be damaged or removed completely, but thankfully by God’s grace I haven’t lost any yet.

Fingers therefore are very precious to me, and they are important to the creation of a piece of work. They’re small and sometimes insignificant, but are very valuable and necessary to us. Here are a few references I’ve come across concerning the fingers of God.



“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3

Let me reverently say that God didn’t labour in creation. It wasn’t outside of His capability or power to make all things, both those things which are seen and unseen. Despite the vastness of the universe, God used no more than His fingers. We look up in the night sky and see the moon and stars, and God has set each one in its place. In one of my other posts (STARGAZING) I mentioned the fact that this indicated the personal, organised pattern of creation. God, who knows each star by name, took the time to place the stars exactly where it is He wanted them. Each star, grasped in-between the forefinger and thumb of God, as He assigned it a place in His universe. The end of the verse asks “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?” The fact that God is bigger than we can imagine, and created this unique, wonderful universe was so easy for Him, it begs the question: “Why would He have an interest in me?” Why does He show me so much patience, and grace, and love? I think it’s because He IS love. He IS gracious. He IS longsuffering. It’s impossible for Him to behave in any other way.

The next time you look up to see the stars and the moon, remember that God who used just His fingers, loves you. It certainly amazes me.



“And the Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words that the Lord had spoken with you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.” (Deut 9:10)

Whenever a king wanted to make absolutely sure that a letter he sent was known to be from him, he would set his seal upon it. He would have a signet ring (usually) with an emblem which would be pushed into melted wax to show it was him who has assigned it. God proves to us that the 10 commandments weren’t just the thoughts of Moses, because He himself wrote the tablets with the “Finger of God”. No greater evidence is required for proof that God alone established His law. When we sin, we aren’t disobeying our parents, teachers, friends or family. We are sinning against the God of Heaven.



“Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lamp stand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. Then the king's colour changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together.” (Dan 5:5-6)

The fingers of God don’t always speak of creating. On this occasion, it is in reference to God’s judgement. He had seen the sinful works of King Belshazzar for long enough, and despite His long-suffering, it was time to act. In the middle of a great feast, the hand of God appeared, and the finger wrote in the plaster. Imagine for one second that you’re a guest that night. You’re having a great time until the room comes to a standstill, and you notice a hand, unconnected to a body, writing on the wall. What would you think? How would you react? The people were drinking and eating from the gold and silver vessels of God, and while doing so were praising their own gods. How disrespectful to God. How sad that Belshazzar used the things of God for his own purposes.

Do I do that? Do I use the things of God, or the things God has given me for my own purpose? In all honesty, wasting time is a big one for me. What about money? Relationships? Jobs? Homes? The list is endless, and everyone’s struggles are different. But what do I do with the things I have been given from God?

God’s finger was writing “Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin”, which could be paraphrased as “God has numbered the days of your kingdom and ended it. You’re life has been weighed on a scale, and you’ve come up short. You’re kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians”. This makes me think of the servant in Matthew 25 who was entrusted with a talent, and instead of using it to further his masters wealth, simply hid it. When the master found out he said “So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.” How is God going to view our use of the “talent” (not money, but God given gift) He’s given us when He returns? Have we used it to further His kingdom, or hidden it from view? Standing before God, and He asks why we didn’t work for Him? Why we allowed somebody else to work instead of us. Are you turning down and ignoring opportunities to use your gift for God? Are you storing up, or neglecting the things God has entrusted to us? They are His, and one day we will have to answer for how we have used them. Belshazzar saw the finger of God when it was too late, and he lost it all.



“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.” (Mark 7:33)

Here is a man who is deaf and dumb. A picture of me before I was saved and became a Christian. We had our ears closed to the voice of God, and we never used our mouths to praise Him; we didn’t even know how to. But when we met the Lord, and realised who He was, trusting Him with simple faith; our eyes, ears and mouth were opened! Opened to speak for Him, and to hear His voice. Opened to serve Him. There is no better feeling when we are alone, or down, or facing difficulties, than to feel the touch of a loved one. A cuddle, a hug, or just someone to hold our hand. The Lord Jesus, the son of God put His fingers into the man ears, and touched his tongue. How about me? Do I care for the people God has placed in my life? Do I reach out to them to show the love of God? The Lord Jesus took the time, and made the effort to show compassion to this outcast of society. How low am I prepared to go? The healing hand and fingers of God have made a bit impact on my life physically and spiritually. Have you felt them for yourself?



“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)

This is me. I’ll believe it when I see it, or when I've experienced it for myself. I doubt, and question other people’s experiences of the Lord. But one day, like Thomas, all will be revealed. I’ll see the marks in His hands and feet, the fist sized hole in His side. And on that day, I won’t be taken up with other people’s experiences, or how they functioned and behaved in their Christian lives. I’ll simply wish I’d served Him better.



“This they said to test him that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.” (John 8:6)

The crowd were shouting for a response. The woman had been caught in adultery and the law demanded that she be put to death. Would Jesus forgive her, or condemn her? What did Jesus write? I actually don’t have any suggestions, and to be honest I’m not going to make any. But I just wonder what the Saviour was thinking? The fingers that made all things, that judged sin, and healed the sick, wrote in the dust of the ground. Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts, or send me a message at One door closes, another opens.



Yours in Him

Dan

Things to remember

Yesterday I received an unexpected phone call. 

I had made a big mistake. 

My new saxophone teacher (Who I’d only met once) called to say he was sat in his lounge expecting me, and I was late. I had completely forgotten I’d booked the lesson, and as a result had made alternate plans. It can be very easy, when life gets busy, to forget plans and arrangements we've made. No matter how hard I try to be organised, and how often I write it down, make lists and set reminders I usually end up failing to remember what I need to do. Here’s a look at the idea of Remembering in the bible. 



“I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” Gen 9:15

The first thing to point out is that God never forgets. Being forgetful is a weakness and a fault, but God is absolutely perfect, and without any flaws. He never forgets. So when God promises to remember His covenant, we know it will always be kept. God will never judge this world by a flood again. He will one day judge all sin, but it won’t be by flooding the earth. In the Old Testament it's recorded that "God remembered...." certain people. Sometimes, they were in the middle of very difficult circumstances. God remembered Noah in the ark, Rachel when she was barren, Abraham (and Isaac and Jacob) when he was wondering without a permanent home, Joseph when he was in prison and so on. We are always in the sight of God, and no matter what the trial or difficulty, God will not forget us.



“Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place.” Ex 13:3

This is a challenging verse. Moses told the Children of Israel to remember the day when they left Egypt, when they were delivered out of the bondage that they’d been under. What about me? Or you? Can you look back to a day in your life when you left the world behind, and came out of the slavery of sin? A day when God saved us out of our life of ruin, rebellion and rejection of Jesus Christ? I'm very thankful that I can. It’s a good thing to be able to think back to that day (even though I don’t know the time or date), and remember I trusted the Lord Jesus as my saviour, and from that very minute I was free! It’s also important to remember that God alone did the saving. The moving from darkness to light. Remember.....“Salvation is of the Lord”.



“You shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” Deut 8:2

Another good thing to remember is that just like the Children of Israel in the wilderness, we have God (in particular His Holy Spirit) to guide us through life. This, according to the bible should be a humbling thing. If God is leading, we shouldn't be seeking our own way, but faithfully following. The period of trials and testing along the way is to see how much we trust God, and how much of our lives we're prepared to submit to Him. Have you ever driven through thick fog? The car headlights against the fog mean that you usually can only see just a few feet ahead of you. God doesn't show us the whole of our life, but little by little reveals the turn in the road of life. We've got to faithfully follow His leading to travel the safest way, and use His word to lighten our pathway. (Psalm 119:



“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;” Ecc 12:1

Each week (during term time), our church has a wonderful privilege of preaching the gospel to children from the local area. I find this one of the most rewarding and beneficial works we can be involved in. Children aren't as skeptical as adults, they find it easier to have faith, and are more willing to listen to the truth of God and His creation. It’s important then that children know about God, and if He chooses, that they come to trust in Him and His Son. Sadly many children, who don’t trust in the Lord in their youth grow up ignoring all of the things they've heard. Choosing to forget God, rather than to remember their Creator. Its also good for us to remember Him when we are young, and to establish good practices for living for Him before careers, relationships and interests get too firm a grip.



“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:34

When a person becomes a Christian, God forgives them of all of their sin. He removes the condemnation and wrath that was upon them. He could still remember all of their sin though, all of their times of failure and disobedience. However, God doesn't forget our sin (a negative), he chooses to remember our sins no more (positive)! So often when people wrong us, we forgive but choose not to forget. I for one am pleased that God has decided to forgive, and to not remember.



“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” Matt 26:75

There are times when I've sinned, and afterwards a verse comes to mind and reminds me that I've just broken God’s law. While we can’t change it, and it will occur many times in our lives, we like Peter should instantly repent of it. To acknowledge sin when we remember it is a starting point to dealing with it.



“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” 1 Cor 11: 23-26

Finally, one of the greatest things we can do for our Saviour is to remember Him as He has asked. He told us that by breaking the bread, and drinking the wine from the cup, we show to the world what the Lord Jesus has done. He gave Himself to die for sin, His own precious blood was shed, and His body wasn’t only punished physically, but was made sin in order to be punished for sin. 

There are lots of memorials, gravestones and statues to remember those who have died, but none for the Lord Jesus. That's because He rose again the 3rd day, and is now in Heaven. It’s a Christian’s great privilege to meet with the Lord present each week (or however often it is your church chooses to meet), and then to constantly be reminded of the vast cost that He paid to save us out of the bondage of sin. That truly is something worth REMEMBERING!



Once again, this subject has only been glanced at, and I'm sure you can add to it. Such verses like “Remember Lot’s wife” (as she looked back to Sodom), and of how God will “remember their iniquities” (people who reject the Lord Jesus) etc. There are over 200 mentions of remembering, remember and remembrance in the bible, and you wouldn't want to read a blog that mentioned them all. Ha ha. I hope this post helps you to remember some of the blessings we have, the things to give thanks for, and the God who has done it all!



Yours in Him

Dan

P.S. the photo below is a memorial to the thousands of people who lost their lives at the destruction of the twin towers in New York on 11th September 2001. 

Whats in a name?

Hi everyone, Thought I’d put this blog out today in time for everyone’s Sunday. I suspect that you like me are going to be spending time remembering the Lord, and I hope this helps.

I’m sure that most of us have heard the quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which says “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to our Lord Jesus, it’s quite significant as each name or title reveals to us a different part or aspect of His life and ministry. This slightly longer blog will look at the 8 Names of Jesus in John ch 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – The first name mentioned is “The Word”. Whenever we want to get over our thoughts, we could do it in several ways. We could act it out, or draw it, but the easiest and most effective way is to describe it. To use words and sentences. When God wanted to reveal His mind and will, He sent a messenger to speak to us. This messenger wasn't another priest, prophet or king, but the co-equal son of God. The very person who has always been in the presence of God the Father. Hebrews tells us that “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person." (Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV) The best reason for reading, studying and believing the words of the Lord Jesus, is because He spoke the mind of God.

The second name associated with Him is the “Light”. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV). Jesus was like a light, shining in the darkness of this sinful world. His words and actions were so different to those of anyone else. Because they were always perfect. He promises to guide safely those who follow Him. Also, light is ideal for revealing things, and when we have Jesus in our lives, He shows us the wrong things we do, and then leads us in the right way.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” – This name speaks of the sacrificial part of the Lords life. It had to be the Lamb of God’s providing (Genesis 22:8). Every other person would fail to please God, whereas Jesus pleased the Father in everything He did. While He did miracles, and healed the sick, ultimately He came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of this world. He chose to lay down His life for us! What a wonderful saviour!

In verse 41, Andrew approached his brother and said “We have found the Messiah! (Christ)” – Andrew realised that Jesus was the man who had been promised throughout the Old Testament. He was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies. His birth, life, death and resurrection all perfectly fulfilled the prophecies of old. The Jews have no excuse for not knowing who Jesus is; they are looking for a man to do exactly those things which Jesus did.

Phillip told Nathaniel that he had found “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”. How sad it is that so many people today still come to this conclusion. That Jesus was simply the son of a carpenter, growing up in an evil city such as Nazareth. He was NEVER the son of Joseph! When Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph had just found Him in the temple, and she said “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” Jesus replied “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48-49 ESV). Jesus didn't acknowledge Joseph as His dad, but only spoke of His Heavenly Father’s work. The virgin birth which meant He had no earthly father allowed for Him to have the sinless life which was required for a perfect sacrifice. One without “Spot or blemish”.

For the sixth name, Nathaniel had a complete change of heart. The sort that can only be done by the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced this change for yourself? When you no longer saw Jesus as the son of Joseph, and instead realised He is the “Son of God”?! A sinless man growing up in a sinful city. I wonder what the people of Nazareth thought about Him? So many didn't think highly enough of Him, because they didn't believe on Him.

Nathaniel also called Jesus the “King of Israel”! This is what the Jews were looking for, a king to deliver them from the Roman oppression. What they didn't realise, was that first He must suffer, but soon He will come to reign. Once He has been to rapture His own believers (taken to Heaven), He will establish His kingdom on earth, and will finally reign as “King of kings, and Lord of lords”.

Finally, at the end of the chapter we have a name which sums up so much that is wonderful about the Lord Jesus. He referred to Himself as the “Son of Man”. Paul writes to the Philippians and tells them “Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant  and coming in the likeness of men.” (Phil 2:5-7 ESV). The Son of God, who made all things, sustains all things, controls all things, humbled Himself. He chose to come into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh, to lay down His life for us. What a wonderful saviour we have!

Which title or name of the Lord Jesus do you value and appreciate the most? Or what picture of the Lord in the Old Testament do you keep on your mind the most? Feel free to leave your comments below.

May God bless you as you remember the Lord today, and may we think highly of Him!

Remember you can follow this blog on facebook at www.facebook.com/ODCAO where you can see posts, leave comments and meet other Christians from around the world. Lets walk the Christian journey together.......it makes it more enjoyable!

A reason for hope

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

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

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

Moving Forward

Hi. I'm Dan Bilton, a born again Christian from Newcastle, England. Having seen several encouraging blogs, and thinking it might be something which would help me, and in turn encourage others, I thought I'd give it a go. This is my first ever blog, and as I'm new to it, what better subject to have than the New Year? I'm sure it's not going to be great, but you've got to start somewhere!

2012 saw some changes in my life. Many ups and downs. Happy times, and times of much sadness. There were some wonderful new people that came into my life, and several who left for different reasons. Some people pushed me towards God, and others took me away from Him. One thing I learnt though, was that God is faithful. Through it all, He was faithful. He challenged me, encouraged me, listened to me, and when I listened to Him.......He spoke to me. He actually spoke....to Me! 

How humbling to think the God of Heaven would give me the time of day!

The Christian life is so often one of peaks and troughs, spiritual highs, and worldly lows. Our gaze is flickering between the glory of Heaven, and the depths of sin. One verse which helped me so much through last year was "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." (Heb 12:1-2). 
How apt that in the year in which London hosted such an excellent Olympic games, that a verse about running and removing unnecessary weights was important. As a Christian, I carry too much baggage. So much sin. Often its in the form of anxiety, worry, doubt and disbelief. However it may be addictions, worldly lusts and pleasure, or the bad influences that we allow to speak into our lives. 

This year, with your help and accountability, I'd love to remove some of those negative things. I want my walk with the Lord to be freer, more Spirit led and less self absorbed. I want to be an encouraging Christian, an example for other believers to see Jesus Christ in me. I know this isn't natural, easy or humanly possible. Thankfully though, we are able to live in the power of God, a life lived in and with Jesus Christ. 

Will I succeed? Will I be able to last the whole of 2013? That's my hope. It's what I'm praying for. Please let me know your thoughts, whether good or bad. Encourage me, challenge me, follow me and guide me. The Christian life is much more fun when we all walk it together!! So leave a comment, share a post, tell your friends.....but whatever you do, don't walk alone!

May God bless you in 2013. As for me I'm MOVING FORWARD!