EASTER > WASTER > MASTER

Hello... and a very happy and blessed Easter to you!

It has been a busy time since I last posted - too busy, in fact. I hope to remedy that with this post. So grab a cuppa and get comfy!

Let me start by giving the traditional Paschal Greeting...

"Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed!""Alleluia!"

Today is Easter Day. I am sitting in the garden with my laptop wired to the house via extension lead. It is a beautiful Spring day – warm and sunny – and as I type I'm listening to the ambient sounds of birds singing and a gentle welcome breeze rustling the leaves of nearby shrubs. This seems far removed from what Jesus experienced in His last few days, amid the dusty heat and political and social turmoil of the day.

An exciting new season of Doctor Who started last night. I've watched it for as far back as I can remember and spent many a time hiding behind a cushion (or two)! However this time I found myself wondering what it would be like to get into the Tardis and travel back to this time, to step out into the dry heat, noise and smells of a busy place on the verge of making history. What would it have been like to be one of the many female followers of Jesus and to have experienced the confusion and wonder of events as they unfolded?

What would it be like to travel to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus' death and resurrection?

Just before Easter I finished reading Frank Morison's book 'Who Moved the Stone?' The author set out to disprove Christ's last few days from a scientific standpoint, only to experience a paradigm shift in his faith and thinking as his research got underway. It's not the easiest book to read in terms of style of language, but he gets the message across; what happened to Christ was part of a bigger plan and mystery, but it happened nonetheless. It cannot be disproved though many would try to deceive us into thinking otherwise)!

Spring is in the air, and I get the feeling change is in the air. Did Jesus disciples and followers have a similar feeling, caught up in events as they were? Spring is a wonderful, positive season and echoes an amazing spiritual truth - from the death that is winter, new life stirs and blossoms in abundance.

In John 12:24 Jesus sums this up perfectly as He predicts His death:

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." 

Jesus had to die, so that we might have new spiritual – and ultimately, physical – life.

The Vineyard church I currently belong to is also experiencing a time of transition. Today's vibrant Easter service marked our final time together before we multiply into two services - to create more space for Jesus. I don't think I've ever seen so many people as I did this morning!

Full house!

In terms of attendance we have been full to bursting for a while, and we are about to 'pop', hopefully sowing more seeds as a result. We celebrate our 20th anniversary this year - all glory goes to God! Many local churches have already expanded over recent years. If anyone reading this is in any doubt whether people still go to church – they do, or whether it's growing – it is! Jesus is alive today and working among us to reach the hurt, lost and broken in our communities and beyond.

Last week we held a 24/7 week of prayer. This comprised hourly sessions that folk could sign up to over the seven days…you could stay as long as you wanted. Individuals went and groups went…but it was a rich experience for all. I'm a busy person - the kind whose mind is always on the go with some idea or consideration. It was very hard for me to initially tear myself away from my work schedule. In a sense it felt like praying like this was a 'waste' of time I could be spending working on a deadline. Part of me was a little bit nervous - what would be expected and would it be boring  (add a smidgen of guilt here)! It was nothing like I anticipated. The hall had been divided into different zones (e.g., 'international', 'church', 'small groups' and a 'soaking' space in the form of a tent with white lights, for contemplation). Lots of thought had gone into it - lots of creative outlets, paints, paper, pens, pencils, wooden blocks Bibles, a tv, a CD player…

Different zones to inspire prayer

The focus of the week was from Matthew 5:14-16:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Someone had created a beautiful lantern using coloured tissue paper. After praying, you were obliged to make a hole in the paper with a pencil - each one making the light shine out even brighter…a wonderful idea!

"Let your light shine!"

I loved the time I spent there - it flew by so quickly - I could have spent another week there! The presence of God was very tangible, and there was such a peace and sense of spiritual beauty in the place. I particularly loved one session worshipping with two others - it was quality time. One thing God showed me was that I was getting too busy for Him. I've been 'fitting Him in' around my life, rather than seeking the Source of that life so I might live better! In brief, I had started doing things more and more in my own strength, not in His…it's a subtle thing…and I thank God for His Spirit reminding me and convicting me…but without the heavy burden of guilt that the enemy likes to trowel onto us. God promises that when we repent, He forgives our sins.

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10)

That is why Jesus died on the cross. He didn't just 'swoon' into oblivion like they do in some of those fab old black and white films.

"Woe is me"

Can we ever imagine what Christ went through? I don't think so.

He was anxious, exhausted, troubled, sorrowful, in pain, tortured, messy, bleeding, sweating, parched, mocked, rejected, beaten, bruised...and murdered…yet He went through it all because His dying on our place - a perfect sacrifice - was the only way God could restore our (His Creation) relationship to Him. That's what it's about. It's not about 'religious' practices, laws and legalities. It's about love, sacrifice, restoration, relationship…and above all, LOVE. When Jesus died and God resurrected Him (fully restored His human body - He could eat as well as pass through walls)…He claimed victory over death, satan and all evil. That victory is for all who believe and repent. One day, Jesus is coming back, and when He does, we will likewise have new bodies as well as a new name…and we reign with Christ on a new earth. While I'm trying to get the most out of this life, I can't wait for the next. Read the wonderful first few verses of John's writings in Revelation 21 - the language is poetic but the message is clear:

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

At one part in the service today, seven people held up letters spelling EASTER. With one switch, the first E turned to become a 'W' (WASTER), and the again for an 'M' (MASTER). The meaning? Easter is a celebration of when the Waster found out who the Master truly is!

In what, or whom, do you place your trust?

EASTER > WASTER > MASTER!

Please note that I have written an entire Easter blog without once mentioning either bunnies or chocolate…until now :o)

M

PS There are three hymns/songs that have had meaning for me over the past week. One is "The Servant King", one is "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (neither of which we've sung at church for a while) and "Amazing Grace" (of late we've sung Chris Tomlin's updated version). I've highlighted in bold the verses which have meant the most.

The Servant King | Graham Kendrick

From heav’n You came, helpless Babe,
Entered our world, Your glory veiled;
Not to be served but to serve,
And give Your life that we might live.

Chorus:
This is our God, the Servant King,
He calls us now to follow Him,
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to the Servant King.

There in the garden of tears,
My heavy load He chose to bear;
His heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but Yours,’ He said.


Come see His hands and His feet,
The scars that speak of sacrifice;
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered.

So let us learn how to serve,
And in our lives enthrone Him;
Each other’s needs to prefer,
For it is Christ we’re serving.


When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.


Amazing Grace | John Newton

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

God's Awesome Paintbox

Photo taken this evening from my studio window (iPhone using Instagram)

Sunsets like this just make my heart and spirit want to sing at the majesty of my Creator! It brought a tear to my eye!

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3)

This is the song that came to mind as I watched God paint the sky:

LYRICS:

"Looking in the sky, whoever could deny Your glory?

Gazing into space, how small the human race appears.
Seeing You in all Your majesty, I wonder how it could be
That You delight in me.

Lord You are an amazing God
Lord You are an amazing God
Lord You are an amazing God
And I love You, I love You.

Lord of everything, no other god or king is like You.
Powerful and strong, yet tender is Your song to me.
Knowing the extent of all my sin, however could You be pleased
To pour Your love on me?

You light up the heavens with just one word,
You measure the mountains in Your hand;
Yet You treasure the broken and make them whole,
You crown us with Your love"

~

Sometimes, there are no words.

Keep your eyes on the prize...

A while back, my church ran a monthly Sunday evening event called 'More...?'. It was held in the Cellar Bar at the Farnham Maltings and took place over a period of about three years. As well as a regular house band from the church in which I was a privileged participant, we also had guest bands and solo artists – it was a fun time. The evening would consist of a couple of sets and a short talk or testimony in the middle. The aim was to create a space for Christians to bring non-Christians to come and find out more about Jesus while enjoying a relaxing, unimposing, bar/café-style evening.

One of the original postcards I designed... 

On the music side, we had the opportunity to try songs away from the standard worship fare on a Sunday morning, songs such as "O Mary Don't You Weep" and this fantastic track "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize", performed below by the legendary Bruce Springsteen (Mavis Staples also does a great version of the latter)... (I've pasted the lyrics below):



LYRICS:

"Paul and Silas bound in jail, had no money for to go their bail
Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on

Paul and Silas thought they was lost, dungeon shook and the chains come off
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Freedom's name is mighty sweet and soon we're gonna meet
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

I got my hand on the gospel plow, won't take nothing for my journey now
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on

Only chain that a man can stand, is that chain o'hand on hand
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

I gonna board that big Greyhound, carry the love from town to town
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on

The only thing I did was wrong was staying' in the wilderness too long
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on
The only thing I did was right was the day we started to fight
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on...

Ain't been to heaven but I been told, streets up there are paved with gold."

~

So why this song? Why this post? Well, the song has been in my head for a few days now so I decided to give it some real thought. 

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul writes,

"...Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [Emphasis, mine]

Life can throw all sorts of things our way – good and bad. For some reason it is often the bad that stays with us in our memories – the hurt, the fear, the rejection, the shame, the anger and the resolve not to go there again. All this merely works to colour our future experiences and decisions, unless we can give them over to God for healing and restoration. We also need to seek His forgiveness for trying to do things our way. We think we're taking ownership of the hurt and protecting ourselves, but really we just end up putting pressure the wound so that it never has the chance to fully heal. We need to know when to let go.

This bad stuff can also paralyse us into not moving forward – and it takes courage to overcome. We really do need Christ first and foremost. I'm reminded of a book I read years ago, that I come back to often – John Ortberg's "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat." Says what it does on the tin. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs input into moving away from the old into the new.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

John Wimber said, "Faith is spelled R.I.S.K." and "If you never do it, you never get to see it." What's the worst that can happen by taking that step forward? By doing nothing and remaining in the same place, we become bored and stagnant and are robbed of God's amazing plans for us! Trust in inevitably based on our experiences but faith is a gift from God and He grows it in us as we experience His goodness and faithfulness.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" (Joshua 1:9)

There's also plenty of good stuff in life too and we need to be thankful for our lives because they are gifts to us. They are not for our own sake - but for the sake of loving and reaching the lost for God's Kingdom. As such we are Christ's ambassadors and have a responsibility towards looking after ourselves so we can look after others. We need to keep developing our understanding of what it means *now* to live in the Kingdom of God. Our responsibility to ourselves can really be summed up by needing to be be prepared. For a Christian, this means an ongoing and deepening relationship with God, the understanding and application of His Word, and staying as fit as we are able – spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally etc. Ephesians 6 talks about being prepared by putting on the full armour of God so that we can stand firm (that's another topic in itself which I'll look at another time!) Philippians 4 says:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." [Emphasis, mine]

In order to be a serious contender in any kind of race, we need to train. This involves action on our part. Now I am not a runner. At school, I was never the fastest. I'd sometimes start off fast and even lead for a while, but after a quick burst of energy I'd suddenly flag considerably and end up in the bottom half! If I paced myself, I would do much better – and that conserve of energy would do me well for the last couple of laps. I generally found school fitness stuff rather demoralising as I have always been prone to comparing myself to others and coming off worse! I ended up arranging things so that my music lessons happened during my games lessons – result! I didn't get back into enjoying fitness until I went to university! But even with the music, I still had to train...to improve, to go the distance, and get passes in my exams. By training ourselves in whatever way we need, we are not only fitter and have more energy, but we bounce back from the bad stuff more easily...and develop the stamina to go even further. But training is an act of will, often a sacrifice and always a discipline – yet it yields great results. As the following spiritual law testifies, we reap what we sow.

Three times now I've taken part in one of the local 'Race for Life' events to raise money for Cancer Research. We all have the same goal – to get to the finishing post and raise our respective funds that go towards investigating what is a very serious disease. What I like most about it is that you can complete the course however you like – you can run, walk, jog or a mixture - whatever your preferred pace...you can be young or old, thin or fat, tall or short...in a costume or in jeans, on your own, or with friends and family. The only prerequisite is that you must be female! In spite of the serious theme, the event is about having fun and doing something good. Some training certainly helped. When I first did it with colleagues a while ago, I'd go walking/jogging in my lunch hour or after work. This was new to me – hard work – but it paid off! Coming up to the finishing line was the best bit. I'd been walking for a while but as I got there I started jogging again – I wanted to finish 'properly'. Being cheered on by spectators, the organisers and those who'd already completed the race had a tremendous effect on my tired limbs and lagging spirit – my energy was revived, my mood, jubilant – I'd done it!

I see a parallel with our Christian journey. The only prerequisite is that we know Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Even if we don't, it may be that we're going in the right direction despite ourselves (praise God for that!) The 'fitter' we are, the better we are at handling the ups and downs of life, but it doesn't mean we won't experience and feel those ups and downs and get a little weary and sore from them at times. The process of living in relationship with God is not 'guaranteed' – every step of obedience takes the risk that God will not do what we want Him to do. This is how He set it up! That's why it's important to study the Word of God and regularly meet with other Christians. By focusing on Jesus and encouraging one another, we find the strength to keep pressing on.

There are certainly a couple of key (to me) areas in my life at the moment that need some discipline on my part. I've either not really given them the time yet, or I've let them go. Both are applicable. I can pray to God all I like, but if I'm not willing to put the effort in or take that first step, what's the alternative? Settling with the mediocre, giving up? I don't want that. Life is about freewill – I have a choice...

I've noticed a sequence ...that often God calls (or whispers, usually!), then we have to step out, but then He intervenes with His purpose/blessing...and it's exciting!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Some things  are certain – the sin and failure of our past is dealt with, our present is wrapped up in the love and blessing of the Father, our future with Him is a sure promise...so, let's keep our eyes on the prize, and hold on!

Be still, and know that I am God

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23: 1-3). This is a beautiful babbling brook I came across last June (2010) on my first day in the French Alps...so peaceful and, with the mountains and sunshine, full of the majesty of God's creation. I sat down here for a while and just enjoyed 'being' in the presence of my Father, the Creator of the universe. It was a special time.

In recent weeks – and months, if I'm honest – I feel God has been prompting me to spend more quality time with Him – not just for me to learn to pray (talk at Him!) better, but also for me to learn to listen better. I've failed at this for a number of reasons...mainly lack of time-management and too much self-interest.

A couple of weeks' ago I led the topic at home group. It had been a busy week and I hadn't made time to prepare anything until the actual day. I'd expected to find a good verse to delve into - or to spark discussion on a particular life theme. However, as I wondered and sought inspiration, it dawned on me to look into the discipline of having a quiet time and what that might mean, and to share my findings.

Having a quiet time really is a (spiritual) discipline. We can get so caught up in the day-to-day art of 'doing', that it's easy to forget how to just 'be'. I am a serial 'faffer' - give me some spare time and I will easily fill it doing 'stuff'. Sometimes I find myself with a spare hour or two - perfect time to spend with God. But no, there's usually always something else to do - like watching tv or surfing the interweb or 'painting my nails'. It makes me wonder how I am any good at sustaining any relationship with that attitude?! It's easy to become anaesthetised to such promptings when we choose to constantly ignore them, and yet God never gives up on us. Thank God He doesn't!

Even Jesus needed time away from people and life in the presence of His Father...so how much more do we?! A quiet time is fellowship with a Holy God. Christianity is not a legal relationship, it is a love relationship. Ten thousand 'don'ts' will never make us one iota more like the Jesus. It is Jesus Himself who makes us like Him. But we need to spend time with Him, as with any relationship of substance.

A good friend recently reminded me of two questions we should be asking of God:

"What is going to satisfy Your heart?"

and

"What is going to bring You the glory?"

There are times in my life when I have put God first and made that sacred time and it has been rewarding. How frustrating it is to grow out of that habit. Below is basically (with a few later thoughts) what I shared with my home group – as much for myself as anyone else! (I like to hand out notes on things I do!).

~

A guide to doing quiet time

Quiet time is one of the most essential aspects of our Christian life, especially in today’s fast-paced busy world. Many Christians take some time reading the bible every day and while it is very useful, just reading the bible will not lead us to a much deeper and fuller walk with Christ. We need to spend time in His words, study them and learn from them every day.

Without daily regular quiet time, our spiritual life can be seriously under nourished, just as our body can be without proper food and water. How often do we forget or avoid a quiet time due to a busy schedule? Has anybody ever forgotten to eat for a day due to work?!

Time 
Our quiet time need only take about 10-15 minutes. Obviously, if we can do more, great! It 'should' be our best time - not our leftovers. Finding time won't happen - we need to make time. We can choose ‘when’ according to our schedule. For some, morning works better; for others, the evening may work well. It is important to try and stick to a set fixed time everyday, as it brings discipline and consistency.

What do we need?
A quiet place to focus (see Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.", a Bible, notebook and pen. Jesus sought out places where He could be alone and we need to do the same. While it is fine to occasionally refer to Bible commentary or a dictionary for difficult passages, try and study the Bible as it is and ask God for His guidance in understanding the passage. It is good practice to take notes in the quiet time – you will be amazed and encouraged when you see them years later!

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

How to do quiet time
Start with prayer: be natural and honest with God. Tell Him how you feel. Pray out loud if possible - it helps keep your mind on track and enables you to stay focused.
Spend just a few minutes in worship and thanksgiving
Spend some time in asking God for forgiveness for our sins
Ask for His guidance in today’s quiet time

Passage for quiet time: 
Select any book of the Bible and stick with it for the duration. It helps us get the whole picture, as well as making our quiet time more enjoyable. As a suggestion, select about 8-10 verses but don’t select a whole chapter as there may not be time to cover it.

Read the passage 2-3 times
There are many suggested guides as to ways of studying and you're welcome to find something that works for you. Below is my suggestion - this bible study method is also called the ASPECT method:

Ask the following questions:
A – About God – what can I learn about God through this passage?
S – Sin – does it talk about any sin?
P – Promise – is there any promise in the Word?
E – Example – is there any example I can follow?
C – Command – are there any commands I need to obey?
T – Teaching – what can I learn and take away from this passage?

Suggestions for a concluding prayer:

• Thank God for His guidance in the quiet time
• Worship God for His character
• Pray for deliverance from any sin
• Ask for strength for that or the next day

Our spiritual train is running on two rails; one is revelation and the other is obedience. And if either rail stops, our train stops. We need to learn to obey the Word of God.

God did not make us to be reservoirs; He made us to be conduits! If it seems right, share what God is showing you with others that you trust - it may encourage them!

~

A few years ago  I wrote a song, initially inspired by Psalm 62:1-2:

"For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

It grew to become about that special time we spend with our Father - and through that, know who we are. Maybe when I've learned that discipline I'll get the song finally finished!

I am Your child

In You, O Lord, my soul finds its home
You, O Lord, are my strength and salvation
Resting in the shelter of Your wings
Living in the presence of Your love
I am Your child

In You, O Lord, my soul finds its peace
You, O Lord, are my fountain of faithfulness
Trusting in the One who calls my name
Living in the promise of Your Word
I am Your child

You’re my Rock, I will not be shaken
You’re my Hope, my Mighty Defender
In this place, where You reign, You are my King
My Everything

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths..." (Psalm 36:5-7) View of the mountain from the chalet balcony as the sun was setting.

And on a lighter note... :oD

Resource: Attributes of God - a Scripture Study

Photo from The Brick Testament

God is...

Personal

God is a self-conscious Being capable of thought, will, and interaction with others.

OT: Gen 1:1-31; Exod 20:1-17; Job 12:13; Ps 2:4; Prov 3:19f; Isa 55:8f.

NT: Matt 6:1-15; 2Cor 1:3f; 1Thes 4:3,7.

Creator

The whole of creation came into existence through the will and power of God.

OT: Gen 1:1-31; Neh 9:5f; Job 38:1-41; Ps 19:1; 24:1f; 33:6-9; 89:11f; 95:6f; 102:25-27; Isa 44:24; 45:18; Zech 12:1.

NT: Acts 14:15; Rom 1:20; Heb 11:3; Rev 4:11

Life Giver

All of life was created by and is dependent on God.

OT: Gen 2: 7; Ps 36:9; Job 12:10; 33:3; Dan 5:23.

NT: Acts 17:25; 1Tim 6:13; Rev 22:1.

Spirit/Invisible

God's existence can be immaterial, non-physical, and is distinct from His creation.

OT: Exod 20:4; Dt 4:11; Job 9:11; 23:8f; 35:14.

NT: John 1:18; 4:24 (cp. Luke 24:39); 6:46; Col 1:15; 1Tim 1:17; 6:16; Heb 11:27; 1John 4:12.

Omnipresent

God is present in all places at all times.

OT: 1Sam 2: 3; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 73:23-28; 139: 7f; Jer 23:23f.

NT: John 4:20-24; Acts 7:48-50; 17:26-28; Eph 4:6; Heb 13:5f.

Omniscient

God knows all things.

OT: 1Ki 8:37-39; Job 34:21f; 37:16; 38:1-3; Ps 10:11-15; 33:13-15; 59:5-9; 94:4-11; 139:1-6,11f,15-18; 147:4f; Prov 15:3; Eccl 12:13f; Isa 29:15f; 40:12-14,25-28; Jer 16:17; 32:19; Zech 4:10.

NT: Matt 6: 7f; 10:30; Acts 15:18; Rom 11:33; Col 2:3; Heb 4:13; 1John 3:20.

Knows the Future

God's omniscience includes knowledge of all that will come to pass before it occurs.

OT: Gen 15:13f; Exod 3;19; Deut 31:15-21; 1Ki 13:1f (see 2Ki 23:15f); 1Ki 14:12f,17f; Josh 6:2 (see 1Ki 16:34); Ps 139:4, 16; Isa 40:12-14,27-31; 41:21-24; 44:6-8; 48:3-5; 65:24; Jer 1:5; 32:3-5 (cp. Ezek 12:13; 2Ki 25:5-7); Dan 2:28.

NT: Matt 2:4-6; Eph 1:3f; Acts 3:18; 15:16-18; 1Cor 15:3f; Rev 13:8; 17:8.

Omnipotent

God can do all things capable of being done with an unlimited amount of power.

OT: Gen 17:1; 18:14; Deut 32:39; 2Chr 20:6; Ps 33:6-11; 115:3; 135:6; Isa 14:24-27; 40:28; 43:13; Jer 32:17,27.

NT: Matt 19:26; Luke 1:37; 18:27; Rom 8:31; Rev 19:6.

Sovereign

God is absolute Lord over His creation and all that occurs therein.

OT: 1Sam 2:6-10; Lam 3:37-39; Job 9:12 (cp. 23:1-7); 34:24-30; 36:22f; 37:20; 38:1-4; 40:1-8; 42:1-6; Ps 2:1-12; 33:10f; 37:12f; 103:19; 135:6f; Isa 40:12-17,22f; 45:9f; 64:8: Dan 4:35.

NT: Matt 10:29; Acts 5:38f; 17:24-26; 18:9f; Rom 9:20; Jam 4:13-15.

Incomprehensible

God cannot be fully known.

OT: Job 9:10; 11: 7-9; 36:26; Ps 139:6; 145:3; Isa 40:28; 55:8f.

NT: Rom 11:33-36; 1Cor 2:11,16; Eph 3:9; Phil 4: 7.

But God can be known truly: Jer 9:23f; Dan 11:32; John 17:3; 1Cor 13:9-12; Eph 1:9; 1John 5:20.

Eternal

God had no beginning and will have no end.

OT: Gen 1:1; 21:33; Exod 3:14; Deut 32:40; 33:27; Job 36:26; Ps 10:16; 41:13; 90:2; 93:2; 102:27; 106:48; 117:1f; Isa 40:28; 43:13; 44:6; 57:15; Hab 1:12.

NT: Acts 15;18; Rom 1:20; 16:25f; 1Tim 1:17; 6:16; Heb 4:3; 11:3; Rev 1:4; 11:17; 21:6.

Self-Existent

God has life within Himself; His existence is not dependent on any other.

OT: Gen 1:1; Exod 3:14.

NT: John 5:26; Acts 17:24f; 1Tim 1:17; 6:16.

Immutable

God cannot change in his nature, character, or dependability.

OT: Gen 8:22; 9:8-13; Numb 23:19; 1Sam 15:29; Lam 3:22f; Ps 33:1; 89:34; 102:24-27; Isa 40:28; Mal 3:6.

NT: Rom 11:29; 2Tim 2:11-13; Titus 1:1-3; Heb 6:13-20; 10:19-23; Jam 1:17.

Perfect

God is flawless and complete; He does not lack anything or have any moral imperfection.

OT: Gen 18:14; Deut 3:3f; 2Sam 22:31-33; Job 21:22; Ps 19: 7.

NT: Matt 5:48; Rom 12:2; 1John 3:3.

Incomparable

God is superior over all in His essence, character, and actions and is worthy of all praise.

OT: Exod 15:11; Deut 33:26; 2Sam 7:22; Ps 35:10; 50:21; 71:19; 86:8-10; 97:9; 113:4-6; Isa 40:25; Jer 10:6-16.

NT: 1Tim 1:17; 6:15f; Jude 25; Rev 4:8-11.

Good

The moral character of God

OT: Exod 34:6; 1Chr 16:34; Ps 25:8; 34:8-10; 135:3; Lam 3:25; Nah 1: 7.

NT: Matt 7:11; Acts 14:17; Rom 2:4; 2Thes 1:11.

Holy

God is separate from all else, especially from all evil.

OT: Exod 3:5; 19:10-21: 20:18-21; 33:18-23; Lev 19:2; Deut 5:23-27; 1Sam 2:2; 6:20; Ps 22:3; Isa 6:1-5; 57:15; Jer 5:22; Hab 2:20.

NT: Jam 1:13; 1Pet 1:15f; Rev 3: 7; 4:8-10; 15:3f.

Righteous and Just

God's nature and actions are always morally right.

OT: Gen 18:25; Exod 9:27; Ps 11: 7; 19:8f; 33:4f; 89:14; 97:2-6; 111:3; 119:142,160,172; 129:4.

NT: Matt 6:33; Acts 17:30f; Rom 1:16f; 3:21-26; 3:21-26; 7:12; Jam 1:13; 1John 1:5,9; 3: 7; Rev 15:3; 16:4-7; 19:2.

Judge

God is the final determiner of what is morally right or wrong; all people are answerable to Him and His standards.

OT: Gen 18:25; Deut 32:34-43; 1Sam 2:3,10; 1Chr 16:33; Ps 7:11; 9: 7f; 10:8-18; 10:8-18; 50:1-6; 58:10f; 82:8; 94:2; 96:13; 98:9; Isa 66:14-17.

NT: Rom 1:32; 2:2-5; 10:16; Heb 10:30; 12:23; 13:4; Rev 20:11-15.

Wrath

God's moral character leads Him to judge and punish all unrighteousness.

OT: Exod 15: 7-10; 22:22-24; Deut 4:24; 7:10; 32:21f; Isa 13:11-13; Jer 10:10.

NT: Matt 3: 7; Luke 12:2-5; John 3:36; Rom 1:18; 2:5; 5:9; Eph 2:3; Col 3:6; 5:6; 1Thes 1:10; Heb 10:26-31; 12:29; Rev 11:16-19; 15:1,7f; 16:1.

Immediate judgments: Gen 38: 7-10; Lev 10:1-3 (cp. 16:13); Numb 16:1-49; 21:4-9; 2Sam 6:1-13; Ezek 18:4; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 5:1-11; 12:20-23 (cp. Gen 2:16f; 3:1-6; 5:5).

Grace, Mercy and Love

God's dealings with His people are based on His goodness, generosity, concern, and compassion; instead of on what we deserve.

OT: Deut 7: 7-9; 10:15-18; 33:12; 1Chr 16:34; Neh 9:17; Ps 63:3; 86:15; 100:5; 103:8; 119:64; 145:8f; Isa 63: 7-9; Jer 31:3; Lam 3:22-26; Dan 9:9; Jonah 3:10-4:2.

NT: John 3:16; Rom 5:8-11; Eph 1:6f; 2:4-10; Titus 3:3-7; 1John 4:9f; 5:11-13; Rev 21:4.

Holy Communion - a talk

Here are some notes from a talk I did at Home Group last year.

Info and ideas from: “In the Likeness of God” by Philip Yancey and Dr. Paul Brand.

The Last Supper (artist unknown)

No other New Testament image i.e. the ‘shepherd’, the ‘bride’ etc.) expresses the concept of ‘Christ in you’ so well as blood does.

In the book, the author points out that Christ did not ‘convey himself genetically’…if He had, over the generations there would be only faint evidence of His bloodline. Instead, He chose to convey himself personally and nutritionally, offering each one of us the power of His own resurrected life...through the Spirit.

The following words that we hear regularly would have scandalised His followers at the time...
(They “began to argue sharply among themselves”. “Grumble about him.” “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:60))

Imagine hearing these words today without understanding Jesus as we do - we'd likely be equally confused!:

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father has sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” (John 6:54-57)

Jesus is real food and drink.

What do you associate with the word ‘blood’? When most of us think of blood, we think of death…but blood is what gives us life. The author uses the concept of blood transfusion as a summary image of the Christian symbol. It's the purest example of shared life. Every cell in the body, and Body, is linked, unified and bathed in the life-giving nutrients of a common source…blood. Infusion of blood is also cleansing in that it washes away toxins (and sins).

Jesus chose this perplexing idea of drinking his blood before blood transfusion was known.

Christians have struggled with this theology – who can describe the process by which Christ’s body and blood become a part of my own? It is a mystery.

Whether it's known as 'Communion' or 'The Lord’s Supper' or 'The Eucharist'…it is not some dated religious practice but an image of freshness and life. We can celebrate the sensation of coming to life through the symbol of the Christ’s blood being transfused into us. The author writes, “We receive an infusion of strength and energy by availing ourselves of Christ’s own reserves.”

The meaning of Communion seems to fit with us better than the actual ceremony. Why have the ritual? As one British Theologian said, “Sex is to marriage, what sacraments are to Christianity – the physical expression of spiritual reality”. Jesus said “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Oil, water, bread, wine – these are known as the 'sacraments' or 'ordinances'. Augustine of Hippo defined a Christian sacrament as "a visible sign of an invisible reality." The Anglican Book of Common Prayer speaks of them as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible Grace."

Under the old covenant, worshippers brought the sacrifice…they were the ones who gave. Under the new covenant, we receive – by grace – tokens of the finished work of the risen Christ. “My body, which was broken for you, My blood, which was shed for you”. In those sentences, Jesus cuts across time to the here and now.

So, the act of Communion sums up all three tenses…the life that was and died for us, the life that is and lives in us…and the life that will be and will come for us….Christ is life itself…not just a mere example of living. It also reminds us that Christ is not dead and removed from us but alive and present in all of us.

Whatever the past week has held for us, whatever stresses, strains, doubts, aches and pains, as well as joys, we are beckoned by Jesus to his table to celebrate life….through His forgiveness, healing and above all…love.

:o)

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Worship song - 'By Our Love' - Christy Nockels

This song was recently introduced to me by my worship leader, along with another great song, 'A Mighty Fortress' which we're going to be learning. Both songs come from the album, 'Life Light Up'.

I'd heard it a couple of times, but somehow when I listened to it today it was 'different'. Both the words and the music affected my emotions...and I started to cry in response to what I was hearing and feeling in my spirit. It is a beautiful song, very poignant and full of love...but challenging as well.



Written by Christy and her husband, Nathan, she writes about the song on her website:

"Songwriting is such an amazing process to me... Long before there were lyrics or even a melody for this song, I knew it would be on my record. My husband Nathan and I would talk about songs during the writing process and I'd say, "remember there will be a song called "By Our Love". I had one tiny melodic idea for it, but that was it really... This song really took shape the morning after a very special gathering with our new church family in Atlanta. It was one of those sweet times together in God's presence that I will never forget. Our two oldest children were a part of that gathering, and even though their eyes could barely stay open towards the end of our worship time that night, my prayer was that they'd somehow sense and grasp the presence of God in that place and remember it. 

I realized more than ever that night that I want my children to "get it." I want them to understand that you can't have worship without love and justice. Our songs must have hands and feet, and they must go into the darkest places of the world. The distractions that our children are exposed to in this country and their desensitized minds and hearts became like a heavy brick on my heart. My prayer is that God will allow my children to see with His eyes and love with His hands in their lifetime...that they might "stand firm in the truth and set their hearts above". How can we show them most effectively that it's "by our love" that we are set apart and "by our love" that we show Jesus to the world. 

I can recall some amazing moments from my childhood that my parents faithfully exposed me to worship, and also lived lives of love to those around us. I have vivid memories of my mom, in particular, involving me in random acts of kindess. I have an early memory of her driving me to the home of a little girl from our church, who had no mother, and a father who could barely care for her. She took down the little girl's measurements that day and in the following weeks, made her a beautiful Easter dress. My mom was also the one who sat with me for hours at the piano, teaching me worship songs and how to sing harmonies. My mother understood worship and justice, and because she involved me, I remember and I understand...

I've always been intrigued by Ephesians 5:19, it says, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." There is an exhortation that songs can carry with them, and I believe even modern worship songs can have that feel and purpose, as many of the old hymns did. My prayer is that this song might be a song we sing to each other when it's appropriate...a reminder and a "calling forth" of those whom we walk life with, whom we parent and lead...to live lives of deep love for Jesus' sake."

The following PDF is available for free download on the artist's website: 
ByOurLove

Inspiration

Detail of Michaelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam' in the Sistine Chapel

For some reason the word 'inspire' has been on my mind for a few days this week. I felt prompted to investigate it further, particularly with regards to my faith and understanding of Scripture. As a creative person, inspiration is important to me. I hope, also, that I am able to inspire others at times.

The somewhat onomatopoeic word 'inspire' has a lovely breathy quality about it. All I know about the derivative of the word is that it is something to do with 'breath', based on the Latin. Now, I'm definitely no hardcore intellectual or theological scholar (and total kudos to those who are!) I do, however, have a love of words which extends to the joy of word-play. I also love learning about the original meanings of words (etymology), especially in relation to Bible texts, so I can build up a fuller picture of what is intended. I was fortunate (?!) to have studied Latin until I was 15, before dropping it at the first opportunity for History! While I disliked it intently at the time and couldn't see the point in being taught a 'dead language', it proved to be a useful tool when understanding word definitions in other areas - such as language and musical terms.

I decided to start with looking at the dictionary definition of 'inspire.'

Our English word 'inspire' comes from the Latin verb 'inspirare' – from 'spirare' (to breathe) – 'in' (in) and 'spiro' (breathe). Definitions of the verb include:

inspire [ɪnˈspaɪə]
1. to exert a stimulating or beneficial effect upon (a person); animate or invigorate
2. (tr; foll by with or to; may take an infinitive) to arouse (with a particular emotion or to a particular action); stir
3. (tr) to prompt or instigate; give rise to her beauty inspired his love
4. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) (tr; often passive) to guide or arouse by divine influence or inspiration
5. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) to take or draw (air, gas, etc.) into the lungs; inhale
6. (tr) Archaic
a.  to breathe into or upon
b.  to breathe life into
[C14 (in the sense: to breathe upon, blow into): from Latin inspīrāre, from spīrāre to breathe]

I then decided to also look up the word 'inspire' in the Bible and came across two different contexts.

A good use of the word as defined above is in the creation of Adam: dust or clay shaped by the Great Potter (yasar) lay as a lifeless body until the Giver of Life “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living breathing being” (Genesis 2:7). So Adam arrived 'by inspiration of God.' Beautiful.

Let's have a look at it:

"And the Lord God formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person."

The Hebrew word for 'breathed' is 'naphach' (meaning to breathe, blow or be blown, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose, to cause to breathe out, express a harsher snorting sound). The Hebrew word for 'breath' is 'neshamah' (meaning, breath of God and man, the Spirit of God imparting life and wisdom to the spirit of man).

As a slight aside, there is something else I find of interest. Before they were given their new names by God, Sarah and Abraham were Sarai and Abram. At the time Sarai was barren and getting on a bit, and had exhausted her faith and Abram weakened also, causing them to devise their own scheme 'according to the flesh' (Galatians 4:23). In the Bible, name changes correspond to either character change or a major call from God. Abram's name is changed from 'Exalted Father' to Abraham 'Father of a Multitude'. Sarai's name is changed from 'Princess' to Sarah meaning 'The Princess' or 'Queen' linking her in co-rulership with her husband and including her in God's covenant promise. Why am I telling you this? Both names were expanded with the Hebrew letter H or 'Hey'. According to Jewish mystics, 'Hey' represents the breath of God and His creative power. Therefore, it can be said that God gave them new names and breathed life into their circumstances - and Sarah gave birth to Isaac despite her being 90 and Abraham being 101! I'll try and find out more about this.

'Inspire' is also used in the translation of the following verse (2 Timothy 3:16):

"All scripture is inspired and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

Here, the word 'inspired' comes from the Greek word 'theopneustos' that is, 'God-breathed' or 'breathed out by God.' The word is made up of two others - 'theo' meaning God, and 'pneustos' meaning to breathe or inspire and relates directly to God's Spirit (Gk pneuma) which can also be translated 'breath.' This word is only used once in the Greek New Testament, in the verse seen above and therefore the exact meaning is not known.

There seems to be some misunderstanding as to the interpreted meaning of the use of 'inspire' in this verse. While 'inspire' can have the meaning as shown in the Latin term that means 'to breathe into', this is not what Paul is talking about here. He is not saying that the Scriptures are human words into which God has 'breathed' something special, something beyond the norm. Neither is he saying that God did something special to the writers of Scripture, though this is a common usage of the term today as well. While the authors were of course 'inspired by God to write' (holy men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Spirit, 2 Pet. 1:21), this is not the meaning of the term here. By using theopneustos in this context, Paul tells us that the very Scriptures themselves are the creation of God, reflecting His very breath, His very speaking.

So, what have I learned from looking into this? A couple of things really. I've learned more about the contexts of the original words and there meanings, which makes the Scriptures come alive to me. I've been reminded of how awesome our God is - that He chose to create man 'in His image' and breathe life into him...as well as giving us the living Scriptures as a guide to help us draw closer to him while we are on earth.

Amazing and powerful stuff - just from one word! I truly am inspired!

Hello and welcome!

Hello and welcome to my new blog.

I have decided to create this space to share thoughts and ideas concerning my Christian faith and walk with God. My aim is to record the ways I am challenged and encouraged, as well as to inspire others. I love how God speaks to each of us in different ways. We are all on different journeys. This is mine.

This is my starting prayer for my journal, and I echo it here:

I dedicate this blog to you for Your glory. Please make it a God-glorifying record of a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering Heavenly Father. Demonstrate, to me and to others, through this blog, the love that took Jesus to the cross and the power that raised Him from the dead. Cause us to delight in you more and more, and thereby glorify you and satisfy your loving heart. Please guide my prayers, so that I pray for what you already intend to do and then record your love and power at work. 

In Your Name and for Your Glory 

Amen

Blessings

M