I've watched countless TV programmes over the years where although the nature of the programme may vary, the underlying premise is the same – people wanting to escape from ‘the rat race’ to live a slower pace of life, to have a better ‘work-life balance’.
The thing about life as a believer is that we are able to choose to live as freely and lightly as we want. And that applies as much to the Chief Executive as it does to the Clerical Assistant. It’s not necessarily about getting away from the day job.
How often have you lifted something and at first you think you are doing ok but then as you have to hold it for longer and longer, it suddenly seems to get heavier and heavier until finally you get to the point where you have to quickly set it down before you end up dropping it?
One of the things that I’ve observed about people is the amount of mental and emotional baggage they carry round with them. It’s like they have a backpack and each time they encounter something in life, it’s like they pick up a weight and throw it into their backpack.
Rhythm is something that is important when playing with other musicians. The magical times playing in a band happen when it just flows easily, when we ‘get into the groove’ and rather than effort, it is simply effortless as we play.
The unforced rhythms of grace is just like this.
There are many sincere people in our world who believe that through their increased religious activity that God will somehow love them more than others. They place what they do above what God has already done for them. The result is that they end up tired, worn out and burned out through the cycle of religious performance because they have self at the centre.
Rest is something which jars with modern day living.
The world we live in magnifies the importance of being active and progressive at work, of climbing the career ladder. We are told of the importance of squeezing the most activity out of our limited leisure time. Thanks to ever improving technology, in particular, the mobile phone, we are directly contactable at all times, even when we are trying to sleep at night. Add in the pressures of family life, the expectations placed upon parents and children and life can sometimes feel overwhelming.
"The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand." John 3:35 KJV
The motivating force in Jesus' life was the Father's love for Him. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." (John 17:24).
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1John 4:18).
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 KJV
Jesus took on Himself the form of a servant. A servant does not need to spend time, energy, money or effort making a reputation for himself. It is not about us but Jesus! God will exalt you, promote you and lift up Jesus through you when you humble yourself as a servant.
"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and exalts another." Psalm 75:6-7 KJV
Promotion comes from God not men. Embracing this passage will help keep you free from the fear of men in your service to others. Allowing this truth to sink into your life and heart will keep you free from offence. Most offences are caused when you don't get what you expect from others. Luke 17:7-10 reminds us to expect results but not rewards or gratitude from those we serve. Remember that Jesus healed ten lepers yet only one returned to give thanks (Lk. 17:11-19) and you are not greater than your master! (Jn. 15:20).
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 KJV
Rather than being about ourselves, serving involves choosing to give up our perceived rights, our time and our preferences for the sake of others. Serving involves sacrifice. Everything Jesus did in ministry was void of self-seeking motive. The question, "What's in it for me? " does not reflect a servant's heart. Everything Jesus did ministering to and serving others was free from the expectation of receiving something that would benefit Himself from those He served.
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35 KJV
Before selecting His disciples Jesus prayed all night. He went out to a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Jesus shows us that building a relationship with the Father is essential to receiving revelation. Jesus said I can do nothing of myself, but what I see the Father do I do likewise.
"Rouse yourselves and keep awake, and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying…" Revelation 3:2a
Last year I had a very successful vegetable harvest – more courgettes that I knew what to do with, and my beetroot, potatoes and rhubarb were abundant. This year however…pretty pathetic. I did the same things as I’d done last year but they didn’t respond in the same way. I was almost about to give up but I decided to give it another go – I replanted the courgettes and kept feeding the beetroot – and sure enough they finally came through with glorious yellow flowers and lots of tasty produce.
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." 2 Chronicles 20:12b
I recently had to manage a difficult situation in work; feelings were running high and after a few months with no resolution it looked as if things could escalate. Two final meetings had been arranged, I had prepared my arguments and briefed the other managers who were going to be there.
"… we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out into a broad, moist place [to abundance and refreshment and the open air]." Psalm 66:12b
A few years ago I took part in the Moonwalk in Edinburgh. This is a marathon walk that raises millions for breast cancer charities. The unusual thing about this walk is that it starts at midnight so you are literally walking by the light of the moon! It was a great experience but the last 5 miles were a real challenge and I can honestly say I was feeling every single step of those last few miles.
I really enjoy people visiting me in my home, be it an unexpected caller or a pre-arranged event. I love deciding what food I am going to prepare, setting the table, serving the food and enjoying the craic. I also love to be invited to other people’s homes and getting to know them better over food and laughter.
Countless times in Scripture food is a focus for God’s blessing from the provision of manna in the desert to Jesus sharing His last meal with His closest friends.
"The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down." Psalm 145:14 Amplified Bible
In August 2012 I ruptured my Achilles tendon in my right leg. I was dancing rather too energetically and all of a sudden my right foot just stopped working! For the next 4 weeks I was in plaster and struggled to get around using crutches.
The experience taught me a lot about myself and my need to be independent; it also taught me how to ask for help – not something I find easy. As a result I was amazingly blessed by the smallest things, a lift to church, a cup of tea, a hot meal.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” Isa 40:8
Isn’t it amazing how time flies? It is hard to believe that summer is already over. Your suntan (if you were fortunate enough to get one!) is fading just like the flowers and we are all getting back into the routine of a new term.
I am always struck at this time of year by the transition of the seasons and the different sense that comes with the shortening days. It is part of the normal cycle of life and one that brings with it different colours and experiences. We say goodbye to long warm evenings and hello to the golden browns of autumn.
"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Pet 2:10 (NIV)
I used to love the game ‘Who Am I?’ where someone would describe a person and I would try to guess who he or she was. Usually they would define this person in terms of their gender, their looks, their profession or their achievements. We do the same thing every day with the people we meet.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.” Isa. 55:1 (NIV)
There is no such thing as a free lunch…right? We expect to pay for everything – you know the statement, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’. But here Isaiah shows how the kingdom of God is upside down. He calls everyone to come and eat and drink as much as they want without any cost.
A few weeks ago I was out shopping in London with my best friend when I was visiting on holiday. I was in my element trying on designer tops – knowing all the time they were well beyond my budget.
I’m a big fan of television programmes about building houses, improving houses and moving houses! I enjoy getting ideas for my own home – even if I don’t often put them into practice! Many of us love to dream and plan about what improvements we would make to our homes if we had the wherewithal to do them.
