Back home...

 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Psalm 84: 1-2

We’ve recently returned from a week’s holiday and even though the kids were really excited about getting away and staying in a new place, they were just as excited, if not more, about coming home. What is it about home that makes us feel like that? Is it the familiar? The safety and security of our possessions and surroundings that make us feel at rest?

In this verse today we find there is a place that God invites us to be part of that goes beyond the physical. It’s His dwelling place. The place where we get to draw close, not in the physical world, but in the world of the Spirit. This intimacy is what we were each created for. Our, “souls long for it…our hearts and flesh sing for joy”.

We were made to know the all surrounding, all encompassing love of our Heavenly Father. Just as a child can rest in the arms of a loving parent, we as God’s children can find no safer place. As much as our homes are familiar and comfortable to us, so should being in the presence of the Lord. This is where we can find comfort, rest, safety, security and peace. Take time today to be in his dwelling place. You don’t need to be anywhere special. He’s right there at this moment whispering how special you are to Him. Rest and receive his love.

He redeems all things

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Recently, I was asked to speak at the funeral of my friend's Father. Six months previously, I had done the same thing at her Mother's funeral after her battle with cancer. In preparation, it was hard to find the words - this was a tragic situation. How do I help to bring comfort to this family? How is anyone going to believe there is a God when they are faced with this reality? That task felt beyond me.

I was reminded of this again as I listened to the Priest who led the funeral for the family who died in the Buncrana tragedy. He said, "even the heavens are crying" and that people were crying out "where is God now?"

I asked God to give me the words and He did, He simply told me to tell the family and those at the funeral that there is no tragedy in God. To us situations may seem tragic but that to Him there is no tragedy. He redeems all things to good for those who believe in Him.

God is good, God heals, and we do see breakthrough. However we have all experienced what has felt like tragedy at some point in our lives. Maybe we don't see our breakthrough or healing doesn't happen for someone this side of heaven. When God looks at His children, "tragedy" is not in his vocabulary. He has all the power of heaven to move despite the circumstances and redeem.

Free to be yourself

 “But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.” Romans 6:22-23 MSG

We give so much power to sin. We say to ourselves, "enemy tempted me," "it's my flesh," or "my sinful nature."

Through Christ, God's gift to us is freedom from sin, guilt, shame and condemnation which rob you of joy and distract you from your heavenly calling. He frees us from always having to meet the standard...giving you freedom to be yourself!!

My husband and I made a choice to stop sleeping together before we were married, we were new Christians and so making this change was new to us too, but God prompted us and we listened. We stopped focusing so much on our downfalls and instead focused on his love, forgiveness and compassion for us.

He didn't judge us, He loved us,

He wasn't disappointed in us, He saw our potential,

He didn't want to stop us from having fun, He wanted us to experience more of life in its fullness!

It's not that Jesus is looking at us saying, "you must, you must, you must," he is saying "there's better, there's better, there's better!"

We get to listen to God; we have a relationship and an intimacy with Him.

Until we learn to focus more on this and less on sin, we won't truly know what a full and "put together life" feels like.

Be a world changer

 “If the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

Although many would have you believe otherwise, being a “passive Christian” is the biggest lie a Christian could ever believe! I would actually go as far as to say it’s impossible!

Contrary to popular belief, Christianity is NOT a spectator sport. We are born to be world changers, you were created to impact lives around you and change the paradigms of this world. Far too often we can feel that we are the minority in this world that being a Christian makes us inferior. The reality is that God placed his spirit in us for a reason.

There is a reason for your day today, there was a reason for your day yesterday, don’t miss out on what God has placed in you, “The Same Spirit That Raised Christ From The Dead”, but live up to what He has allowed crowned you as, his fellow heirs in Christ! Be a world Changer today!

A stirring

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8

Have you ever stirred a bowl filled with lots of different ingredients?

All the ingredients on their own don't necessarily work but together they turn out to make something beautiful.

When God is at work in our lives he has a whole lot of different things to bring together and so often we wonder how it's going to be done. We question it as impossible. We look for alternative ways and solutions.

But God is saying stop, this is mine to perfect not yours. Sit still and watch how everything that seems not to work on its own falls into place to make something totally awesome and totally beautiful.

Let God do the work, let him be the one to cause the stirring where it is required. Rest in His unfailing Love. You're too precious to Him to let anything just sit, he wants things to grow and become beautiful in Him.

Waiting with expectancy....

"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love". Romans 5:5

The little voice turned around from the queue and said "mummy I've been waiting for hours..."

What was only a few minutes waiting in the queue to be served seemed like hours. The expectancy of what was about to come made it feel so long away.

When we seek God's best sometimes we have to wait. What seems like forever to us really isn't that long in God's bigger plan for your life.

The excitement wells up and the expectancy of Gods goodness is there. We must never lose hope because our hope is in a never failing God. He knows the best time and He knows the beginning from the end.

Don't give up because it hasn't happened yet. Your dream could birth at any time. Keep holding on to God's goodness and promises. Hold on expectantly, but hold on resting totally in Him! God will never withhold any good thing from his own.

When it does happen we'll want to give Him all the glory because we will see His hand was on it the whole time!

New Road Layout ahead...

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6

When you're driving do you ever see the red sign that says New Road Layout Ahead...?

I know when I see it I start to panic, I start to think, 'Oh no, what way do I go now. What if I get it wrong? What if I go in the wrong lane and take the wrong turn?'

When we turn to Jesus and fix our eyes on him, there's a New Road layout in our life - our past is forgotten along with the mistakes that we've made along the way. This new road layout is not one to fear, it's not one to panic about because Jesus has gone ahead and laid it out for you. The only thing you need to do is put your total reliance on him.

It's not for you to see ahead and worry about what might come. The only thing you need to do is trust in His unfailing love for you, rest knowing the New Road layout is full of His goodness.

God's hand is upon it and He has good things for you. When the road may turn and twist remember He's got you by the hand leading you all the way.

Rest in the knowledge that God is in control of the New Road Layout and you're not going it alone!

Sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can come together....

"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." Jeremiah 29:11

Have you ever felt like all the things in your life that made you feel happy, safe and secure - things that give you a constant are slowly falling apart?!

Sometimes the old things need to go before God can move in. It might make you feel uncomfortable for a while but it's not forever. God is good and He has only the best for you. He's moving things and shaking things so that he can bring the best into your life.

Things in your life might feel like they're being shaken but you won't. When you have Christ in your life, he will never let you fall. Wherever you are today, trust and rest in his unfailing love and let Him do His work in you. He is building in you what is best for you. Don't fight it, the best is on its way!

Freedom in Christ...new beginnings...

"A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." John 8:35-36

William Wallace once said: "There's a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it."

We all remember the scene in Braveheart where William Wallace (Mel Gibson) shouts "Freedom" at the top of his voice after fighting with all he had to win the battle.

With Christ we have Freedom through what happened at the cross...our freedom has already been won.

Isn't it amazing that we no longer need to fight the battle because it's not ours. It's Gods...he has already paid the price for our freedom. We no longer have condemnation because "it is finished."

God gave his son to take our place, to give his people freedom in Christ. We no longer need to feel the guilt of our past because it has already been dealt with...we are free in Christ to begin again and again.

Today, you have the blessed assurance of what God has given you. Receive what is rightfully your's through Christ. We are sons and daughters of the High King and He loves us. His love has given us freedom to believe that no matter what, His best is there for us.

Your freedom to have the best is there because of your position in God...heirs to His throne.

A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:35-36)

It s finished!

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit". John 19:30

Jesus' final words before his death are more poignant, more powerful than any 'last words' spoken by anyone throughout all history. Here Jesus signifies the completion of His work and the ushering in of a completely new way for man to come to God.

It was finished - the mocking, the ridicule and derision was now complete. No longer would He have to endure the lashes of the whip or feel the blow of the soldiers' fists. His battered and bruised body could finally rest. 

But these words are more significant than simply referring to the end of Jesus' physical, mental and spiritual suffering - in this moment the requirement for sacrifice, for man to try to earn God's approval through good works was finished forever. 

Through Jesus' death, the entire system of animal sacrifice was finished, relationship with God based on good works and satisfying the law was finished. The God who had appeared so distant, hidden behind the temple veil had come close and made another way that was now complete.

Today on this Good Friday, remember that it is finished! Jesus has done it all for you - all you need to do is to accept what His death on the cross has achieved for you...free relationship with God! 

IT IS FINISHED! 

You are righteous

  “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16 KJV

The Bible tells us that after Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God imputes righteousness not to those who strive to obey the law, but to anyone who believes in His Son. The word 'impute' means to attribute or credit to!

Because Christ took our sins and gave us His righteousness, the moment we believe in Him, God treats us as righteous apart from our works or obedience.

This is new covenant righteousness—a righteousness that comes by faith and not works.

You are not righteous because of how morally upright you are. You are not righteous because you exercise self-control. You are not righteous because you read 10 chapters of the Bible daily. You are not righteous because you feel righteous. But you are the very righteousness of God in Christ solely because the sacrifice of Jesus made you so. When you believe this, your faith is accounted for righteousness.

More than forgiveness

 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Most people focus on the part of this verse that promises us we won't perish. Although it's certainly a wonderful promise, it is not the focus of this verse. The primary purpose of Jesus' coming to this earth was not forgiveness of sins, but to give us eternal life.

Sin separated us from God so Jesus dealt with sin. However, His payment for sin was just a step toward His ultimate purpose of reconciling man to God. If someone believes that Jesus died for their sins but doesn't go on to enter into the close fellowship with God that Jesus made available, then they are missing eternal life.

Eternal life is not a length of life, but rather a quality of life. Eternal life is intimacy with the Father and Jesus (Jn. 17:3). Many people have been done a disservice in being told that Jesus came to forgive us of our sins and that's it. If it had been all that He did, it would have been wonderful--and much more than we deserved--but much less than what He actually accomplished.

Today, take full advantage of your salvation and go beyond the basic forgiveness of your sins into intimacy with Almighty God. This is why He created you! He loves you and wants to be with you!

Come and rest

 "[28] Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

The soul needs rest if it is to prosper (be kept well) just like the body needs rest for health.

We allow our souls to get so weighed down with pressures, stress, anxiety, troubles and cares that it cannot rest. An unrestful soul is an unprosperous soul. This kind of rest works so hard the body cannot rest, causing burnout, exhaustion, depression and nervous breakdowns.

Jesus is implying in the passage that a primary cause of souls failing to find rest is due to people taking yokes and burdens upon them that are not from Him.

They make commitments and accept responsibilities that He did not initiate or lead them to do. They end up worn out, frustrated and quitting everything, including things he did not lead them to do.

We can only receive ease, refreshing, cleansing for our souls by coming to Jesus and leaving the stress, worries, pressure and even the dishes behind.

The first thing many of us do when faced with these kinds of things is to retreat into some form of entertainment or hobby.

Nothing wrong with physical entertainment and fun, but it will not bring complete rest to your soul. The prosperous soul comes to Jesus regularly for rest. Come to me and rest your soul!

Free from condemnation

 “The Lord redeems the soul of His servants and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned” Psalm 34:22 (NKJV)

My children like to tell me when one of their siblings has done something they shouldn’t. They almost enjoy telling all the details and waiting expectantly to see how I am going to deal with the offender! We all like to judge, to express our disapproval of others. We are quick to point the finger and condemn others to the punishment we think they should have.

Condemnation is like a weight; a threat hanging over the guilty that lets them know just how they are viewed and what is in store for them. Here we are reminded that no one who trusts in God will be condemned.  Because of Jesus we have been redeemed, the price has been paid, the punishment has been given and as such there is nothing to condemn us to, or for.

Jesus’ life and death means that today you are free from the fear or threat of punishment for sin. Remember that today there is nothing or no one who can condemn you because as a child of God, there is no condemnation, you are free. Jesus has taken the condemnation. He has made you perfect.

Today when you feel like pointing a finger and condemning others remind yourself of what God has done in your life. When you feel the weight of self-disapproval or unworthiness remember that you are no longer condemned but as a child of God  free to live, love and serve Him.

Looking for people just like us

 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10

Jesus spoke these words in the house of Zacchaeus, the short-statured, mean-spirited tax collector whose life Jesus transformed. As Jesus walked through the streets of Jericho he had an appointment with Zacchaeus, only Zacchaeus didn’t realise it.

We read in the story that Zacchaeus had climbed a sycamore tree to get a glimpse of the passing Messiah and to everyone’s surprise Jesus stopped, looked up at the social pariah and told him to get down from the tree quickly as Jesus was going to stay in his house.

I love the reaction of the crowd, “He is gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner” (v.7). They were right – he was a sinner, he had made himself rich by stealing money from others yet here Jesus was sitting in his house.

Are you looking for Jesus today? You won’t find Him in religious service. You won’t find Him in self-important legalism. You will find Him where He said He would be – seeking and saving the lost. In the place of brokenness, in emptiness Jesus brings life and fullness.

He isn’t looking for those who think they are good enough by their own works but for people like you and me – people whose only hope is that Jesus by His grace will find us where we are and bring us life and salvation just like He did to Zacchaeus.

Refresh your soul

 “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” Psalm 19:7

It is not uncommon for me to feel like I need to refresh my soul. Sometimes I feel the pull of the outdoors or the irresistible call to take time on my own – time to refresh. There was a time in my life when I expected a walk in the mountains or an afternoon at an art gallery to bring new vigour, new life to my soul.

While these things certainly helped (I always feel rejuvenated by time out of the ‘rat race’) the problem was that it didn’t take long for life to take over and it felt like my soul needed refreshed again.

God is calling you today to take time out to refresh your soul…to allow His word to make your soul, the depth of your being – the ‘you’ inside of you – new, vibrant and alive.

God’s word is able to bring life, comfort and direction to wherever you find yourself. If God is love (and He is), if He wants only the best for us (and He does) and if we are His children (and we are) then what He has to say to us is exactly what we need to live a refreshed, fulfilled life.

Today approach God’s word with expectancy; take time to linger, listen to what He is saying to you. His perfect word is waiting there to refresh your soul.

LAW - LOVE AND WORSHIP (2)

"This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people”Jeremiah 31:33 NIV

Praise God for His amazing love that has set us free from the law of sin and death and given us His Spirit to mold our hearts to be like Jesus.

Worship the Lord your God and have no other God’s before Him.

Worship is not about some religious ceremony, but acknowledging in our hearts that Father God is great and deserves to be thanked and loved for all that He is and all that He has done for us. The God who created the universe by just speaking is our Dad. Who could not just want to sit In His presence and give Him everything that we are?

The law of The Spirit inspires us to obey our Father as an outpouring of worship. Everything we do is motivated by our love for Him. Worship is not confined to a few songs on a Sunday morning, but is a way of life.

When I wash the dishes, because everything I do is for Him, this too is an act of worship. It is not what I do, but for whom it is done.

No longer a set of rules; but His love rules my heart.

LAW - Love and Worship

“ Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 8:2 NIV

The law of the Spirit supersedes the laws of the Old Testament. For the law of The Spirit has set us free from the law of sin and death.

Living a life built on God’s love, acceptance and grace does not mean living without law; but rather following a better law. Not a law that tells you what you have been doing wrong, but one that leads your heart to be like Jesus. The law of The Spirit is the law of love. We are constrained because of love to obey the God who first loved us. We are inspired by His love in our hearts to not only love ourselves, but to feel and show love to others; even those who have deeply hurt us.

The Spirit of God works in the hearts of people to bring us new birth, to grow His fruit of love in our hearts and to make us more like Jesus each day as we seek to be filled by Him. It is He who gives us the power to love those who have wronged us and to forgive them as we have been forgiven. It is His love within us that fills us with compassion for the broken and leads us to help.