He will never leave you

 “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.” Neh. 9:19

God will never abandon you. There has never been, nor will there ever be a time when God leaves you without hope or without a way forward. The Children of Israel had turned away from God and made an idol for themselves yet He stayed right there with them. He provided a pillar of cloud every day and a pillar of fire every night to guide them and illuminate their path. He did this for one very simple reason - because He loved them. Not because they deserved it or because they remained faithful but because, as another translation puts it, of His ‘manifold mercies’.

The way out of the wilderness is always found in the love and grace of God. Wherever you find yourself today, God is not angry with you, He is not trying to punish you; rather He is with you and has compassion for you. You can be sure of His love and His desire to bless you. He is asking you to look to Him - He will show you a path out of the wilderness into a place of blessing and abundance.

Another way to live

 “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest ofthe Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind” Eph. 4:17 (NKJV)

God has created us in His own image as wonderfully unique individuals. He has made us as more than just a mind – people with hearts, souls, bodies and spirits – all of which should be fully engaged in life.

Paul reminds us that if we try to live life, or ‘walk’, in the futility of our minds we miss out on being who God has created us to be (v.24). If we look at the world, evaluate it and interact with it solely from an intellectual perspective, our attempts to live for God will be futile.

If I direct my efforts and attention based only on the response of the intellect or doing what ‘makes sense’ then I will live a Christian life that is ineffective and missing the true richness of the tapestry of God’s creation.

There is another way to live life – where we are led, not from the head, but from a place much deeper. From the heart of our very being, where God’s Spirit Himself leads, prompts and illuminates - what the bible refers to as walking in the spirit.

Today, still yourself in God’s presence, listen to the leading of His Spirit. God has a life that is so much richer and fulfilling than what you can evaluate in your mind.

This day is not too difficult

 "For this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, not is it far off" Deuteronomy 30:11

When my son was born I looked at him and wondered, “Can I really be a mother to this tiny scrap?” He was only 2.6kg (5½ lbs) and it was all a bit overwhelming.  Nearly 18 years later, at 180cm (5’11”) – and a wonderful young man – I thank God for bringing him into my life and the blessing he has been to me.  Through the years I have known God’s provision and support to me as I have been his mum.

Most days we meet one challenge or another, from having to get on with that difficult colleague in the office, to financial uncertainty or serious illness.  Some of the issues we struggle with may seem comparatively small in the big scheme of things, but to you its impact is real.

God knows what you’re going through – He knows what you have to face today, and He really cares.  Not in the way we ask each other, “How are you?” never really expecting a completely truthful answer, but at a heart level, empathising and understanding our need.

Don’t be afraid of what this day is bringing to – it’s not too difficult for Him and He will be right in the middle of it with you.

Remind yourself how great God is

"...consider how great are the things He has done for you." 1Samuel 12:24b

Photo albums have fallen out of fashion now that we all use our smartphones to take pictures all the time.  Social media has become the place where we share our memories with others.  It’s a transient medium, however, where it’s easy to delete an image from our phone and it’s gone forever, it’s so much harder to tear up a photograph. Old photos shared together can be a special pleasure and evoke wonderful memories.

Throughout the Bible we are reminded to remember.  I keep a sporadic journal where I jot down verses, thoughts and experiences of God’s presence in my life that I use to encourage myself when times are a bit tough.  Meeting with fellow believers to talk and share is also incredibly helpful.

With our smartphone we can ‘back up’ our memories onto SD cards, the cloud or our computer’s hard drive confident we can access them over and over again. Take time today to remind yourself of those great things God has done for you and I can promise that you’ll be encouraged, blessed and re-energised.

Step out boldly

 "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great names’ sake, for it has pleased Him to make you a people for Himself" 1 Samuel 12:22

A couple of years ago I changed jobs and moved into a completely new area of which I had little previous experience.  For quite a few months I felt at sea and wondered if I had made the right decision.  Two years down the line I’m much more confident and assured because I gained experience and skill in my job role.

When we encounter new situations – positive and negative – it’s easy to feel cast adrift, forsaken and alone. The people of Israel were afraid when Samuel spoke to them.  They had asked for a king, knowing God’s desire was that they should have no king but him.  He had, however, granted their request and Saul was now their ruler.  Would God punish them, or forget them now? The resounding answer was “No!” They were still His people and He would never turn His back on them.

Perhaps you are stepping into something new this week – a new job, a new relationship, a new home – you’re not stepping out alone.  Don’t give in to anxiety and feat that robs your joy – but step out boldly confident in the knowledge that you’re not alone!

Stand still and see

 ‘…stand still and see this great thing the Lord will do before your eyes now…’            1 Samuel 12:16

I am, by nature, a doer, an organiser, a person who gets stuck into the middle of things and wants to sort it out.  I’m not so good at taking a step back and seeing the big picture.

Samuel describes himself as ‘old and grey’ when he says these words.  He has seen many things in his long life and with the benefit of that experience he takes this opportunity to remind the people of Israel how God has been faithful to them.  How God has rescued from seemingly impossible situations and has never forsaken them, even when they made bad choices.

They are now looking to their new king, Saul, for direction and leadership but are still worried about what lies ahead.

When we are busy with family, work church or are preoccupied by daily concerns, it’s hard to see the big picture.  That’s when it is good to take a step back, to stand still and take a moment to consider ‘what great thing the Lord will do’.  Be assured – God has more for you – great things – so during this week take some time to breathe, think and stand still.

Don’t always say what you think

 “I believed, and so I spoke” 2 Cor 4:13

I often talk to myself. I used to be embarrassed about it whenever people would catch me on but now I don’t really care. I just tell them that it is the best conversation that I get! The Word says that we have creative power in our words - they have power over us for good or bad. Often whenever my feelings are leading me to a negative place I find myself speaking out all kinds of negativity and nonsense. When was the last time you played out an argument that you would have with someone?

I love to walk and God has often challenged me that I need to speak what He believes about me, and others, and not what I think based on my feelings at the time. If I truly believe that God is good then I speak it out. I may not feel like it but the creative power of my words being truth & faith filled is enough to lift my mood and focus me back to a place of life & peace.

Resist the power to give into you feelings and say just what you think. That may not be helpful. If you believe that God is good, loving & kind the say so. Out loud. Make sure you can hear it. It will change your day

Believing you are righteous is a choice

 “the righteousness from God that depends on faith...” Phil 3:9

I remember when I became a Dad for the first time. It took it a long while to sink in. We waited a good number of years for our first child and so I had got used to living & thinking as a man with no kids. In fact I forgot to book our son a flight for our first family holiday after he was born. That was an awkward moment explaining it to my wife.

Sometime we have lived so long with patterns and thoughts that it becomes a part of us. We fail in an area and therefore it reinforces our belief that we will never be different. Negative thinking leading to negative patterns of behaviour can be a hard cycle to break.

It’s easy to think of ourselves as not good enough but God declares you completely acceptable today. That is what righteous means. Nothing in you or about you is sub-standard. When He saved you he transformed you completely into a person that He loves completely. Your choice is to believe that today. If you do then you will soon find that your behaviour begins to reflect who you truly think that you are. Don’t let your failure define you - He says you are totally acceptable to Him!

You have all the faith you need (Part 2)

 "The just shall live by faith..." Romans 1:17

Yesterday we talked about the simple fact that faith is a gift from God. He gives faith to you. What is faith? Faith in the NT simply means belief, trust, confidence. God, through the Holy Spirit, continually births in you the ability to trust Him. The issue is that many of us put our trust in what is carnal - what we can see, touch and what we hear.

Usually we do not act on the promises of God because we FEEL afraid and therefore we back down and continue as we are. Whenever those feelings come why not speak out that you do trust God, that you do believe and although you may feel weak, that the real you is full of trust & confidence because that is what the Holy Spirit is birthing in you continually.

Faith is different to feelings. Make a decision that the next time you feel afraid about taking a step out on what God is making you to do that you will partner with belief & trust that God will always honour His word and will always prove himself faithful to His promise to you

You have all the faith you need (Part1)

 The just shall live by faith... Romans 1:17

My wife & I struggled with a medical issue for a number of years that was extremely painful and at times felt like it was too much for us to carry. Most well meaning believers at the time would pat us on the back and try to encourage us with nice words but most were careful not to get our hopes up that anything would change. We felt like we had to resign ourselves to whatever came our way.

When we feel weak and afraid the last thing we need is to think that somehow our situation will never change because we do not have enough faith. What a way to condemn people.

We saw in the Word that the faith that you need for today is already in you. Saving faith, faith to be healed, prospered & made whole is a gift that God has given you. It does not come from you - it comes from Him. You have the faith of Jesus in you now. Your role is to simply believe that all things are possible because HE says so. I need to learn not to listen to the fear that has built up over years - I now choose to act according to the faith that God has put in me.

Tomorrow We will look at what that means - Today though thank God that you have faith - it’s His gift to you!

Living with life & Peace

 To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life & peace.. Romans 8:6 

Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you are there? It’s really frustrating and probably a sign of ever increasing age. Along with missing keys & wallets I often feel like there is way too much in my head and as a day goes on more that only gets worse. It shows me that my mind is nearly always on lots of things and the result is often not good.
This verse tells us that the life that God has for us, the “God quality” of life & Peace (which means wholeness here) are found whenever we decide to ask the Holy Spirit to keep our minds focused on what Jesus says about who He and who we are. If we allow what we see each day around us with our eyes to be what determines our state of mind then we will live all over the place.
Today take this truth and keep reminding yourself of it - Jesus loves you. Always has & always will. Nothing you can do, think or say will change His amazing love for you.

Citizens of heaven

 "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ." Philippians 1:27

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." Philippians 2:1+2

Wow, we are citizens of heaven! That blows my mind. That makes me let go of low self-esteem and ideas of living life without purpose.

Wow, I belong to God’s people! That can dispel the loneliness.

All of us feel the need to belong. All of us feel the need to know that somebody cares about us. We need to know that if we face a crisis, there will be somebody willing to help us through. We all want to receive the help and support of others. But we too should be willing to give help and support.

Paul encourages the church in Phillipi to agree wholeheartedly, to love one another and to work together. We are part of the great family of God. Loving God means loving others.

Why not contact someone who has been missing from church a few weeks to see if they are ok? Offer to pray with others for whatever need they might have. Look around at the church - can you see an opportunity for the love of God in your life to overflow into the lives of those around you?

Today, remember your identity in Him and the family that you  belong to. What a great privilege and responsibility.

We are citizens of heaven. We belong to the family of God!

Love - the heart of service

 "After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him." John 21:15 NLT

Have you ever just wanted to show Jesus how much you love Him and felt that singing a few worship songs was not enough? That is the Spirit of God stirring within you a desire to serve; a deep seated desire to use the gifts He has given you.

For Peter it was preaching the gospel and making disciples as He shared the word of God with others. For you, it is looking at what you are passionate about, where your talents lie - taking these and handing them over to God for His use.

The great thing is that whatever you do in His name and for His kingdom will be blessed and rewarded. In fact, Jesus said that even giving a drink of water in His name was important. So I enjoy handing out a cup of tea or coffee on a Sunday at church. I see this as a demonstration of my love for Him.

Whatever you have, you can use it in God's service. Jesus is saying to you today, “listen to me and serve me with everything you have.”

Number our days

 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV

We think we have all the time in the world to become the "Christian we want to be."

We think there will be a time when we can pray more, when life will slow down and we will feel more "in the moment,". We imagine that we will listen to God more and follow his prompts... Then we will  serve more and give more of ourselves.

However, in aspiring to get there, we lose the present. The moment God has us in now is so important, as it is here, in the simple things, that he wants to use us.

He wants us to connect with the world around us, to see opportunities and invest our lives. He wants us not to waste one day but to number our days, each one being significant, and in the process to grow in wisdom.

Be thankful for the days you've been given. Listen to God everyday and have faith in your spiritual discernment as the Holy Spirit inspires you to encourage others. Share what you feel God has put on your heart, and invest that little bit of extra time in the people around you.

Right now...Where ever you are, whoever is around you...matters.

Increasing dependency

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” Psalm 84:5

My youngest daughter has a favourite phrase at the minute. In fact the whole house knows it because she says it from morning until night. If you have kids you may recognise it..." I can do it myself!"
Being the youngest I think she feels she needs to continually remind us all that she is getting bigger and more independent. Despite sometimes wishing she would just let me help her when she insists on closing the car door to reopen it herself in the pouring rain, on the whole I am happy she is growing and developing into her own wee person.
It's funny how our Christian walk however should go in the opposite direction not a path towards independence but a journey of ever increasing dependency on our Heavenly Father.
For some of us this can go against our learnt patterns of behaviour. We may have struggled in school, or had critical parents and that has formed us into people with a "can do” attitude. Maybe when others haven't believed in us we felt driven to prove them wrong. The downside to this is that we become self-reliant. We battle in our own strength. Unfortunately, as most of us learn on life's journey, there are battles that cannot be won by sheer determination and brute force.
God never designed us to be solo pilots. We were built for partnership. Relating everyday to the one who created us, believes in us at all times and to whom we have nothing to prove!

Learn to trust his strength and allow him to lead you today.

You have a home

 “Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young” Psalm 84: 3

I like to be tidy and have a sense of order at home. However living with small children there is a constant battle of matching the lids to the right felt-tip pens, putting the clothes neatly back in the wardrobe after my daughter has decided to try on 5 outfits, and tripping over countless pairs of shoes (mainly my husbands!). Much grace is required for me and them having to live with someone who wants everything to have a home!

But do you know what? In God’s kingdom everything does have a home - from the most important to the least. No detail in your life is too small or too insignificant for God to take care of. Nothing and no one is overlooked. He has made provision for it all. I’m sure there aren’t too many stressed out sparrows or swallows flying around each day with the weight of the world on their shoulders. They can glide through life knowing all there basic needs are taken care of. Meditate on this verse today and see what area of burden God wants to lift from your shoulders. Remind yourself of this. He loves you, he knows you, he understands you and he’s taking care of you. You just need to trust him!