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Wednesday 25 December 2013

Sitting next to Jesus


In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 20, verses 17-19, Jesus describes the events that are to take place shortly in Jerusalem – His betrayal, arrest, crucifixion and death, followed by His glorious resurrection on the third day. It seems a little incongruous then, that these verses are then followed by the account of an unusual request.
In verses 20-24 the mother of James and John kneels at the feet of Jesus and asks that her two sons be given the positions of honour, at the right and left sides of Jesus, in His heavenly kingdom.
“You don’t know what you are asking” Jesus said to them. v.22. The fact that this was addressed to James and John implies that they had a hand in their mother’s request. “Can you drink from the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can.” They answered.
Jesus goes on to explain that it is His Father’s prerogative to allocate the places of honour next to Jesus in heaven, not His own.


I wonder who our Father has determined will sit next to Jesus?
Perhaps someone of great faith and influence.
Perhaps someone who has suffered much and been martyred.
Perhaps someone who has toiled unceasingly for the kingdom.
Maybe, just maybe, it might be a little child, or someone with a severe disability, whom the world has rejected as unwanted or useless.
We don’t know.

We do know from the many accounts in the Bible that Jesus loved and used any that would come to Him in faith. He ministered to the educated elite in the synagogues and revealed Himself to the wise scholars such as Nicodemus, but equally He was drawn to the poor and needy. He presented His teachings in parables able to be understood by uneducated folk. He sought out the outcasts – the lepers, demon-possessed, criminals and prostitutes and others, and gave them hope for a changed life in Christ.

James and John had been with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry and had witnessed many miracles, but their minds were still on earthy values of position and power. It was not until Jesus’ resurrection and ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that the true nature of Jesus’ kingdom would become apparent to them. Because the greatest gift we can ever hope to receive is that which Jesus enabled by His death and resurrection – the gift of eternal relationship with God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I think any of us when we get to heaven will no doubt realise how little we deserve to be there, and what a debt of gratitude we owe our Saviour. If we can fall at His feet and wash them with our tears before joining in the praises of our heavenly brothers and sisters in Christ, that will be enough.






Lonely at Christmas


From the very beginnings of His earthly life, Jesus demonstrated His solidarity with the outcasts, the poor and needy and afflicted.

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the body of a young woman betrothed to a young man. No doubt Mary and Joseph had to endure much speculation, gossip and slander regarding her pregnancy and Jesus’ paternity.

Jesus was born in a stable, a lowly shack or cave. His first visitors were shepherds, regarded as one of the most menial jobs of the time.

Jesus was a refugee in Egypt.

He ministered to everyone, including those that society despised.

Throughout His earthly life, Jesus was beloved and believed in by many, but was also rejected, especially by the religious leaders of the day, the ones who should have been most able to recognise their anticipated Messiah.

Jesus was betrayed by one who should have been a close friend.

He was abandoned by many others who should have stood by Him and acknowledged Him.

He endured lies, mocking, slander, mental anguish and physical torture.

“God madeHim who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

On the cross, Jesus even felt abandoned by His Father God.

Yet He rose again, triumphantly, claiming the keys of death and hell and dominion over every evil force of darkness that can plague this world. He reigns in Heaven with His Father God and will return again to cleanse this world from its ever increasing ugliness of sin and will reign forever in His kingdom. Praise God.

If you are alone and feeling lonely this Christmas, remember that Christ has experienced all that you are feeling, and much more. He understands. He has said in His word, the Bible
“whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37)
and “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
and “"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”(Jeremiah 31:3)
and “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)


Dear Heavenly Father, at Christmas time I come to You giving thanks for the wonderful and precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was born in a lowly stable and lived in poor and simple conditions before dying on the cross to honour You and to make a way for us to be in right relationship with You, through repentance and faith in Jesus. Thank You Father that Jesus rose again and reigns in heaven.  Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who remains in this world and indwells our hearts to comfort and counsel us. Father I pray that all who feel lonely this Christmas will know Your presence in their lives in a new and real way and will turn to You in repentance and faith. I pray for Christian witnesses and friends to encourage and support them. Be with the sick and grieving and lost we pray. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Christmas Poem - author unknown

This was a poem taught to me by Mrs Fox, my grade six teacher. I've been unable to trace the author so cannot give credit, but still remember it, possibly with a few mental changes over the years to the original. It was such a lovely, meaningful poem that I'd like to share it. If anyone is able to authenticate the author or original text, I'd be grateful for feedback at my hotmail address.


If I had lived long years ago
And seen on Christmas Day
A strange star in the sky aglow,
I would have followed close the wise men three
The little holy child to see.

They brought Him presents, rich and rare,
I would have brought one too,
And laid it in the manger there,
Perhaps a ball of blue
Or woolly lamb, so soft and small
For Him to cuddle in the stall.

I was not there, and so you see
I could not bring Him joy
He had no birthday gift from me
Or any little toy
And so at Christmas time I take
A gift to others, for His sake. 

Tuesday 17 December 2013

A Love Letter From Your Heavenly Father

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.

Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.

Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.

Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.

1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.

1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…
Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32


Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
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Saturday 7 December 2013

Anger Management


"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26)

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
(Proverbs 29:11)

One of the first accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry told by the gospel writer John describes Jesus going into the temple courts, where the merchants and moneylenders were conducting their business. Jesus makes a whip and drives them out, declaring “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:13-17).
Jesus was obviously angry. Why? The honour and respect due to His Father was being usurped by the dealings of selfish men.
This passage demonstrates two things about anger:
First, in some cases, it’s a legitimate emotion. When we observe cruelty, or injustice, or behaviour which flies in the face of God’s principles, or when our Heavenly Father is treated disrespectfully, we rightfully feel grieved and sometimes angry. God has given us a moral code and the ability to discern right from wrong.
However, the Bible warns us that this feeling of anger is dangerous. God is judge, not us. We may need to intervene in a situation and need to do so in a way that does not retaliate or escalate the behaviour. We need prayer and a sense of handing the other over to God. Jesus was without sin. He had every right to intervene in the temple situation. His Holy Spirit needs to be our Counsellor and Guide in every conflict.
Secondly, Jesus tempered his anger. The son of God could have destroyed those concerned in a glance, however, he merely moved them on, with the possibility perhaps that they lost some of their goods or money in the hubbub. He left them with the opportunity to regather themselves and start afresh elsewhere.

What does this imply for us?

There are many in our society today, including Christians, who struggle with the problem of anger. Not righteous anger in the face of injustice to others, but sinful anger used to vent our own frustrations, or fuel our own pride and self-centredness. This anger is a tool used and inspired by Satan to wound others and destroy relationships, ministries and lives.

Sometimes anger is the result of much pain and many years of struggling with unforgiveness over past injustice which remains unresolved.
Anger may have been found to be an effective means of controlling others who have learned to diffuse the potential rage by compliance.The angry person gets what they want - but at a terrible cost.

Anger hurts those around the angry person.

The most hurt, however, is within the angry person themselves – they are trapped in an endless cycle from which it seems there is almost no escape.

But there is hope.

One of the greatest blessings of God is that of a changed life. He knows the desires of our hearts. Where there is a desire to change, He will provide the wisdom, resources and most of all the ability to do so. He has promised in His word, and His promises are true:
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22).

If anger is a significant problem in your life, affecting relationships with loved ones, work colleagues, other drivers on the road or anyone else in your life, I would suggest seeking counselling. There are many low-cost counsellors available, often through a local church. Community phone helplines or community health centres are other useful sources of information. There are community courses to help people manage anger effectively.

Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to admit you have a problem. To seek help to change is actually a sign of commitment and strength. It’s the first step of change.

The following little strategy may be of assistance. It greatly assisted me at a time in my life when I was learning to deal with angry feelings which affected the loved ones around me.
Write down on a little card these three things and carry the card in your purse or wallet:

1. Admit to God that You are feeling angry.
2. Ask God to take away the habit pattern of anger.
3. Thank God for His love and grace.

Whenever you find you are starting to feel angry, stop, take yourself apart from the situation and read the little card.

In the joyful letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul reminds us that what we think about will affect our moods, our words and our actions. Perhaps it is no coincidence that after addressing an issue of personal disputes and church conflict Paul exhorts us:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
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.” (Philippians 4:4-8)

Dear Heavenly Father God, I come to You in prayer and praise of who You are, sovereign Lord of all, our Maker, Redeemer and friend. You alone are holy and worthy of the highest honour and praise. Father, I pray for anyone reading here who is struggling with the issue of anger and pray that You will impart to them that there is hope for release and change. May You guide them with wisdom to seek help where it is needed, Father. We pray for healing for individuals and for relationships that have been broken because of anger. Give us clean hearts we pray, that we might be faithful witnesses for Your kingdom and reflect Your glory. We come to You acknowledging that we can only do so through Jesus and all that He accomplished for us on the cross. We ask these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen


Friday 6 December 2013

Forgiveness/ Book Review


As I was writing this, the news was broadcast of Nelson Mandela’s passing. His was one of  the great human examples of forgiveness and grace in the face of injustice. The nation of South Africa and the world has learned much from him and others of like mind , who strove to combine justice with forgiveness, to forge a way forward for a nation in peace and reconciliation without denying evil.
(For an interesting account of how some of South Africa’s recent history of discord was addressed in this spirit, I recommend Desmond Tutu’s work “No Future without Forgiveness”Image books, 1999)




I’ve studied a lot on the subject of forgiveness, because I’m really bad at practising it. Actually, I’m both bad and very good at forgiving. If somebody says that they are sorry for a wrong that has affected me, I find it easy to move on. But if there is no remorse, not even a hint that they’ve been in the wrong, no apology or sign that they will change their hurtful behaviour from this point on, I relive the hurt and hang on to bitterness and grudges that can last a long time. I understand how some elderly people are locked into their cages of hurt that have lasted for decades, even after the offenders are dead.
That’s why I’m so grateful for Lewis B. Smedes’ classic book, “The Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive and Don’t Know How.”  Smedes has become widely known for his attention to this subject and the efficacy of what he teaches, and quotations by him are often used and found on various internet sites offering inspirational sayings.
Smedes sums up the heart of the matter in his introduction:
“It would give us some comfort if we could only forget a past that we cannot change. But the ability to remember becomes an inability to forget when our memory is clogged with pain inflicted by people who did us wrong. If we could only choose to forget the cruellest moments, we could, as time goes on, free ourselves from their pain. But the wrong sticks like a nettle in our memory.”
Sometimes as Christians the whole issue of forgiveness hits us like a conundrum. God is just. He is forgiving. He requires repentance before he forgives us of our sins. He forgives us and says “sin no more.” Yet He tells us to forgive in the face of injustice. We are to forgive the unrepentant. We are to forgive even when we know the unrepentant sinner will keep on doing the same hurtful things. Where’s the justice in that? And yet we are also constantly aware of the magnitude of our own wrongdoing, our own propensity to offend, and the grace of a just God who gave everything for our forgiveness. We are so little and petty in the face of His grace.
So, in a way, I’m glad to be able to grapple with forgiveness, because it makes me think through the whole issue, to lean more heavily in the end upon God’s grace to enable me to do what I can’t possibly do, or sometimes even want to do, in my own strength.
In succinct and easily readable prose, Smedes defines what forgiveness encompasses and what it is not. He identifies the need to acknowledge our pain and apportion blame where it is due. There’s a chapter on how to deal with the person who will not say “sorry”. And there is good advice regarding the issue of restoring relationships with another, including the fact that hurt changes relationships, and forgiveness does not necessarily mean that they are restored to their former state.
Smedes suggests a three stage process of forgiveness. Firstly, we rediscover the humanity of the person who wronged us. They are sinful humans, as we all are. We may not ever know the circumstances which led them to be hurtful, but wisdom teaches that hurt people hurt others. There may be generations of difficult family circumstances that have produced their behaviour. There may be hurts in their own past that they have yet to deal with. They may be far from a right relationship with God, and therefore unable to be in right relationship with others.
Secondly Smedes advocates the step of surrendering our right to get even. The Bible tells us to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”(Luke 6:27). One of the first steps in healing from hurt is to pray to God for the willingness to forgive, even to admit our own lack of inclination to do this if that be the case. There’s no fooling God, he knows our hearts, and struggles. It’s never wrong to pray for another person, and a good starting point is that the person concerned will have a deeper understanding of God and His ways, that they will be blessed with wisdom so as not to have the same thing happen again. Smedes rightly points out that in this unbalanced world, retaliation does not set the scales right, but tips them the other way. We hit back harder than we were hit, and invite further conflict, and so the sorry saga continues.
The final stage in forgiveness is to wish the other well. We may not ever have the relationship we once had, probably not, but may be able to feel that we have moved beyond the situation, perhaps learned from it, and be freed from it. After all, as is pointed out throughout the whole book, forgiveness is a gift for ourselves. We owe ourselves, who have been hurt, freedom and peace of mind.
To return to Smede’s introductory paragraphs:
“The only way to remove the nettle is with a surgical procedure called forgiveness. It is not as though forgiving were the remedy of choice among other options, less effective but still useful. It is the only remedy.”
Smedes writes from a Christian viewpoint, but his style is never preachy and is equally applicable to a broader audience as his advice reflects his background in pschology as well as theology. I thoroughly recommend it as a solid foundation for anyone interested in the topic. 

“The Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive and Don’t Know How” by Lewis B. Smedes Summit Publishing Ltd. 1996

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Love whispered softly into the darkness


Its presence may seem far away when we are shaken by yet another loved one’s diagnosis; or try to resolve crippling debts on a meagre income; or listen to the news reports of escalating brutality and inhumanity which humans can inflict on one another. But it is there. It whispers in gentle words and gestures, in kindness between strangers, in the care of family and friends.

It laughs and weeps tears of joy as we welcome a new baby into the world. It stands boldly, a lone figure holding out a flower in the face of a tank, proclaiming that love will triumph in the end.

Love reminds us to be foolish, to hope, to trust, to dare to love again. It is the voice we carry within our hearts whenever, wherever, forever.

Love found itself in a stable a long time ago and far away. It was there on a bare hillside tortured by those who would destroy it. Love returned to us, proving forevermore that it was greater than sin and death. Love reigns supreme on His throne in heaven.

Love is our gift.