Enslaved by desire

"Freedom is not "doing what you want". That idea is absurd. We think we know what we want, but we don't. We only know urges and hungers, the pull of illusions. A drug addict "wants" a fix. His "want" is slavery. A murderer "wants" to kill. He is both victim and victimizer. Drug addicts and murderers may be accountable for their actions but, paradoxically, they are far from being free. Do what you like and you will discover your are the slave and the victim of what you hate.
No, freedom is doing what you were designed to do, doing it with power and joy. As a creature formed by God you were designed to serve, love, enjoy and glorify God eternally. In being what you are designed to be you will find joy and freedom." - "Church discipline that heals" John White and Ken Blue InterVarsity Press 1985 p.78

The following are some useful YouTube broadcasts which will assist anyone struggling in the area of sexual temptation:

Sex, Soul Tie,s and Pornography by John-Michael Becker (2/9/2014)
Paul Washer Sexual Sin End Time Sermons
Avoiding Sexual Immorality by Shane Idleman and Steve Gallagher

An extended Lord's prayer

Our –  Father, You invite us to unity, and community - to think of ourselves as “us” not “me”

Father – You are the most wonderful Father – all that a Father should encompass – leadership, protection, teaching, the One who gives us life and cares for us throughout our lives, who only desires good for us

Who art in heaven – You reign and rules on high forevermore

Hallowed be Your name – You are altogether Holy and set apart. You alone are worthy of the highest praises, blessed Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We worship You and lift Your name high. Be exalted O God.

May Your kingdom come – may the kingdom of God be established throughout the peoples of this earth. We wait with eager anticipation of the time when Jesus Christ will return to this earth, when God will reign throughout the world and all things will be made new.

And Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father we see the wickedness of this world and grieve, for it is not what You created it to be. We long to see Your  holiness growing in the hearts and minds of people and nations until You come again to this earth. We yearn for heaven, where all are joyfully worshiping You. Help us to do your will until that time. Heaven for us begins here on earth.  

Give us this day our daily bread – Jesus, you are the bread of life. Feed us with Your dear presence we pray. Feed us with your word. Thank you also for the food we have for our physical bodies as well as so many other blessings, more than we ever need. Make us mindful of all those in the world who are hungry and in want we pray.

Forgive us our sins – I acknowledge that I am sinful. I fall short in so many ways. I have not loved You wholeheartedly. I have not loved others as I should. I cling to old habits and excuse myself daily. I am blind to my own faults and quick to judge and criticise others. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me Father. I long to grow in Christ and become more like Him, that His loving Spirit would be manifest in my life and would draw others to faith in God.

As we forgive those who sin against us – help me Father to forgive when I am not forgiving, when I am angry and bitter and indignant. Make me mindful that You will only forgive me as much as I forgive others. Help me to give over all things to You. Thank You that all things work together for those who love You. Thank You that You have made some of the worst experiences of my life to be those which have grown and deepened my faith and walk with You and have witnessed for You to others. For the fruits borne, please forgive.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil – Father, we know that the evil one desires to destroy our Christian witness and our relationship with You, even our very lives. May we cling to You and follow Your guiding Holy Spirit in all that we do. We walk so closely to the wide, easy road that leads to hell. May we never veer from the narrow path that you have called us to walk upon. Help us to keep our hearts, minds, and eyes firmly fixed on Your glory.

For Yours is the kingdom – the realm of heaven and earth in which the Trinity forever reigns and Christians, angels (not fallen ones) and heavenly beings live eternally.

the power – Father, Your power is already established. Satan is forever defeated by the cross, and has no power over Jesus Christ and those who call upon the name of Jesus.

and the glory – the unsurpassable majesty of God which shines brighter than the sun

forever and ever– eternally. You reign forever, Father. Thank You that we are born into eternal life with You, through Your dear Son Jesus Christ.

Amen -  which means certainly, truly, I agree or uphold, affirmation, so be it.

What we know as the “Lord’s prayer” is found in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 6, verses 9-13. Modern translations e.g. NIV generally conclude the translation with the line “deliver us from evil”, or in some translations “the evil one”. The final two lines are an expression of praise to God which was appeared in former translations such as Tyndale’s translation, also the King James Bible. Those of us with Anglo-Saxon heritage are very familiar with the traditional version, however it is becoming more common to hear the use of shortened or slightly modified versions.

James and thoughts on suffering - 1

The book of James begins with a challenge:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.” (James 1: 2-4)

Do we consider it pure joy when we receive a cancer diagnosis? Do we rejoice when our spouse loses his or her job? No, this is not what the writer intends. It would be cruel indeed to suggest that the people of Nepal should rejoice over losing their loved ones and homes in the recent devastating earthquakes. God directs His people to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) A characteristic of the indwelling Holy Spirit is that He gives us greater empathy for others. We love our neighbours and care for them.  Those of us who minister within the caring realm rely greatly on what the Holy Spirit prompts us to say in relation to suffering, otherwise great harm can ensue.

What then is this pure joy that we are to embrace in the face of suffering? As James notes in the above verses, your faith is going to be tested.  A minor annoyance is not really going to test your faith. I’d be a very shallow Christian indeed if I went back to the store to buy those shoes I saw yesterday, found that stocks had run out and cried out to God “ Lord, why did this happen to me?” No, the things which test your faith are major life-changing events such as the loss of a loved one, the breakdown of a marriage, significant health problems, abuse, financial problems, or lack of employment, to name a few.

We do not rejoice because of significant problems, but we as Christians rejoice despite them. We rejoice because we know the presence of our Heavenly Father is with us as we experience them. Never imagine that God is the author of suffering. He created a perfect world in which we were to dwell. It was man’s sinful rebellion which caused our fallen nature, in which sin exists. God Himself paid the penalty for sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our earthy Counsellor and guide throughout this life when we turn to Him in repentance and faith. This is the Christian gospel.

Christians suffer in this world in which all creation suffers. Every living thing dies. Some suffering is caused by the actions and decisions of others. Some suffering is caused by natural events – floods, bushfires, tornadoes, for example. Some suffering is demonic in origin. Satan was a rebellious, fallen angel whom God banished from heaven and who, the Bible tells us roams throughout the earth with his demonic followers, seeking to tempt and torment humans, to prevent or destroy their relationship with God and to ultimately destroy their lives.

As Christians we need not fear the devil. He is a real spiritual entity, as are demons, but those of us who are Christs dwell in the presence of the Lord and are protected by His Holy Spirit. Satan has no dominion at all over Jesus and His holy angels. If you ever feel threatened by demonic powers you have only to call upon the name of Jesus Christ. We are instructed not to boast in this power however, but to be thankful of our relationship with God (Luke 10:20).

James reminds us that being tested with suffering develops our relationship with God. We persevere. The word persevere comes from the Latin root “per” meaning “thoroughly” and “severe” the word we still use today meaning “strict”, hence the implication of abiding with something tenaciously, no matter what. This is what God requires of us, that we have faith that doesn’t waver, in good times or bad. As the apostle Paul writes in Philippians ^"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).

Our faith was never meant to be a static thing. Christianity is at its most interesting when our relationship with God deepens and becomes more meaningful. James tells us that perseverance will do a work in us. We will become more deeply dependent on the things of God. We will re-examine our own values and our trust in earthy relationships and pursuits. Our Christian witness may well become more effective, particularly as we reach out to others who experience similar trials. We will have a wisdom and depth of maturity in Christ which we may never have had otherwise. As the author Margaret Clarkson wrote:

“Pain is pain and sorrow is sorrow. It hurts. It limits. It works devastation deep within personality. It circumscribes in a thousand different ways. There is nothing good about it. But the gifts God can give with it are the richest the human spirit can know.” 

The Bible reminds us that the things of this world will pass away, even our earthly lives. If we persevere we will be able to say with the apostle Paul “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). We can look forward with joy to an eternal life with Christ in Heaven where our Heavenly Father reigns and where:

 “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.” (Revelation 21:4)

What a wonderful promise! Praise God!

Book Review: The Book of Forgiving By Desmond M. Tutu and Mpho A. Tutu

The modern history of South Africa has been a compelling and astonishing one. From the system of apartheid, with its inherent racism, accompanied by atrocities of the most horrendous kinds on both sides of the racial divide, a unified nation arose without a violent takeover or civil war. The rest of the world watched in awe as lengthy queues of people waited to change their nation at the ballot box and appoint Nelson Mandela as president of a multiracial parliament in 1993.

Part of the process of stabilizing the new nation was to appoint a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to address the atrocities which had occurred in the recent past. The aim of the commission was to allow those who had been wronged to tell their stories, as a matter of justice, and for perpetrators to acknowledge what they had done. Its aim was not to incarcerate criminals but to promote healing, peace and unity.

Archbishop Tutu has written extensively about these events and is in a unique position to pen a book about forgiveness. Together with his daughter Mpho, herself an ordained Episcopal minister, Archbishop Tutu has authored a book which contains many stories about personal experiences in South Africa and elsewhere. Mpho contributes an account of how tragedy affected her own family and the process which they had to experience in dealing with it.

Forgiveness can easily be misunderstood by those who are grappling with it, and the authors provide insight into what forgiveness is, and what it is not, and who it is for. They then provide a system of steps of forgiveness which they term “The Fourfold Path”. The four steps comprise Telling the Story, Naming the Hurt, Granting Forgiveness and Renewing or Releasing the Relationship. Specific chapters take the reader through this process step by step. The book concludes with chapters which address the issue from the other side – what to do if you have wronged someone else and are the one needing forgiveness, and the importance of forgiving oneself.

This book is clearly written and presented. At the end of each chapter there are summaries of the main points therein and a short meditative verse which reads somewhat like a prayer. The reader is invited into the process of forgiveness with specific tasks and exercises at each step of the journey. These include journaling, visualisation exercises and use of concrete objects.

If I have any reservation about this book it is that it is written by Christian ministers, but is without any direct reference to the forgiveness of God and His directions for us to forgive others. A whole dimension of the grace that can only be imparted through the Holy Spirit is missing. The book has probably been penned so as to be available to many people of varying faiths or no faith at all, and as such will probably be used by a wider readership that an overtly Christian resource. The widespread reputation of Archbishop Tutu and the respect that he commands will no doubt encourage readers to delve into this area that affects so many and the exercises will certainly promote psychological wellness. One can only hope that because it is written by Christian ministers, the reader will be encouraged to further investigate Christianity and the aspects of our faith that promote further healing – prayer, Bible reading, fellowship in community, worship, the counselling of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This book is a worthy starting point for personal study and growth and can certainly help the reader to step away from a path of bitterness and futile revenge onto another path, one of hope and peace. It’s not an end in itself, but an invitation to step into another course. The steps one takes after closing the final chapter are up to oneself.

“The Book of Forgiving” by Desmond M.Tutu and Mpho A.Tutu , William Collins 2014.

Fear of death.

Many people have a fear of death. Working as I do with the elderly and others in community health, it's not uncommon for people to express fear and agitation in relation to what we know must happen eventually to each of us - barring the rapture happening. (The rapture is the an event mentioned in the Bible where all the Christians alive on earth will be taken up into heaven. Opinions differ as to when the rapture will occur in relation to the great tribulation which will destroy the earth as we know it.) From what I have heard from anecdotal reporting within the health system, people who exhibit a fear of death before it is their time are often very calm and peaceful when it happens. We do not know the workings of God in the last days, hours and minutes of a person's life.

Death was not part of God's original plan for humanity. God warned Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, or they would die. When Satan tempted Adam and Eve he told them that they would not die, rather they would be like gods. Satan's purpose is always to lie and deceive and ultimately destroy.
With Adam and Eve's original sin, death entered the world and all living things eventually die. Even inanimate objects such as rocks and buildings crumble and decay. The Bible tells us that the wages, or what we receive for sin, is death. As we are all sinners we know that we deserve it.
The good news of the gospel is that Christ, by becoming human, chose to die in our place. It is only because of  His death on the cross that we who have committed our lives to Christ have the promise of eternal life. Our physical bodies here on earth will die, but we will have a new body and a new life with Christ in heaven.
The Bible provides some verses in which may comfort those afraid of death:

^" Since the children have flesh and blood, He [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—  and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants."  (Hebrews 2:14-16)

"For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." 2 Corinthians 5:4

"For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" (1 Corinthians 15:53-55)

"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life." John 6:63

A baby in the womb doesn't know what life will hold. He or she has some limited inkling of this life through what he can hear and sense in the womb. When the child is born, hopefully there will be people waiting who love and want this child, who will welcome the baby with loving arms and gentle words. We have every reason to believe that our Heavenly Father who loves us far more than any earthly parent, will be waiting to welcome us into a Heaven more wonderful than we can ever imagine here on earth. 
Jesus said:

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.…(John 14:1-3)

In addition, there are some wonderful testimonies available of Christians who have experienced near-death incidents. These encourage us to be assured of the reality of heaven. I would recommend the testimony of Ian McCormack, an atheist who became a Christian following his near death experience. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTU7MfOgDKM
also Don Piper "90 Minutes in Heaven" - book and Youtube testimonies.

Pause to think of Kenya

It seems particularly heartbreaking that as we remember Christ's suffering and death we hear of yet another atrocity perpetrated against Christians, this time in a Kenyan university. The victims were singled out and killed for being Christian. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and loved ones and we pray that they will be surrounded by the love and care of the Christian community in Kenya. We pray for peace in that nation and a turning to Jesus. May even these events be a witness to those who do not yet know the love and peace of Christ in their lives, that many will be drawn to the message of hope that only the Christian gospel can bring.

Communion at Easter

 ^“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.  And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Luke 22:14-20

On Thursday night I attended a church service and took part in communion. It’s so appropriate to do so at Easter time, when we remember anew the steps that Christ took and the path he trod to the cross. Christians across the world remember His suffering and death.

Communion demonstrates our commitment to Christ. By partaking of His body and blood we demonstrate that we want Him to enter our lives and reign in us, to fill us with His Holy Spirit and cast out our evil, sinful nature which has been part of humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve.

As the above Bible verses clearly show, it was Christ himself who instituted communion amongst his followers, at the time when the Jews were celebrating Passover. Jesus became the Passover Lamb of God, slain to glorify His Father, and to save sinful mankind from the punishment of death.

Communion is a sacred act. Our salvation was paid for at a very high price, from One who was without sin. Whilst Christians may differ on their opinions regarding transubstantiation, the elements of communion, the bread and wine are the only symbols which we use to denote Christ’s body and blood.

For this reason, I do not believe that Christians should enter into the practice of performing a Passover meal around Easter. We are partakers of a new covenant in Christ. What is that lump of roast lamb on your plate supposed to represent? Are we play acting? Being disrespectful to our Saviour?

“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.  Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

I do not believe that what Paul is saying in these verses is that we should still be celebrating Passover in the old way, particularly those of us without a Jewish cultural background. What is clear from the verse though, is that we should be celebrating the new covenant, with the love and joy which is at the very heart of the gospel message. We should not partake of communion with bitterness in our hearts towards others, nor should we partake of communion and go straight out into the church carpark and gossip about anyone, just to give a couple of examples. I know I've done this. Christ's body and blood deserve better. 

As Christians, Easter Sunday is the most joyful day of the year, the day which we in fact celebrate every day that we know Jesus. The trappings of Easter – hot cross buns, eggs and rabbits (which originated in pagan fertility festivals) are a hollow sham without the real message of the cross. What we celebrate is the wonderful truth that Jesus died and rose again. “It is finished.” Jesus said on the cross. He completed all that His Father had ordained for Him to do. He glorified God. He ransomed fallen, sinful people, like me, like you. He made a way for us to come to Him, not through any work that we could do, but because of what He, Jesus had done for us.

Love conquered death.

Hope was given.

Broken people were redeemed.

Everlasting life was offered.

Jesus said: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20

How do I become a Christian?

The Bible tells us that there is only one way to relationship with God and that is through Jesus Christ:

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

“Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:5-6)

To become a Christian, you need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to honour God and for the forgiveness of sin and that He rose again and ascended to His Father God.

You also need to admit or confess that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness through Christ. This is known as repentance. Repentance involves confessing that we have done wrong, saying sorry to God and committing to living a life in obedience to God's ways. Becoming a Christian does not make you suddenly perfect. We all still struggle with temptations and failures in this earthly life and continually need God's grace and forgiveness. Repentance does mean that we look to God for wisdom and guidance to resist temptation.

You then need to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Just as a wedding ceremony begins a marriage, so a prayer of confession and faith can begin, but is just the beginning, of a relationship with God. An ongoing relationship includes learning about God through Bible study; baptism, conversations with God through prayer, and encouragement through Christian fellowship in a caring church.

The following is a prayer which could be used to begin this relationship. You may wish to pray it alone, personally, or you may wish to discuss your decision with a Christian friend or pastor first to fully understand:

Dear Heavenly Father God,

I come before You acknowledging You as the only one God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Thank You, Father God, for sending Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, honouring You and making a way for sinful people to come back into relationship with You. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sin and cleanse me I pray. I receive Jesus Christ into my life to be my Lord and Saviour for the rest of my days. May You give me strength through the power of the Holy Spirit to live my life as a Christian. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen

May God bless you with an ever-increasing knowledge of His wonderful presence and endless love as you continue to seek and serve Him.