Posted by: Jo | February 3, 2012

Everlasting

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” (Nehemiah 9:5)

On purchasing a new dishwasher recently, my husband Everlasting01and I spent quite an amount of time considering the pros and cons of including the cost of a warranty in the price of the dishwasher. We had no doubt we needed to buy the warranty, it was the number of years we were debating. That made me suddenly aware that we had both accepted the fact that we could not rely on this sparkling new addition to our kitchen to keep performing the job it had been designed to do. It was going to let us down at some point in time. I then began to think back on other purchases and how reliable and long lasting they had been and electronics sprang to mind. Everybody seems to have even given up the facade of pretending that latest iPhone/ iPad will keep performing and that it is generally accepted that the latest piece of wizardry will be out of date as soon as some enterprising manufacturer thinks of a new wrinkle that will make the new device become a “must have” and the old one immediately obsolete.

Even life itself has assumed an uneasy feeling of instability. Once upon a time one imagewould choose a career or profession that would last a working life time. There was a mutual sense of loyalty between employer and employee and a sense of security for the employee. Companies are now ruthless in their downsizing. Job security is not always there. Investing one’s money can be nerve racking as stock markets become unstable, businesses that look like a safe investment, collapse. Can we rely on anything to last?

Fortunately for those of us who love the Lord, there is one avenue to explore that guaranties a wonderful deal for those who enter into the agreement. When we enter into this agreement a whole new set of rules apply. We do not need to do any bargaining. No coupons needed. We also do not have to wait for sale time, the offer is always open and the best part, no need to buy that warranty, the deal lasts forever!!! It is a deal like no other. It is a covenant of love.

“O, Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below – you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” (1 Kings 8:23)

Everlasting07This covenant of love has no expiry date. The guarantee is timeless. Over and over again our Heavenly Father assures us that it is an everlasting covenant made with those whom he loves, with the backing of an everlasting God. There is no need to spend hours checking the terms to find a better deal. We just have to accept this beautiful offer and become one of God’s precious children. Where else could we find such a contract that ends with such an incredible bonus as this?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

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Posted by: Jo | January 27, 2012

In Whom We Trust

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust”” (Psalm 91:2)

Poll surveys are always fascinating to me and the most recent survey that caught my attention was conducted to find Trust01out which professions people considered to be the most trustworthy. I was surprised to find that firefighters topped the list. I was not so surprised to find that used car sales persons were way down on the list and politicians were somewhere near the bottom. As I pondered these results, I began to reflect on whom or what are we able to trust in this modern world.

Can we trust the wild claims flashed across our T.V. screens? “You can lose 10lbs in a week without giving up your favourite food” or “Earn a university degree by enrolling in our 6 months course”.

The obvious outrageous claims are easily dismissed. We shake our heads when we read of people handing over money, having been tricked into thinking more money will come, but whom or what can we trust to be true when we are confronted by such a plethora of information via radio / newspapers / internet?

Society has become cynical about being able to trust anybody. “Trust me” has become a flippant reply that nobody takes at face value. It has also become increasingly difficult to trust statements even when they come from reputedly, respectable institutions. Think back over the confusing information that has been reported about dieting. The Atkins Diet, The South Beach Diet, The Zone. The mind boggles at trying to decipher all the information and then deciding which one to trust.

We have so programmed our children not to talk to strangers; we have given them wary natures about trusting anybody. One of the reasons B.C. Transit gave for carpooling not working here in Vancouver, was people not trusting strangers to share their cars. Trust02

The ever increasing divorce rate seems to indicate that we cannot even trust those who profess to love us.

So is nothing trustworthy today?

Scripture holds the answer to that unsettling question. Just as millions have done before us, we can find solace in that those timeless words have spanned cultures, ages, trends and are just as applicable today as they were when they were written.

Jesus speaking to John in Revelation 21:5 assures us,

“Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Within these trustworthy words we find a trustworthy God. We don’t have to second Trust05guess his words and, as we learn to trust him, the benefits of trusting him overflow into our lives.

The book of Psalms has dozens of verses entreating us to trust in the Lord. Imagine the beautiful mental picture this verse conjures up in our minds

“But I am like an olive tree. Flourishing in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever” (Psalm 52:8)

Or for those times when circumstances are so bleak and frightening we feel as though we are in a dark cloud.

“Let him who walks in the dark who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God” (Isaiah 50:10)

What a wonderful foundation we can give to our children by exposing them to the word of God. The world is indeed untrustworthy. We are wise to be wary of strangers and to test everything we read in the media, but armed with the knowledge of a trustworthy God and his trustworthy word we can assure our children they don’t have to live a life shackled by suspicion and fear. They can live like the words of this very old hymn.

“The heart that trusts forever sings,

And feels as light as it has wings

A well of peace within it springs”

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Posted by: Jo | January 20, 2012

The Power Of Praise

“I will exalt you, my God, the King; I will praise your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1)

A few years ago my sister gave me a book entitled, “Shout Whisper and Sing”, which Praise01is a collection of a 101 well-known poems which the author encouraged one to read out aloud. I was surprised to find tucked in between poems of Wordsworth and Longfellow and other famous poets, Psalm 121. It made me think immediately that I had another book in my possession, written by a far more famous writer, which fitted in to the same title.

In the Psalter, or Psalms, can be found a range of every emotion known and experienced by mankind. The emotions stretch from raw and wounded, rage, fear, bitterness, to love, joy and worship. Truly some of them need to be shouted in terror while others are whispered to a loving Father and some sung to his glory, but strangely enough often beside and dispersed between is a common theme that sometimes appears out of place; Praise. As I started to track this theme, I saw a recurring pattern emerge. When individuals or groups of people stopped in Praise02the midst of whatever life was hurling at them and praised their Heavenly Father, transformation took place, sometimes in the circumstance causing the problem, sometimes in the person who was crying out.

David is a wonderful example of this. In Psalm 34 we find David in big trouble. Saul wants to kill him and he has run off to Gath, Israel‘s enemy, and pretends to be insane. (1 Samuel 21:10 – 15) Things look ugly for David, but he stops in all the turmoil and cries out this prayer, beginning by praising God;

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (Psalm 34:1)

After praising and remembering the Mighty One he serves, David is able to conclude his prayer, with complete confidence.

“The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:22)

Praise05Time and time again we read that praising God brings us back to the realisation of who we worship and how powerful he is. Suddenly our circumstances are viewed in the right perspective. We see the problem through the mighty eyes of our Saviour. We are no longer struggling to keep afloat by ourselves; help is at hand. The Psalmists experienced this over and over again and their praise and how it affected their lives has been preserved in God’s word for us to read and to practise. After praising him this is what they discovered,

“..he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted..” (Psalm 9:12)

“…the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down..” (Psalm 146:8)

“ He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:5)

There are many more examples of how praising brings about a change of attitude, a lifting of our spirits, a feeling of security, a remembering and acknowledging who we are serving. When we practise the power of praise in our lives we develop a whole new way of looking at life and blessings flow into our lives which steady us even though our path may seem rocky and uneven.

But one of the most precious gifts we receive in praising our Lord is that he tells us it brings him great delight and in return he delights in us.

“For the Lord takes delight in his people..” (Psalm 149:4)

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Posted by: Jo | January 13, 2012

Dressed Ready For Service

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…..” (Romans 13:14)

When I was a young girl I often heard the expression, “clothes maketh the man”, I imagecould never quite understand what it meant until I grew older and realised that there was a certain amount of truth in that statement. The Media and the gossip magazines flaunt the expensive clothing of the rich and famous implying that the clothing signifies success in some form. If one is in doubt as to what to wear to that Charity Fund Raiser, somebody will shop with you, for a fee. At the other end of the scale is a very compassionate organisation, “Dress For Success”, that helps low income or disadvantaged women with free business clothes, complete with accessories, to help with interviews for jobs. They even help with clothes after the coveted job is obtained. They have realised the truth that yes how we are dressed does really matter. Clothing can also distinguish a certain occupation. A policeman’s uniform signals that help is at hand when one needs it. We are all pleased to see the airplane pilot arrive in official uniform complete with imagehis wings, knowing he is well trained to take us up safely into the sky and to return us safely to the ground. Wearing exactly the same clothing can bring about a feeling of unity. We see how proudly our sporting teams wear their jerseys and even adoring fans wear the same garments emblazoned with the team logos to show their support. We especially see this during the Olympic Games when to be dressed in one’s country’s distinguishing colours is a sought after honour. So what could Paul possibly mean when he urges us to be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ?

If clothing distinguishes us in the secular world what then can distinguish us as followers of Jesus Christ? We use the word, “wear”, in conjunction with clothing, but we also use it to describe feelings, attitudes and appearances. e.g. “he wore an injured look” “he was wearing a big grin” “she wore her grief bravely” These words from the letter to the Colossians give us some big hints as to how to wear our team colours,

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

When we realise that we are a part of a imagechosen team, seeking to be recognised as such, requires us to don the appropriate uniform so we bring credit to the one who has chosen us and to draw others to him.

So when we visit our spiritual cupboard before setting out for the day we have a wonderful selection from which to choose. We can choose to exhibit compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience and if we want our whole being covered by God’s grace, there is one more piece of spiritual clothing that will keep all the others looking fresh all day,

“..the garment of praise..” (Isaiah 61:3)

Truly then we will be dressed ready for service.

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Posted by: Jo | January 6, 2012

Chariots of Fire

“And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17)

The story of Elisha and his servant boy was Elisha01always one of my favourite ones when I was a Sunday school teacher, to tell to a group of children. The special effects used in movies of today had nothing on what God could do to show his power and little boys in particular loved the idea of flames pouring out of the chariots and huge horses snorting and rearing to go. They also loved the way Elisha tricked the enemy by asking God to strike them all blind and then to proceed to lead them into the very town of those they wished to destroy. What always struck me, and still does, was the absolute trust Elisha had in the incredible power of God. He expected great things from God. He expected God to bring about miracles. He expected those great accomplishments to bring glory to the Almighty and they did. Have we perhaps forgotten the mighty power of the one we serve? Have we become timid about asking for anything out of the ordinary?

The Psalmists certainly were keenly aware of God’s power,

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalms 147:5)

The psalmists also learnt that the secret to bold prayer is knowing God’s heart and Elisha05that prayer is the avenue we need to use to unlock that mighty power. The Lord Jesus Christ through his sacrificial death has allowed us to seek the ear of the Father; any barrier between the Creator and us has been destroyed. What an amazing privilege to be able to call upon one whose power has no limit. Sometimes we need to return to childlike trust in prayer to witness how the Lord longs to answer our boldest prayer.

Several years ago when we were living in Australia one of our friends had a little boy suffering from leukemia. His parents lived in the outback of Australia and he had never seen snow and as we lived near one of the few mountains that ever received snow, we had planned a holiday with this family in a cabin on the mountain. We were really disappointed to arrive without any snow in sight. Just before we were putting the children to bed the little boy ran out with his toy dump truck and said to his mother, “I am going to leave this outside tonight as I have asked God to fill it with snow for tomorrow morning” All of us adults were filled with dismay and we were all trying to think of some way to prepare him for disappointment in the morning. Probably God smiled at our lack of trust in him because the next morning our little friend ran straight to the back door and returned with his truck filled with snow. He was not surprised at all and we adults had tears in our eyes and marveled at the mighty power of God.

Elisha02

These beautiful words from the writer of Hebrews fill us with courage to trust the power of God for our own lives and help us to begin praying those bold prayers, expecting to see that power in action.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)

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Posted by: Jo | December 30, 2011

Treading Safely Into The Future

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13)

Every now and then, a movie comes along that leaves a deep impression on viewers.  Last year “The King’s Speech” was one such movie.  Not only was the acting superb, the story was historically true and the theme of a shy, unassuming man being able to overcome the terrible handicap of stuttering to become the King of Britain was very inspiring.  My favourite scene was the famous radio broadcast, Christmas 1939.  Britain was at war!  Fear had gripped the whole nation.  Gentle Bertie (now King George V1) had the enormous task of first overcoming his own fear of speaking and handling the new medium of radio, and then of finding the right words to comfort a nation terrified of what the New Year would bring.  He chooses to read from a small piece of prose entitled, “God Knows”.  What an inspiration it was to read those particular words.  He encouraged the people to put their hands into the hand of God who would guide them through the darkness of the unknown.  We know the incredible courage of the people of Britain as they trod through the darkness of war and I believe King George with his example of placing his faith in the Almighty had a lot to do with it.

So what does it mean for us to put our hands in to the mighty hand of God?  Holding anyone’s hand always involves putting trust in the person whose hand it is.  We have had visitors this week, two little girls with their father, and I was observing the younger one reaching for her father’s hand whenever the surroundings were unfamiliar.  She knew and trusted the owner of that hand to guide her through any situation; she knew he was strong enough to protect her.  So trusting God is the first big step before we surrender our hands to be led.

Over and over again Scripture ensures us that our Heavenly Father only has plans that are good for us. He wishes to give us confidence. He wishes to take away that terror of the night. He wants to banish the “what if” in our thinking. He wants us to step boldly into the future knowing that while we are holding his hand we will handle any situation that comes along.

“…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)

When armed with those words we can start to trust that mighty hand not to lead us into any danger and even if we stumble we will be back on our feet in no time.

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalms 37: 23 – 24)

Knowing we have put our hand in that of the Mighty One we can say with confidence, Happy New Year

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Posted by: Jo | December 23, 2011

Away from Home At Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given …” (Isaiah 9:6)

For most North Americans, Christmas conjures up images of crisp, cold days, snowy weather and snuggling beside a roaring fire, but for our family one Christmas in particular was far from traditional and probably was the most memorable one we ever experienced.

My husband had been appointed by the Australian government to take care of the dental needs of the indigenous people and the expatriates on the small island of Nauru situated in the Central Pacific five miles from the equator. We arrived at the beginning of December with our three small daughters by cargo boat and our first impression after stepping off the air conditioned boat was the oppressive heat. Heat that seemed to weigh one down and drain every ounce of energy that one possessed.

As December progressed I wondered how we would cope with Christmas as we were far from family and friends. By Christmas eve we were very nostalgic and went to bed that night all feeling a little lost and lonely. Just as dawn was breaking on Christmas morning, I woke from a restless sleep as deep sleep was difficult to achieve with the humid heat and the whirring of the ceiling fan. As the heavy perfume of the frangipani (local flower) drifted through the window, I was startled to hear rustling noises outside our house. The next minute the air was filled with the sound of the most beautiful voices I had ever heard.

“Oh Come Let Us Adore Him”

The familiar words echoed around me and for one foolish moment I thought angels had been sent to sing to us. Pulling back the curtains, I saw to my amazement our front garden filled with Nauruans. Their shiny brown faces were breaking into crinkly smiles. It surely could have been a heavenly host as the pure notes soared into the air from these dusky angels.

As my husband and my sleepy children hurried out to greet them, we were treated again as the familiar hymns of our childhood brought about that true feeling of peace and reassurance that indeed it was Christmas morning no matter where we were.

Later as we gathered in our house for coffee with our new friends, we were overwhelmed with the generosity of these people. As sitting on the floor on woven mats was their preferred seating we also sat and were surprised to be draped with bolts of material. We later learned this was a welcome to newcomers to the island.

When one of the very large Nauruan ladies scooped my little girl into her lap for a cuddle, I suddenly realised that welcoming the Christ Child together with these new friends transcended all barriers of tradition, race and culture.

The birth of that special child had united us in love.

“Oh Come Let Us Adore Him”

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Posted by: Jo | December 16, 2011

Open The Eyes Of My Heart, Lord

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Christmas cards are beginning to fill our mail box and yes I like the old fashioned ones that come in envelopes which I enjoy opening to see that familiar writing of an old friend. (Electronic cards seem slightly sterile in comparison) I love the traditional paintings of the Old Masters, but equally love the more modern renditions and I marveled at one such card that came this week that had been painted by mouth. I am intrigued at who is gathered to worship the Christ Child and look closely to see who is portrayed. This time the shepherds grab my attention and I wonder yet again at these ordinary men being chosen to hear first the most wonderful news mankind will ever hear. The other attention getting moment is when I recognize that their eyes are fixed on that tiny baby in the manger.

The author of Hebrews (12:2) summed up that moment for the shepherds and for all who have come since, the importance of “fixing our eyes on Jesus”. The shepherd’s reaction to this startling and wonderful news is also well worth noting, not content to just hear the news, they have the overwhelming urge to go and see for themselves,

“… Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15)

Seeing is believing, is a common phrase, but it does not always hold true. The inn was overcrowded that night, surely someone noticed a young pregnant girl being turned away from the door. Surely someone saw that strange glow over the stable. Surely someone saw those shepherds running to that same stable. Why weren’t the crowds flocking to see this miracle birth?

Sadly the same holds true today. Our city is festooned with decorations. Crowds are filling the shopping malls. Christmas music assails us on every corner. The evidence is everywhere that the King of King’s birthday is about to be celebrated, but how many are planning to spend time face to face with him? If you asked many of the crowd who would tell you that they knew him well? Who is planning to offer themselves as a gift for him?

One of my favourite hymns sums up what needs to take place so that seeing really becomes believing.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you

I want to see you

When we are willing to allow our hearts to do the seeing, we will see beyond the trappings of the Christmas season and want to kneel with those shepherds in adoration of the Saviour who has been sent to us and pray along with Paul this beautiful prayer,

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” (Ephesians 1:18)

 
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Posted by: Jo | December 9, 2011

What About Joseph?

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man…..” (Matthew 1:19)

It is about this time in Sunday Schools everywhere that the preparations begin for the Christmas Pageant and the excitement escalates as those taking part are assigned their roles. Little girls are all a flutter about getting the major role of Mary as one of the benefits is wearing that beautiful blue cloak and of course holding the baby Jesus. Other little girls are not disappointed because they get those graceful angel wings, dainty white dresses and sometimes even golden halos. Even the boys like the fun of wrapping tea towels around their heads and looking like rough shepherds and perhaps holding stuffed lambs and they even get to say a few words. Other coveted roles are available for boys in the form of the Three Wise Men and the chance to wear that cardboard crown adorned with fake jewels and some imaginative productions have cardboard camels to walk behind, but what about Joseph? No one seems anxious to play that role. One little boy once made this remark, “He only gets to stand behind Mary.”

That little boy was probably not aware of the deep significance of those words; the supporting role, either on stage or in life is not one many strive to fulfill. Admittedly Joseph does not get a lot of space in Scripture, but the few verses that mention him give a very graphic picture of why this particular man was chosen by God for that incredibly important role of supporting and protecting the mother of the Saviour of the world. We read that with complete faith in the God he served, he accepted the word of the angel of the Lord (Matthew 1:21-22) and took Mary to be his wife even though he knew she was pregnant. Again he was obedient to yet another command, without any hesitating, he escaped into Egypt in order to protect the baby Jesus from King Herod (Matthew 2:13). Another message from the Lord and Joseph and his little family were moving back to Nazareth trusting in the protection of the God Almighty (Matthew 2:19 -23). We can imagine God welcoming Joseph into heaven with these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”

What can we learn from Joseph? Firstly his servant attitude helps us to look at our own lives to reflect on those who have stood behind us in a supporting role. Who was there when we started the quest to achieve that degree; to make that big career change; to make a major decision; to bounce ideas around; to be reassured; just to get through life every day? Who were the Spiritual advisors who helped us when life was clouded by doubt? This is a time to give thanks for those who stood behind us.

The reverse may be happening in some of our lives. We may have been chosen by the Lord to play the supporting role for someone else. When we look at the example of Joseph, we see the role in a whole different light. We no longer resent the fact that we are not in the limelight, we can see ourselves as especially chosen by the Lord to fulfill an honorable task, just like Joseph, we can stand in the knowledge that we are pleasing the Lord and can look forward to also hearing those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Of course Joseph’s role is also a wonderful illustration of who stands behind us in that loving and supporting role all our lives. The Lord Himself!

“….Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12)

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Posted by: Jo | December 2, 2011

Expecting the Unexpected

“..let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:22)

Unexpected13The media is full of doom and gloom around the globe. Every day we are bombarded with news of yet another country being mired in debt and threatening to collapse the economy of the whole world. We are constantly being reminded to check our investments to ensure we have enough for our old age. Advertisements entreat us to insure our houses/our health/our travel plans/even our pet’s health. No wonder fear of the future is a common phenomenon of our time. The good news for those of us who love the Lord is found in his word. What we find is that within his word the emphasis is not on “insurance” but “assurance”. Scripture is full of stories of those who were able to face the unexpected because they expected their faith to uphold them. One of the best illustrations of this is the story of David and Goliath. Facing your Giants

David is a wonderful example of that principle. David would have had no idea that fateful day that he was to face a giant. His morning began with a simple request from his father to take some food to his brothers and the Israel army who were facing their enemies. (1 Samuel 17:17) Little did he know he was going to have to call on his faith to help him in the unexpected happenings of that day. We all know the wonderful outcome of that story and how a young boy was able to slay a giant using a stone flung from a sling, but when we read David’s words, shouted to Goliath, we grasp an incredible truth; we learn from where David’s victory really came from.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…” (1 Samuel 17:45)

Unexpected07We may not be required to fight a giant in our life time, but sometimes fears of what might happen can loom so large they seem gigantic and we feel helpless to do anything about them. This is when we need to check our “assurance policy”. Over and over again we are told that our Heavenly Father is faithful and can be trusted and we will find that there are no hidden clauses or no fine print to study in his promises. When the unexpected happens we are urged,

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)

Fanny Crosby who was blind and yet wrote some of the most beautiful hymns ever written, summed up her faith in this (one of my favourites) one.

“Blessed assurance Jesus is mine

        Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine”

We cannot expect that the unexpected will not happen in our lives, but armed with our “assurance policy” we can expect to be able to deal with whatever comes along because we will have the water tight promises of the King of Kings to rely upon.

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