Am I an atheist?

The saga continues. Yesterdays morning’s message in church was so pertinent to what I was saying in my previous blog, and our key verse was 1 John 4:16 as Pastor continued to expand on What is God like?

A letter in this morning's local rag spoke of “the creation myths that are a feature of folklore all over the world.” The writer went on to say how astonished he is that 2 out of 5 people in the US, and almost as many in Britain, believe that humans did not evolve from animals, and that all life was created within the last 10 000 years. I am pleased he has the capacity to be astonished, but I wonder at his idea that while we are all free to believe what we want to, he battles because so many of us are unable to separate truth from fantasy!

I have the same problem!

As a keen sportsman, our Pastor spoke of the opportunities he has when, sooner or later, someone will ask, “What do you do for a living?”

He is always pleased to have the opportunity to say that he pastors a wonderful family in a great church, and he was not fazed when one guy truculently responded with, “Well, I am an atheist, so I don’t believe in God.” The fellow seemed a little taken aback when asked with great interest if he could describe the god he didn’t believe in, but he rallied, and gave a good description that left our Pastor wondering if he was also an atheist, as he didn’t believe in that god either.

When I consider my God, and all His attributes, I cannot understand how I went so long without full commitment to Him. I believed, yes, but I had not taken the time or made the effort to know Him more personally. Going to Him and saying, “Lord, I believe, but please help my unbelief. Teach me more - ” started an exciting journey, and every step on it thrills me, excites me, and makes me want more.

If some people consider the Bible to be fiction, and merely written by men, it certainly has done well to survive for so long, to teach so much, to be the foundation of morals, ethics and legalities, and to give so much food for thought, discussion, argument and love.

One of my favourite passages in the Bible, which is my road map, is the prayer in Ephesians 3:14 - 20. And some of those aspects of the key verse yesterday, God is Love, - the most used, and most misunderstood aspect of God, - were brought out yesterday from verse 18.

My God loves with a love that is wide enough to include everyone, (Psalm 145:17) even though not everyone accepts it.

His love is long enough to last forever, (Jeremiah 31:3), unlike human love which can wear out. He even perseveres with me.

 His love is high enough to be everywhere, (Romans 8:39) and deep enough (Psalm 18:16) to meet my every need. Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

The four dimensions of the Cross, the ultimate demonstration of God’s Love. How can we live without Him? I certainly can’t, and knowing Him has so enriched my life that doubt and fear were crucified with Christ. Faith, Hope, Peace, Assurance and Love have replaced them.

In His Love, Greetings.

Responding to a Rejector

My dear man takes great delight in drawing my attention to newspaper items which may elicit some response that will either spoil my appetite or make his day. This morning's one was a letter by a fellow commenting on an opinion that recent disasters could be attributed to prophesies of the Bible. He suggested that reading works of fiction such as the Bible (sic) should be changed to works of non-fiction covering continental drift, plate tectonics, vulcanism and climatology to explain natural disasters that have wreaked havoc!!
I do not consider myself as intelligent in so far as general knowledge goes, and sometimes when I give free range to my thoughts, I can even confuse myself, but here I see another example of a brilliant mind, open to learned philosophies of all kinds, but blind and deaf to simple truth.
The Bible says man's wisdom is "unwise" ( to paraphrase) and the simplicity of a child's mind more profound.
For many deep thinkers who try to explain the unexplainable, the things of creation offer a wide range of exploration to plumb the roots of existence. Thinking minds long to understand, and therefore encapsulate their ideas into understandable forms. Reading the Bible for themselves, (rather than listening to hearsay) does not normally fall into their sphere of essential things to do.
I admire a thinking mind like that of Stan Telchin, who wrote "Betrayed" and who was horrified when his daughter embraced the Christian faith. He took time out from his busy legal practice to systematically read the Bible for himself, in order to dispute her new belief, for she was more important to him than anything else. Now that is worth looking into!
Mankind wants time to be meaningful, distance to be measurable, matter to be understood, but some things are beyond the mind's ability to encompass. Why is that? Surely all must have a beginning, a being, and an ending. It shows that there is a power greater than the mind!
Why is the earth the size it is, in the position it is, and able to keep spinning? Who fixed the limits for the sea so that it does not constantly over-run the land?
Who has given orders to the morning and shown the dawn its place?
Do you really know, without a doubt, what happens at death? "Have the gates of death been shown to you?"
"What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?
Have you seen the storehouses of the snow or hail, or where lightening is dispersed?"
Yes, it can all be scientifically explained, but where did it all originate, and why?
I don't need to understand everything, but this one thing I know - I am so glad that God made His light shine in my heart to give me the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Be blessed Him and may His light shine on you.
Elaine.

Why would I write about war?

My reading this morning included Psalm 117, the shortest and most succinct.
Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

There follows, in Psalm 118:8 the central verse of the Bible, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Such wisdom, that if it were followed, there would be no war.
Prophecy tells us though, that we are headed towards the greatest war of all time, and nothing has been learned from history. Living in the End Times as we are, and speaking as a peace loving person, I have been surprised at the way the Lord has been laying war on my heart. But the situation in Israel, and the ongoing drama of Jerusalem hold me enthralled, and my interest in history with the lessons to be learnt from it, particularly the aspect of His Story, spark new ideas.
Today I have been delving into the accounts of the battle of Delville Wood, as part of the Battle of the Somme in World War 1.
In the raining dawn of July 15th 1916, more than 3000 Rhodesian and South African soldiers entered the 16 acre wooded area held by the German forces, and in the frantic fighting that ensued, even after ammunition gave out and hand to hand conflict continued, deaths outnumbered the wounded by four to one. On July 19th, only 2 officers and 142 of the Brigade walked out of the Wood - and the Great War continued.
Carnage continues, little change from the Old Testament accounts but interesting in that the wars instigated by the Lord had different results than those instigated by men. Lots of scope for research, and my dear man will have cause for complaint if I work into the early hours. We live in interesting times, but they are times when we need wisdom more than ever, and the Wisdom of Proverbs 8 is worthy of exploration.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

Blessings of peace, particularly of heart!

It's been a while!

Having had a short break, and benefiting by good sea breezes, it was good to sit for real Quiet Times! Yes, the sound of the sea was soothing and inducing for thought, and, as always, I could think of my Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave.
One of my insights came from Proverbs 19:8 in the NLT. To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
I had been thinking, "Who am I, that anyone would want to listen to me?"
I looked at the NIV. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.
I guess that is one type of prosperity teaching that appeals!
Care to join me?
Be blessed.

Not Ashamed

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (Romans 1:16) I do sometimes feel ashamed of myself though, when I have been unable to make it clear to loved ones; to be the one who would help them understand the urgency of the message of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Then I remind myself that God hears my prayers, and it is not His will that any should be lost. The time will come ...
We are living in the last days, and there will be scoffers, even some we know and love, but The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2.Peter 3:9)
I have an urgency in my heart, and I am in the process of putting together some words that I trust will lead to better understanding, so - watch this space!
Who am I writing for? Who is listening out there? I trust the Lord will lead and reveal, for the work is not mine, it is His. I want to be His instrument, and while He is tuning me, I will continue practising, and praising Him for He hasn't finished with me yet.
I trust we will exalt His Name together!

Flight of Fancy - Fiction

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Galatains 5;16,17
Thinking of these verses, I am reminded of a story I wrote some time ago, and having had a couple of hectic days, with all sorts of ideas buzzing in my head, herewith a fiction break while I pus thoughts in order. And remember that - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 6:22,23.

Flight of Fancy.

It wasn’t a good day. I certainly didn’t feel like a long journey. I was feeling fragile, and in urgent need of TLC, something which was not likely to be forthcoming. I had left the house under a cloud of anger and accusation, and was wondering if it was all worth it, this marriage, my job, and all the peripheral things that took up my time and prevented me from being the person I wanted to be.

Why was it that when I was at my most relaxed and content, that  the unexpected happened, that a volcano of frustration and irritation erupted, spilling into a potentially quiet day and making it into a catastrophic disaster?

We had enjoyed an idyllic evening, Byron and I, watching a romantic comedy, and relaxing in intimate comfort while the children slept, miraculously free of nightmares, wanting water, or sudden loneliness. They had risen early, gone off to nursery school with happy faces, full tuck-boxes and excited anticipation for the day. We had cleared the breakfast things, and while Byron had prepared for work, gathering his laptop, and various document into his attaché case, I had made the bed and gathered the washing together.

It was as I was checking pockets that I found the bank slip. Why would Byron have drawn an extra R1000 when we had already exceeded our budget for the month? I knew he had an office function coming up but couldn’t imagine that he would need money for that. It would have been covered in the staff budget. We usually discussed any unexpected payments and it was unusual for him not to mention such an outlay. I was not unduly worried as our policy was strictly “ours” and not “his” and “hers”, so he would surely tell me eventually. It must have just slipped his mind. That was my idea, until he came into the bed-room and just about snapped my head off.

“Why can’t you leave this until I’m ready to sort it myself?” he exploded, snatching his shirt from my hands, and feeling in the top pocket. “Don’t tell me you have already thrown things away?” he continued, rifling through the papers I had laid on the vanity table.  He pocketed the bank transaction, and threw the till slips from his supermarket shopping for me, into the waste basket. “I wish you weren’t such a perfectionist” he growled. “There is such a thing as letting me clear my own pockets you know!”

Being struck dumb did not last long. I wasn’t accustomed to him yelling at me, and my defences were only temporarily out of action before I yelled back.

“How long should I wait, then? Until you’ve cleared the bank?”

He had obviously not realised that I had actually seen the withdrawal slip, for his face registered guilt before he retaliated with “Oh, so you’ve been snooping as well?”

Replaying it all in my mind now, I couldn’t believe that such an eruption could have gathered impetus as it did.  Before I knew what to say or how, we were both in a heavy argument about how I always want things my way, and then blame him if I don’t get what I want, and how he always takes it for granted that I will pick up after him, and how he cares more for his appearance on working days than on home days, and how I ignore him anyway when I am fussing over the house and the kids, It was scary, and I couldn’t remember when we had last had such a blow up. It just didn’t happen. We were a normally contented couple with laughing and joking together part of our life style. 

By the time I boarded the ‘plane for my short flight to Pretoria and the Women’s conference I was to attend on behalf of our church, I had a multi-faceted scenario running through my mind.  Byron’s mother was to stay at our place while I was away, to help with the bathing of the children and putting them to bed so that Byron could continue the research he was conducting, without distractions.  The conference was a three day affair, and I hated that we had parted in such anger. When could we make up, and did he even want to? He had stormed out of the house with a perfunctory peck on my wet cheek, and a “Hope you can sort yourself out while you’re away” parting salvo of self-righteousness, for of course, he had been innocent of any wrongdoing.

I wallowed in my pool of self pity, before taking note of the passengers filling the seats around me. I was on an aisle seat, and next to me, on my left, at the window of the small ‘plane, was an Indian gentleman whose body language was pronouncing “Leave me alone. I want to relax” for his eyes were already closed, seat belt strapped, and hands resting benignly on his ample paunch.  Resentment was colouring my vision, but I needed distractions, so began to mentally fill in backgrounds and scenarios for my fellow passengers. The lady in front, whose hairstyle poked aggressively above the seat proclaimed her youth and exuberance in life. Coloured in various shades of pink to purple, the spikes were gelled to symmetrical perfection, and I wondered whether the seat cover would withstand the stains that would surely be left on her departure. Probably a student, I thought, with pierced nose and toe rings, and a boy-friend tattooed from head to toe. Not having watched her alight I was unaware of the child seated next to her, now popping her head over the back of her seat and giving me a beaming smile just before the hostess came round checking seat belts. My ideas changed – there was a young, dark husband waiting for the return of his family after a visit to his in-laws. Or perhaps an aunt was returning her charge after a hectic and educational weekend break.  

Putting stories to the faces around me was always good therapy, and I continued my perusal of passengers through a text book perfect takeoff.

My therapy was working and Byron was receding to the back of my mind, as I looked across the aisle, one down from my row and a story was surfacing about the attractive grey-haired stranger, broad shouldered, sensual, well groomed and well dressed.

Now there was one good looking guy! He looked like a hot-shot business man, no doubt about it. He reeked prosperity and oozed charm. Probably in his early 40’s, not flamboyant, but striking. He had a fleshy face, not puffy or overweight, but strategically padded, over a solid frame body. He was too masculine not to be dangerous, and I noticed the broad wedding band on his left hand as he rested it on his knee. When he turned to smile at the hostess offering drinks and snacks, his profile was arresting and his charm tangible.   I guessed his masculinity to be dangerous, not to be trusted, and wondered if his wife knew where he was, and whether she ever harboured thoughts as I had experienced this morning, feeling a jealousy that had not previously surfaced. What if Byron had to go on business trips and leave me behind while he was enjoying camaraderie with smartly dressed and readily available single, career type ladies of whatever repute? The passenger next to him was identifiable as female only by coiled dark hair, fashionably twisted into an attractive tortoiseshell clip.

Thrusting Byron and his misdemeanours back from my thought mode, I put my fellow passenger into a supposed mid-life crisis where he would need the attentions of a young chick to perpetuate his youthful ego.

The wedding band was ornate, gold bordered by platinum, and definitely expensive. Was his wife a rich heiress whom he had married for her money? Was he able to pursue a life of ease relying on her gratitude for having such a handsome escort? Did she leave him to enjoy his philandering or was she prepared to sacrifice him on the altar of expedience? Was he perhaps her status symbol? Did he have a convenient political position?

Did she have her own dalliances to satisfy her frustrations or was she inclined to jealousy? Did she suffer through sleepless nights of wondering where he was? Was he really at a work caucus? Was it men only? Did he enjoy the felicitations or facilitations of a willing workmate? 

By the end of the flight, I had the man ready for execution, with all my sympathies directed at a poor, unsuspecting wife sitting forlornly at home, waiting for her errant husband to return and profess his love for her with a Judas kiss.

I had been unable to see past him, so was unprepared for the sight of an identical wedding band on the hand of the lady he solicitously helped out of the adjoining seat after the ‘plane landed. He had removed a smart trolley case from the rack above, and now took down a collapsible white stick and offered it caringly to his companion. She was a diminutive lady, with oriental features who smiled adoringly in his direction, and slowly they made their way to the exit. 

Mortified, I gathered my own luggage and reflected on my misguided assumptions. Perhaps Byron was right in his accusations that I was inclined to allow a suspicious or critical side of my nature to surface when I was angry or challenged.

By the time I reached the venue of the conference I was feeling suitably chagrined and guilt ridden.  Byron had not been given a chance to explain even if he had wanted to. If I was in the position I had placed my imaginary character of the handsome passenger’s waiting wife, what should my reaction be? Become the wife he wanted, patiently polishing the shoes he would wear when he walked all over me? Or would I be an Italian type volatile virago waiting to throw a Prima-Dona cadenza on his return? And there I went, off on a tangent again. Bringing my mind into focus, I thrust thoughts of Byron away in order to concentrate on the conference. By the end of the afternoon session I was calmer, and more charitably disposed towards him, looking forward to a refreshing shower, and the prospect of making a phone call to him later. Just to apologise and tell him he is much loved. 

The knock on my hotel room door called my attention to the time. Almost ready for the evening meal I assumed it to be a conference member calling for me. Opening the beautifully carved door, it was the perfume of the Roses arrangement that first caught my attention, then the smiling deliverer. Byron! He held out the card accompanying the bouquet. Trust I am forgiven, I read.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” said Byron sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to bite your head off. Please forgive me, and let us enjoy the surprise evening I had planned, with the full co-operation of your convenor, I might add. I want you to know how special you are.”

His smile was deliciously Byron, my wonderful and devoted husband.  Perhaps my own was remotely oriental, reflecting the love and adoration I had seen on the face of a certain lady who had taught me a valuable lesson. 

When will I learn not to let my imagination run away with me?

Be blessed. Elaine.



Sweet Fellowship

So blessed tonight, having enjoyed our group fellowship meal. What a feast can be enjoyed when each one brings a little. 12 people sat and chatted, and I am reminded of that special passage in Hebrews 10:24,25.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and goood deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is so amazing watching events unfold in our lives, prophesies fulfilled, and as one of the group said this evening, we shouldn't be surprised at what is happening, because indeed, we see the Day approaching, but that means our deeds should be more urgent!
Be blessed, and be at peace.
In Him,
Elaine

A Haunting Head

From Paul To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ - their Lord and ours.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2,3
I settled down late to "take 5" with my readings and a cup of coffee. It was a hectic day, spent mostly in the Resource Centre with data processing etc. I don't quite know the why's and the how's but I ended up with a book in my hands, "St Paul's Corinth," and it looks fascinating. It is definitely for further reading but meanwhile it has sparked an interest to be followed up on.
In the front is a picture that is already haunting me, and I suspect it will continue to do so. It is of a bronze sculpture, a head, dated around 80BC. It could be the head of a man you would pass in the street, and perhaps wonder about. What grips my mind is his expression. It is an expression one sees on many faces today, and shows a lack of peace and a desire for answers. His brow is furrowed - you can almost hear him ask, "Can you, will you, help me?"
His eyes are unhappy, focussed on some distant plane that he cannot understand, but his thoughts show in the quirk of his eyebrows in that position of query that doubts an answer will be forthcoming. His cheeks are slack, and his mouth closed in insecurity, without confidence and in an uncertain pout of no hope.
The head is so lifelike, and so familiar, with so much reflected in its metallic sheen, I want to say, "Come! Listen to me, and I will give you hope."
It was found on the Greek island of Delos, which I read was first populated about 3000 BC. Its population has varied between 30,000 and, according to a census in 2001, 14!
As one of the most important archeaological sites in Greece with its historical and mythological connotations, (said to be the birth place of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis) it is worth further investigation. It certainly opens up some of the reasons that Paul had such a heart for the people of Corinth, confused as they were with so many pagan teachings from their Greek roots and the Roman empire.
Conflicting stories abound today in our modern, technological world, and people are just as confused. Where? And How will Truth be found and recognised?

Blessings,
Elaine

Listen!

Listen, as wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! She stands on the hilltop and at the crossroads. At the entrance to the city, at the city gates, she cries aloud, "I call to you, to all of you! I am raising my voice to all people. How naive you are! Let me give you common sense. O foolish ones, let me give you understanding. Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.
Yes, my Proverbs reading to day is Proverbs 8. I had a friend visiting for lunch when we spoke without realising it on this very subject, - how people need to seek knowledge for themselves, and then the need for wisdom was brought home to us in a graphic way.
We had opened the gate for L to leave when there was a sudden crackling and crash as the electric cable across the road from us suddenly shorted and hit the ground. Fortunately nothing was in its path, but due to lack of maintenance, which should include trimming the trees, which in a heavy wind were making contact, there was damage which could have been dangerous. It was in fact dangerous, although the electricity department took some convincing. Meantime, after initially reporting the incident, D stood watch to prevent anyone touching the live wires, now laying on the road. Children climbing off a taxi which didn't want to stop where D directed it, a little further on, were quite rebellious when he said they should walk carefully away from the curb. One boy out of sheer obstinacy was about to walk towards the cable without realising the danger. With my active imagination I could see all the connotations of someone without wisdom, and refusing to listen to wholesome advice meet an untimely end. I think the forcefulness of D's shout almost blew him back, and he scurried away oblivious of how close he had been to failing to reach his home.
I wish I could tell him about real wisdom.
Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the Lord. But those who miss me have injured themselves. All who hate me love death.
I was reading from the New Living Bible, and it seemed so apt. Incidentally, D stood in the hot sun for one and a half hours waiting for the Electricity people to arrive, so he has a bit of a sunburn even though I took him a hat, and water, but as he said, if he hadn't been there, those children would have probably been curious, but not wise! There were quite a lot of them, as it was school leaving time.
Psalm 34:11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Enjoy the Blessings of the Lord.

Procrastination Pitfalls and God's Grace

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
That was the key verse as our Pastor began his sermon this morning, speaking on the amazing grace of God as we examined His character. One of the things I really appreciate about His unconditional grace, His unlimited grace, (Ephesians 3:18-20) and His unending grace, (2 Thessalonians 2:16) is that He hasn't finished with me yet. For all the times I have let Him, friends, family and strangers down, I comfort myself that I will meet in Heaven with those who know Him , and we will have eternity to make up for lost time. What an encouragement for me, as I have to live with the consequences of my persistent procrastination.

Beyond friendship was my relationship with our grandmother, She showered me, my handicapped sister, and my younger brother, with true love, and many practical indications of it. With her hands never idle, we were never short of jerseys, socks, mittens and scarves, lovingly laboured on in the candlelit evenings in her little white washed cottage. She had no electricity in those days; there was a long drop in the garden, and a “cold safe” to keep milk, meat and butter at a cool temperature. Those  were her equivalent of modern technologies. Her pies filled with gooseberries, or raspberry and apple, or whatever was the most profuse in her little garden, were baked in her little paraffin stove and appreciated each week when she visited us on Tuesdays and Thursdays for her shopping outings. There were always sweets in her pockets, and she never forgot our favourites.  When I left, her caring continued, sadly taken for granted most of the time as although she was so greatly appreciated, I expected her to know it without being told. Her last letter is treasured but she never received an answer! Procrastination with irredeemable results!

My father was so proud of me, and carried photos of his family in Africa, always ready to bring out his “brag book” of grandchildren. On the last visit we enjoyed together we walked arm in arm around Hornsea, discussed books and music, and he ensured that we had enough spending money to take a few gifts back for the kids. Mum said he cried when we left, and said he wouldn’t see me again. He didn’t, and we only had a few phone calls because “next week” would be better for a call. My brother had to carry him to the phone for the last call, but I am so glad that one was made! He died a week later. Procrastination had robbed me of uncountable memories.

I have one remaining aunt who has kept in touch through almost 50 years. I wonder how many times I replied to her letters. It was always in my plan, but she is 95 now, and I have missed many opportunities of asking questions, finding out more about the family background, how she and my father and uncle grew up. I lost the same opportunities on my mother’s side, irreplaceable wrong choices. Cousins who should have been closer, friends who should have remained, jewel cases of treasured memories, only a fraction of what could have been. 

There is wisdom that could have been gleaned through the years instead of a legacy of mistakes made, wrong choices, a life of wandering along unmarked pathways leading nowhere, all bringing with them  regrets.

Take a word of advice! Don’t do what I have done, - do what I say. Stop procrastinating, and do it! 

God’s grace removes my guilt, and reshapes my life and as our Pastor reminded me this morning, I am still in the Potter’s hands! He may have to break off some of the clay, or remould a part of me. I may have to bake in the kiln, but one thing I remember – God loves me as I am, but He loves me too much to leave me as I am. He hasn’t finished with me yet.

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Taste, and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:4&8)

The Perils of Procrastination

Sitting down to write about procrastination, that very problem reared its ugly head. Like a persistent buzzing fly, thoughts intruded and distractions abounded. No sooner did I swat one out of existence than another five came to attend the wake. Today, procrastination will not have the victory!

Putting things off until better days has lost me friendships, opportunities, and no end of friction in relationships. Running on overdrive, and forever hoping to catch up with ourselves, is not an excuse. Again I am reminded that we always have two choices, no matter what life throws at us. The decisions we make, right or wrong, impact on the lives of others, and chances lost are seldom if ever repeated.

On leaving Yorkshire, England, for the sunny skies of Africa, it was great to receive letters from faithful friends and family most Fridays. They would write at the weekends, and lo, I had the weekend ahead to reply. In my reasoning that they only had me to write to, whereas I had all of them, lay a disastrous misconception. Desultory notes to some and promises to myself about others, resulted in the loss of friends who could never be replaced. I forgot a cardinal rule my mother used to quote. Make new friends, but keep the old. These are silver; those are gold. Brows may wrinkle, hair grow grey: true friendship never knows decay.

How I wish now that I had heeded that wisdom.

There remains though, the problem of guilt. How do we handle the guilty feelings that assuage us when we consider what might have been? And how much can be fitted in to an ordinary day? Where do our actual priorities lay? As we try to field the curved balls that are sent our way in Life’s progress we have to consider career, family, and each day’s occurrences which often lead to further prognostics that spread like virus into every quarter of existence.

What can we do to discover our priorities? Where should we look for wisdom in the planning? Might I suggest the Book of Proverbs which is expressly intended for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. (Proverbs 1:2-3. NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)

There seems to be a fair promise here that if we start our day with discipline, there is hope for the rest of it. With a healthy respect for the Lord, start with conversation with Him.

1. Commit your day to His leading. Chapter 2 of Proverbs gives many “ifs”but in v9 there is a “then”- and Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you.
2.  Prioritise plans for the day. For lack of guidance a nation falls but many advisers make victory sure (11:14) It is good to have the least attractive and the most challenging at the top of the list, so that at the end of the day we don’t sit with the most important jobs undone due to distractions.
3. Avoid distractions, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them (Prov1:10) It is so tempting to use distractions as excuses, but they are just another form of procrastination.
4. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) If we walk blindly into decisions without careful thought, we will find ourselves sowing seeds of disorganisation and distractions. The true purpose of the day must be to keep the purpose in focus! Whether it is shopping, baking, welding, office documents, appointments, interviews, maintenance, painting, or whatever is applicable to your lifestyle, do it. Do not be wise in your own eyes....(Prov3v7a) for then we tend to excuse ourselves!
5. Preserve sound judgment and discernment... and Have no fear of sudden disaster...for the Lord will be your confidence. (v25 &26) If we are secure in our relationship, we can be ready for God to step into our space, knowing He works for our good. We need to be firmly committed to doing what we do, well. We should have learned our trade, or trained our talent to give of our best, and to keep unswervingly to the task in hand.  Here is one instance of pride being permissible! Take pride in your work for it is for God’s glory.
6. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Look to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes and time for everything, also consider the sleep of the righteous against the lack of sleep for the wealthy.

So let us persevere and avoid the perils of procrastination. I made a start! And with persistence there will be more tomorrow!

Blessings.

Blind – But Wanting to See?

I pray 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

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road side begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by”.

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Those who led the way rebuked him, and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to Him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see”, he replied.

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you”.

Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (Luke 18:35-43)

Blind Bartimaus called when Jesus was nearby. If he had waited until He came again, he would never have had a chance! Jesus did not pass that way again!

2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not sight”.

From Mark 10:46. we learn the identity of the blind man. He was Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, and at this stage he was quite complacent about his lot in life. He was blind, and had come to terms with it. He was used to being blind, and others who could see were responsible for his care. There was no need for him to do anything but shake his tin at them, and out of their plenty, they would give, grateful that they had their sight. Pity abounded, but not enough to move them out of their comfort zone. “Give him a penny or two, poor soul; he’s not used to much, and will be content with whatever he gets.

We read of a similar situation in John 9:1-7 when a man born blind was the subject of conversation between Jesus and His disciples.

Many years ago, I remember a minister speaking of the first split in the body of believers. Two men were standing by the side of a road. There was great excitement because the miracle worker, Jesus of Nazareth, was to pass that way.

One man said to the other, “I can’t wait to see Jesus. I was blind, but now I see. He gave me my sight.”

The other man replied, “What a coincidence. I too was blind, but now I see. He gave me sight, and I follow Him whenever I have the chance to see Him again.”

The first man asked, “Did you have to travel to the Pool of Siloam also?”

Puzzled, the second man said, “Why would I have to do that? I told Him I wanted to see, and I did. Immediately.”

“But He spat on the ground and made mud to put on my eyes, and then I had to go to the Pool of Siloam to wash it off. Only then could I see.”

“Perhaps he wanted to teach you something else, then,” was the second man’s reply. “I saw immediately. He didn’t even touch me. I was shouting out to Him, and He asked me what I wanted Him to do. I said I wanted my sight. And He gave it.”

“Strange. I wonder why? I didn’t even expect to ever see, but He called me, and then sent me. I was so privileged because He actually knew me, and my family.”

So were birthed the first two denominations - The "Mudites" and the Anti-mudites."

Bartimaus had a change of heart when he heard about the miracle working Jesus,  just as many who do not know Him, respond when they see in others something that sets them apart. They want to know the secret. In John 9:39, Jesus said, For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

He went on to answer the self-righteous and learned Pharisees with the words of verse 41. If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

We all need to examine the Truth for ourselves. Jesus says today, as ever, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to the Father but by me.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Be blessed today.

Birth of a Baby Blogger

I sit with bated breath, so to speak, though the breath must be in my fingers as I start to write my first blog. Very much experimental, I doubt more than 2 people will read it, but it is introducing a new concept in my life, to put down some of the thoughts and insights that jostle for position in my mind, as I strive to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, and share what He has done for me, and how my life, being dedicated to Him, must be meaningful.
With Psalm 34 as my inspiration, my first comment must be:
I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
This means that whatever I write must honour Him, and as I am trying to develop my writing into a useable format, the learning curve starts now!
I shared Psalm 20 with a friend this morning, and that can be an encouragement to anyone who reads this.
Trusting in His Name
Elaine