Not a great deal of time for creative thinking recently, so thought I would share a prayer meditation that I have written for the revision of my book, Rhythms of Grace. It's called Lost and Found and reflects how those of us in the evangelical and charismatic traditions sometimes feel:
Lost and Found
Here I am Lord
Caught in my compulsion to busyness
Trapped by my ambitions and my goals
A prisoner to expectations within and without
Living at speed
Rushing A to B
Locked in cruise control;
Living on the edge
Always on the go
Exhausted (but still strong!)
Worn-out (but who would guess?)
Lost in my activity (hope it doesn’t show!).
And longing -
For a better way to live
For something deeper
More substantial, solid, real
Longing for you if truth be known
For I have lost you in the crowd
I can’t hear you in the noise
I don’t feel your hand upon me like before.
But something stirs within me now
And hope wells up afresh
You love me as I am
And where I am right now
And I can simply be myself
In all my humanness
And let the Shepherd find this sheep
And hold me once again
No fear or shame or need to hide
But joy that I am found.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Torches and umbrellas
Soon after we were married my wife and I became missionaries on the island of Borneo. As well as assembling a lengthy ‘kit list’ we were encouraged to take with us two essential pieces of equipment: an umbrella (for protection against sun and rain), and a torch (so we could find our way in the dark). Of the two the torch became the most essential. We were often in places with no street lighting and at night it was pitch black. There was always the danger of falling into a ditch or treading on a snake, both of which we felt it better to avoid as we made our way home!
The Bible is described as a lamp for our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Over the years of my own spiritual journey scripture has played a formative part in making me who I am and in guiding my steps. Three scriptures in particular have had a powerful effect on me, shining the light of God’s wisdom and grace onto my own spiritual pathway.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1John 3:1
Like most people the early years of my Christian life were filled with enthusiastic activity, and to some extent my identity was tied into my ministry. As a pastor I found that if things were going well in church, I was happy with myself; but if things were going badly I was miserable and out of sorts. It is a common trap that many of us fall into – finding our identity in what we do, rather than in who we are.
Gradually over the years the truth of my identity in Christ began to dawn on me, and then the joyful realisation that not only am I God’s child, I am his beloved child – loved unconditionally, with a love that will never change or diminish, and which finds its source and its strength not in my performance but in the nature of God. This revelation came largely through reading Henri Nouwen’s wonderful book The Return of the Prodigal Son (DLT 1994), but also through meditating on scripture and learning in stillness to hear the Whisper of Love within my own soul.
What is the basis for your own identity? Your performance? Your status? Your success? Your relationships? Take a moment to remind yourself who you are in Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of your own belovedness to you.
For meditation: Jeremiah 31:3 Zephaniah 3:17 Jude v1 and v21 John 15:9 Galatians 2:20 Ephesians 5:1 1Thessalonians 1:4 2Thessalonians 2:13 and 16 1 John 4:10,19 Romans 5:8 Ephesians 3:17-18
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:24
These words were written in the front of a beautiful leather Bible given to me by an aunt as we prepared to leave for Borneo. I didn’t realize the importance of these words initially, but they have come back to me time and time again over the years, reminding me of my calling and the fact that it is God’s work we are about, not our own.
It is so easy to seek to serve God in our own strength, isn’t it? We can be driven by our own enthusiasm, conscientiousness, sense of responsibility and will-power rather than the life of God. The result is that we are working for God, in the energy of self, rather than working with God, in the life of the Spirit. Failure and burnout are often the painful outcomes of trying to serve God with human energy, and we have to come back to the place where we recognize deeply within us that this is God’s work and he will do it, if we allow him to work through us. His faithfulness becomes the bedrock on which we depend, and his promise to enable us the ground of our confidence.
Can you identify ways in which you are tempted to serve God in your own strength? Take a moment to stop and pause, and realize that God wants to work in you and through you. Offer yourself to him to be an instrument in his hand.
For meditation: Zechariah 4:6, 1Corinthians 15:10, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 13:20-21.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Moving from being self-dependent to becoming Christ-dependent can be a slow and painful process, but once we have made the transition we can learn to abide in Christ and our lives become much for fruitful. We are freed to serve God in a way which is natural and relaxed.
The key to abiding in Christ is to practice the spiritual disciplines, those ‘holy habits’ that keep us connected to him and allow the life of God to flow into us and through us. For me this has involved discovering the benefits of retreat, and the disciplines of stillness, silence and solitude. It has also meant becoming more reflective about my life, being more intentional about meditating on Scripture, and recognizing and responding to opportunities for contemplation (those God-given moments of awareness of God’s presence when the focus shifts form me to him).
Spiritual disciplines are never an end in themselves. Their purpose is to help us ‘abide’, to stay connected to Christ who is the true Vine, and thus to share his life.
What practices have you discovered that help you to abide in Christ? How might you be more intentional about the spiritual disciplines?
For meditation: Psalm 46:10 and 62:1, Mark 1:35, and 6:30-32, Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 27:4.
The Bible is described as a lamp for our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Over the years of my own spiritual journey scripture has played a formative part in making me who I am and in guiding my steps. Three scriptures in particular have had a powerful effect on me, shining the light of God’s wisdom and grace onto my own spiritual pathway.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1John 3:1
Like most people the early years of my Christian life were filled with enthusiastic activity, and to some extent my identity was tied into my ministry. As a pastor I found that if things were going well in church, I was happy with myself; but if things were going badly I was miserable and out of sorts. It is a common trap that many of us fall into – finding our identity in what we do, rather than in who we are.
Gradually over the years the truth of my identity in Christ began to dawn on me, and then the joyful realisation that not only am I God’s child, I am his beloved child – loved unconditionally, with a love that will never change or diminish, and which finds its source and its strength not in my performance but in the nature of God. This revelation came largely through reading Henri Nouwen’s wonderful book The Return of the Prodigal Son (DLT 1994), but also through meditating on scripture and learning in stillness to hear the Whisper of Love within my own soul.
What is the basis for your own identity? Your performance? Your status? Your success? Your relationships? Take a moment to remind yourself who you are in Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of your own belovedness to you.
For meditation: Jeremiah 31:3 Zephaniah 3:17 Jude v1 and v21 John 15:9 Galatians 2:20 Ephesians 5:1 1Thessalonians 1:4 2Thessalonians 2:13 and 16 1 John 4:10,19 Romans 5:8 Ephesians 3:17-18
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:24
These words were written in the front of a beautiful leather Bible given to me by an aunt as we prepared to leave for Borneo. I didn’t realize the importance of these words initially, but they have come back to me time and time again over the years, reminding me of my calling and the fact that it is God’s work we are about, not our own.
It is so easy to seek to serve God in our own strength, isn’t it? We can be driven by our own enthusiasm, conscientiousness, sense of responsibility and will-power rather than the life of God. The result is that we are working for God, in the energy of self, rather than working with God, in the life of the Spirit. Failure and burnout are often the painful outcomes of trying to serve God with human energy, and we have to come back to the place where we recognize deeply within us that this is God’s work and he will do it, if we allow him to work through us. His faithfulness becomes the bedrock on which we depend, and his promise to enable us the ground of our confidence.
Can you identify ways in which you are tempted to serve God in your own strength? Take a moment to stop and pause, and realize that God wants to work in you and through you. Offer yourself to him to be an instrument in his hand.
For meditation: Zechariah 4:6, 1Corinthians 15:10, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 13:20-21.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Moving from being self-dependent to becoming Christ-dependent can be a slow and painful process, but once we have made the transition we can learn to abide in Christ and our lives become much for fruitful. We are freed to serve God in a way which is natural and relaxed.
The key to abiding in Christ is to practice the spiritual disciplines, those ‘holy habits’ that keep us connected to him and allow the life of God to flow into us and through us. For me this has involved discovering the benefits of retreat, and the disciplines of stillness, silence and solitude. It has also meant becoming more reflective about my life, being more intentional about meditating on Scripture, and recognizing and responding to opportunities for contemplation (those God-given moments of awareness of God’s presence when the focus shifts form me to him).
Spiritual disciplines are never an end in themselves. Their purpose is to help us ‘abide’, to stay connected to Christ who is the true Vine, and thus to share his life.
What practices have you discovered that help you to abide in Christ? How might you be more intentional about the spiritual disciplines?
For meditation: Psalm 46:10 and 62:1, Mark 1:35, and 6:30-32, Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 27:4.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Time to part with your household gods
An interesting incident in the story of Jacob caught my attention recently.
Just as Jacob and his family are preparing to leave Laban and return to the promised land, Rachel pauses for a moment and decides to take with her the household gods with which she had grown up (Genesis 31:19). We wonder why she did this. To prevent her father continuing in his pagan ways? Possibly; but most likely because she still was not fully convinced if Jacob’s God could be trusted.
When Laban discovers what has happened he pursues Jacob’s entourage, catching up with them in Gilead. There is a confrontation, and the issue of the household gods is raised. Jacob knows nothing, and Rachel cunningly hides them under her skirts, excusing herself from the search by saying she is ritually unclean (Genesis 31:34-35). Laban eventually departs and the convoy follows on, the household gods now integrated into Jacob’s family setting.
It seems to me that Rachel had a need for these pagan deities. She had grown up with them and was familiar with them. Most cultures have their equivalent – minor deities that protect the house and family members, promise success and ensure well-being. They provide a way of keeping control of the world, and we are all drawn towards anything that will make life as safe and happy as we feel it should be. Household gods don’t demand much, can be easily manipulated, and offer significant rewards. A nod of the head, a curtsey of respect, a mumbled mantra or a whiff of incense and they are onside. One or two may be vindictive little devils, but most are potentially dispensers of goodies. Why leave them behind in the journey to a new country? Surely it makes sense to bring them along as an insurance policy?
I think many of us unconsciously bring our ‘household gods’ with us when we become believers. We carry over into our new life attitudes and ways of thinking that reflect our old way of life. In particular our ideas about God are often shaped by our pre-Christian past.
For some – familiar with benevolent deities - this means a benevolent Santa Claus figure. As long as we do the right things he will deliver on the blessings. We expect God to bless us, and as long as things go well, we are happy in our faith. Trouble starts when things do not work out as we anticipated. Then it seems that God has failed us, and we are disappointed in him. We may throw a spiritual tantrum, stop going to church, withdraw our tithe, threaten to give up on our faith, slander the Almighty. There is no room in our lives for God to be God, or the idea that suffering might be part of his will for our lives, or the notion that we grow and develop most when our faith is challenged.
Others – remembering only vindictive deities - can only conceive of a God who wants to berate and punish them, who is never satisfied with their offerings, and who continually demands more of them. They are scared to put a foot wrong in case the sky falls in on them, constantly berate themselves for their shortcomings and imperfections, and never imagine receiving anything good unless they have first earned it. For them faith is a joyless burden, a heavy load of guilt and shame with no relief. Only fear keeps them believing in a God they are not sure they like anyway.
Peter says that we have been redeemed from the futile ways handed down to us from our forefathers (1Peter 1:18). We need to realise that this may mean revisiting how we think about God, and identifying any false notions that may have crept into our thinking, and which may distort how we relate to him. A.W Tozer wrote that, ‘Whatever comes into your heart and mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.’ If those thoughts are unconsciously based upon ‘household gods’ (whether benevolent of vindictive) it will inevitably mean our relationship with God is warped. It is worth asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any distortions in your own thinking about God.
The day came when Jacob had the confidence to challenge his family about their idolatry, and they responded by bringing out their idols (the household gods plus others) and getting rid of them by burying them under the oak at Shechem (Genesis 35:2-5). It was a powerful moment in the formation of the life of God’s people, resulting in a surge of supernatural power amongst them (v5). Death to all false notions of God!
Whenever we cast aside false ideas of God and embrace the God revealed to us in Scripture we move forward spiritually. We may no longer be in control, and God may no longer be ‘safe’, but he will be free to be the awesome God of Jacob in our own lives. You don’t need those household gods. Get rid of them.
Just as Jacob and his family are preparing to leave Laban and return to the promised land, Rachel pauses for a moment and decides to take with her the household gods with which she had grown up (Genesis 31:19). We wonder why she did this. To prevent her father continuing in his pagan ways? Possibly; but most likely because she still was not fully convinced if Jacob’s God could be trusted.
When Laban discovers what has happened he pursues Jacob’s entourage, catching up with them in Gilead. There is a confrontation, and the issue of the household gods is raised. Jacob knows nothing, and Rachel cunningly hides them under her skirts, excusing herself from the search by saying she is ritually unclean (Genesis 31:34-35). Laban eventually departs and the convoy follows on, the household gods now integrated into Jacob’s family setting.
It seems to me that Rachel had a need for these pagan deities. She had grown up with them and was familiar with them. Most cultures have their equivalent – minor deities that protect the house and family members, promise success and ensure well-being. They provide a way of keeping control of the world, and we are all drawn towards anything that will make life as safe and happy as we feel it should be. Household gods don’t demand much, can be easily manipulated, and offer significant rewards. A nod of the head, a curtsey of respect, a mumbled mantra or a whiff of incense and they are onside. One or two may be vindictive little devils, but most are potentially dispensers of goodies. Why leave them behind in the journey to a new country? Surely it makes sense to bring them along as an insurance policy?
I think many of us unconsciously bring our ‘household gods’ with us when we become believers. We carry over into our new life attitudes and ways of thinking that reflect our old way of life. In particular our ideas about God are often shaped by our pre-Christian past.
For some – familiar with benevolent deities - this means a benevolent Santa Claus figure. As long as we do the right things he will deliver on the blessings. We expect God to bless us, and as long as things go well, we are happy in our faith. Trouble starts when things do not work out as we anticipated. Then it seems that God has failed us, and we are disappointed in him. We may throw a spiritual tantrum, stop going to church, withdraw our tithe, threaten to give up on our faith, slander the Almighty. There is no room in our lives for God to be God, or the idea that suffering might be part of his will for our lives, or the notion that we grow and develop most when our faith is challenged.
Others – remembering only vindictive deities - can only conceive of a God who wants to berate and punish them, who is never satisfied with their offerings, and who continually demands more of them. They are scared to put a foot wrong in case the sky falls in on them, constantly berate themselves for their shortcomings and imperfections, and never imagine receiving anything good unless they have first earned it. For them faith is a joyless burden, a heavy load of guilt and shame with no relief. Only fear keeps them believing in a God they are not sure they like anyway.
Peter says that we have been redeemed from the futile ways handed down to us from our forefathers (1Peter 1:18). We need to realise that this may mean revisiting how we think about God, and identifying any false notions that may have crept into our thinking, and which may distort how we relate to him. A.W Tozer wrote that, ‘Whatever comes into your heart and mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.’ If those thoughts are unconsciously based upon ‘household gods’ (whether benevolent of vindictive) it will inevitably mean our relationship with God is warped. It is worth asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any distortions in your own thinking about God.
The day came when Jacob had the confidence to challenge his family about their idolatry, and they responded by bringing out their idols (the household gods plus others) and getting rid of them by burying them under the oak at Shechem (Genesis 35:2-5). It was a powerful moment in the formation of the life of God’s people, resulting in a surge of supernatural power amongst them (v5). Death to all false notions of God!
Whenever we cast aside false ideas of God and embrace the God revealed to us in Scripture we move forward spiritually. We may no longer be in control, and God may no longer be ‘safe’, but he will be free to be the awesome God of Jacob in our own lives. You don’t need those household gods. Get rid of them.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
The main meal of the day
It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Children preparing for a hard day at school, and busy parents going to work or looking after the family, need to begin the day with the right ‘fuel’ to keep them going. Some people surprisingly skip breakfast, but not me – it’s my favourite meal!
In the Christian life it’s also important to begin the day well, and for many believers that means time alone with God. Of course we can connect with God at any time, but it seems sensible to me to meet with God before rushing off into the day’s activities. This appears to have been the pattern for Jesus (Mark 1:35), and comes highly recommended by the Psalmist (5:3, 59:16, 88:13 and so on).
As a young Christian I was brought up to have a regular ‘Quiet Time’, and it remains for me a helpful spiritual practice. But how can we ensure that it doesn’t become a dull routine, something we do because we ‘must’? Here are four important keys:
(1) Rhythm - life works best when there is a regular pattern, and making time each morning to meet with God is a good habit to adopt. It doesn’t matter if you miss occasionally, but generally try and keep to the pattern. A rhythm makes it easier.
(2) Variety - it is the spice of life, and varying what we do in our time apart can keep it fresh and alive. Review your Quiet Time often. Be creative and imaginative.
(3) Place – create a special place where you can meet with God. A quiet corner of the house, a comfy armchair, a room with a view… make it ‘sacred’, perhaps with a small table for books, your coffee cup, a small cross or icon and so on. For some it may be outdoors - a special walk you take with the dog, a church you drop into on your way to work, a bench in the park.
(4) Purpose - keep in mind why you are doing this: to meet with God in a life-giving way. Aim to enjoy his company, express your dependency upon him as you begin your day, seek his will for your life. Don’t let any particular activity become dominant; you are there to meet with God.
With these four provisos in our minds, what then will occupy us during our Quiet Time? The most commonly found ingredients are Scripture, prayer and worship.
Scripture
The word of God is at the heart of the devotional life, providing sustenance for our souls. Jesus said: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). We need to develop effective ways to absorb the truths of Scripture.
Some follow a reading programme or lectionary, leading them through the whole Bible in a year or two in daily portions. Others enjoy developing plans of their own – reading steadily through different books of the Bible, following themes or topics, looking at Bible characters. A good number have Bible reading notes to guide them, or commentaries to provide understanding.
Sometimes I enjoy reading the Bible imaginatively, in the way of Ignatius, where we are encouraged to place ourselves into the Bible story and see it through the eyes of those involved. Another approach I enjoy is called contemplative Bible reading (Lectio Divina), where we read a short passage slowly and allow a word of phrase to speak to us, receiving it as God’s word to us for that moment and meditating on it.
The important thing is to try new ways of interacting with Scripture and not to become stale. Many resources are available on the internet, and for downloading as well. See for example: Quiet Time Ministries (www.qtmin.com), Crossmap Daily Quiet Time (www.dailyqt.crossmap.com) and BRF’s own Bible reading notes available for iphone (www.brfonline.org).
Prayer
If Scripture provides food for the soul, then prayer supplies us with oxygen. It is the way by which we commune with God, our core purpose when establishing a Quiet Time. Whatever else we do, we should reach out to God with longing and desire, speaking freely and honestly to the Lover of our souls.
Some are happy speaking to God in their own words (aloud or silent), whilst others enjoy the objectivity of Spirit-inspired and Christ-centred liturgy, joining the stream of prayer down the centuries. Most enjoy a mixture. I often base my prayers on The Lord’s Prayer, using each phrase in turn as a ‘coat hanger’ on which to hang other prayers. Occasionally I have done the same with Psalm 23, and the ‘armour passage’ in Ephesians 6:10-18. A framework like this stops my mind from wandering.
I love using the great prayers of the Bible too, and making them my own. Currently I am finding satisfaction in crafting my own prayers – taking the passage from my daily reading and turning my thoughts into a prayer, which I write down.
Some days we may have no words at all, which is fine; enjoy the silence, being still and knowing that he is God – a true quiet time!
Worship
Worship connects us to the Holy Spirit and is the way we drink the living water to satisfy our thirsty souls. By taking time to give thanks to God for his goodness, we cultivate a grateful heart; by dwelling on his greatness and glory we allow faith to grow within us. Worship enables us to express our love for God, and as we give to him our praise and adoration, his grace and strength comes streaming back to us, preparing us for all that lies ahead.
We have a family friend, over a hundred now, whose constant companion throughout her life has been the Methodist hymnbook, a source of great blessing and encouragement to her. The words of hymns and songs have a wonderful capacity to lift our spirits, to reach us when our souls are dry and barren.
We can listen meditatively to music as we sit, walk or drive - even as we do our chores – and our spirits can be in communion with God; or we can open our lungs in full-blown praise! Allow the glory of creation to inspire you as get out and about. Use your senses to encounter the living God in the world around you; be inspired by works of art, objects of beauty, the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to have a Quiet Time, and it should never be regarded as a burden or impossible demand. Hold it lightly, and yet think of it as the main spiritual meal of your day. And then, fortified and nourished by the grace of God, go out and live for Jesus in our needy world!
In the Christian life it’s also important to begin the day well, and for many believers that means time alone with God. Of course we can connect with God at any time, but it seems sensible to me to meet with God before rushing off into the day’s activities. This appears to have been the pattern for Jesus (Mark 1:35), and comes highly recommended by the Psalmist (5:3, 59:16, 88:13 and so on).
As a young Christian I was brought up to have a regular ‘Quiet Time’, and it remains for me a helpful spiritual practice. But how can we ensure that it doesn’t become a dull routine, something we do because we ‘must’? Here are four important keys:
(1) Rhythm - life works best when there is a regular pattern, and making time each morning to meet with God is a good habit to adopt. It doesn’t matter if you miss occasionally, but generally try and keep to the pattern. A rhythm makes it easier.
(2) Variety - it is the spice of life, and varying what we do in our time apart can keep it fresh and alive. Review your Quiet Time often. Be creative and imaginative.
(3) Place – create a special place where you can meet with God. A quiet corner of the house, a comfy armchair, a room with a view… make it ‘sacred’, perhaps with a small table for books, your coffee cup, a small cross or icon and so on. For some it may be outdoors - a special walk you take with the dog, a church you drop into on your way to work, a bench in the park.
(4) Purpose - keep in mind why you are doing this: to meet with God in a life-giving way. Aim to enjoy his company, express your dependency upon him as you begin your day, seek his will for your life. Don’t let any particular activity become dominant; you are there to meet with God.
With these four provisos in our minds, what then will occupy us during our Quiet Time? The most commonly found ingredients are Scripture, prayer and worship.
Scripture
The word of God is at the heart of the devotional life, providing sustenance for our souls. Jesus said: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). We need to develop effective ways to absorb the truths of Scripture.
Some follow a reading programme or lectionary, leading them through the whole Bible in a year or two in daily portions. Others enjoy developing plans of their own – reading steadily through different books of the Bible, following themes or topics, looking at Bible characters. A good number have Bible reading notes to guide them, or commentaries to provide understanding.
Sometimes I enjoy reading the Bible imaginatively, in the way of Ignatius, where we are encouraged to place ourselves into the Bible story and see it through the eyes of those involved. Another approach I enjoy is called contemplative Bible reading (Lectio Divina), where we read a short passage slowly and allow a word of phrase to speak to us, receiving it as God’s word to us for that moment and meditating on it.
The important thing is to try new ways of interacting with Scripture and not to become stale. Many resources are available on the internet, and for downloading as well. See for example: Quiet Time Ministries (www.qtmin.com), Crossmap Daily Quiet Time (www.dailyqt.crossmap.com) and BRF’s own Bible reading notes available for iphone (www.brfonline.org).
Prayer
If Scripture provides food for the soul, then prayer supplies us with oxygen. It is the way by which we commune with God, our core purpose when establishing a Quiet Time. Whatever else we do, we should reach out to God with longing and desire, speaking freely and honestly to the Lover of our souls.
Some are happy speaking to God in their own words (aloud or silent), whilst others enjoy the objectivity of Spirit-inspired and Christ-centred liturgy, joining the stream of prayer down the centuries. Most enjoy a mixture. I often base my prayers on The Lord’s Prayer, using each phrase in turn as a ‘coat hanger’ on which to hang other prayers. Occasionally I have done the same with Psalm 23, and the ‘armour passage’ in Ephesians 6:10-18. A framework like this stops my mind from wandering.
I love using the great prayers of the Bible too, and making them my own. Currently I am finding satisfaction in crafting my own prayers – taking the passage from my daily reading and turning my thoughts into a prayer, which I write down.
Some days we may have no words at all, which is fine; enjoy the silence, being still and knowing that he is God – a true quiet time!
Worship
Worship connects us to the Holy Spirit and is the way we drink the living water to satisfy our thirsty souls. By taking time to give thanks to God for his goodness, we cultivate a grateful heart; by dwelling on his greatness and glory we allow faith to grow within us. Worship enables us to express our love for God, and as we give to him our praise and adoration, his grace and strength comes streaming back to us, preparing us for all that lies ahead.
We have a family friend, over a hundred now, whose constant companion throughout her life has been the Methodist hymnbook, a source of great blessing and encouragement to her. The words of hymns and songs have a wonderful capacity to lift our spirits, to reach us when our souls are dry and barren.
We can listen meditatively to music as we sit, walk or drive - even as we do our chores – and our spirits can be in communion with God; or we can open our lungs in full-blown praise! Allow the glory of creation to inspire you as get out and about. Use your senses to encounter the living God in the world around you; be inspired by works of art, objects of beauty, the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to have a Quiet Time, and it should never be regarded as a burden or impossible demand. Hold it lightly, and yet think of it as the main spiritual meal of your day. And then, fortified and nourished by the grace of God, go out and live for Jesus in our needy world!
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Running to Win
We were doing a Lectio Divina on the story of the Transfiguration in Mark 9 when v2 stood out for me: 'After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, and they were alone.' Now I know that Jesus didn't have favourites,and that he loved his disciples equally, but there does seem to have been an element of selection here. I wondereed why he had chosen these three in particular to share a very precious moment with him, and not the others.
On pondering this question I came to the conclusion that he chose them because they were the most responsive of the twelve, and perhaps the most ready for what would be revealed to them on the mountain. And whilst we may be equally loved as children of God, our rate of progress in the Christian life is a variable, and we do not all move forward at a uniform pace. It depends on how we are responding to the knowledge and experience we already have.
My thoughts quickly turned to Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-13 : 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Paul realised that he had a part to play in his own spiritual progress. He had to keep pressing on as if he were running a race, with the same determination and commitment as an athlete.
This thought took me onwards to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 : 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Here the apostle suggests it is not just taking part that matters, but winning the prize. We are not competing against fellow believers, but we are competing against ourselves, and the tendency is to settle for bronze rather than gold because that demands less of us. Coming as these thoughts did during the Euorpean athletic championships in Barcelona helped me see the qualities a winning athlete needs, and the counterpart in the Christian life.
Desire is paramount. Do I truly want to win? Do I really want to know Christ, and to be effective in his service?
Discipline is vital. Can I give myself to strict training? Can I let go of lesser things, and make sacrifices in order to go deeper with God?
Determination is essential. Can I finish the race? Can I keep going to the end or will I give up at the first sign of difficulty, hardship, diappointment or setback?
I was particularly challenged by the British distance runner Mo Farah who won two gold medals. Before the event he had gone to Kenya for 3 months intensive training, living in simple surroundings in the hills with Kenyan runners who were actually far better than himself. He wanted to make progress and was willing to pay the price. His sacrifice paid huge dividends in his medal winning performance.
I don't know about you, but I want to be the best I can be for God, and with his help I want to press on for the greatest prize of all - that of knowing Christ Jesus, and being found in him.
On pondering this question I came to the conclusion that he chose them because they were the most responsive of the twelve, and perhaps the most ready for what would be revealed to them on the mountain. And whilst we may be equally loved as children of God, our rate of progress in the Christian life is a variable, and we do not all move forward at a uniform pace. It depends on how we are responding to the knowledge and experience we already have.
My thoughts quickly turned to Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-13 : 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Paul realised that he had a part to play in his own spiritual progress. He had to keep pressing on as if he were running a race, with the same determination and commitment as an athlete.
This thought took me onwards to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 : 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Here the apostle suggests it is not just taking part that matters, but winning the prize. We are not competing against fellow believers, but we are competing against ourselves, and the tendency is to settle for bronze rather than gold because that demands less of us. Coming as these thoughts did during the Euorpean athletic championships in Barcelona helped me see the qualities a winning athlete needs, and the counterpart in the Christian life.
Desire is paramount. Do I truly want to win? Do I really want to know Christ, and to be effective in his service?
Discipline is vital. Can I give myself to strict training? Can I let go of lesser things, and make sacrifices in order to go deeper with God?
Determination is essential. Can I finish the race? Can I keep going to the end or will I give up at the first sign of difficulty, hardship, diappointment or setback?
I was particularly challenged by the British distance runner Mo Farah who won two gold medals. Before the event he had gone to Kenya for 3 months intensive training, living in simple surroundings in the hills with Kenyan runners who were actually far better than himself. He wanted to make progress and was willing to pay the price. His sacrifice paid huge dividends in his medal winning performance.
I don't know about you, but I want to be the best I can be for God, and with his help I want to press on for the greatest prize of all - that of knowing Christ Jesus, and being found in him.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Oh, how I love your law!
I first came into contact with the Bible soon after I was converted as a teenager. I found some Scripture Union notes that belonged to my sister, and started to read them. It was the beginning of a love affair with the Bible that is still going strong nearly fifty years later. I've used many Bibles during that time, and still have most of them. I remember each one fondly, in the same way that I can treasure memories of each car we've owned.
In recent days I've realised two things: (1) how much I really do enjoy the scriptures, and (2) how I long for other believers to have that same delight in God's Word. The scriptures have been a part of my life since before England won the World Cup (a long, long time ago!), and I've never tired of reading the stories and reflecting on the message. I love nothing more than to have the opportunity to teach them to others, to 'open up the Word' as we used to say, in the presence of those who are hungry for God. What a privilege that is! But I often forget that I've been studying the Bible for many years, at some depth, and that others have not had that opportunity. So I'm finding a desire growing within me to try and communicate to those younger than myself (most of the population!)something of the blessing that can come to us through God's Word.
Next year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, the much loved "AV". I've never been a big fan myself, having been reared on the RSV and now attached to the NIV, but this landmark gives us the opportunity to remind a younger generation of the rich spiritual legacy that we have in the Bible, which we must not lose. There is a new initiative in Britain being launched to mark the occasion, called Biblefresh. You can find out more at www.biblefresh.com. I want to do my part by holding some Quiet Days on the place of the Bible in the Christian life, and maybe offering a seminar on how to get the most from the Scriptures.
In connection with this I've just started reading 'Eat this Book' by Eugene Peterson, subtitled 'The art of spiritual reading.' He makes the point that the Scriptures are the primary source of spiritual formation, and says this: 'Christians feed on Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the holy community as food nurtures the human body. Christians don't simply learn to study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love, cups of cold water, missions into all the world, healing and evangelism and justice in Jesus' name, hands raised in adoration to the Father, feet washed in company with the Son."
That's want I seek for myself, and for you as well. What place does the Bible have in your life? How does it shape your spirituality and affect your life? Do you still love God's Word?
In recent days I've realised two things: (1) how much I really do enjoy the scriptures, and (2) how I long for other believers to have that same delight in God's Word. The scriptures have been a part of my life since before England won the World Cup (a long, long time ago!), and I've never tired of reading the stories and reflecting on the message. I love nothing more than to have the opportunity to teach them to others, to 'open up the Word' as we used to say, in the presence of those who are hungry for God. What a privilege that is! But I often forget that I've been studying the Bible for many years, at some depth, and that others have not had that opportunity. So I'm finding a desire growing within me to try and communicate to those younger than myself (most of the population!)something of the blessing that can come to us through God's Word.
Next year is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, the much loved "AV". I've never been a big fan myself, having been reared on the RSV and now attached to the NIV, but this landmark gives us the opportunity to remind a younger generation of the rich spiritual legacy that we have in the Bible, which we must not lose. There is a new initiative in Britain being launched to mark the occasion, called Biblefresh. You can find out more at www.biblefresh.com. I want to do my part by holding some Quiet Days on the place of the Bible in the Christian life, and maybe offering a seminar on how to get the most from the Scriptures.
In connection with this I've just started reading 'Eat this Book' by Eugene Peterson, subtitled 'The art of spiritual reading.' He makes the point that the Scriptures are the primary source of spiritual formation, and says this: 'Christians feed on Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the holy community as food nurtures the human body. Christians don't simply learn to study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love, cups of cold water, missions into all the world, healing and evangelism and justice in Jesus' name, hands raised in adoration to the Father, feet washed in company with the Son."
That's want I seek for myself, and for you as well. What place does the Bible have in your life? How does it shape your spirituality and affect your life? Do you still love God's Word?
Monday, 5 July 2010
Step off the pages, Lord
We've been studying Mark's gospel in our church for the past few weeks. It seems to me that Mark in particular emphasises the power of God that was at work in Jesus. He's writing, of course, from Rome the centre of political and military power at the time, and maybe his thought is to demonstrate that Jesus is 'another king' (Acts 17:7)whose power is far superior to that of any earthly emperor. Certainly his gospel story is full of healings, deliverances and miraculous events that amaze the whole population.
I've really enjoyed our studies, and preaching occasionally myself, but I've done so with a growing sense of frustration that we see so little of that power at work in our lives today. It's true we do see glimpses, and enough to make us believe it is true; but never quite enough to make us say 'WOW!' and stand back in utter amazement. The little we do see actually increases my frustration because I know that God is capable of far more.
Perhaps my sciatica, which has hindered and annoyed me since Easter, illustrates this frustration. I know that God can heal me, and I have prayed continually for his intervention, and so have others. I want to be able to give testimony to his power at work in my life, but so far, nothing. It isn't as if I am asking for something truly great. No, just an ordinary miracle, which even my faith can strecth to, and is well within the level of expectation created in me by reading Mark's gospel.
So I'm conscious of a 'disconnection' between what I'm preaching (all Biblical and accurate), what we sing in our worship (all inspiring and true), and what we believe as a church (evangelical and charismatic). And some words keep rising up in my heart as a kind of prayer whenever I'm holding Mark's gospel in my hands - 'Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us.' I long for the word to be made flesh today, in me, in our little congregation, so that the world can see that Jesus is alive, that he hasn't changed, that he is still at work today.
Since I've been in a poetic frame of mind for the last few weeks I've turned those words into a prayer poem, and share them with you now. And when God does heal my leg (come on, God!), I'll be sure to let you. And maybe write another prayer.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not confined a moment more
In history’s remembered past
Nor even in the sacred folds
Of Holy Writ, however blessed.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not restrained a moment more
Within our doctrine safe and sound
Nor even in our cherished ways
Of churchmanship, however pure.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not held back a moment more
Within our teaching clear and true
Nor even in our finest songs
Of worship free, however loud.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
As living Lord and risen Son
Who’s with us now and working still
To save, to heal, to liberate
And glorify your Name before
A hurting world that needs your touch.
I've really enjoyed our studies, and preaching occasionally myself, but I've done so with a growing sense of frustration that we see so little of that power at work in our lives today. It's true we do see glimpses, and enough to make us believe it is true; but never quite enough to make us say 'WOW!' and stand back in utter amazement. The little we do see actually increases my frustration because I know that God is capable of far more.
Perhaps my sciatica, which has hindered and annoyed me since Easter, illustrates this frustration. I know that God can heal me, and I have prayed continually for his intervention, and so have others. I want to be able to give testimony to his power at work in my life, but so far, nothing. It isn't as if I am asking for something truly great. No, just an ordinary miracle, which even my faith can strecth to, and is well within the level of expectation created in me by reading Mark's gospel.
So I'm conscious of a 'disconnection' between what I'm preaching (all Biblical and accurate), what we sing in our worship (all inspiring and true), and what we believe as a church (evangelical and charismatic). And some words keep rising up in my heart as a kind of prayer whenever I'm holding Mark's gospel in my hands - 'Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us.' I long for the word to be made flesh today, in me, in our little congregation, so that the world can see that Jesus is alive, that he hasn't changed, that he is still at work today.
Since I've been in a poetic frame of mind for the last few weeks I've turned those words into a prayer poem, and share them with you now. And when God does heal my leg (come on, God!), I'll be sure to let you. And maybe write another prayer.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not confined a moment more
In history’s remembered past
Nor even in the sacred folds
Of Holy Writ, however blessed.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not restrained a moment more
Within our doctrine safe and sound
Nor even in our cherished ways
Of churchmanship, however pure.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
Be not held back a moment more
Within our teaching clear and true
Nor even in our finest songs
Of worship free, however loud.
Step off the pages, Lord, and come to us
As living Lord and risen Son
Who’s with us now and working still
To save, to heal, to liberate
And glorify your Name before
A hurting world that needs your touch.
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