Worship

So, this may not technically be a blog, but a vlog! But I wanted to challenge you in the way you worship. How do you worship? One of the major ways christians worship God in private and in public is through singing and playing instruments, but currently in the UK we are able to meet as a church, but there are restrictions such as not being able to raise our voices or sing in public. 

Therefore, it leads us to question; how do we worship? and even, what is worship? 

We most often connect worship with singing, as we are unable to do that, how can we worship God when we are together? Is there an alternative?

Worship is about lifting God up, extolling Him, acknowledging God in our lives and expressing something of our response to Him. Demonstrating love and reverence to God is what worship is about - how can you do that? 

If you think about ut, there are many ways we can show love and respect to God; prayer, testimony, art, considering Him. These are just a few examples of how we can show our love and appreciation for God in worship, you can probably think of many more. 

As a church we tried a new way of worshipping this week, can you try a new form of worship? 

 

Sin entangles. Jesus releases

 Leading on from the chapter of faith in Hebrews 11, we then have these verses;

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, *2*looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. *3*Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:1-3

What does the start of this chapter convey? To sum up, I think it says; As we can learn, read and hear about such amazing tales of faith from the Bible, and even from everyday, current people, since we have such a rich heritage of faith to draw from, and considering the sacrifice Jesus made, then do not sin. 

Do you ever consider sin in that light? When you’re about to do something you know you shouldn’t, or not do something you know you should, do you ever consider the rich heritage of faithful people that you are a part of? Do you pause to remember the sacrifice of Jesus before you act? 

I think if I really had those thoughts in my mind throughout the day, then I would be more aware of my wrongs and more aware of the responsibility I have, wouldn’t you? 

There are many people who have lived a life of faith before us, they have failed and they have triumphed. They didn’t allow their mistakes to define them, they kept trying their best, and that is what they are commended for, for being faith-filled people. Is that what you want to be remembered for? Are you intentionally putting aside sinful attitudes and focussing on faith? Are you encouraged by the ‘cloud of witnesses’ that surround you? And do you acknowledge that Jesus, the Son of God, ‘endured the cross, despising the shame’ so that you could live free from sin? 

Jesus did not deserve it, and he didn’t like it. He hated taking the punishment for you, but he still did it. So no matter how hard the battle is to escape the, ‘sin which clings so closely’, it’s nothing compared with what Jesus went through. 

So, do, ‘not grow weary or fainthearted.’ Look at the people of good repute, look at the everyday people whose stories have been told for thousands of years, and look at Jesus. He did not walk away from the most difficult, demoralising and deadly task he had to face. He walked to it, just so you could break free. So that you could escape the entangling sin. 

‘Consider him’ then; Don’t give up. Don’t turn away. Don’t sin. 

Whose hero are you?

 I have always loved chapter 11 of Hebrews, these verses have always inspired me to consider the, ‘people of old’, to see the greatness of God, and the many feats of faith achieved. 

It lifts my vision of God, and of my own life. I love that here recorded are the steps of faith these people took, not their failings. It causes me to wonder, why then do I focus on my own failings rather than considering the steps forward I have made? Why do I focus on the times when I have messed up more than the times when I have stepped up? 

Are you the same?

Do you see yourself in a negative light? Do you think about the things you’ve done wrong more than what you’ve done right? If so, then you are not alone. Yet you can also gain inspiration and encouragement from this chapter. You too can see that God focuses on the positive attributes of His people not their mistakes. So, why don’t you give yourself a break and do the same? See what God has done in and through you, ask God to show you how He sees you - it may surprise you. 

Those commended in this chapter are esteemed for their faith in different ways, some of them are:

Acceptable sacrifices

Pleasing God

Walking faithfully

Reverent fear

Believing God’s word even when it seems impossible

Obedience

Looking forward to God’s fulfilment

Living in discomfort now knowing God’s reward is coming

Considering God faithful

Do you do any or some of these? 

Do you give generously and at a sacrifice to God and His people?

Do you please God by pursuing your faith?

Are you persevering in walking faithfully - being an upright citizen and living above reproach?

Do you fear Holy God?

Are you holding tight to His promises even when they seem far off? 

Are you doing the last thing God told you to do? 

Do you focus more on what is to come than your current experience? Is heaven a lived reality for you? 

Are you prepared to suffer now knowing there’s a greater reward that you’re not likely to experience on this Earth? 

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness?

If you can confidently say ‘Yes’ to any of the above questions, then you are in good company. This chapter shows us, ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’, people like us who have struggled, failed, let themselves down, yet also clung to faith. As a believer in God, and a truster of Jesus, you too can be considered as a person of faith alongside these heroes. You too have a story worth telling. You have a story of how you have overcome and held onto the faith. You are a witness to who God is, and you too can share your story and be an example of a faith hero to those around you. 

Who can you be a hero to? 

Who can you share the greatness of God in your life with? 

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

As Christians, we know that we are forgiven A LOT. We have been given relief from shame and guilt because Jesus was punished for all we have done wrong. We know that, and we live that. Yet, do you live that out in your daily life? Or do you take for granted the freedom Christ bought for us? These following verses are a stark warning for those of us who are not living out the fullness of the freedom from sin that has been purchased. Are you one who is falling ‘into the hands of the living God’?;

if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, *27*but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. *28*Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. *29*How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? *30*For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” *31*It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:26-31

 These are pretty harsh words right? If you go on intentionally sinning, then you will encounter the wrath of God - Are you putting yourself in that scary position?

If you consider yourself a follower of God, yet continue to knowingly do things wrong, go against what He asks you to do - then you are sinning. You are trampling the Son Of God, and you will encounter the Father’s anger about that. You have been enlightened as to a better way, so why would you keep ignoring it?

Today is a chance for you to change. If you know there are thing in your life that you wouldn’t want anyone else to find out about, that you convince yourself aren’t that bad, or if it doesn’t hurt anyone it doesn’t matter, then know tat God sees. God cares. God has given you a way out - so why aren’t you taking it?
If you continue to sin then you are intentionally offending God, that brings consequences as you are effectively demonstrating that Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough. It may of been enough for some things in your life to change, but is it enough even for the hidden things? How much do you trust that Jesus has covered it all? How much faith do you actually have that God is bigger than it all?

These verses serve as a harsh warning, but some of us need waking up! God, through these verses is showing that new life is possible. You do not have permission to keep on going the wrong way, to continue to offend Him. Jesus covered it all, but you need to start living differently. The writer of Hebrews clearly points out that if you are sinning and you know it, then you will ‘fall into the hands of the living God’, and you have, ‘trampled underfoot the Son of God’. God is a God of love, but how do you think He will react when he sees you making a mockery of His son’s death?

Be warned.

You will face God one day.

How will He respond when He sees you?

Let us...

Through Hebrews we have discovered the necessity of Jesus’ death. It was required in order for true freedom and restoration to be inherited by his followers. So, what is your response to that? How can you respond to so great a gift?

Hebrews 10 encourages and exhorts us as follows:

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. *23*Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. *24*And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, *25*not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 
Hebrews 10:22-25

Did you notice the phrase, ‘Let us’ is repeated three times? Whenever anything is repeated in any text it draws attention and indicates significance. So, what is the relevance of the words, ‘let us’? These words suggests that we have permission to do what follows, and we are invited or encouraged to partake in what follows. As Jesus has left to us his great inheritance, our response should be to;

‘Draw near with a true heart’
‘Hold fast’
‘Stir up one another’

This is the expectation. As a follower of Jesus, it is your responsibility to do these things, so what do they involve? Let us have a closer look….

‘let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith’

You have permission, freedom and an invitation to get close to God. We can get into His presence because Jesus has paid the sacrifice to make you pure, isn’t that exciting?! You are clean, cleansed, free from ALL sin! Therefore you are encouraged into the presence of God, not to stay at a distance, but invited in as close as you can get! WOW!
So, how close are you?
What do you do in your everyday life to get closer to God? How’s your prayer life? How often do you read the Bible? Discuss Scripture with others? Do you take part in fellowship with other believers? Are you active in your faith? Are you taking opportunities to grow? Are you desiring to get to know the King of heaven better?

‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.’

‘Hold fast’. Be steadfast. Persevere. Keep going. Don’t quit.
Life gets hard, you may get doubtful (even Jesus closest friends did), attacked for your faith, but HOLD FAST - Remember the hope God has given you because, ‘he who promised is faithful’. Other things will let you down, but God won’t. When the tough gets going, keep going.

‘let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works’

The final exhortation of this passage is to; encourage, challenge and inspire others. You have the opportunity to build people’s faith. To support them to grow, and inspire them to trust God in new ways. Do you do that?
This kind of goes against the culture that we live in where everyone is out for the best for themselves, self-promotion and self-elevation. This verse encourages us to bring out the best in others not ourselves.
Are you actively inspiring and supporting other believers? Do you ‘stir up’ people to act out their faith in new and brave ways?

So, today as you ponder these things, is there a personal challenge that is brought to mind where you can get closer to God? Is there an encouragement to keep on going even when times are tough? Or are you inspired to support others in faith?

‘Let us’ as a result of the love and sacrifice of Jesus make a difference to this world through the outworking of our faith and the demonstrated love we have for God and one another.

why did Jesus have to die?

The main crux of the christian faith is that we sinful humans are released from all our wrongs because of the death and resurrection of the son of God, Jesus. Jesus repaired the rift between us and God, caused by sin, by being beaten and crucified.

Have you ever wondered though - why did Jesus have to die? 

Why did human blood have to be shed in order for the relationship between God and man to be fixed?

I have been a christian for many years and just simply accepted that God knows what He is doing even if I don’t understand it. So, I confess, I never really understood why it had to be that Jesus was required to die. I understand the symmetry between his death and the death of sin, yet even then It seems extreme and cruel. Also, the whole Earthly life of Jesus was about his death. That was the purpose of his time on this world, to  be the perfect heavenly man, and then be killed. Doesn’t that sound like a tragedy rather than the event we celebrate it to be?

So, why did Jesus have to die? I know, as you may do too, that the Jews offered animals as sacrifices throughout the Old Testament to atone for sin, they had to give regularly. When Jesus came, he was the ultimate sacrifice - once for all - he has covered all sin once through his death. As he died no more animal sacrifices are required, his one offering was enough for all eternity, which is pretty incredible!

Yet, still, why did Jesus have to die? What was it that made it necessary? Surely the measures outlined above are not it? They don’t seem a big enough issue to change the whole of the faith system let alone justify the torture and murder of an innocent, perfect, holy man.

Well, you see, God does see and know more than us, and we are right to trust Him, because He is not cruel nor unjust, He always had a plan and a purpose, this is it;

‘he (Jesus) is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. *16*For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. *17*For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.’
Hebrews 9:15-17

Now, that makes sense - God had made a will. His  promise was for a new way, a gift of freedom from sin forever, and just lie a will - this promise can only come into effect when the one who has made the assurances within it dies. Therefore Jesus had to die.

Jesus, the son of God, was involved in the creation of all things; the universe, people, animals, the Old Covenant. So, in order for that way of doing things to be changed, ‘the death of the one who made it must be established.’ That is Jesus. He was around at the formation of the world as well as at the formation of the covenant, ‘without him (Jesus) nothing was made that has been made’ (John 1).

Jesus saw that the Old Covenant did not give a finality or full restoration to God, so there was a greater plan, a will that was formed. A promise for the future generations to benefit by, everlasting restoration. Yet it cannot come into being until, ‘the death of the one who made it’.

Therefore, Jesus had to die. He couldn’t of just died naturally either, where would the sacrifice of been in that? Jesus had to die in order for the will to be fulfilled and come into effect, yet the atonement for sin requires sacrifice. Jesus had to endure the weight of the world’s sin on his shoulders and suffer separation from God for a time in order to be able to restore our broken relationship with God.

Jesus had to die. He had made a will, a promise, a covenant and assurance to all humanity. Jesus passed onto us a rich inheritance, and he was tortured, beaten, murdered to give it to us. Jesus died so that his promises could be realised.
Without Jesus horrific death nothing would have changed. The will, the promises made throughout the Scriptures would not yet be realised because the ‘will’ would not be in effect.

You have the privilege of freedom, you have the gift of eternal life, you have a relationship waiting for you - do you accept it?

what's your everyday focus?

‘when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) *12*he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.’
Hebrews 9:11-12

The new era of Christ means that now, believers in the One true God have; good things, a greater and more perfect form of worship and relationship as well as 'eternal redemption'! Wow!

So, what have we to really be worried about?! Do you, like me, ever get caught up with the trivial worries of this world? In light of the verses above, any concerns we have on Earth don’t really compare, do they? I know things in this world are important, but should they be most important?

Can you imagine if you lived more of your life considering the ‘greater and more perfect’ life Jesus got for you, how your life would be? What concerns would you be free of? What responsibilities would you lay down? How much of your workload would you take home? How much time would you spend in front of the TV or out shopping?

If you believe in God today, and recognise that Jesus is the only way you can be free from sin, if you know that and are determined to live your life with him in it, then do you realise who have ‘an eternal redemption’?
An incredible gift has been given to you, one that will never run out, wear away or go obsolete, it is an everlasting salvation. So, how much time are you paying attention to that in your everyday life? Everything else that consumes our time; work, hobbies, people, expectation, houses, gadgets, even this very bodies, these things will all fade away and die. They will all end, yet we are given something that is more perfect and greater than all these things that will last beyond our earthly years. We are promised complete and utter release from sin. Forever.

How much time do you spend considering this? How often do you even stop to appreciate this absolution from sin?

Jesus has brought your freedom. His own blood was spilled so you can be redeemed. It is an eternal, never-ending, everlasting, continual, redemption. Anything you’ve ever done wrong is covered, anything you’re doing wrong right now is covered, anything you’ll do in the future is covered.

You have an eternal inheritance that you can start enjoying now. If you live in the knowledge of your ‘eternal redemption’ everyday, imagine what your life would be like….

Old and New Covenant

Chapter 8 of Hebrews sums up some of what has been discussed about the two covenants God made with His people -  the first  (Old) covenant, and the New covenant made through Jesus.

This chapter reiterates that the Old covenant is basically worn out. From it’s inception it was becoming obsolete.
The way of the Old covenant was never intended to last forever. For a start there had been many High Priests who served for a time and then expired. Therefore the High Priest’s office is in itself a temporary thing. Temporary people can only serve a temporary system. The service of the High Priest  is finite, just like the Old Covenant. The Old covenant also required constant renewal, just like the renewal of the High Priest -when one died another would take his place - so too the offerings needed to be re-given. They were continually required, because people continually sin. Yet, before the High Priest could bring an offering to God, he first had to cleanse and atone for his own sin before he could give the offerings for the sins of the people.
These aspects clearly show that the Old covenant system was not perfect. The priests lived, served and died showing their temporal nature and the offerings that were given had to be provided again and again and again. There was no long-term solution to the problem of sin in the Old covenant, Even those working within the priestly system had faults as they had their own sin to atone for - they, although elected to godly duties, they in themselves were not innocent or pure, therefore their offerings could not be either. Even the best intentioned offerings were faulty because all of humanity have sinned. Sinful people cannot offer pure sacrifices no matter how hard they try. Therefore the estrangement between God and man could not be resolved through any of our own means. There could be no pure, eternal solution provided by sinful, temporal man.

A New way was needed and promised, God says through Jeremiah, ‘I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel’. God knew the need for a greater resolution, and he had another way planned, a way where sinful man and holy God can be united.
So a different way, a New covenant was required. One which established a final, eternal solution to deal with the destruction of sin.
A perfectly pure, blameless,  everlasting willing sacrifice was needed.

That’s where Jesus comes in.

He alone could do it and has done it.
He lived a perfect, blameless, pure and holy life, and died a perfect, willing, holy, blameless death.
He went through the most horrendous experience of becoming the ultimate pure, spotless sacrifice for all sin.
As Jesus was sinless, his sin offering on our behalf brought a complete end to sin - a holy sacrifice given to eradicate all impurity. His one offering is enough. Enough for all eternity. Jesus has brought a New covenant that is living, complete and eternal.

Jesus, our High Priest still lives and is continually mediating on our behalf before God. Jesus rule is not wearing out and will never become obsolete because he lives for all eternity, so there will be no end to his office. Jesus will not vanish or wear out. The New covenant he has created will not die out. The New way Jesus has brought is forever. Jesus has made away for you to be with him and have relationship with God no matter what you do. No sin can separate you from God now, no matter how much or how often you mess up. Jesus has sorted it. He is eternally standing before the Father petitioning on your behalf.

Do you believe and trust in this Jesus? Do you know that you are given a sin-free life? Are you living it?

Jesus has given a way for you to have a new life - you don't have to continually make amends - Jesus has done it. Are you living with the security of that? Are you taking into your own life the reality of the New covenant and your freedom from sin, and your freedom in relationship with God? What has this New covenant given you that you didn't have before?

Law v Jesus

In the 7th chapter of Hebrews, we are told that The Law is, ‘set aside because of it’s weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.’ (Verses 18-19) What do you make of that?

This is key for christianity; that the Law - the set of instructions from God that the Jews worked hard to live by - is here referred to as weak, useless and set aside.

To understand the relevance and impact of this, we first need to realise the purpose of The Law.
The Law is an extensive set of instructions given to the Israelites as a standard of perfection that they were to aim to live by in order to make themselves right and acceptable before God. It gives clear guidance about everyday life and sets a clear standard. By doing so it shows the many ways in which we all can offend God and separate ourselves from Him. Even in ways that we have no control over.
The Law also makes clear that we need to make amends for these offences and how we can do that.  Every human being that’s ever lived has done something offensive to God - that's why we needed The Law - to show us what was wrong, and how, eventhough we are separating ourselves from God in a  myriad of ways, God still yearns for a positive relationship with us. God doesn't want us to be separate from Him, yet we are.
This is the problem.
So, God made a way for mankind to be able to seek and enter His presence -  He put together The Law and gave it to us. The Law reminds us not only of the awesomeness of God, how holy and pure He is, but also the standard required by Him. We, then sadly see ourselves in stark contrast to that.
When we read The Law, it doesn't take long to realise that it seems unattainable. Due to our imperfections and sin, it is so easy to see how we do not measure up. We can never be fully righteous according to The Law - there is always the necessity for some restitution requiring an offering to be made, and not a one time offering either, the sacrifices and offerings required are continuous. Every time something comes along to remove us from God's perfect standard, another sacrifice is needed.

Yet, The Law did provide a way to get closer to God.
It gave us a standard to live up to, a manner in which to repent of our wrongs, a way in which to show worship and gratitude to God,  but it never completely made up for our iniquities. There was always the need for more sacrifice. Every time we sin, another sacrifice is required, every time we become impure, another offering needed.
The Law, as incredibly prescriptive and clear as it is, still does not allow us to obtain full perfection or full restoration with God. It does supply a temporary fix, but the offerings need to be repeatedly given and the rules constantly obeyed. Even then, humanity could still not attain complete perfection or holiness.

Therefore the Law is weak and useless.

It cannot repair what we have broken, it cannot put together God and mankind as they were intentioned to be at the beginning of creation. Therefore, even in it’s complexity and thoroughness, the Law is weak. The Law is useless at providing an eternal solution to the problem of sin separating us from the holiness of God.

Thank God for Jesus!

Now, because of the perfect son, the perfect, holy, and pure sacrifice of Jesus, we can realise that, ‘a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.’

Wow!

We now can, ‘draw near to God’.

All because of Jesus!!

The Law no longer has the power to separate us from God. When we put our hope and trust in Jesus; perfect, pure, Jesus, who offered his own life as the unblemished, holy sacrifice to atone for all of our weakness and sin; He makes a way for us to be made perfect in the eyes of God. He has restored the relationship between us and God forever. Nothing can diminish or destroy what Jesus has done. Jesus sacrifice is the once and for all sacrifice that was needed. Jesus has achieved what we, and The Law could never attain - He has brought about the hope that we can draw near to God!

Are you following the forerunner?

Jesus is our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).
This idea has stuck out for me this week.
When the text of Hebrews was written, a forerunner was someone who went out ahead of the army on a reconnaissance mission. They encountered the unknown territory and checked out the people of the land (much like Joshua and Caleb did in the Old Testament). Forerunners spied out the enemy and went ahead of their army. What a vulnerable position - they had to, without the protection of others, to gather information. They had to navigate unknown territory by themselves then give advice for the rest of the army to follow.

Jesus is our forerunner.

Jesus has done the same for us. He has gone ahead and he has made a path for us to follow. Jesus entered the fray. He didn’t back away, in fact, he surged ahead. He went first, that we might follow. Before Jesus, we couldn’t get entrance to the kingdom of God - there was even a physical veil separating the presence of God from humanity.
So Jesus went as a forerunner, ‘on our behalf’. He had no selfish motive, it was purely to enable and invite us onto new ground. To allow us the access to God that we have lost through our sins. When Jesus died, the veil was torn, and a new path was made. Access to God is now available, You can now have a part in HIs kingdom because of your forerunner.

Jesus knew the way, he knew what he needed to do. He demonstrated what a relationship with God was like and showed a new way. He went ahead to a gruesome death because he was opening the veil for us. He has gone ahead in order to show you the way to go, as hard as it might be - are you following his way?
He is willing and able to lead you in this life as he’s already gone ahead and lived it. Now Jesus invites you to follow him. Will you trust him to lead you?
Are you willing to follow the forerunner?

have you attained maturity?

11*About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. *12*For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, *13*for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. *14*But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:11–14.

Are you drinking milk or solid food?

This passage is a challenge to us to consider our maturity in faith. It causes us to consider our own maturity.

From this passage, spiritual maturity comes down to whether you are putting into practice your faith or not (v14).
So are you? Are you regularly acting and reacting from a place of faith in God?

v14 tells us that part of growing up in faith is being able to distinguish good and evil, yet it is not only being able to tell the difference, but being able to put the right way into practice. In the everyday challenges of life, in the little, unseen moments, how are you responding? Are you walking right even when no-one else knows about it? Are you putting into practice the things God is prompting you about?
The way to maturity is distinguishing and practicing what you know God’s will is - walking in faith means you will grow up and become skilled in righteousness. Isn’t that something you want to aim for?

What is so important about attaining maturity? Well,  do you want to stay a baby forever?! No-one really wants that - to be fully reliant on others for basic needs and safety, only ever drinking milk and unable to perform the basic functions of life independently. It is essential that you grow up. It is a natural process, we see growth from a baby to a toddler, teenager and beyond. So it should be as we continue our journey of faith - the longer you follow God, the more you should be learning, developing and practicing the ways of God. As a part of the process there will be; training, discipline, comfort, listening, reading, prayer, challenges and mistakes. Experiencing these things and allowing them to form your character means that you gain righteousness and maturity.

Being mature doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gradual process. Like learning to ride a bike, you have to take it slow, listen to others, have a go, take advice and keep practicing until you learn to balance and ride. It is scary, it doesn’t feel comfortable, but  it is putting faith in practice that helps us grow up.
Like riding a bike, seeking spiritual maturity means learning from others. You need to rely on others wisdom and experience to give you the wisdom and lead you to practice ‘good’. There are faithful disciples around you, fellow members of God’s church, who will walk with you and encourage you. Seek out those who can help you with the next steps of faith, what is it that God is teaching you right now? Are you ignoring or taking up the challenges God is giving you?
If you are a person of spiritual maturity - do you have the opportunity to teach others? How can you impart the knowledge, wisdom and practice of faith into the loves of others so that they too can grow up in their faith?

obedience

'In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. *8*Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. *9*And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him'
Hebrews 5:7–9.

I think these verses are a beautiful demonstration of Jesus humanity.

Just look at the experience of Jesus - at times, he became so distressed that he prayed with ‘cries and tears’. He called out to God and petitioned Him for things. Jesus felt his own weakness, distress and trouble. Do you ever feel like that? And feel like there’s nothing else to do but cry to God? Jesus, the very son of God, also felt the same.
He recognised that he needed help, and that there were parts to human life he didn’t like, so he called out to God. He cried out to the one he knew could change things, he shed tears in front of God, and even asked for things that his own humanity wanted. Jesus even asked for his situation to change - that he wouldn’t have to be tortured and crucified, he asked to be released from suffering and pain - don’t we all do the same at times? We all want relief not pain. Jesus had the same inclinations. So, he asked God for a way out - he didn’t get it, but he asked. Jesus, even though he poured out his fears and longings to God, he continued to hold God in reverence - he didn’t shake his fist at God and blame Him for his situation, but he requested assistance and demonstrated incredible obedience and faith. Jesus understood that God, ‘was able’ to change the outcome, yet Jesus also submitted to whatever it was that God wanted even when it was different to his own desires.

Jesus remained obedient. Even when his desires were not fulfilled, even when he knew he couldn’t escape the pain that was coming, he still did what he knew was right and what God wanted.
In fact, these verses state, ‘he learned obedience through what he suffered’.
Jesus grow in understanding, knowledge and obedience. Jesus had to learn these things, just like we do. Jesus learnt how to be obedient, and what better way for obedience to be tested than through adversity. It’s easy to be obedient when we are asked to do things we want to do, it’s when we are asked to do things we don’t want to do that our obedience, relationships and loyalty are tested. Jesus experienced the same. He had to learn to be obedient.

Jesus had to learn and grow like we all do. He also
had to suffer pain like we do.
How wonderful that our God has had the same experience of living this human life, he was just like us. He did not escape feeling sad or happy, lonely or crowded, comforted or in pain.
Jesus lived in such a way that demonstrated his humanity, obedience and godliness. The result of all this was that Jesus was, ‘being made perfect’. That could only happen through him learning obedience through suffering.

So, next time you enter a situation of suffering, don’t despair. Know that, like Jesus, this is a time for you to learn obedience and that through the experience you are, ‘being made perfect’.

Fasting

This week I have been pondering about fasting - The ancient, Biblical practice of abstaining from food.
It seems that our view of fasting has altered over the years from what I read in the Bible. It seems to of been quite a common practice in history, people using fasting as a way to connect with God and demonstrate humility. I do not see much of that now, do you?

 I know some people do fast from food, but it think more often I have seen fasting from social media, or technology, or even heard of fasting as part of an eating program to lose weight, but these are not the kinds of fasts I read about in the Bible. Fasting was never about removing distractions or maintaining weight. From what I have read, fasting, abstaining from food (and maybe drink), for a period of time is about humility and communion with God.

The purpose of Biblical fasting is to; humble yourself before God, worship Him, communicate with Him, to show reverence and gain guidance from Him. Fasting is all about God. when we fast, God should be our focus. We should not come with an agenda, but a desire to demonstrate reliance on God, to show humility to Him and honour and worship Him. To put ourselves under His will rather than our own and ask Him to help us in our weakness.

This concept is not popular in our modern day society. We are caught up in being independent, taught that we are able to do anything, my kids have even been told that ‘impossible’ means ‘I’m possible’ -  what is that about?!
We have been lied to folks. We have not been created to be self-sufficient beings, we cannot do everything. Some things are impossible for us. We do not have the power, the strength, the knowledge or capability to do some things. And that is ok. We are not meant to do it all on our own anyway.
We have been created not to be independent entities, but we are built for community. We are created to be in relationship with one another and with God. We are not meant to be selfishly doing our own thing or striving for independence, but actually should be striving to be fully dependent on God.

This is why fasting is important. It is about giving up even our most basic of needs to be fed and nourished in order to rely on God. It is about trusting that God is enough, and admitting that we aren’t. That is when fasting becomes powerful. When it becomes less about us and more about God.

Fasting was a common practice through ancient times as a way to show reverence and gain a closer relationship with God. People showed humility through it by demonstrating their physical weakness and dependence on Almighty God.  Jesus even did it. As he fasted he gave his attention and focus to God and demonstrated his humility and weakness through fasting to his Father God.

Do you want to show God your humility and put all your dependence on Him? If so, then I invite you to participate in some kind of fast.
The Bible includes many different styles of fasting, abstaining from food for; a meal, a day, a week, 40 days, or even abstaining from some types of ‘rich food’ as Daniel did.  Consider what is appropriate for you to do.
The practice of fasting was a part of culture and taken part in regularly, it seems we have lost something of the relevance or reverence for what it is. I think it is time to put fasting back on the agenda. Not as a one-off special, but as a regular practice in our christian lives. Are you ready to put this ancient, Biblical practice of fasting into practice.? To humble yourself and pray? To give up food in order to seek God?

Can you fast?

seek the welfare of the city

The last couple of weeks I have impacted by a passage in Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 4-14.

To begin with the part that jumped out at me was v 7, 'seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on it's behalf, for in it's welfare, you will find you welfare'. I was convicted because, I realised that I hardly ever think to pray that way. I may pray for particular people, groups, initiatives, areas at times, but do I actually pray for the welfare of the town where I live? do you?
So, I began to read and re-read this verse and the surrounding verses. This section of scripture is a prophesy spoken by the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites as they were swooped off to Babylon having been captured and exiled there. What a challenge for them! They are told to pray for the places that they have been thrown into for it to prosper, to know peace, to increase and become great. Not many of us can imagine the reality of being exiled into a culture and community you know nothing about. Most of us have in some way had a choice about where we live. Yet, even if you haven't, you are still to pray for the best for the place where you live.

Not only are the Israelites instructed to pray for where they live because it will be of benefit to them in the long run, but they are also instructed in the earlier verses to; build, settle, plant, eat, give, get married, increase and invest in the younger generations. Even if you're not passionate for the place where you live, are you investing in it? are you putting down your roots because God has put you there? Are you making something of the life you have, are you building and planting? We all have something to offer the community we live in, are you settling in and making a home where you are? God has carried you to this place, and God invites you into His mission there, and part of it is about getting stuck in; working, playing, making a home and just living life.

After God instructs the Israelites to do this, then He commands them to pray. Different interpretations of v7 tell us that we are to pray for our town's; wellbeing, good, prosperity, peace and welfare. God promises that as we do that, it will be good for us. it will be good for us practically and spiritually because as we pray for what God wants, we connect with Him, and we connect more with where we live. I believe as we pray, we will see breakthrough, we will see change, and God will show us how we can be a part of the good for the communities we are in.

Later on in this passage, the Lord God Almighty makes some amazing promises, He says that; He will come, He will cause you to prosper and not be harmed, He will give you hope and a future. Also that when you seek Him, He will listen and He will be found. Do you want that for yourself? Do you want that for where you live? If so, get praying!

God is ready to work where you live - are you?

God wants to partner with you in the place He has carried you. He has expectations of what you should do there, and that is basically to get on with life, but also to pray for where you live to do well. You can be the answer to the town's troubles, and it all starts with prayer.

Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV);

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: *5*“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. *6*Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. *7*Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” *8*Yes, this is what the LordAlmighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. *9*They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.
10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11For 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. 12
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Confidence in the throne room

‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’
Hebrews 4:16.

Confidence.

Do you have confidence when you approach God?

We are invited into the very throne room of God, and told we can approach the very throne with confidence. Isn't that incredible?

I don’t know how many of you have been to a throne before, or even into a palace (I haven’t), but these places are set aside for royalty. They are grand and demonstrate something of the wealth and importance of the ruler. They are the private residence of the king and queen, places where only the powerful and privileged are invited, and that’s just the palace in general. The throne room is a special place within the palace, a place where even only a few of the privileged enter. It's a place for some  serious commands and decisions to take place with the trusted few. Very few people are allowed entry, not many have the permission or are qualified to get a place in the throne room. Yet, here, in Hebrews, we are told we can approach our God the highest King in His throne room in confidence.

It’s serious business to enter the throne room, yet, you’re allowed in. You have a free backstage pass that allows you into the most defining area of the kingdom, and you don’t even have to crawl in or be in fear for your life because you have permission to enter. Not only do you have permission, but your actually invited! You can approach God’s almighty presence as He sits on the throne with your head held high in confidence! WOW!

Doesn’t that amaze you? That you have permission to enter the greatest throne room?

You haven’t done anything to deserve that honour, in fact, you’ve probably done plenty to be kicked out! But, the fact remains that you are free to enter the throne room of God. What a privilege and what a gift!

The only reason you have this honour is because the son of God, Jesus, invites you. When you believe and trust in Jesus, and acknowledge his sacrifice and resurrection, when you repent and give Jesus the leading role in your life, then Jesus vouches for you. He passes onto you the privilege and honour that he enjoys. This is how you can enter the great throne room of God in confidence because Jesus has made the way for you.

So, enjoy your privileged access to the throne room. As you pray, remember that you are connecting with God on His throne.

The Bible is alive!

‘the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. *13*And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.’ 
Hebrews 4:12–13.

The Word of God is ‘living and active’ - what does that mean to you, and does it effect the way you approach the Bible?

The fact is that the very words you read within the Bible are alive. They are the active words of God; The printed out words that we see on a page, or glowing from a screen, are actually alive, they have breath in them. That seems strange, doesn’t it?
The fact that these words are ‘living and active’ shows me that they are; constantly applicable, relevant, able to bring life, change, challenge and a new perspective. These words can; inspire, direct, convict, comfort and grow new life in you. Isn’t that incredibly powerful?!

Not all printed words have life, only the words of scripture do because they are the very words of God himself. God who is living and active right now has given us His living and active revelation throughout the Bible.
What a privilege it is then to be able to hold these words  in our hands, to have access to these God-breathed utterances and read them! Do you feel the privilege and weight of what you are accessing when you read God’s words?
These words can actually breathe life into your life, they can bring refreshment, comfort, restoration, conviction. In short, these words can alter your life - and you have free and easy access to this.

I think, really, the Bible should come with a warning. Something like, ‘open at your peril, are you prepared for your life to change?’!
The Bible is a living work. It contains God’s words, which we all know are powerful - I mean, they separated the light from darkness, created the world, speak life and death, bring healing, separate seas, transform minds, I could go on…. And you can find out for yourself many more incredible things God’s word achieves when you read it.
Bearing this in mind - when you are reading your Bible; are you prepared?
Are you prepared to meet Jesus?
To hear from God?
Be convicted by the Holy Spirit?

God’s words have the propensity to change you. They can pierce your heart and mind and interpret your innermost thoughts and intentions, and no matter your excuses -  your true nature will be revealed. As you read God’s words, it’s like you are laid bare before Him. Nothing hidden. All of your; bumps, bruises, wounds, pain, comfort, passions, lies, responsibilities, strengths, sins and weaknesses are laid open. Completely exposed.
Does that scare you?
In some ways it should - if you have something you want to hide, then yes, be aware that the living and active word of God will highlight it - He is good at separating light and darkness! But in the most part being exposed before God shouldn’t scare you. God is a loving, nurturing Father. He wants to heal your wounds and diseases, to remove the pain and discomfort, to revel in your passions and your strengths. He wants to be your strength in your weakness, to be with you in the difficulties and reveal truth in your life.

So, next time you take hold of this living word in your hands - take a moment to prepare yourself.
Beware when you open your Bible - there’s no hiding from God when you do, He is ready to talk to you and He’s ready to; transform, challenge, renew, energise and cleanse you - are you prepared for that?

Oh God I need you

Oh God I need you…

Is that the cry of your heart?

It has been mine this week.

It is easy to see our need of God when things seem to be falling apart, when we are stuck in sin or desperate circumstances, when we have nowhere else to go, in those times it is easy to see that we need God. When we can’t do something; we are emotionally drained, exhausted with effort, tired, struggling alone - then it is was to cry out to God in desperation, fear, as a last resort. It is when we are aware of our limitations that we have no shame in saying, “oh God, I need you”.

But, how about the rest of the time?

It is easy to realise our limitations and inexperience when times are tough, when there’s a struggle, but how abut when things are fine? When life is good even? Do you have the same cry of your heart then - “oh God I need you”?
I’ve got to confess, I don’t. I mean, I know I still need salvation and forgiveness, and I do love God, and talk to him about stuff, but I don’t think I really recognise my need of Him in the same way. Normally, I just get through life, tackle challenges and daily occurrences without much thought of the Most High - is that your experience too?

So, this week, as things have been tough, I have needed God. I have been aware of what is lacking in me, and what God can provide, I have leant on Him afresh. I have cried out many times, “oh God I need you”. So, why don’t I do that the rest of the time? Usually, I just get carried away with the false idea, that when things are ok, I can actually manage this life alright by myself. Is it the same for you?

If it is, then we are both mistaken. God is so involved in every intricate detail of our lives, it’s great really that He gives us these trying times in order for us to recognise our weakness and His strength, our ineptitude and His ability. Are the hard times opportunities for us to renew our dependence on God? To cry out again that we need Him? For God to remind us, that actually, haven’t you got this yet - you need me all the time?

There’s a song that has been going round my head this week that includes the phrase “oh God I need you”. Here are some of the lyrics;

“Without you I fall apart……..Oh God I need you….Every hour I need you…… oh God I need you….My one defence my righteousness….oh God how I need you”

The bit that really impacts me, is that ‘every hour I need you’. Are you and I aware that our need of God is so huge, that every hour we need Him? Every hour God is caring for you, every hour He is there for you, every hour He is putting the very breath in your lungs.

I think I want to end this blog with a prayer this week, if you, like me, get so distracted with life and your own abilities, rather than your need of God, why not pray along with me:

Oh God, Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your forgiveness, and your incredible love. Thank you for wanting to share our little lives with us.
Sorry that I don’t always realise your presence. That I don’t recognise my need of you when life is alright. Thank you for giving me those tough times to remind me that I am not enough, but you are. For allowing me to realise again how much I do need you. Help me God, to see you evident in my life, and build in me an every day awareness and dependence on you. Help me today to rely on you not myself.
Thank you for your kindness, forgiveness and presence. Thank you that your love never runs out, and that you want to share not just this life with me but eternity.
You are so good, and I Love you.
Amen

[Chris Tomlin - Lord I Need You - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE)

sinfulness of unbelief

*12*Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. *13*But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. *14*For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 
Hebrews 3:12–14.

Are you walking free from sin? Or are you getting tangled up in it?

These verses tell us that the root of the deceitfulness of sin is because of, ‘an evil, unbelieving heart’. It makes sense that sinfulness and disbelief go hand-in-hand - Evil stems from unbelief. Think of it this way - someone who has never believed in God has no knowledge of Him, so they go about their life and get up to all sorts of wrongdoing, yet they do not have a sense that it isn’t right because they have no experience or knowledge of anything different - their unbelief has led to sin. This gradually infects the heart, causes it to be hardened and increase in evil, all because of unbelief.

So it follows then that those who DO have belief should be free from sin. This is true in the fact that Jesus has died in order to wipe away our sins when we turn to him and turn our hearts away from wrong, but you and I know, that we still get it wrong. we still fall for temptation and sin. So, what do the verses above mean for us? Well, if you are a believer in Christ, and you continue to wilfully sin, do you realise that you are choosing to, ‘fall away from the living God’? If you purposefully sin then you are wilfully separating yourself from God. I hope that causes you to pay attention! It is scary, but it is true. When you purposefully do what you know is not right, you are turning away from God in unbelief and falling away from Him - have you ever considered it like that before?

If you are convincing yourself that your wrongdoing is actually not that bad, that everyone does it anyway, that it is not hurting anyone else, then aren’t you just making excuses and trying to downplay sin? This is the ‘deceitfulness of sin’ and the ‘unbelieving heart’ will make excuses and allowances where none should be made. If your belief in God is not strong, then nor will your tolerance for temptation be.

As we can see, sin is not an isolated problem, nor even the root problem itself, unbelief is.

Somewhere along the line your vision of who God is has waned. At some point your trust and security in Jesus has dwindled, and you have allowed your own ideas and temptation to win instead. That is why these verses encourage us to keep our 'original confidence'.
Do you remember the heart-leaping times with God where your spirit is overwhelmed by His love? when you smile just because you are alive and God is with you? Do you remember those times that Jesus felt closer than your brother?
If you have lost that sensation, that assurance and confidence in who God is, then be aware that unbelief can sneak in and steal your heart. You can start to look about for other ways to satisfy. Sin seeps in when belief dips. Maybe you feel let down by God so your trust in Him has dwindled, or maybe things have felt a bit flat recently. I am here to tell you God hasn't changed. He is still the same God that mets your needs, hears your prayers and died for you on the cross. He is still the same God who gave up his majesty, strength and rights to give you a place in his kingdom. He is still the same God who created your innermost being, who has planned your life with purpose and walks with you in it - have you lost sight of Him? Do you consider that God is in your life everyday?

Keeping a focus on who God is squashes unbelief. Doing things that increase your faith like; speaking with Godly people, spending time in prayer and Bible study- these things will increase your belief and will give you power to fight sin.

Are you ready to do that?

It is not too late to deal with you wrongdoing.
Today is a new day, and can be a new step forward for you to escape sin. Jesus has made it possible for you to live a life free from 'the deceitfulness of sin', and stay connected with God. Are you choosing to live that life?

I exhort you to recognise your share in Christ, recapture your confidence in who He is and denounce afresh the deceitfulness of sin. Jesus has paid the price. He has freed you. Is your belief big enough to walk in that freedom?

Take Care

‘Take care, brothers’ 
(Hebrews 3:12)

Are you taking care of yourself?

Are you purposefully looking after, not just the state of your body, but also that of your mind, heart and soul? We can get focused on being healthy meaning to make sure our body is in good condition, but our wellbeing is much more than that. Are you actively looking after yourself, and guarding against what can make you unhealthy?

Are you ensuring your mind is healthy by checking your thoughts? Are you mindful of the media you are exposing yourself to, and are you taking your stray thoughts captive when they descend into chaos, depression or depravity?

What about your heart health?
Do you allow emotions to dictate your actions? Are you giving time to things that give you peace and contentment, or is your heart filled with pain and frustration?

Then, how about your soul?
How is your standing before God right now?
Are you forgiving as Christ forgives?
Are you free from sin?
Are you making an effort with your relationship with God and other believers?

Hebrews 3:12 instructs us to ‘take care,’ so, are you taking good care of yourself as a brother or sister in Christ?  Today, take time to check the healthiness of your heart, mind and soul. Ask God to reveal what it is you need to start or stop doing, then be brave and the change. It may be difficult, but the end result will be a healthier state of wellbeing for yourself, a renewed reassurance of your standing with God, and an uplifted spirit.

What is God telling you today?

What is God telling you today?
Are you positioning yourself to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying?

*7*Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
*8* do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness’

Hebrews 3:7–8.

Are you hearing God speak to you? If not, why not?
Are you positioning yourself to listen?

With children, we instruct them to; to stop, look and be still to show they are listening, do you do the same to listen to God?

When you pray do you give time for God to answer, or are you already onto the next topic? Do you rest a while when you’re reading the Bible to see what the verses mean to you? Do you have christian friends that speak into your life? Do you listen to preaching? These are all ways God can speak to you, and there are more, so are you allowing yourself to hear the words of God? And are you taking what He says seriously?

When you do hear His voice, ‘do not harden your hearts’ - Obey the word, follow the teaching, take onboard what you know God is saying, let it influence your life. The warning at the end of these few verses in Hebrews, is that those who rebel, ‘shall not enter my rest.’ (V11) You don’t want to be one of those, surely?!

God is speaking to you, but it is easy to miss it if you are not listening. Today, why not position yourself to listen, you may be surprised what He says to you, or what He gives you in return.

What is God telling you today?

why are you worried?

As we sit in our own houses pondering life and isolation, what are your innermost thoughts?

Do you come up with a seemingly endless stream of ‘to do’ jobs around the home? Are you concerned with getting enough food to eat? Do you worry if your job is one that is going to be lost or furloughed? Are you slipping into cabin fever, feeling the most lonely you’ve ever felt? Or are you worried about your own health and that of those you love?
All of these are legitimate concerns. Most of us have had similar thoughts cross our minds.
Across the world we are all facing the same crisis, but how are you managing?
Do these concerns consume your mind or are you making peace with your situation?

I love walking, and last week as I wandered along I was considering the reality of the impact the corona virus is and will have on life as we know it. It’s a series of unknowns and a sequence of worries that run through my mind. How will we manage as a family being at home with only one outing a day? How will my kids futures be effected with reduced social interaction and educational access?
As I walked along pondering these things, I  took in the environment around me; the warm morning sunshine, bright blue sky, chasing chaffinches and lovely little lambs, the beauty of the red breasted robin and bouncing bunnies, spring-time blossom swaying in the breeze -  what a beautiful world we live in! Being around nature brought a smile to my face and I felt peaceful and grateful - what a wonderful world this is!

As I pondered these beautiful things, I realised that my worries vanished, as I began to consider the natural world I realised that none of the birds or bunnies are fussed about this virus, none of them even know what is occurring across the world. They are not consumed with the corona crisis that we are facing, in fact they are quite oblivious to it. These creatures are just living their simple life; playing, eating, resting, totally unaware of the concerns of our human minds.

So, it made me question myself - why am I concerned? Why am I distracted and allowing worry to enter my mind?
Throughout all the wars, plagues and disasters that have occurred, the birds still sing, the bunnies still bounce and the lambs still bleat. They live and appreciate their existence each day at a time. Maybe this is a time for us as humans to take lesson from the world around us.
Consider the birds, look at the lambs, and like them appreciate each day, whatever it may bring. Allow yourself to consider nature and the simple pleasures and necessities of life. Rediscover the daily joys, take your time, be present for others, take a glance at nature and see things from a new perspective.
Why not take this time as an opportunity to reflect on your life. What are the daily delights you have? Are you able to eat, rest, sleep? If so, then why worry about anything else?

‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?’ Matthew 6:26

servant or son?

At the beginning of Hebrews 3 we see a great comparison of two great men of faith - Moses and Jesus.

The writer shows that both of these highly thought of religious figures were faithful in the house of God.
They were both obedient and faithful. Both are worthy of glory, they are honoured and revered by others. They both conversed with God and had a significant relationship with Him. They both have been essential in building up the household of God through their service and unending faith in God. They both knew who they were, their roles and responsibilities and they recognised the privilege they had in the household. Both Moses and Jesus were all in.

With so much similarity - what actually differentiates these two men?

One is a servant, the other a son. 

Moses knew who he was, he knew he was a servant, and he accepted the role and lived it well. He enjoyed the benefits of the household but realised the limits of his capacity. He served whole-heartedly and enjoyed a close confidential relationship with the master.
Moses was a great precursor to Jesus. He showed as best he could, how to be a part of the household of God. He was faithful and worthy, a honoured member of God’s house, but no matter how great and magnificent a servant he was, he could never own the house or gain the recognition a son does. Moses earned his position through faithful service, obedience and bravery. A servant earns their recognition and authority through acts of service whereas a son is born with it.

The son of God, Jesus, is not only born with authority, but he carries the very DNA of God and shares the same characteristics. The son carries the essence of the father inherently. As the son of the master, he is born to govern and serve and so carries a different authority and standing in the household than a servant.

However this in no way diminishes the role of the servant. A faithful servant is still a revered, loved and trusted servant. It is just that the role and responsibility of a servant and a son differ. Moses could in no way attain the glory of son-hood. Yet, those who trust and believe in Jesus can.

If you know Jesus is the son of God, and you place your life in his hands, as he placed his own life into the hands of the human race, and you know that he died as an innocent man with the weight of your sin on his shoulders, then rose again to prove that he truly is God, and he truly can absolve you of every nasty thing you’ve ever done - if you believe in all of that, then you have the blessed privilege of being in God’s household, not as a servant, but a son.

Are you living in the knowledge that you are no longer a servant but a son?
Do you take seriously the responsibility you have for God's household?
Are you accessing the privilege of access and relationship you are entitled to?

consider Jesus

‘Consider Jesus’….

This is what Hebrews 3:1 says we should do, so, do you?

Do you consider Jesus?
This means to direct your mind towards him. Ponder  him. Think and evaluate the person of Jesus.

What comes into your mind when you do consider him?

Take a few moments today to think about him.

Now, consider Jesus in terms of your life.
What decisions or actions would he be making if he had your life today?

Considering Jesus isn’t just about thinking about the incredible God-man that he is, but about the influence and impact that should have on us daily.

At the moment the world is a pretty scary and uncertain place. But Jesus isn’t. Jesus brings life and hope, he is not scary or uncertain. Are you living with that assurance? Are you demonstrating that hope to those around you? Are you showing through your life that you consider Jesus?

I encourage you today, to consider who Jesus is. Then consider how would he be working out your life? Are there some changes that need to be made? Is there some way you can reach out and be Jesus to someone today?

suffering temptation

‘For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted’
Hebrews 2:18.

Do you often consider that Jesus suffered?
Do you know that eventhough Jesus did not sin, he still underwent the same temptations as us?
The only time we really consider Jesus suffering is when he entered the last days of his Earthly life as he was; beaten, betrayed and crucified.
Yet, if Jesus was a regular human being, don’t you think he suffered in his daily life, like you? Isn’t there more suffering involved in life than death?

The verse above indicates that Jesus underwent the same everyday challenges and temptations that we do. Jesus had a normal human life. He experienced the life of a frustrated toddler, an inquisitive infant, and the terrifying teens! He knows the temptations of each of these stages of life. Jesus was an average Jewish boy, who lived with his parents, in a community, who learnt, played, worked and grew. He had to handle the same difficulties with people and self-control that we do. Jesus had to grow up in this world too. He had to deal with the emotions, hormones, peer pressure, frustrations and misunderstandngs that this life involves. The normal growing up process applied to Jesus. He had similar thoughts and persuasions to do the wrong thing. Jesus also had to overcome the battle in his mind as we do. The temptation to be selfish, popular and fulfilled existed for Jesus too. He was a normal human being. Therefore he had to deal with all the trials, testosterone, and temptations that brings!

This should give us comfort and hope.

Jesus does truly understand our troubles. He knows the power of the devil, who comes along uninvited and often in our weakest moments, to tempt us to sin or forget who we really are. Jesus knows the very real battle we have within ourselves to do what we want verses what God wants. He knows the persuasion to get up to things when no-one is looking or could ever find out. He battled temptation too - the verse above tells us that. Jesus suffered temptation. It was not easy for him either, he struggled with it just like we do. Jesus understands the very real internal war we have each day for:

‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’.
Hebrews 4:15

Jesus can understand and come alongside us in our temptation and troubles because he has gone through the same mental battles, yet, he fought temptation and he was victorious every time. Jesus lived the everyday fight for purity, he battled against his own desires and the torments of the devil just like we do, and he won. He knows what it’s like. He understands the mental anguish, heart-felt prayers, battle of the heart and mind to do what is right. He suffered the agony of denying self to accept God. That’s why we can trust him to help us out.

We don’t have to be embarrassed by our troubles, no matter how secret we have kept them. Jesus knows the torture of the tempted mind. He has lived it too, and he has overcome, so we can trust him with our troubles, our fraught mental processes and anguished hearts. We can know that we have a brother who can lead us out because he lived free from the sin that we can so easily entangle ourselves in. Jesus can relate because he engaged in the same battle ‘in every respect’. He knows the reality of the human temptation. He knows the level of mental strife. He knows the power and pull of temptation. That is why we can confidently approach him with it all. Jesus acknowledges our suffering, he has also lived it and he has a story of victory to share. Today you can, ‘receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ because Jesus has been there. He can sympathise and give you the power to change. The question is - do you want to?

I am not small. You are big

When you’re a child, everything is big.
You know you’re small and weak, you rely on the big people to help you, guide you and keep you safe. The big people are good at it, and so good at so many things that some of these big people become your heroes. They are bigger and better than you, they can run faster, they are stronger, less afraid and more clever. You look up to these giants because you see great capability, skills and fun in them. They can achieve far more than you and you are in wonder. You learn to trust these big people because it is not hard to see that they are more capable and stronger than you, and you love spending time with them. You ask them all sorts of questions and depend on them for real answers. You enjoy their company, their time and make use of the fact that they are greater than you. You can see there is yet much more to learn and experience, and you often want to grow up to be like one of your heroes.

As adults, one of the big people, we smile at the young's admiration and inquisitiveness, we regard it as sweet and cute, but isn't it much more than that really? Is it no wonder that Jesus tells the little children to come to him?! Can you imagine their reception of him? They’d love his stories, they’d be clambering all over him, wanting to follow him and play with him, copy him and ask all sorts of questions, and Jesus encouraged it.
Jesus wanted children around him. There's something more profound in the loving acceptance and enjoyment of children. They recognise things in people that are worth looking up to, they are grateful for the small things, they give everyone a chance and see good in people. These children were captivated by Jesus, they wanted to hang around with him, listen to him and he wowed them! He made time for them and they flocked to him. Is t no wonder Jesus wanted to spend time with the kids?! The children clearly saw something in Jesus that was worth looking up to. They could appreciate Jesus’ significance, their reception of him and perception of who he is was accurate. He is someone worth looking up to, he is captivating and fun to be around. He was a big person. Not just bigger in size, but he capable of so much more, and the children were filled with wonder. They were aware of their smallness, but not afraid to clamber towards someone who's so much bigger.

So, what happens as we grow up? When do we stop feeling small?

I guess it’s when we get older, we get more experience, we see things that once seemed huge and now they are not as big and scary. We lose a sense of wonder and appreciation of the things around us, let alone of God. We find less to appreciate and captivate us about others and we get too busy to concern ourselves with stories and games.
Our vision of who we are increases as we gain more skills and opportunities, we gain a greater awareness of our own capabilities as we now become the big people. We see ourselves as more able and less reliant. We know we are no longer small and maybe joke about our childhood fancies and foolishness. We have grown up. But is that such a good thing? Yes, we have gained responsibilities and abilities and we are no longer small. Sadly, that means our perspective of who we are changes as well as our recognition of others and God. The big things lose their significance with us too. The God who seemed awe-inspiring and wonderful, magnificent and magical wanes in our vision.Our perception of things changes as we grow and that includes our perception of who God is.

We can lose some of the sense of awe, significance and greatness of God. We no longer rely on him for the small things that we are now capable of achieving, but do we really rely on him for much now we are bigger?

Is it no wonder we are told to come to God like children? They have an accurate sense of their own smallness in relation to God, they are enthralled with whatever is bigger, stronger and more capable than them - that doesn’t have to change as we ‘grow up’.

I like this image, because I think this is how we should see ourselves as adults. We are no longer small, but instead of realising how big we are now, God is still enormous! No matter how much we grow, how 'unsmall' we feel, God will always remain big. It is time to recapture some of that childhood wonder. It is time to reflect on the enormity of the God you know. It's time to reflect;
Is your God big?
Is He bigger than your circumstances? Your life?
Is He so big that he captivates your attention?

Maybe you are no longer small, but do you realise that God is still big?!

Is Jesus your brother?

Reading Hebrews 2, there are many indications that Christ-followers are considered family to God, siblings even to Jesus. Have you ever truly contemplated this fact?

We can take it for granted that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, but have you ever truly appreciated your role as a brother or sister TO Christ? Being siblings to one another is one thing and brings a sense of community, belonging and equality. We can easily understand and accept being family to one another as we have all experienced some kind of family in our lives. Being a sibling to Jesus, on the other hand - that’s kind of different, surely that breeds a sense of honour, respect and responsibility? It’s a level up to having a regular brother isn’t it?! Knowing that our brother is in fact the creator of the world, a perfect man and a loving, obedient son.
It makes me realise that I should be living with a different incentive, with a different sense of responsibility and respect for myself, others and God. If I take the fact that Jesus is my brother seriously, then I will consider his thoughts and feelings, his desires and expectations as well as my own. I don’t want him seeing my grumpiness when I’m tired, my late-night eating habits or moody rants at work. I don’t want him to have cause to feel sad, to feel disappointed in me. I am not saying he would, or that he would cause me guilt, but doesn’t being in the presence of someone greater than you inspire you to be greater? How much so then should the fact that we are elevated to the position of sharing the same father and family as Jesus?

Hebrews tells us Jesus is, ‘not ashamed to call them (us) brothers’ (v11), so no matter our faults and mistakes, Jesus doesn’t condemn us, he is not ashamed of us!
Yet are you living ashamed that Jesus is your brother?
I ask this as a challenge - is your life demonstrating that you are proud of your family heritage through Jesus or ashamed?
Do you acknowledge Christ in your daily life? Do you admit your relationship with Jesus, hide it or deny it? If you are wanting Jesus as your brother and saviour, then shouldn’t you be acting like it?! Jesus himself says that those who deny him now will be denied by him later (Matthew 10:33), are you willing to take that risk? Does your everyday life match up to your faith? Are you acknowledging Jesus as your brother in the way you live?

The good news folks is that although we should live aware and concerned about our faith, there is no need to be perfect. There is unfailing love and forgiveness freely available for us, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to overcome the things we know are issues for us. Nothing is too difficult for us, we shouldn’t excuse ourselves by accepting our sin or downplaying the strength of temptation. Jesus didn’t. Yes, I know Jesus was perfect, but, ‘he himself has suffered when tempted’ therefore, ‘he is able to help those who are being tempted.’ This is because, Jesus was, ‘made like his brothers in every respect’.
Jesus was just like you and me in his human flesh. He faced the same struggles with people, the world and himself. He battled temptation, he struggled to avoid sin. He sometimes desired his own way rather than God’s way. He struggled with conformity and individuality, he had to contend with the constraints of culture. Jesus suffered and was tempted. He knows what it’s like. Jesus gets it. He understands the overwhelming nature of temptation, the power and pull of self-preservation and self-satisfaction. He knows the expectations others have on us, the reality of peer pressure and the desire to be accepted and live the ‘normal’ life. Jesus understands the internal conflict and mental anguish we go through because he’s experienced it. He is like us, ‘in every respect’. Jesus knew the pain of rejection and persecution, the struggle of sin, the temptation for more, the desire to protect himself, the yearning to have a happy, healthy long life. Jesus was tempted to compromise like we are. Yet….. Yet, he chose to overcome all of the temptation, sin and compromise. He chose not his own life as paramount, but the will of his Father. He chose not what was best or easiest for him, but that which gave his brothers and sisters hope. Jesus, the son of God, our beloved brother, chose the path of obedience and purity. Jesus chose the path that we sometimes wander from. Jesus chose the way that God desired, and the way that led to our life, but to his own torture and death. This is our brother.

Jesus, our brother, knows pain and suffering. He knows the realities of being human. Jesus - completely human, but also completely God. He shares the same, ‘flesh and blood’ as us. He has the same Father, and is unashamed of us; his brothers and sisters.

We are living in such a privileged position, are you even aware of it? Are you allowing the truth of who you are to Jesus impact your life? Is your life reflecting the reality of who your brother and Father are?


‘He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source’.

how shall we escape?

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard,  lest we drift away from it. *2*For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 *how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?* * It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, *4*while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. 

Hebrews 2:1–4

Bearing in mind all we have read before, all we have discovered about Jesus, all we have be shown by angels and God, all that is written in the Old Testament and all that prophets have muttered, bearing all that in mind, surely we should, ‘pay much closer attention’ To what? You may ask -
Based on the evidence, we should focus our attention and not neglect the great salvation given to us.
That is what this author is showing us. If God has put so much effort into making Jesus known, since the beginning of time, then surely he is someone worth knowing about and the key message that he brings is the revelation of salvation.

Since the beginning of time it has been made clear -  considering the angels proclamations, prophets messages, disciples experiences, sacred writings, and God’s owns declarations  - who Jesus is.
Each individual source is reliable and trustworthy in it’s own right, so how about all of these accounts put together?! It is an undeniable truth that Jesus lived, that He is God and that he died then three days later rose again. There are documented accounts, witness reports - These things are established truths. Real experiences reported and evidenced by signs and wonders, testimonies as well as the fulfilment of prophecy and the occasional angelic visitation.
How then can we not believe?!
Sources that collaborate over centuries have all led to the same conclusion, different people, different eras - one message - Jesus is the son of God who brings salvation.

You have no excuse to not recognise the truth of who Jesus is. So, what are you doing about it?

We can be in danger, as the writer points out, of neglecting such a great salvation. We become accustomed with the privilege of salvation, take it for granted, so much so that it doesn’t really have an impact on our everyday lives. This great and marvellous privilege that has taken centuries to fulfil has lost the gravity of importance in our lives.

Are you complacent about the reality of your salvation?
Do you need reminding again of the significance of all Jesus is and all he did in order for the life you have?
Are you living aware of your salvation or do you keep it tucked away from others so much so that even you are not even sure about it’s influence?

This great salvation was bought at a hefty price. One that none of us would be able or willing to pay, but Jesus did.  This great salvation means that we no longer have to be enslaved to sin or fear, this salvation means that we can know an eternal relationship, discover our true identity and have security for our future was well as help and comfort in our present. It means we can walk tall, knowing we are loved and forgiven, wanted and never alone. This great salvation has even greater purpose than his temporal Earth can offer - but are you neglecting it?

We can get blinded and distracted but all the Earth offers - the people in it, the weather, the work that is required, and the problems we see in it. Life can and does get in the way of our faith, but shouldn’t it be the other way around?!

We will have no excuses available on that great and powerful day when we meet Jesus face to face - what will you or I be able to say then?

 ‘how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

what is real?

From the previous verses we have established the superiority of Christ. He is the creator of all things, powerful and majestic, the ‘exact imprint’ of God, worshipped by angels. After we have established these facts, we now encounter the everlasting nature of Jesus;

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
*11* they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
*12* like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”

 Hebrews 1:10–12.

What do you notice as you read the verses above?

Does reading this give you comfort or make you a little scared?

Both reactions are understandable as there are two guarantees in these verses - that the world will end and Jesus will outlast it.
Be honest with yourself - which do you notice first?

Considering your response to these promises shows something about your natural mindset. If you see the world ending as a predominant theme then you are probably someone who is quite aware of life’s risks, concerns and disappointments. This awareness can correspond to feeling fearful and worried about the future.

Take comfort in the verses that follow. If you have faith in God, if you know Jesus is the one who; made, sustains and finishes it all, then surely strength and hope will follow.

Jesus is in charge.  He always has been, he currently is, and he always will be. Concentrating on this and the truth of who Jesus is builds trust in him for our lives now as well as for the future. Jesus is clearly shown as being everlasting in these verses. So, for us, if we are tempted to despair at the thought of the world ending, considering Jesus and his part in it all must surely bring hope. Focussing on the eternal God rather than the temporal Earth will inspire and breed confidence in not whet we can; see, hear and touch, but in the one who made all of these physical things.

We have been indoctrinated from birth to believe in the validity and security of this world. To trust in all that is around us that we can acknowledge with our senses. But all of these things we can experience are created entities. They are all part of the world, and as lovely and string as they are, they all have a beginning and an end. The things we have trust in are temporal things that are going to perish. The world that we walk upon, that we trust to be there as we wake up each day will cease to exist, all that we know, see and understand will one day be gone. What will we have to believe in then? What will be left?

These verses cause me to question the strength of my own faith. They challenge me to consider the strength of my trust in God. Is my faith in God greater than my trust in the world around me? It is hard to judge, we are so used to worldly things, we are accustomed and expectant that everything we see and know will still be present tomorrow, but what if it’s not?

What if the reality of the world isn’t as real and assured as we have been indoctrinated, from a young age, to believe?

This ‘real’ world is destined for destruction, why should we trust it?  If the ‘real’ world is so fragile and temporal, why do we waste time and effort trusting in it’s solidity? If it’s strength and solidity are transient, why should we trust in all that it offers?
This world is going die, it is clear, we can see it in the news, look out our windows and see the decline, yet we still hold onto it. Yet, isn’t it like clinging onto a sinking ship? If we hold onto something that is perishing - what hope is there for us?

What worldly practices or assurances are you holding onto? Do you have the confidence and faith to hand them over? Do you have a faith and trust in Jesus that is greater than all you know and experience?

Are you trusting more in this world than in the promises of the eternal one?

Jesus is more

Just in case we need further proof that Jesus is higher than even the heavenly beings, we come across these verses at the beginning of Hebrews;

When he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 
“Let all God’s angels worship him.” 
*7*Of the angels he says, 
“He makes his angels winds, 
and his ministers a flame of fire.” 
*8*But of the Son he says, 
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever”
Hebrews 1:6–8.

Here we have a comparison of Jesus, God’s son (the ‘exact imprint’ of God) and the angels. This passage clearly shows us that angels, like us, are created beings. They were made by the God the Father and Jesus the son.

It can seem strange to consider angels, they seem like far-away beings, maybe more fitted for a fairy tale rather than the book of truth. Yet we do hear stories about them, either from the Bible or people’s experiences. We often end up in awe as we comprehend the encounters people have meeting these holy, heavenly messengers of God. When we hear of such meetings, they fill us with wonder.

Can you imagine meeting an angel? It would be incredible!
Gideon met one, Daniel knew they were fighting for him, Elishah saw an army of them, Mary spoke with one and Joseph saw one in his dreams. These accounts have lasted thousands of years. These stories amaze us, as they retell supernatural experiences that influenced everyday human lives. These accounts have inspired and amazed countless generations. However, angelic encounters are not just historical events. People today also have the privilege of meeting them. We can read stories or watch videos of people retelling their experiences and when they do, we end up in awe. These stories build our faith and help to open our eyes to the supernatural dimension.

How amazing it must be to encounter an angel - a heavenly being from the presence of God stepping down into our world - can you imagine?!

Verse 14 of Hebrews 1 tells us that angels are, ‘all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation’. Don’t you think that, too, is amazing? All angels are tasked with supporting those who are on the path to salvation. That’s right, angels are around to support, encourage and minister to us! Angels exist because we do.

Sometimes, rarely, a mere human being has the opportunity to see one of these heavenly messengers. These stories inspire us and instil hope, joy and faith into hearts. I have heard different stories, read different accounts, as I am sure you have, and I am grateful, inspired and maybe a little jealous — how cool would it be to meet an angel?! I mean, a powerful, heavenly being being sent to Earth with a message for you, or a job to protect you, warn you, help you, fight for you - how awesome would that be?! How incredible to meet a creature from heaven!

Do you realise we live, each one of us, with the reality that we can encounter a heavenly being? Not as a once in a lifetime opportunity, but we have the opportunity to  connect with heaven each moment of our lives.
Angels do inspire much awe, wonder, hope, joy and faith - how much more should the one who created them?

We have the opportunity each and every day, each and every hour, even each minute to connect with someone even greater than the angels. One whom even the angels worship (v6)! Should we not be over-awed by that? By the fact that, we may not be able to connect with an angel today, but we can connect with Jesus!

I think we have become accustomed to the fact that Jesus was a man and walked around like you and I. He lived on this Earth like us, was born like us. We have lost something of the awe and wonder of who Jesus is. We take for granted that he is approachable and relatable. We have lost something in overemphasising his humanity above his divinity.
Jesus is not just fully human, but fully God. As much as we admire and are in awe of angels, shouldn’t that instil in us a greater wonder and awe of the one who invented them?! An inventor is always greater than his invention. Let alone the fact that Jesus is the one whom angels worship!

As inspiring and hope-building angels are, and stories about them can be - Jesus is more.
As powerful and holy angels are - Jesus is more.
As mighty and awesome angels are - Jesus is more.

Today, remember who Jesus is. He is more than all you see and experience. He is greater than the greatest man. He is greater than the most powerful angel. He is God!