Be strong and courageous

When I think of Joshua, I think of this phrase, 'be strong and courageous'. God instructs him many times to be strong and courageous. Sometimes we need to hear something more than once. In the end, Joshua gets it, and he instructs the people the same, 'be strong and courageous'.

God doesn't tell Joshua that he IS strong or courageous, but, 'BE strong and courageous'. It recalls to my mind the phrase, 'fake it til you make it'.

Sometimes you've got to walk in something, put on an act of having certain characteristics, til, after enough practice, you become like that. Joshua had plenty of opportunities to act brave and courageous. He had to lead an entire nation after their leader had died. Not only did he have to lead them, but he had to take them somewhere they'd never been, and had to lead them in battles with people they'd never met. No wonder God instructed him to be strong and courageous! Joshua had no idea what he was walking into, but God did! 

Each time God tells Moses to, 'be strong and courageous', (Joshua chapter 1) the phrases are part of a sentence. They are not stand alone. Firstly God promises, 'as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.'

God's instruction to Joshua comes attached with a promise. A promise that as Joshua acts strong and courageous, God will be with him. There is a depth of companionship and loyalty that only God can and will give. Whatever you are called to, 'be strong and courageous' in, God will be with you, always.

Secondly, God advises, 'being careful to do according to all the law'. Success can be conditional to obedience. If you obey in strength and courage, and follow God's advice, it will go well. It will still be a battle, but you will move forward., you will be taking ground. 

The reason to be strong and courageous, and obedient is emphasised in the third occurrence, 'Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'

God is with you. Not in a scary, 'big brother is watching you' kind of way, but because He cares for you, and wants to support you in what you're doing and where your going. He knows this life is tough and full of battles, so He will be with you in them. 

The command, 'be strong and courageous' is not a suggestion, it's an instruction. Sometimes in life you've gotta ride the storm, do what is out of your comfort zone and head into battle. That's when we need to be strong and courageous. 

Being strong makes me think that it's being clear and firm with what your values are. What is it you're representing and what's the purpose of the conflict/battle/situation you're in? Make sure you're certain and do cannot waver. God is with you, make sure what you stand for is in obedience to Him. 

Courageous is acting it out. Even when opposition comes, when you're tired, bruised and broken, courageously continue to fight for those values that you hold dear. Don't let yourself be weakened because it's hard, or it looks like you're failing. Be strong and courageous. 

If you know God is leading you, you will enter the promised land. It won't then all be easy, because once you're there, there will still be things to overcome, but you know you're going in the right direction. 

Shining behind a cloud

I saw this cloud today, and I thought how beautiful. 

I can see the rays of bright sunshine streaming around the edges, so much so that some of the edges even seem to be glowing with brightness. 

Then I noticed that this isn't just one cloud, but it appears to be made up of layers. Each layer a different shade.

As I thought - this is beautiful, I realised that the cloud shows me the rays of glorious sunshine that I wouldn't be able to see otherwise. It helps me appreciate the individual rays of the sun. They are all the sun's light, but different aspects to it. I don't think we can appreciate the full brightness and beauty of the sun unless it is hidden from us sometimes. It's only then that we can focus on the individual aspects that we see. 

The cloud is not there forever, it will move on, but the sun will continue to shine no matter what. 

This then correlated in my mind to us and God. 

There are times in our lives when we will be hidden behind a cloud. As christians, we are told that God's light is within us, we have, 'the light of life' (John 8:12). This is what is seen by those around us in times of darkness and trouble.

There may be a cloud of; debt, illness, work problems, relational issues, or a whole host of other 'layers' that prevent us fully shining out. But people can still see the rays of light. The beams of hope that emanate from your life. It may be your perseverance, your peace, contentment or other characteristics that shine out to others around you. 

Even though you see that you are behind a cloud, you can see these layers of darkness swarming around you, you are still projecting light. In fact some of your light seems brighter BECAUSE of the surrounding darkness. There are aspects of your character that are appreciated more fully by those around you because of the circumstances you are in. 

The darkness can seem overwhelming, like your trying to trudge through treacle. But it cannot overcome. The light is still visible, and in fact it is more identifiable because to see the complete light of the sun - who can look directly at it? It's blinding, it's too bright. 

Sometimes we need to go through periods of darkness so that others can see the beauty of the light within us. 

There are rays of hope emanating from these difficult circumstances that we cannot see when we are in them, but others around us can see. The darkness will pass, the light will continue to shine. The darkness can be deep, threatening and scary, but it will not win! 

John 1:5

'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it'!

A Psalm for every season

No matter how you are feeling, you should read this Psalm. If you're happy, sad, confused, worthy or worthless, or anything else, take the time to read this.

Psalm 103:

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

The LORD is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.

For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children,

to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the LORD, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

Bless the LORD, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

Bless the LORD, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

God:

Forgives

Heals

Redeems = compensates for the faults, and gains possession of through payment

Crowns us

Is steadfast

Shows mercy

Satisfies

Renews

Is righteous

Just

Can be known

Acts

Is gracious 

Is SLOW to anger - people think God is angry, but actually he's VERY patient! 

Loving

Doesn't always looking to punish

Doesn't do payback - he doesn't treat us as we deserve because of what we've done wrong

Removes our sins

Loves with a love which cannot be measured

Is a Father

Is compassionate 

Knows us

Understands our fragility

Remembers

Is everlasting

Is righteous

Is established

Is king - and he rules right now

Wow! And that's just from one Psalm! 

God is these things and more, many more. If we have a God like this on our side, what can really get to us? 

We need to be looking in the right place for satisfaction in life. If we know God is all of the above, then we should be living different to others who don't understand it. 

This Psalm actually inspired Matt Redman to write a song, '10,000 reasons'. The reason he wrote it? "If you wake up one morning and you cannot think of a reason to bring God some kind of offering of thanks or praise, then you can be sure there's something wrong at your end of the pipeline, and not his. We live beneath an unceasing flow of goodness, kindness, greatness, and holiness, and every day we're given reason after reason why Jesus is so completely and utterly worthy of our highest and best devotion."

So, today, live like you knew this stuff to be true. 

Give God your best - He's given and is giving you His!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

The true vine, and the true branches

John 15: 1-6

I Am the True Vine

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 

Whatever you do in Christian life, you're going to have bits chopped lopped off!

If you don't produce 'fruit' then you are removed from the 'true vine', that is Jesus. Your relationship with him is severed. It sounds pretty harsh, but for anyone who does gardening- you do the same. If something isn't producing fruit as it should, it gets removed. Why? To encourage the healthy growth of the rest of it. 

If you do produce fruit, you are pruned. You're cut back, which will hurt. It'll take time to repair, but long-term you will be stronger and more productive.

So it's worth considering; are you going to be pruned or lopped off? 

There's a lot of mention here about fruit and abiding so, what is the fruit we are meant to be producing? And what are we abiding in? 

'Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit'. 

Here it tells us we are to abide - live, dwell, take up permanent residence - in Jesus. How then are we meant to live in a person? It's more than living with someone. If you live someone, you are still a separate person, but to live IN someone, you are within one person. If you are a Christian, that is what you have chosen.  Your life is not your own. Yours and Jesus lives are intimately linked. You have chosen a permanent residence in Christ. 

That's a huge challenge. 

Everyday, it's not me/you that's walking around doing what we do, it's Jesus. How then, are we representing him? 

If he is me and I am him, then who others see is a reflection of Jesus within me - I'd better watch out how I live! 

The result in choosing to live for Jesus, in dwelling with him, is fruit. This fruit is a product of that intimate relationship, the dwelling within one another. So, what is it that living with Christ produces? What is the fruit? 

Well, one thing it must be, if we are going with this vine imagery is a deeper dependence on God. A branch becomes stronger when it's well fed/connected with the vine, without restriction. The fruit will then bear the characteristics of what it is fed by. So, what may be a better question is what fruit did Jesus bear? If we are connected with him, growing through him and living in him, then we will be bearing the same type of fruit as he did. 

Jesus depicted God's love throughout his time on Earth, so this MUST be demonstrated by those who follow him. 

This love though is not a warm cosy feeling, 'ooohh I love that person, they are so nice' it's not that. Jesus teaches of love that is demonstrated. It is not a feeling, and it is not easy. It is about putting others first. Even if it hurts. Do we choose to put others first? Do we show people we care when it's inconvenient? When we are; tired? Hungry? Lonely? Lacking finance? Sad? Busy?

A few challenges this week:

>are you being pruned or lopped off?

>how are you representing Jesus?

>do you love people even when it hurts?

V8 - By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Be like Peter

John 13: 36-38

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. 

I like Peter.

Peter is not afraid to ask. He's not afraid to say what he thinks. Even to God. 

I think that maybe that's why he was one of the disciples. Maybe he was chosen as one of the twelve because he's outspoken, bold and he'd have a go. He was keen and he was devoted to Jesus. 

Peter is quite direct. We see that in scripture time and again. Although we often see it when Peter has not quite got it right, but then we know how the story goes. We have the benefit of hindsight. I think, if we were in the same situation as Peter, we would of probably had the same thoughts as he did (although we may not of expressed them), and we'd of probably made the same mistakes. 

Peter made mistakes like we do. He often 'put his foot in it', or got the wrong end of the stick, but he kept going. He was determined to follow Jesus. 

Peter is the one who sinks when Jesus is walking on the water, Jesus even says to him once, "get behind me satan". Yet, is Peter put off? No! He keeps following Jesus! Eventhough he is well aware that he's messed up. He doesn't hide in shame, run away or give up. 

Peter keeps following Jesus. 

He is committed, and he knows that his mistakes do not prevent him from having a relationship with Jesus. 

This is the same for you and I, our mistakes do not prevent us from having a relationship with Jesus. We can keep going, keep following like Peter did. Without being constantly surrounded by fear or shame. We can think, 'oops, got that wrong, ok let's keep going'. 

Jesus chose Peter to be his disciple, and he knew what he was like. 

Jesus never asked him to leave when Peter made mistakes. Jesus pointed out Peter's errors but didn't banish or punish him. 

Jesus is the same with us. 

The best place for us to learn is at Jesus side. He will point out when we've got it wrong, but that shouldn't estrange us from him, in fact it should deepen our relationship. We are permitted to be as bold and daring as Peter, we are allowed to get out of the boat at times, and we are allowed to be direct in telling our thoughts to God. He doesn't mind, he will hear us. Maybe he'll correct us, but isn't that what we do in close relationships?

Peter was one of Jesus' closest friends, and he was allowed to speak his mind and mess up - so there's hope for all of us! 

So, let's get out there; be bold, have a go, speak your mind to God!

Psalm 3:

Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

O LORD, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul,

there is no salvation for him in God. 

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy hill. 

I lay down and slept;

I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

who have set themselves against me all around.

Many will of heard of King David, God's chosen King. He won battles, ruled the kingdom, and was referred to by God as, 'a man after my own heart' . 

So his life should be sweet right?

Well, it was, sometimes. 

David still made some mistakes, and he still came up against challenges. 

This psalm is written whilst David is running away from his kingdom, and his son. 

Why? Because his son wants the throne. David doesn't want to battle his son, but he still wants to be king. So, he flees. King David runs away. 

Then he starts to hear these mutterings, 'many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.'

Who said these things? 

My guess is that it's the people that are around him. How else would he hear these things? He's run away from his kingdom and his enemies. So presumably the ones who ran away with him, his companions, warriors, those who know David, are probably the ones saying these things. That's pretty hard, he's already in fear of his own life, then he starts hearing people saying, not only is his life, but his soul is in danger! 

Sometimes, it's the people that are closest to us that seem to hurt is the most. 

I know that when those closest to me say negative things about; me,

my actions, or character, it hurts the most. It's not nice when anyone says horrible things, but the pain is intensified when it's those we love and value. It's easy for those accusations and words to echo around our heads and remind us of the pain and our worthlessness. Sending us into a spiral of self-pity, regret and worthlessness. 

People's words can have a profound effect on us.

I am amazed by David's response. 

When hurtful words are said I replay them in my mind, relive the offence and feel bad either about myself, the other person or both! 

What does David do? 

David states who God is! 

Amazing! In the midst of the emotional and physical upheaval he is going through, David does not focus on the words spoken about him, but focuses on who God is. 

He reminds himself that God is, 'a shield about me', 'my glory' 'and the lifter of my head'. Wow! 

God is:

# a shield about me - a shield is a defensive and an offensive weapon, it protects us from what's coming at us, and can shove things out of the way. It is a weapon of war. God fiercely protects and fights for us. He doesn't stand still when we are being berated, he's there, he's ready, and he's battling for us. 

# my glory - my; splendour, magnificence, greatness, beauty, grandeur. 

God is what is good about us! There may be some truth about what others say about us, but if God is in you, then He is your 'glory' He is what is great, beautiful and even magnificent in you! Wow!

# the lifter of my head - if people are putting us down, there is no need for us to keep our heads down. Trouble is, with your head down you can't see where we are going.

We are not defined by the words or thoughts of others. We are children of the most high God. No matter what anyone else; thinks, says or does, this is who we are. You want proof? Start reading the Bible to discover who God is, and who He says you are. 

So, the next time you either:

A) have the opportunity to put someone down or say something that may hurt someone else - think twice - is it true? Is it necessary? would you say it in front of God?

B) hear someone speaking ill of yourself, remind yourself; who God is, who you are and lift up your head! 

Jesus - divine or human?

We know that Jesus is known as the son of God, we are probably used to this way of defining who Jesus is. He clearly demonstrates that he is God's son when we read the Bible; we see Jesus doing the right things, saying the right things and caring about people above and beyond what we do. 

Do we see Jesus as human too? 

We know he came in human form; he looked, talked and walked like us, but internally is he the same? As well as being known as the Son of God, Jesus is also referred to as 'the son of man'. It's important that we recognise Jesus as both, because if he is entirely God then he's somewhat out of reach- no wonder he's a goody-two-shoes! We are not as perfect, so, as people we could just dismiss the idea of who Jesus is because he can't help being perfect, he's God, therefore unreachable, and incomprehensible. If he is human, entirely, then we can relate to and understand something of who Jesus is.

So, how can we see Jesus' humanity when his divinity is so clearly displayed?

Well, in the Bible there are a few great passages that show the emotion of Jesus, he had thoughts, temptations and fears like the rest of us. He even had to do things he didn't want to do - did you know that?

I've been looking just at the following few verses which I think depict the humanity of Jesus. There are more, but today I'm focussing on these:

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” 

John 12:27-28

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Mark 14:34

Both of the verses relate to Jesus speaking about his coming death. The first verses in John, were just after Jesus triumphant arrival at Jerusalem, complete with palm leaves and a donkey. The second, form Mark, was the night Jesus called his close disciples to pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane, just before he was arrested.

"Now is my soul troubled."

Jesus felt; anxiety, agitation and terror at what was to come. He realised the pain would be mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. There was great degradation dying in this way, the torture was going to be horrendous. His disciples who he'd lived for the last few years would disown and abandon him- in the moment he would need them most. Jesus knew what was coming, but he didn't know what it'd actually be like -he'd not experienced it before. The coming time was the most terrifying and painful time of his life, and it would end his life. No wonder he was troubled! 

Doesn't this show the humanity of Jesus? When we know we are facing something new, difficult, horrendous or painful don't we also feel 'troubled'? 

Jesus does understand what that is like. He is human too. 

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Have you ever felt, "crushed with grief"? The overwhelming heartache and pain that makes you feel like you can't go on? Jesus has felt that same pain. Being crushed makes me think of being forcefully squashed. Unable to function as yourself, being forced into a situation that you can't get out of, but having to bear it. Not destroyed, but feeling close to it. 

Jesus grieved, did you know that? I think most people have experienced what that is like for themselves, the aching, screaming pain of loss. "to the point of death" feeling so distraught, so much pain, that it might as well all be over. Did Jesus feel that depth of sorrow, of grief and distress that he'd rather die than go through it? 

The recognition that Jesus also suffered as intense emotional distress as you and me should help us to understand that he too is human. He too pleaded with God for certain things to happen (or not). He felt misery, loneliness, and intense physical pain. Just like we all do. Jesus is human inside and out.

Jesus' divinity doesn't subdue his humanity.

Jesus' humanity exhibits his divinity.