Pray for a way

  

The following section of scripture in Daniel is about the dream that the King Nebuchadnezzar had. (Daniel 2:1-16).

The king was so disturbed by this dream that he couldn’t quite remember and couldn’t quite forget, that he ordered all sorts of 'wise' people to reveal both the dream and the interpretation. He called; astronomers, astrologers, enchanters -  all those who were considered wise in society. They were called upon to help understand the dream, and reveal the dream, but none could. 

Therefore, in his sleep-deprived, disturbed and aggravated state, Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of the wise men to be slaughtered. Even those who hadn’t been called upon and knew nothing of the situation. 

The first Daniel hears about it is when he is rounded up as one of the wise men to be murdered. Understandably, he asks what is going on. He then, confidently, approaches the king and asks for some time. He lets the king even set the time at which he wants Daniel to appear before him so that he can reveal the dream. That amazes me - the confidence and boldness! The confidence Daniel has that through God, he can do this impossible thing. Even though it has NEVER been done before! Plus the confidence to go in and ask a ruthless king - whom has just ordered his death - for more time! Don’t we all need a bit of that confidence and boldness in our lives?! 

The confidence and boldness of Daniel does not stem from pride, arrogance or self-esteem, it’s roots are in God. Daniel knows God can do something, and he trusts that God will. In reality, Daniel is a dead man walking anyway, so he might as well have a go at solving this thing, and he knows just the thing to do next...

    ...He goes home and prays with his friends. There are no; tearful goodbyes, thoughts of running away,  weeping or wailing. The friends get together, in their home and pray. All of their lives are at risk and they go to the only one who can offer solace or solution in this situation.

Such a simple solution really isn’t it?! 

These young men didn’t do anything else, they got together and they prayed. committing the whole situation to God, there may have been a bit of ranting, crying, confusion, but they didn't get together to have a moan - they got together and prayed. They recognised that coming to God is the only way there will be a solution. They sought God for a way out. They knew the only way that this situation could be transformed was by seeking God for favour, for help, and for their lives. 

In times of trouble, what do you do? 

What is your first response?

When you face impossible situations do you call upon your friends to pray?

Sometimes the only way an issue can change is by God intervening. Next time you face something significant, will you come confidently and boldly to God? Will you call your friends to pray with you in your trials knowing that God can do anything... even things that have never been done before?

As we read on in Daniel, we see that their prayers are answered, they receive the revelation of the dream and it’s meaning - wahoo! Do you notice that their first response again, is to pray?

These young men are a great example of dependence on God. In their desperation and deliverance, they pray. They acknowledge that this life is too hard to do it all by themselves, so they place their entire hope and future was in God’s hands. They celebrate and commiserate in community with one another with God at the centre of it all. is it any wonder that we still read their life story today?!

So, how are you going to handle the next situation that throws you off kilter? 

When you're facing a trial that seems too big for you, it probably is, so who are those you can call upon to pray with you through it and who will celebrate with you at the end of it? 

Courage in adversity

 

I am intrigued by the young lads that we meet in the first few chapters of Daniel. We meet them as teenage captives, and hear snippets of their experiences as they have become embedded in the court of the Babylonian king. First off we meet them as captive trainees, then see them as graduates from the enforced leadership program, and we watch as they develop into young men entering the kings court as his servants - all in the first couple of chapters!

One of the things I am struck by as I read about Daniel and his friends, is their courage. They, as teenage boys have been through so much, but they seem to know what is worth standing up for. Reading through these passages  it is easy to forget that they are captive Jewish boys. Yet we see boldness in them which is produced by the faith they have in God.

We first see this displayed when Daniel asks the chief of the eunuchs (who is responsible for the captive trainees welfare) if he can be excused from eating the king’s food - He, a captive boy, approaches the chief to make a request, don’t you think that’s a bit cheeky, even presumptuous? 

Then, even when the request is denied, Daniel doesn’t give up. Instead,  he rethinks, reprocesses and tries again. This time he has the courage to ask the steward for he and his friends to have a vegetable only diet for 10 days.  That took courage, he must have been disappointed and a bit scared by the chief’s response, but he did not give up. He continued to pursue his request because he so desired to honour God. This overtook the fear and worry he must have felt. I admire him for standing up in the first place, let alone trying a second time. He did not give up. Sometimes we can, can’t we. Sometimes when we have built ourselves up to do something that terrifies us, and then it doesn’t work out, who then thinks, ‘well, I tried it, didn’t work, I’m done’?! Some of us do. Daniel didn’t. He built himself up again, and thoughtfully considered another way to achieve what he needed.

I have had to conquer fear a lot in my life. Growing up I was know as a ‘worry wart’ and i was told ‘you worry about worrying’. Maybe that’s why I admire Daniel, Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah so much, because they do not hide away from the scary stuff, but they confront the problems and trust that something will happen and that God will help them. I could not imagine myself as a young teenager standing up to any authority, especially not any cruel institution like the Babylonians. 

This isn’t the only instance that we see these four young men show courage either. 

When the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, is outraged with some of the ‘wise’ advisers in his kingdom, (the; enchanters, astrologers, astronomers) he directs his captain to slaughter all of them. This includes the Jewish young men; Daniel, Mishael, Azaraih and Hananiah.  The first they know about it, is that the captain comes along to get Daniel to kill him.  

Daniel responds quickly and bravely. He asks the chief of the kings guard  what is going on and why is it so important that the order is completed right away? He doesn’t stop there either - he is even brave enough to ask to go straight into the king and ask for more time!

Don’t you think that’s a bit outrageous?! Daniel is handed a death sentence and asks to see the king first and to ask for an extension of time! Daniel does not just accept the order, he challenges it.  He stands up and speaks out. How brave is that?! When others would have been terrified and confused about what is happening, Daniel is gifted with courage and wisdom in his response. As a result of his courage to ask and put himself forward, he saved the lives of himself and his friends as they trusted in God to solve the problem. 

These examples may seem extreme. Many of us are not captives or threatened with murder, but that does not mean that we cannot learn from the faith of these lads. Surely we can learn a lot. None of us are likely to experience the trials they faced, and yet, how many times have you or I given into fear rather than stand up for what we know is right, even if it could cost us? 

We could pay the cost of losing favour, losing friends, even losing a job. These young men could have lost their lives. But, as Jesus says, ‘Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.’ (Luke 17:33). 

Daniel, Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah did not value their own lives more that following God. They were prepared to lose their lives in order to continue honouring him. Another great example of this is when they were headed to the fiery furnace; 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. *17*If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[] from Your Majesty’s hand. *18*But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-20

These men were more concerned about worshipping their God than anything else, that is evident, even when they had no clue about what was going to happen. They all stood up and stood out when others didn’t. They displayed great courage because they knew their God was greater than their circumstances. They didn’t know what was coming or how these situations would pan out, but they stepped out anyway. 

Are you willing and prepared to step out in faith, boldly standing up for what you know is right in the face of adversity? Is there some area that you can begin trusting God in where you need courage? Ask God to help you, and trust that He will. 

Tough Times

So, I have just begun to read and consider the book of Daniel, so far we have met; Daniel, Hanahaih, Mishael and Azariah; teenage lads who have been exiled from Israel and are now enrolled into an enforced leadership program in the Babylonian empire. They are specially selected Jewish boys of royal/noble birth, good looking and intelligent. They are also young lads that we discover have an unshakeable faith in God. Even though these young men have been snatched away from their country and thrown into a different context and culture, they still seek to honour God. They have kept the Law and lived their lives acknowledging, following and serving Him all whilst in captivity. For three years, these teenage boys, along with others, have been indoctrinated into Babylonian culture and affairs, and are likely about 17 years old as we read verse 17;

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 

Clearly these 'youths' stand out from the others around them, other young teenage lads, also in exile, also in the same program. Yet Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael and Azariah are beginning to be recognised as different, as those of 'learning and skill'. They are different and it is not for being extremely religious or as nerds, but they become known for the favour God has on them. They stand out for the understanding and knowledge they have that is not at the same level as the others. In fact, this is the summary of the end os their training when they are met and assessed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar;

 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

Daniel 1:18-20

What a commendation!

They are assessed by the Babylonian king and his eunuchs and no-one matches up to these four, faithful Jewish boys. As a result they 'stood before the king', instead of being the captive interns, they became the kings servants! What a promotion, and they certainly deserved it, they were 10 times better than anyone else, above all the other advisers and those of insight - these lads were better than them all! 

Yet, who do they acknowledge for their abilities? 'God gave them....' these young men do not attribute their success or promotion to their own capabilites, hard work or loyalty, they attribute it all to God. They recognise that they would not be the best, have the skills they do or the understanding they are gifted with without God. God is what makes them stand out, and they know it. They acknowledge that their progress is because of God's favour upon them. 

Isn't that something?!

How many times have you or I commended ourselves, privately or in front of others, because we have achieved something? How often do you or i acknowledge that it is not in our own strength that we have what we do, that we are capable of what we are? 

Is it any wonder that God chose to favour these young men? They had faithfully followed Him when others hadn't, they had been obedient to God, and submissive to the authority in charge. For 3 long years they had been immersed in intense inculturation into the Babylonian culture and expectations, for 3 years they restricted their diet and committed themselves to continue to honour and serve God above all else. Can you imagine the ridicule they must have endured from their captors as well as their fellow captives? The hardship, the restrictions, the challenges would have been enough to make anyone feel fed up and potentially give up their faith, yet these Jewish boys kept going together. 

I hope that inspires you. Especially if you're having a hard time right now, or you have had a hard time to keep hold of faith over the past; weeks, months or years. During the tough times, have you got a tough faith? Do you remain faithful and loyal to God, or do you get lax or even give up? If so, get yourself some faith-filled friends, and trust them to uphold you in life and in prayer like these lads did. They had a ton of challenges and hardships as exiles. 

How do you respond when life gets difficult? Where do you turn? What can you learn from Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah?

Are you Living?

Some people believe that to be living means; breathing, heart pumping, brain working or even being able to love and be loved, to have an income, or pursue a particular lifestyle and have fun. But is that all that living is about?

How about looking at this from the perspective of someone who believes in God and has chosen to be a disciple of Jesus - what does living mean then?

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Matthew 10:39

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Romans 6:8

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:12-13

What do all of these verses from the Bible tell us ?............That in order to live, we must die.

What does that look like?

This does not mean to physically die, although we will all do that one day, (and so you need to be prepared for that). It does lead us to think about baptism - the physical demonstration of your life dying as you believe and put your life in the hands of Jesus. That is part of it. But, this sense of living by dying is surely more than that one act. It is a lifestyle. If you have been baptised, that is a great commitment to God, but this dying to self is worked out over a lifetime, it is not just a one-off event. That's where it starts. When you are baptised you put to death yourself and choose to live for Christ as a result, it is not like the next version of yourself, the new improved version of you - No! You have died and chosen for Christ to live in you through the Holy Spirit. This involves a whole lifetime of putting Jesus in the driving seat of your life. It means dying to the things you want and expect and what others expect of you.

Being alive in faith is about living sacrificially not selfishly. 

That looks like how you handle the big and the small things in life; 

How you speak to people, how you respond at work, the job you have, how you raise your family, spend your money, look after your body and  the possessions you have. 

To lose your life most likely means making radical decisions that the rest of society look at and think you’re bonkers! It means considering God above everything else and putting what He wants for you above what you want for yourself. I don’t speak as someone without experience here. 

There was a time in my life when I gave up the best job I ever had. Not because I wanted to, because I really didn’t, but because God asked me to. I was really upset, disappointed and reluctant to do it. I loved that job, I was successful, had a good rapport with all my colleagues, was making a real difference to the lives of young people, and God invited me to give it up to focus on family. Some people may jump at that chance, but for me it was a really difficult thing. Family at the time was so hard. I went to work for relief and to feel like I had a positive impact somewhere at least because home was, I don’t even know how to describe it, but it was emotionally, physically and mentally draining. It was were I put in my best effort but I felt like I was being dragged through the mill really. 

So, being handed this choice between work and family, between where I felt successful and a failure, it was a heart-wrenching decision. It was not easy. Dying to yourself never is is it? Being sacrificial isn’t - it’s dying a bit inside. Yet, what do you do?

You have probably guessed it already, but I did give up the job. It was not easy. It did not transform our family immediately, but it was life-changing. I didn’t particularly like it, but I did do as God asked. 

Do I regret it? No. 

I have never regretted being obedient to God, but I have regretted the times when I haven’t been. 

There are times when I have felt God prompt me to do something, maybe talk to or pray for someone and I have bottled it because I was embarrassed and fearful - those are the times I regret. Each time I have walked away feeling sad that I have missed out and that person has also missed out on potentially meeting a God who loves them. I have never once regretted talking-to or offering to pray for someone when God has prompted me to, even if they didn’t seem to respond at the time. 

God does not want us to live in fear, but it was for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians 5). God wants us to REALLY live. He doesn’t want us to feel like we have missed out (like I do when I don’t do what I know I should), he wants us to live free from that worry and shame. He wants us to have LIFE!

In every one of the gospels, Jesus is quoted as saying that he who wants to save his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for Jesus' sake will find it.

Do you want  to find your life? 

It means that you must start living life sacrificially not selfishly by putting Jesus on the throne of your life, not yourself or anyone else. The promise is, if you are willing to give up your life and put it in God's hands, you  will find life in all it’s fullness. It will not be easy - it is a sacrifice after all! But our life will be greater, it will be freer and you will really learn to live. 

So, do you really want to live? 

If so, how does that look for you right now? 

Maybe God is inviting you to trust Him is some way. It could be that you take the first steps in acknowledging that there is a God after all that really cares about it. It could be that God is challenging in a different way; to look at your finances, job, family, leisure time, possessions or relationship. Whatever it is, are you going to take God up on His challenge? 

Are you ready to live?

Simple, everyday decisions

Today, we are staring to explore the book of Daniel. This book follows Daniel from a young man at the beginning of the book (that is named after him), and sees him grow up in exile. He starts off when we meet him as a captive of the conquering nation, Babylon. The Babylonians had fought against Jerusalem and won, so they ransacked the city and captured the people. Daniel and his friends were amongst those wrenched from their homeland. 

The book of Daniel introduces the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, and explains that he decided that he wanted some of those captured to be educated in their ways. So they set about choosing the right kind of people. They didn’t just choose to educate a random selection of people, but carefully selected the best of the best as they wanted to produce good, capable leaders. So they had set criteria; young men, attractive, noble/royal heritage, intelligent, capable. The Babylonians carefully selected those that would already have been looked up to by the captured Israelites, those of royal/noble birth who would have some understanding of what having leadership and influence was like. Yet young enough to mould and develop (likely young teens) into the kind of leaders they desired in their kingdom. These select few were then educated for 3 years in the ways of the Babylonian empire. This ensured that they would have capable leaders amongst the conquered nations that can instruct, guide and rule. It was a smart, long-term strategy to control and envelop the conquered nations into the growing Babylonian empire in order to develop one mighty culture and nation. 

Daniel and his friends;  Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were amongst the new recruits, the carefully selected teenage boys of 'good stock' that are inducted into the Babylonian leadership program. They weren't the only ones, but they are the young men that this book of Daniel focusses on. Once chosen it seems that these lads were treated pretty well - they were given somewhere to live, educated and even had the same food as the king! Doesn't sound too bad for an exile does it?!

The thing is though, that right from this early stage of this new life that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah encounter, they start to stand up for what they believe and they stand out from the other potential leaders. There would have been other youths from Israel in involved in this setting, but it is only them that make a bit of a radical decision. As Jewish boys, they clearly knew the expectations of the faith they had, and they wanted to follow it. When offered the king's food, they decline and instead request to eat just vegetables and drink only water. These are teenage boys remember…teenage boys choosing a vegetable only diet! That's a bot odd, don't you think? Yet they knew the Law, they knew that God had said to not eat certain things, so they were obedient and faithful. Whilst others maybe didn't even think of it, or were perhaps too scared to speak out to their captors on this issue, Daniel and his friends made a decision to keep themselves pure and made it simple for those who were in charge of them, they asked for just vegetables. They didn’t do it for fun or as an experiment, they probably felt like they were missing out at times when others were enjoying a tasty bit of meat, but they had a firm grasp of the Jewish faith and it's requirements. They chose to honour God in the simple matter of what they ate. The others just went along with what was going on, who did not think about denying themselves the king’s food - I mean, who would when you’re offered the very same things as the king?! The other young noble Israelite lads just went with what came.

Are you in danger of doing the same?

Just keep going, keep your head down and don’t make a scene. That’s what the other teenage boys did, and they are barely mentioned. However, as we go through the book of Daniel, we will see more of the adventures of faith Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah go through. It is by no means easy, but it all starts here with the simple, everyday decision of what to eat. 

What simple, everyday decisions are you facing today and can you honour God in them?  

Come, let us build

I have started reading through Nehemiah, and it really struck me anew that there really was a marvellous mix of people that worked together to build up the city wall of Jerusalem. 

The city had been destroyed by battles; the walls burnt and broken, and the pieces left to lie in ruins for years. It was a war-torn, abandoned city. Once the pride and joy of its inhabitants, now it was a place with a few stragglers left or a few returning Jews released from exile amidst a pile of rubble.

Then Nehemiah turned up. Before that though he was in a totally different city, serving a foreign king as a cupbearer. Yet he had a heart for Jerusalem. He was heartbroken by the state of the city of God that had been reported to him. This city, Jerusalem, was the home of his ancestors, the place where the temple of God had been, where festivals had been held by the gatherings of God’s people, now a place of desolation. 

So, he prayed. After all, what could he do? He himself was an exile, and a servant of the king. He prayed. Then God gave him the opportunity to return to Jerusalem, so he took it and went to see what was going on and what he could do.

After prayer and secretly checking out the condition of the city, Nehemiah rallied the people together and became the instigator for the vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah told the people what he felt God directing him to do - rebuild and repair the the city wall, he then extended the invite to everyone, ‘Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem’. Nehemiah knew it was a big task, but that didn't deter him, instead he asked others to join in and help. It wasn’t a mandate, or a law; it was an invitation, an inspired call to action. Nehemiah told the people what he had seen, what he felt and asked them to be a part of it. Many responded. Many did not. 

The overall corporate voice seems to have been, ‘Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work’. Amazing response! People were willing. They hadn't quite seen things the way they were, or what they could do, until they were inspired and gathered by Nehemiah. Then they wanted tog et involved to make whatever difference they could. That's how a great marvellous mix of people came together to build.

The first mentioned in Nehemiah was the High Priest - the top religious man of the time, along with his family. It seems like they set the precedent; they set aside their robes and status and began the work of builders. This religious family took up Nehemiah’s call to do the dirty, hard lifting work, and they toiled til they had completed and consecrated their section. Many others did the same; men and women from different areas, tribes, vocations and ages. They all did their bit. There were; leaders, goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, levites, priests, servants and merchants all involved, yet not one mention of a carpenter or builder, isn’t that interesting? You don’t have to be a skilled expert to faithfully do what God has called you to do, you just need to be willing. This story in Nehemiah proves it.

This people were compelled and committed to realising the vision Nehemiah cast to rebuild the city. They heard the call, and signed up to the task. Not an easy one either, they had to work really hard, ‘from the break of dawn until the stars came out’. This was no half-hearted effort, it was all consuming, difficult, labouring. There would have been times when they were; tired, fed up, worn out, grumpy, aching and scared, but they were not put off. They knew the call was to build, and each person dedicated their time, effort and energy to the reconstruction of that city wall. They didn’t focus on the everyday inconvenience, discomfort or danger, but on the promise of a fulfilled mission, the commitment of a people working together to complete a work of God. The city wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt by families and individuals working diligently. Everyone did what they could despite the hard work, late hours and threats. They strengthened one another and look what they achieved - The city wall was built in 52 days! That is impressive! A people willingly working together to build God's kingdom can do incredible things.

So, how can we apply this to our lives? Consider these questions:

What is it that your church is rallying people to build where you live? 

Where is the gap in the wall that you can faithfully build? 

God is calling you, asking you if you would join in the reconstruction work that is going on where you are, ‘Come, let us build'. He invites you to join in, are you going to take up the call, or be like those that didn't? because there is an alternative response to this call. Looking back at the verses in Nehemiah 3, there are those that did not rally, that did not get involved. They were notable in their absence, ’their nobles would not stoop to serve the Lord’. I think that is very sad, don't you? There were, and there are, those that profess to be God’s people, but they won’t get stuck in. When it comes down to the nitty gritty, there are people that will opt out of the hard work of building because it is difficult and inconvenient and maybe because they feel inadequate. Are you one of those? 

If so, look at what you’re missing out on. As we read the book of Nehemiah it is not always fun, in fact it is hard and it will challenge and stretch you, plus you will probably get outside influences and distractions trying to halt you. Yet those that respond to the call to build are part of something bigger than themselves. They see the miracle of completion, the joy of relationship and protection. They see answers to prayer and enemies defeated, they see how God has had a massive hand in their lives and achievements. They see themselves and where they live transformed. So, really, are you willing to miss out on that? 

Today, you have a chance to respond to the call of God to build. 

Are you going to be like the faithful men and women that responded, who could quite rightly have said, “I’m not a builder, I am a perfumer/priest/servant/etc……. What can I do?” Yet they didn’t. They did not regard their experience level, skill or status as a hindrance, instead their response was a willing, ‘Let us rise up and build’!

With the little or the much you have, are you willing to see what God will do with it and how He will use you to build His kingdom? It won't be easy, it will challenge you and stretch you, but will you obey the call?

It could be that God is inviting you to help an existing team, join a prayer initiative, serve refreshments, be part of a community service team, or maybe even start building a part of the wall that hasn't even been started yet, a new initiative that will build the kingdom of God where you are.

If you're not sure what to do, then ask God - He will show you, probably several times if you're anything like me! God has invited me, many times, to do things I have been ill equipped to do. Like; join the welcome team when I was too shy to speak to anyone (I would be the quiet one hiding in the corner or putting away the chairs to avoid conversation), or be part of the prayer team when I never prayed aloud, then to start a Sunday morning youth work when there were no young people in the church at the time. I was weak, incapable and unskilled in all of these things, but I was willing.  And do you know what?! I grew and changed, learnt new skills and abilities and I have seen God do great things. I am not the same person I was, because my attitude was like those willing builders Nehemiah inspired.

Regardless of capacity, status or skill, are you willing to ask God what it is He wants you to build? 

‘Let us rise up and build’? 

Can you make space for God in your life?

 Whilst we were gathered as church this week, we were worshipping God, and appreciating the fact that we are children of God and that He has prepared room for us in His kingdom, even in His house. I was struck by a thought; As well as feeling incredibly grateful that God, the Almighty would consider me part of His family, and would even go as far as planning and preparing a place for me in His home, I was also inspired by the idea that this goes both ways. 

If God has prepared a place for me and welcomed me into His family, then do I do the same? Do I make space for God in my life? Do you?

If you or I are really serious about following God, does it show? 

If we are really honest with ourselves , do we make room for God at; home, work, school, the local high street? 

If we REALLY believe that Jesus is who he says he is, and that God is who Jesus shows Him to be, then it has to be more than a decision or mindset. As we recognise we are His children, this should effect how we go about our daily lives. If God is our Father, surely it is our responsibility and even duty to make room for Him in our lives just as he does for us.

The question is, how do we practically do that?

I think it is in the everyday routines and moments that we can make space for God and cause Him to be known or hidden. 

Here are some questions and thoughts i have been considering; 

• Does your daily routine take into account that you have a relationship with God? 

Being a wife, Mum and dog owner I have to keep in mind these relationships in my everyday life as I am responsible for how healthy these relationships are. The decisions I make, the time I spend doing things and the wants and needs of those I live with have to feature in my everyday life otherwise family will suffer. Same goes for having a relationship with God. If I am His child, do I spend time with Him? Or even consider Him as I make decisions, as I work or rest? Do I bother to read the Bible or take time pray and consider what God might want from me? Is there space for God in my routine or do I just spend a bit of time thinking about Him when I have the time, or when I am not too tired? (Because let’s be honest, we can all be too busy and tired at times). Is God a priority in life? If not, should He be? Is there something that can change in the everyday that can mean the relationship with Him is prioritised? 

Jesus made a point of seeking out God whilst he walked the Earth, he set aside time for Him, and we see how clamoured he was by people at times. Yet he showed us the importance of prioritising a relationship with God.

• How about the communications we have with people? 

It is not all about what we do or don’t do in life, but also how we communicate with others. I know I am pretty rubbish at email, I don’t really like email and can probably come across a bit short or cross because I am trying to get it over and done with quick. Yet, if I consider God, I would be making more effort and taking a bit more consideration in how things are put across. This goes the same for any way that we communicate whether it is verbally, physically or in writing.

Proverbs 15: 28;

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words

• How do you connect with other believers? 

Hebrews 10: 24 - 25

Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, 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.

Here we are instructed to look out for one another and meet together. Do you intentionally connect with other believers to encourage and share what God is doing in your life, to learn more, to pray? It is not just about turning up at an event like it is some kind of attendance mark, but about being meaningfully engaged in a community of believers. It doesn’t mean we all have to preach or lead, or pray out loud, but do you consider how you might help the running of an event, or how to support or encourage someone else? Sometimes it is the washing or cleaning up, or a kind word that makes a difference to someone else. You are a child of God, and as well as having a lot to learn, you also have a lot to give as you have His character within you. God wants to use you to encourage others, He wants us all not to just turn up, but to be connected and participating in His family, not just one day a week but everyday. It inspires me that the disciples in Acts were in and out of each others homes and meeting together daily! What a community that must have been! Do you make space for other believers in your everyday? We are so privileged that we have technology that can connect us in an instant to other people; do you make use of it? We can send a text, ring someone or even knock on their door. Do you make the effort to keep in touch? This is what making space for God in your life can look like. 

God wants us to intentionally make time and space for each other, and sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to (just like in a family!) but that’s ok. Our time on this Earth, amongst other believers, is our practice ground for when we enter into the place God has prepared a place for us. Making space for God in our lives often has to include other people!

So, is there anything you need to change to make space for God in your life?

I know I need to consider how my evenings are spent. It is not that I do anything bad at those times, or am particularly lazy or sucked into the TV for hours, but I notice that it is a time that I can usually get to do something. It is a point in the day that I could make some space for God. Probably not every night, but I know I can set aside some time during the week of an evening. So, what should I do? Well here are a few ideas that will likely work for me; spending an hour or so reading a faith-based book, praying for my town/family/others; meeting up with and encouraging other faith-filled friends. Not an outrageous awe-inspiring list perhaps, but a practical way that I can implement a bit more space for God in my life. 

Is there some way that you could make space in your life for God, just as He has made space in His life for you?