Songs I Like – Send One Your Love

I’ve never been an incurable romantic, I was brought up to find those things kind of soppy and mushy and yucky and that kind of business – brought up properly!

Yet as I got into the music of Stevie Wonder and as I engaged in the thing of … feelings (wow, I have those?) I gave some room to allow some fanciful flights of fantasy into a world where perhaps the love shared between a man and a woman went beyond making me dinner and letting me snore in bed. (Told you I wasn’t an incurable romantic)

Now Mr. Wonder has written many love songs, a lot of which deal with the negative side of relationships – splits, heartaches, affairs that kind of thing. He’s real with most of his music which makes it all kosher with me. It’s not all bad though and with this particular track he pens a beautiful tune just applauding the concept of a man and a woman being in that romantic kind of love. The one that allows people to just be free to express in a considerate and open fashion how much they cherish the loved one.

Lyrically it’s not profound, but it is enriching and engaging in its simplicity. It’s vocally and musically that this particular song soars into the stratosphere with the right environment made by the aaahh-ing backing vocals and the tender use of all the other instruments to create something just right for those candle-lit occasions. (Not that I’d ever know about those, the last time I thought of lighting a candle I nearly brought the house down … nope hold on, I nearly brought the house down with my amazing humour, that’s it!)

Don’t get me wrong, obviously in relationships there’s a whole heap more to love than sending a dozen roses with a flower from your heart. At the end of the day, though, we’re not expecting a song to give a comprehensive breakdown on the complexities of relationships, especially in under 4 minutes. This song is beautiful in rendering the qualities of an aspect of love that reminds particularly those who can sneer at this kind of thing (i.e. me) that there is a time to really tell her and show her you love her in that soppy, mushy, yucky kind of way.

It’s well worth listening to it – and you can do so as you check the video out with this link. You can find it on the Original Musiquarium album or the Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants album - either way, enjoy!

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Happy 1st Anniversary!!!

I still remember reading Charlie’s blog this time last year and using that as a spur to start my own one. I recall at the time I really wanted to make the most of the writing gig that I enjoy and the concept of a blog appealed to me. Since making that decision and putting up my first entry last year, like my life, this blog has had its ups and downs, ebbs and flows, mountains and valleys, highs and lows. Through it all I really enjoy the experience. I’ve seen others who are more diligent in putting in regular daily entries like Tim Challies one, which I think is brilliant. I’ve also seen those who just have a better writing style to mine like Charlie’s one. Despite that I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of this blog as a whole. I joke with some of the people I work with here that it’s a boring blue blog, but looking back on some of the entries it’s clear that it’s not all that boring.

I may not have been too personally revelatory, but that’s not a bad thing in this case. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to put on here stuff that ranges from football and Stevie Wonder to Sabbath and Daily Thoughts. I enjoyed it and I still enjoy it. I hope to be able to raise the bar in the quality of output that’s released on this blog and I want to get more creative in conveying the issues and ideas in my head. Who’s to say that soon I’ll be posting up video-blogs as well as text, though that maybe a way down the line it’s something to look forward to. One thing is for sure, having this blog has really brought alive my passion for writing and I am grateful for that. Indeed lately, along with some other developments, my whole literary approach to life has been stimulated so that I’m reading voraciously more that I’ve done before and enjoying actually engaging with the Bible as something that’s to be read properly and then to seek understanding on it.

So a year on and I’d like to think a year wiser and definitely more knowledgeable about what can be done through this medium. Should the Lord spare my life and abilities I’d love to develop this further for His Name’s Sake. Hopefully I should be rustling up a year in review for the end of 2006 and actually get the Friend of the Year award set and done way before March 2007 – as opposed to when I eventually got it done this year. I’m still busy and there are still issues to be resolved, but I’m in a better position of life now than I’ve been for a long time and for that I give God much thanks. Here’s to more good blogging!

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

What's Update

So when I’m not being a spiritual development worker, how am I? Well if anything I’m very busy. Busy in my head, busy at work, busy at church and busy at home. I guess that’s how I’d love it to be, but being busy has to have its precautions. So it got to a point where I was feeling really exhausted and not having enough time to commit to the quality things in life. That’s why I’m looking forward to some time off to reappraise what my commitments are and where I should channel my energies in the time to come. I’m going to meetings as part of my job that get me excited about stuff that I could do and stuff that church could be doing and how God is definitely working through some awesome stuff. I just want to stay alive and well to witness them and play the part – and only the part – that He’s assigned for me.

The daughters are doing well, Deborah is progressing so very well she’s got mannerisms and attitudes that make me pray all the more. Abigail is making noises suggesting she’s got something to say that makes me even more – just consider friends, Abigail, Deborah and Authrine – women on a mission with a lot to say and muggins in the middle of all that. You can see why I pray. Things are safe with the wife at the time of writing. I’m reading a lot more as well, which is great! I’ve paid off the library fine (oh you didn’t know?) and so I’ve got a license to borrow again and have used it to trundle through a fair number of books, the reviews of which I hope to be slapping up on the blog in the weeks to come.

As well as this blog I’ve also helped set up another one called Among Friends which is meant to be a place for friends to post views, thoughts and opinions on issues of life and so there may well be a couple of reviews on that site as well, so click it, check it and then contribute or e-mail me to contribute if you’re interested.

I’m content with Liverpool at the moment, I am not dismayed at our record overall at the moment as I live in hope that we will improve and go from strength to strength as the season progresses with hopefully the ‘other’ side hitting slump in the fullness of time that sees their title chances goes the way of the skier – downhill. That’s what’s up with the man cd at this time! In the meantime – keep well!

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Opportunities for Grace

I was at the police station on Wednesday (about time some would suggest), I was there to wait on a friend who was being charged. The officer responsible for the friend said that the process would take an hour … roughly. Anyway, while I was waiting sometime passed the 2 hour mark someone came out looked at me and said ‘Are you still here?’ Now after waiting for so long I was in the mood to respond sarcastically, ‘No, this is a hologram version of myself occupying this seat whilst really I’m at home laughing at sad-ken-steins like you asking stupid questions.’ Yet the grace of God compelled me to meekly nod my head with a wry grin. When the person returned with me still waiting they asked the same question, thankfully again I didn’t react from the gut but from the heart.

Later on I reflected at how these testing issues are actually opportunities for grace. How often are we tempted to respond angrily or sarcastically at situations that are not working our way? Then lets consider how often we don’t do things God’s way and His response is to just shower us with more opportunities to do right. Where you and I would be judgemental, condemnatory and dismissive, our heavenly Father is encouraging, supporting and caring. So it is that there is the need to know the grace of God for our lives more and thus look to replicate it in our lives so that no matter what happens, rather than responding rashly, over-critically and harmfully we can see these times as opportunities for grace.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

On The Buses

The bus came late this morning and so whilst getting on one of the customers complained to the driver of how outrageous it was for the bus to come at that time. I reflected on this and thought which is more important the lateness of the bus or the fact that the bus arrived?

I went on to question how we’d respond to something similar happening if we had an urgent appointment and our only mode of transport was public and we made it on time to wait for the transport having given ample time to make the appointment only for the transport to turn up very late how would we respond? Would we be angry at the lateness or grateful that it arrived?

The anger, I believe, would blind us to many of the opportunities to help others – it’s amazing how people in a mood really look like they’ve got thunder-clouds over their heads and shouldn’t be approached because there’s a storm a brewing. Sure it’s hugely inconvenient and may have really bad consequences, but put things into perspective. Why was the bus late – how do you know there wasn’t something going on that delayed the traffic? How do you know that there wasn’t something going on with the driver in his/her personal life? Even if there’s nothing there, what good is being angry? Does it really lead to doing the right thing? Does it really make things any better? You may get things off your chest, but it doesn’t do anyone else any good.

The challenge as ever in the area of patience is to focus on God and His mercy on us to even provide transport for us. To even bless us with a driver to take us to the destination is something for which we should still be grateful.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Parental Respect

I don't usually post my daily thoughts on this blog because I tend to think that's cheating this blog from more original thought. However, as I read the thought that I wrote for today and because it's got to do with two of the most important people in my life, I'd thought I'd make an exception to my usual rule.

Honour your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. (Deuteronomy 5:16)

The family is the cornerstone of society – values, experiences, and worldviews are largely formed by them especially our parents. There are those that have abused this responsibility, but it doesn’t deny how important it is to honour parents, it highlights what it takes to be good ones. Valuing parents is even more important when we have children as how we value our parents helps our children know how to value us as well as others. And how we value our parents will also inform the next generation on how to value the heavenly Father. Thank God for parents.

4 His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd

The Christian and The State

As I understand the Great Commission on which the church is authorised, we’re called to go and make disciples teaching them to observe all things and we have the guaranteed presence of Jesus Christ Himself with us. That’s a commission for good news spreading and encouraging others to be a part of this. Nowhere in this and throughout the rest of the Word do I note any instructions for the establishment of a Christian state – the church is the only body that will be run on theocratic principles because it is the very bride of Christ through which His rule is revealed.

With those certainties established we’re left to ask how are we to conduct ourselves in a society that rejects the sovereignty of the Almighty and looks to accommodate all other faiths into mainstream community life. What should be the overriding aim of engagement in society? Are we to embrace multi-faith partnerships in a bid to create a ‘better’ society? Are we to seek a greater level influence on government policy and political developments on a whole? Within all this are we motivated by a Christ-honouring agenda – is it really Christ that commands us to go in these areas?

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Reflections

While I was reigning on the throne and passing judgement on that which needed to be expelled from my kingdom (IOW on the toilet) I contemplated something about the great tension of the Christian. We serve our Father in heaven and we want His will done on earth as it is in heaven. Never really hit me like that before, but that’s the reality – we want God’s reality to be evident in our reality. We want His rule to be manifest in our spheres of existence.

We want that because we don’t have it. We want it because the Light that was shed in our hearts illuminates the dark world we live in and the path to a better one that is readily accessible through relationship with God through the Son. We want it because we know our struggles and pitfalls are examples of our fallen nature. We want it because the news continues to pump out 24 hours a day the depravity of humanity in all its guises. We want it because we’re sick of divorce. We want it because we’re sick of politicians being greedy and thinking of themselves first. We want it because we’re sick of people dying in Africa due to starvation while the European Union wastes billions of pounds worth of food that could feed the continent of Africa many times over. We want it because we’re sick of the prejudice and the selfishness in this world, in our communities and in our lives. We want it because we’re sick of being sick.

We want it because such is the brilliance of His glory, such is the majesty of His rule, such is the awesomeness of His rule, such is His lovingkindness, such is His grace, such is His compassion, such is His righteousness, such is His holiness, such is His wholeness, such is the brilliance of His glory that all else including our world pales into insignificance. Yet daily we live in our world longing for His and tasting His with every moment of communion with Him and His people. We want it … we need it because we feel in our hearts by the quickening power of the Spirit that this is where we belong. This is where we always belonged – with Him, in His presence, forever praising Him – in peace, in joy, in love. When we talk about being real it’s not about paying bills, dealing with children, coping with rising costs of living or the declining moral standards of life – it’s about God’s kingdom coming – God’s will being done to see those mundane matters of our dreary lives through a new eternal perspective and actually seeing where they fit in God’s scheme of things.

Yet the tension is always evident. We can feel as Paul did that to live is Christ and to die is gain. We only live by God’s grace but we earnestly long for the day when the glorification process is complete at the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Man's Justice - God's Justice

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! (Psalm 37:1)

Last night I watched Sudden Impact (I think that’s the name of it), another part of the Dirty Harry series.

It would be understandable if there were some who did not think this film was as good as the others in the series, I can appreciate that. The film did open up however some interesting moral issues concerning the nature of justice. I guess that’s the whole point of the series to promote the right-wing version of justice that cuts through the crap … errr … I mean the unnecessary lily-livered liberal media manipulated bureaucracy and deals with situations as they deserve to be dealt with – tough justice if you will. I am concerned however with the message that it gives out which is essentially if the socially agreed constructs of justice are inadequate for whatever reason you the individual are entitled to deal with matters yourself.

So the scenario is built in a sympathetic manner. A lady tormented by a brutal gang-raping that also sent her sister into a mental vegetative state wreaks vengeance on those involved in the crime. Harry Callahan, whilst creating chaos wherever he goes, is assigned the case and becomes embroiled in a small-town situation where justice is a family affair as the chief of police’s son was also involved the scene. As it transpires most of those involved in the rape are despicable characters and thus we the audience are lead to believe they are deserving of their fate. There is one character who has endeavoured to reform his ways and become a respectable member of society, he is not spared the bullets. When it comes to killing the chief of police’s son, the lady is stopped by two things, first the fact that the son is also in a vegetative state as his guilt lead him to ram his car off the road in a bid to kill himself. Sadly the chief of police doesn’t last long as the real nasty piece of work – the final member of the gang – pops up with a few of his crew and kills the chief. Harry pops up at this point, having pieced the case together via sleeping with the lady, and saves the day with his .44 Magnum automag. When the police come to clear up the debris Harry covers the indiscretions of the woman after the offending weapon is found on the nasty piece of work.

So the point is ‘we understand why you killed those people because of your physical, emotional and mental torment by their hands, so it’s only fair at the end of the movie that you are redeemed by the man of the law’. I cannot really live with that because it still promotes a vigilante approach to justice where the legal methods mean little in as much as they serve the individual’s concept of justice. Imagine if that was worked out in society at large, order as we know it would go to pieces! People would literally be killing, maiming, manipulating, torturing and tormenting others as the whim took them if they felt an injustice had been committed. As we look at people’s attitude to the criminal justice system and the state of prisons that sentiment would be exacerbated to render the whole law and order structure irrelevant and two minutes later anarchy would rule the roost.

Alternatively if the system is to be enforced it has to be respected and submitted to even in situations where it may not appear as true justice as been done. When that happens, those without Christ have no recourse and that feeling of injustice can quickly lead to bitterness at the system. Believers do have the reassurance that at the end of the day God has the last word and a scripture that’s really helpful in this regard is Psalm 37. Now when I say at the end of the day I’m not just talking about at the end of time, I do believe that in this life true vengeance can be delivered even if we never see it. The Psalm helps us to get a better perspective on our response and attitude to injustice – living justly, living right and looking and depending on the God who does right and even expressed that rightness in offering His Son as a sacrifice because that was the only way justice could be met. Someone had to pay for every sin ever committed – Someone pure, Someone without guilt – that was satisfied in Christ. As a result believers can commit all things to God and live right even in a wrong world.

On a lighter note, if such a thing could be garnered from such a bloodthirsty film, there were some real doozy one-liners. The first was when Harry interrupts a coffee-shop robbery and as ever shoots first and asks questions later. Before he conducts his official duties, he informs the robbers that ‘we’ cannot allow that to happen. Noticing only one person, one of the robbers asks who is the ‘we’, after which Harry produces his gun and states ‘Smith and Wesson and me’. (For the uninitiated Smith & Wesson is the name of a make of gun and presumably the surname of two men intrinsically linked with the creation of the company.)

Most of the great one-liners took place in the first half of the film – they over-egged the ‘make my day’ line, though. One I had to remember though, is when Harry is in a dressing down by his boss in a conference meeting and when the boss, Briggs by name, feels Harry’s not taking him serious he gets all pompous and says ‘You know who you're talkin' to? Hmm? You know my record?’ to which Harry replies, ‘Yeah, you’re a legend in your own mind’. That was brilliant. It was the perfect put-down. On wider consideration it’s a most appropriate response to others who in their pomp and pride declare themselves to be someone, when they’re actually no one. Reminding me of the important principle Paul outlines in Galatians 6:3 - For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Thank God For ... My Brother

Winner of the Friend of the Year 2005 my brother is undoubtedly one of the most gifted people I’ve ever met in my life. And that is not just a statement made out of filial affiliation but an honest assessment of his capabilities. If my admiration for him was just based on his creative abilities there’d be a lot to admire. He’s a gifted musician able of playing skilfully on the guitar (any – bass, acoustic, electric probably even a banjo), keyboard/piano, drums, violin, recorder, harmonica and of course most importantly the tambourine (no one qualifies as a multi-instrumentalist unless you can play on the tambourine).

He is also a great vocalist with a keen ear for harmonies able to express emotion ranging from joy and exultation to despair and confusion with a melodic and harmonic support that reinforces the mood with such feeling he is more than aptly named David. (Biblical reference to the main songsmith in the Bible to the uninitiated.) Just to make matters that much more astounding, this hombre is a special songwriter. One of my main moans of being in the church I’m in is the lack of NEW SONGS to the Lord, but this brother doesn’t have a problem in that regard. If he were to quit now he’d already have a healthy catalogue of over 150 songs most of which highlights the ups and downs of his relationship with the Almighty. These aren’t cheap pop-tunes about boy-meets-girl-then-raps about what he’ll do to her before moving onto his next conquest. These are a collection of the turmoil and aspirations of a man on a quest to know his Creator. The thing about these songs as well is that these are heart-driven and honestly expressed – there be no prettying up of the issues in these songs.

So he’s the musician extraordinaire, but as if that’s not enough his scholarly feats are substantial. Just check his site out – the brother doesn’t do anything but deep in a major way and it’s thoroughly, methodically researched and considered before being published – all because of his passion to know his Creator. To highlight how deep he gets there’s some stuff he comes up that even I have to scratch my head and just say – wow. The guy knows his Hebrew and Greek better than some people in this country know their English.

He’s an able sportsman, back in the day he’d master most of the sports he took up, especially football which is why I’d love for him to come up here and live with me so I can bask in his talent on Thursday Afternoon Football. He is then gifted in many areas and I could go on about his intelligence and his oratory skills – greatly underappreciated.

If that was all there was to my brother it would be alright. Yet what is the really outstanding quality of my brother is his character. He may well have his obstinate and stubborn moments, but he’s not a boaster or a proud man. He goes out of his way to maintain a humility before the Lord and an awareness of his frailties and utter dependence on the Almighty just to continue living. He looks out for his family both immediate in terms of his wife and extended in terms of his parents and siblings. He is sacrificial to a fault not having any difficulty in giving when there’s a need. He’s a patient and attentive listener able to communicate appropriately and in a timely way. It is more than evident to me that he has inherited his father’s humility and meekness and it marks him out to me as a man worthy of great respect. He remains one of the few men on this planet that I could trust implicitly and I know that to the very best of his ability he would not let me down. No he is not perfect – he should be more assertive in his life-direction, he does need to be more assertive in making the most of his abilities, his at times tortured spiritual journey isn’t always beneficial to his relationships. The awareness of that however makes it all the more appealing in terms of having him as a friend and brother.

More than ever I’m grateful for his friendship, I’m thankful for his counsel, I’m inspired by his commitment to the Creator and I’m awed at his humility. He is a man of the Almighty and that’s a good thing to have. My friend, my brother I thank God for him.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Random Thoughts

I got an e-mail recently saying that if they could have anything in the world they would want world peace and an end to poverty. Question is, could we ever get that without wisdom? Even if a huge wand waved across the world and eliminated all poverty how long would that last for? For what is poverty but the result of man’s inhumanity to man through his imperialistic overbearing desire to dominate and be superior to another man as driven by his greed? Same thing with world peace – if you really want world peace, whatever that looks like – you need to have a mind that can fit it and that starts at the communal level before ever reaching the global.

The reality is the very nature of man necessitates that there will never be a time on this planet when there is true world peace until the return of Jesus Christ. We might as well get used to it. What we are called to do is to express this Jesus-rule now by living in peace and fulfilling the call to be peacemakers, but that is not in the hope that one day the world will be at peace this side of the Return. It’s done in obedience to God with the vision of how His rule ushers in peace in our soul before peace outside.

I am not a rebel by nature. I think, like my parents, I am naturally conservative. I accept that. However within that conservatism there is a great deal of fundamentalism in there. That is to say I am comfortable conserving the fundamental tents of faith in Jesus Christ. As a result I seem to find that this marks me out as kind of different to my peer group both in the CoG7 circles and within Christendom at large. I am heavily influenced by American writing and thought, but I’m not obsessed by them. I am heavily influenced by the Reformed strand of thinking at the moment only because it reinforces my drive for Word-based teaching as opposed to consumer teaching or playing to itching ears.

I don’t want to compromise God’s standards anymore and I’m not happy to live a life that accepts mediocrity. I want to be everything God has called me to be starting and ending with humble in the presence of His Holiness. I want to disciple others in this way and get them following Jesus in a radical way likewise. Nothing else will satisfy me other than to satisfy Him.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

More To Life Than This

But he answered, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

An organisation based on Christian principles accepts one of the very first things Jesus is recorded to have said. There is more to life than what we consider to be the essentials. When we talk about need – what we really need, it’s fair to say it could be reduced to four things – relationship, oxygen, food and clothing. Beyond that everything else is luxury! What’s highlighted by the model of Christianity – Jesus – is that even when it seems like we’re desperate for the physical – as in something to eat – there is something even more important than that. What life is really all about is relationship – but the key is the relationship with the One who created and sustains us. The One who provides the bread, clothing and oxygen also offers life through a relationship with Him. In relationship with Him we can discover that there’s more to life than what we see that enriches life with what we see. There’s more to life than physical needs – life itself is enjoyed by satisfying something a lot deeper than the physical. What’s also identified here is that self-sufficiency does not allow life to the full. Acknowledging the need for a relationship with the Almighty is the key to really living.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

30 Days of Blogger's Bliss - A Review

In terms of this 30 day thing with the blog it’s been great, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of being disciplined to write something and post it. David was great in giving some constructive criticism on some of the posts in terms of them lacking bite. I concur with the analysis on reflection and I put that down to two factors. One, with the main workday entries as they’ve been at best expansions on the daily thoughts that I post to the staff then they’ve necessarily had to be a bit toothless as I endeavour to edge my way round communicating to the audience in a relevant way. There again I feel like I’m straining on a leash and not getting to really let full steam blow on that, but I’ll have to see how that goes at work. The second factor is that as it’s a daily entry thing even on the weekend I don’t really give that much thought to what’s going up in terms of reviewing the material and analysing whether I’ve said the strongest thing that I can on a given subject or issue. Therefore even the Almighty’s Awesome Deeds series does not hit the heady heights because I more or less read the verse, contemplate content, put it down, and with little editing or revision post it. As I consider that I don’t really give it my best shot, which is disappointing but it’s necessitated by circumstances.

As a result of this I don’t think I’ll necessarily post the staff daily thoughts on the blog unless it’s particularly appropriate. Likewise I won’t pressure myself to have a daily entry on the blog and rather ponder and note any things that I read and study in a period of time and then create the post to the best of my ability even if it just means a weekly post or maybe every few days. Yet I do want to continue posting entries on this blog as well developing work on other blogs that I hope to be involved with over the season. The writing thing is definitely something I’m all the more committed to developing over time. I want to see what I can do with some of the teaching series I’ve already done and those I’m about to do. If I can convert them to text that may also help with the writing thing, and as ever reviewing these notes should trigger off issues that I can write about.

So in doing this I believe I’ll set myself a target to be ready to do another month’s of daily blog entries perhaps by this time next year should the Lord tarry and spare my life.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Public Announcement

An God spoke all these words saying,. (Exodus 20:1)

Throughout the book of Genesis when God speaks, He’s usually talking to an individual or a family. He doesn’t talk to a tribe, let alone a nation. Throughout the dealings with the Israelites up to this point in Exodus God has spoken through Moses. Indeed it’s as a result of the last awesome deed of the Almighty that Moses’ leadership is fully recognised.

Although the Ten Commandments are awesome in and of themselves, it’s fair to say I’ve taken for granted the fact that God spoke all of the words. Not written, not through a prophet or mediator – live and direct. Later on we realise that such was the power and awesomeness of the Divine Public Announcement that the people urged Moses to let God do all the talking through him – they couldn’t stand it.

Sometimes today it’s easy to take for granted the sheer awesomeness of the Almighty Himself speaking. People often say ‘God said to me’, ‘I felt the Lord tell me’, and everybody’s favourite ‘God told me to tell you’. Yet the very fact that the Almighty communicates direct should be a cause for us to stop and appreciate exactly what has happened. Like appreciating the grandeur and beauty of creation, when we consider that the Almighty chooses to talk to us it should be a truly heart-stopping moment.

In essence we don’t deserve to hear God talk to us. Having rejected Him by sin our actions deserved only one last piece of communication by God to us and that was the invitation to hell. As it is not only does He choose to reach and communicate with man but when He first chooses to do so on a corporate level, it is to outline in loving manner just what He’s done for us and how we can now live life to its best in accordance with His will.

That’s awesome.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - For Example

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

It’s fine telling people about Jesus. It’s great pointing to a book and repeating the words of the main man of the book and then telling people – do that. That’s all fine, but it’s not always that straightforward. In doing good things and being the best we can – we offer people an example to follow. Like parents who’s behaviour influences a child, so our behaviour can affect each other when we spend enough time together. The challenge is to live a life that reflects something encouraging to others for them to follow and then get others to follow.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Good Perspectives

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour. (Proverbs 29:23)

A good perspective on things can be a healthy thing. A good perspective on our weaknesses should prevent us from feeling too smug and superior when talking to people ‘less fortunate’ than ourselves. A good perspective on our failures should allow us to be gracious in success. A good perspective on our bad times should give us a better appreciation of our good times. Pride doesn’t allow a good perspective on things whereas remembering where we’re coming from bad as well as good can give a more balanced approach to life.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Way With Words

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23)

There are times when it’s not people saying a lot that matters. It’s the little that someone says that can make all the difference. Just a single word at the right time can cheer someone up. Just that word can evoke memories of better days and hopes of brighter days to come. Of course it takes good relationships to be able to know when to say that word and how to say it. More than that though it’s good to know that the words we speak can bring joy to others that can be indescribable. What say you?

4 His Name Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Superpower Washout

Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses. (Exodus 14:31) One of the reasons why I love the Bible so much is because it can be so exciting and humorous to engage with it. For example in this same chapter we have Moses and the Israelites challenged by the might of the Egyptian army in pursuit from behind and the great Red Sea in front. Moses endeavouring to keep all well tells the people not to be afraid as God surely will deliver. Then he goes to God Himself and checks exactly how He’s going to deliver to which God almost off-handedly says ‘Why are you asking me? You’re the guy with the stick! Give it some!’ (Verses 13-16.) What is so hugely encouraging about this episode is the manner in which God states consistently over the time that He has orchestrated events perfectly for His glory to be seen. Reading the thrilling journey of how over a million people crossed dry land and the world’s greatest superpower of the time were drowned like rats never fails to excite me. Seeing God in action like that, no wonder the people responded as they did. It makes it even more tragic that the slavery mentality of the people would cost a generation the chance to experience the promised land God had promised to their forefathers. And the key to that is when we forget the awesome deeds of the Almighty and get mired in the temporary inconveniences of the present. Rather we should see that He is not only capable but willing to show Himself strong in any given situation even when things look particularly daunting. Knowing that He’s done it before on many occasions for all different characters should strengthen our faith in Him to be faithful in completing the work He’s started in us. That’s why it’s so exciting to know that nothing can separate us from His love because it’s that love which sees Him do such awesome deeds on behalf of His people for His glory. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Superpower Meltdown

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.
So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. (Exodus 3:19, 20)

10 ways to crumble a superpower.

1. Pollute the water system with blood for a week
2. Usher in a significant infestation of frogs ruining any chance of good life for citizens
3. Usher in a significant infestation of gnats increasing the bad life for citizens
4. Usher in a significant infestation of flies really ruining life for the citizens
5. Stick in a killer plague that wipes out your livestock – a key source of your economy
6. Put a dangerous skin disease that affects animal and mankind to further destabilise the power
7. Bring down the hailstorm from hell that wipes out man, beast and most of the plant-life
8. Usher in a significant infestation of locusts to wipe out the rest of plant-life and completely cripple the Egyptian economy
9. Forget an electricity shortage – turn off the light BIG TIME with darkness being the order of the day for three days – literally no one can see anything

The coupe de grace is letting all the firstborn sons of Egypt die and thus do a better job than they’d tried 80 years earlier when Moses was born.

For the price of one you get ten awesome deeds of the Almighty – they were deliberately done to prove to Pharaoh, Egypt and the rest of the world that when God is for you it is recommended that you do not oppose Him.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom

da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Miracle Birth

Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. (Genesis 21:5)

I was reading in Genesis 17 when Abraham and Sarah received their name changes and then after that God promised that He would indeed bless Sarah with a child. At 90 years old. Reading the part where Abraham – father of faith – receives the word and has a laugh was a good reminder of the fact that the man was just that a man. When faced with the incredible obstacles in the way of childbirth, it’s understandable that he wouldn’t necessarily jump with joy at what seemed impossible.

That’s why I love the Lord. When it looks impossible with man, it is more than possible with God. I’m not sure who the Guinness Book of Records lists as the oldest mother in history or who is the oldest couple to have a child. It is still remarkable that a child as produced by a barren woman – well past the age of child-birth – and a man who is as good as dead in that department (pre-Viagra, although that would probably have got him to meet his maker sooner than he’d like). In fact it’s more than remarkable it’s awesome.

Even when I give up hope on the Almighty making a way, He comes up with the goods again and again in miraculous ways. Bringing life in the middle of a dead situation would be an act that is repeated in many episodes of the Bible and it’s reassuring to know He is the Lord who brings life and laughter even when all hope seems to be gone.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Sodom and Gomorrah

For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it." (Genesis 19:13) God is not politically correct. An outcry of a people gets to His ears and instead of embarking on a series of negotiations and discussions to bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation, or at least levied some spiritual embargo or blockade against Sodom and Gomorrah, He wipes them off the face of the earth. In unmistakeable fashion. That’s why I’m glad He’s God and I’m not. There are sins in life that sometimes we want to brush over or excuse – perhaps justify and tolerate because ‘we can’t do any better’ or ‘I can’t help it’ or some other well-meaning cliché. The reality is of course is that the thing goes straight to Yahweh as an outcry to which He will respond. Not to say that the Almighty is just a big bully that goes about beating up anyone He doesn’t like on a whim. No, no the Almighty’s judgement is right – so even when Abraham looks to negotiate with the Just One, he’s actually onto a loser because the judgement has already been passed. After all Genesis 13:13 helpfully points out that people of the vicinity were great sinners – hardly an argument to support a ceasefire on the part of the Almighty. Indeed such was the impact of God making an example of Sodom and Gomorrah that even Peter, Jude and John had to mention them in passing at the end of the Book. It’s a sobering thought along with the Flood to see how much God hates sin and the lengths He’s wiling to take to get rid of it – whether we’re co-operative or not. And seeing as though we’ve been given these examples of the Awesome Deeds of the Almighty, I believe it pays to take serious heed to them and be equally as ruthless in cutting sin from my life through the power of the Holy Spirit and by the grace of God. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Daily Thoughts - What To Do With Worry

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

It was great to be able to go to my Mum when I hurt my knee and cry on her shoulder before she would tell me it would be alright. (Of course she says at 28 I should stop crying to her when I get hurt!) So worry only makes matters worse and the best thing for it is to swap it with requests and thanksgiving to God. Even as we give all of them to Him it’s assuring to know that God already cares for us and is waiting for us to go to Him.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - No Worries

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

So there’s a problem with worry – it didn’t solve anything and made matters worse, yet we still worry. It’s easy to say don’t worry – it’s harder not to worry. So here’s a recipe for No Worry Soup:

o Take Worry
o Put into pot
o Add requests to God – i.e. please can you do something about this worry
o Pour in lots of reasons to be thankful
o Let worries melt into the thankfulness mix
o Add salt
o Stir until it’s tasty
o Hand to God
o Leave it

Just a suggestion.

The scripture outlines how to actively deal with the worry in the light of God – if there’s anything that you would worry about turn it into a request to God to deal with it. Also thanksgiving helps with the perspective on what could worry us. Acknowledging Someone greater than us who’s able to give a better view of what worries us is a good reason for us to be thankful and thus not worry. As one great philosopher said – it’s not the problem that’s the problem, it’s how we deal with the problem that causes the problem. Dealing with it through worry makes it worse, but dealing with it through thanksgiving – however difficult – will at least allow our hearts to be at peace in the situation.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - The Problem With Worry

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

It would be understandable if by worrying things were improved. If it made a positive difference it would be alright. It’s appreciated that there maybe a lot of important things to worry about – food, clothes, mortgage/rent, relationships, work, money, society, crime, terrorism, football results. The problem with worry is it does nothing to help the situation. In fact it only makes matters worse by clouding our perspective on how things are. We can miss the important things in life because we’re busy worrying about something we can do nothing about. So if it’s not going to help, why do it?

The challenge that Jesus offers in this passage of scripture is actually fundamentally opposed to modern views of reality. The world we live in subtly encourages worry to such an extent that it leads to fear. It then goes onto offer means of escape so we don’t have to deal with our worries, or we can medicate them. Escapism is the things called for because of the ‘burdens’ of life. We’re entertained in all manner of ways and we’re given false ways out of the worries that we’re set-up with either in a consumer-driven way or in leisure-driven way. They’re false ways out, because they don’t deal with the situation.

Jesus’ way of dealing with the situation is calling us to live in the REAL world. That’s not about being engrossed and overwhelmed by every-day cares of life but seeing things from God’s perspective. Seeing the real important things – reflecting the image of God, seeking His righteousness in how we live, finding how to please Him in living a life like His Son. That perspective will change how we view everything else. Rather than being slaves of our circumstances we can believe God in them and walk by faith and not by sight to doing what He wants us to do.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - In It Together

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)

For some people it’s natural to enjoy your own company. The danger of the life of the loner, though, is that when things go wrong there’s no support. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto! There are many benefits of sharing work, sharing lives, sharing goals – personally and corporately. One of the outstanding reasons to do it is the fact that when we get together and agree to be in it together there is so much more to get out of life, than there would be on our own.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Thank God For ... Hughie Lawrence

On Friday my friend Hughie celebrated his birthday. I would tell you how old he is, but then he'd have to kill me, and Deborah says I haven't got enough money for her inheritance for me to die now, so you'll just have to ask the guy yourself.

The history of the relationship between Hughie and me goes back to the days that I was knee-high to a grasshopper it’s fair to say that I’ve known of the guy for the best part of 20 years. In1994 he was the Director (and founder) of the National Church’s Summer Retreat for young people and although it will go down with me as one of the WORST TIMES OF MY LIFE, one of the highlights was the way that Hughie really looked out for David and me. He really was a most helpful dude in checking if we were alright and stuff. I never forgot that, and I’ll always be grateful to him for doing that when no one else really did.

Put the clock forward three/four years and a more confident Christopher Dryden is at university having a whale of a time studying for a Philosophy and Politics degree in Essex. More significantly I am also getting well into radio through the student radio station. Here I am seriously consider taking it up as a profession for the future. To do that I need to get inside. Whose name should come wafting my way but that of a BBC Radio journalist and producer/presenter of gospel shows for UCB/Cross Rhythms – one H. Lawrence. I wrote a letter to him asking how I could get involved and if he could possibly help. The brother actually kept and read the letter … and left it for a year or two.

Then I saw a chance to link up with him by joining an evangelism programme he was developing. I signed up even though I didn’t have that heart of an evangelist. I linked up with Hughie and he suggested that I come up to Stoke-on-Trent to see his digs and see what he gets up to. The end of the year around this time there was scheduled to be a time of fasting and prayer in Stoke. So while he was in London promoting a concert, I linked with him and took the trip up the M6.

I look back fondly on that time. I had no idea what ministry really meant, always relating it to just a bloke standing in front of lectern chatting about what we should and shouldn’t do while working up a sweat for himself and his ‘listeners’. But that first experience of the prayer/fasting retreat under the leadership of Hughie was an eye-opener in terms of how ministry really engulfs your whole life. Hughie and I talked further and agreed that in February 2000 I would come up to do some work with a guy he knew who was based at the same radio station as he was.

When the Bible says the just shall live by faith, it is not just a light statement about believing God to pay your bill, it’s a life’s commitment to making unpopular, unconventional and uncomfortable decisions on the basis of having a knowing in your heart that this is what God wants for you. My family wasn’t thrilled at the fact that I’d left a fair paying job and stability in the capital city to go back to the middle of nowhere without a paying job. Yet I can look back and know without a shadow of a doubt that God was the author of it and I duly experienced tremendous spiritual blessing in getting to know God better and pursue Him with my whole being. Hughie was hugely instrumental in this. He allowed me to follow him on his many missions, whether it was a concert or an event or whatever the case was, I got insight into what it took to be a full-time minister of the gospel. I am convinced that Hughie did (and continues to do) a great deal for the gospel despite having a full-time job. Hughie walked the walk as well and talking the talk – and man did he ever talk! Now that is an awesome role-model to have.

He allowed me to share in some of his dreams and visions for Kingdom development, hence the Stoke-on-Trent church which came about after another end of year prayer and fasting session featuring Angela, Authrine, Hughie and myself. It was an exciting time and a challenging time, but with a good friend like Hughie I felt good going forward in faith believing that God would give us the victory. We prayed and studied together believing Him for the provision to support the vision we knew He had for Stoke-on-Trent. It was proven in the facility we now have at our disposal and the many contacts we developed. There’s just no way all of this could have come about if it wasn’t for God on our side.

So the guy – who was my best man at the wedding, a job he wouldn’t have done unless he felt called to do it – this guy was my best male friend for the last six years or so. He was there supporting my spiritual development like no one else before or after him. He’s more of a spiritual father to me that my own real dad was. He showed me what it is to be real in God and yet still powerful in His might than any other living person on the planet. I love Hughie Lawrence.

To reiterate, Hughie, I give God thanks for you. I’m grateful that you allowedme near your inner sanctum for the best part of at least three years. Thank you for allowing me to minister with you and witness you minister in the lives of others. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience real-life ministry and as a result gain a deeper relationship with our Father through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing part of the vision God gave you and empowering me to explore aspects of my abilities that were untapped previously. Thank you for believing in me when other people did not even consider me. Thank you for praying with me and for me. Thank you for studying with me. Thank you for watching football with me. Thank you for getting me to PLAY football with you. Thank you for the jokes, the insights, the mistakes, the good times and bad. Thank you Hughie for being my friend.

For His Name's Sake

Shalom

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Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: The Flood

And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (Genesis 6:13)

I cannot be bothered to launch into an apologetic as to the historical validity of the event recorded in Genesis 6-8 – you either believe it or you don’t and it doesn’t matter how much ‘evidence’ is gathered if you don’t want to believe it, you’ll have enough to live on. And if you do want to believe it, you’ll have enough to live on.

I choose to believe it, because I choose to believe the Word of God is true as an event in this case – just as I do in the first humans being Adam and Eve. It may not be a scientifically sophisticated perspective on matters of biology, etc. but I’d rather be right with God than scientifically sophisticated. (There goes the scientifically sophisticated reader offended at my tone of writing voice, and those easily offended by this kind of tone of writing voice. May God bless you as you leave.)

With that in mind, it’s not difficult to list this event as a truly awesome deed. I mean imagine God completely wiped out every living creature on the planet with a global flood – isn’t that awesome? I mean truly by the very definition of the word it should make you look back in awe to know that the power of God was expressed like this. If you check verses 5-7 of this same chapter there’s a description of the state of the world which isn’t too dissimilar from a modern description and God’s response to it is pretty serious.

What is particularly outstanding in the whole episode, however, is the faithfulness of God to His creation by creating a means of escape for those who remained faithful to Him. It should be an assuring thing to know that even in a world which continues at pace on a collision course God will remain faithful to those who remain faithful to Him and even when it all comes crashing down around our ears, by His awesome works, He will provide a means of escape.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – The Almighty’s Awesome Deeds: Creation

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) I feel kinda bad in a sense cos I’ve not lived up to the daily entry into the blog every day of this month. I was out until after midnight and didn’t put something up in the morning, so technically I’ve not lived up the billing, but it’s all good. I’ll just press on through and endeavour to keep up with that which I’ve committed. Following yesterday’s reference to the awesome deeds of heaven I thought it would be good to just highlight for us exactly what are those awesome deeds. It also make sense to have the first study at the beginning of the book. The sheer cohesion and consistency of the creation itself is a testament to the mighty acts of God. So when I consider His awesome deeds at that point that in itself is reason enough to praise God – just check the sun, stars and sky and how they’re determined by outside forces . Then just to consider that as the pinnacle of creation He had in mind us as human beings to make of the earth what we would as loyal stewards. It’s quite breath-taking that we of al creation were made in His image to reflect His nature and inhabit the world with His values and His rule. I was at a friend’s birthday party tonight and when I saw the way in which God’s creation can engage with each other in a social gathering, I was full of praise to God for allowing us to be like this – reflecting His image in relating with others. Yes, sin has severely shattered the rue meaning of relationship with ourselves and God – but I’m still grateful for the amazing act in the beginning when God breathed into man and he became a living being. That can still be the case, if we’re willing to obey and yield to the rule of the Spirit in our lives. A lot of opportunities open up when we consider and acknowledge the awesome deeds He has done even in creation. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Daily Thoughts - The Awesome Deeds of the Almighty

Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. (Psalm 66:3) It’s refreshing to know that we serve a God who’s deeds are down as awesome. Sometimes in thanksgiving it’s good to actually be reminded of what God has actually done. Not just through Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection – awesome though that is, but the great list of triumphs and works recorded in His Word from Creation (check the beautiful pix!) to the New Kingdom. If it was any human being making a list of their achievements it would be counted as arrogant or boastful, the difference with God is He backs it up with truth – it’s not arrogant if it’s the truth. It’s not boastful if it happens to be a matter of fact. It’s particularly appealing when we consider that these acts were done for His glory and so we can share in this by faith on His side. He actually wants us to take a look at what He’s done, be totally blown away and engage in praise and confidence in relating to a God who is able to make His enemies cringe. Imagine being in the same ring as Muhammad Ali. Imagine being on the same pitch as the Brazil football team of 1970. Imagine being in the same writing room as William Shakespeare. Imagine being in the same city as Elijah. Imagine being on the same road as Gandhi. Imagine being in the same nursing room as Florence Nightingale. Imagine that, the honour, respect and awe in being in these people’s company and how their peers would not be able to match their brilliance in their given field. Multiply the level of awe and wonder by a billion and we maybe getting close to the awe we’re meant to be experiencing when we consider the works of our God. No wonder the enemies of God don’t even bother coming in the same atmosphere as Him. And think about God’s enemies today – doubt, fear, pride, disease, division, ignorance, etc. Really, if we were to put these up against God there would be no competition at all, yet sometimes we succumb to them. Perhaps when we reconsider the perspective of the Almighty we can allow these issues and factors to cringe in the light of His glory. Indeed bring anything that opposes God and put in comparison to Him – do it and rejoice and then follow the psalmist’s advice and rejoice and actually acclaim the God we serve. That’s more than a suggestion! 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Focus

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

It’s not easy to focus on good things, when we’re in a world that apparently is full of bad stuff – or at least that’s what we’re told. Or at least that’s what we think. Of course there is so much in life that reflects otherwise – God, health, relationships, love, creation, opportunities for peace, etc. Sometimes it’s difficult to see this when there are real issues we face. It’s difficult to see, but it’s still there to be seen and maybe seeing this will help put everything else in perspective. Hence the importance and challenge of focus – it helps our mind and body to focus on the whatevers …

And thanks for the genius who helped me out with a little difficulty I had and just told me to call these e-mails ‘Daily Thoughts’ rather than Morning/Afternoon. That saved me hassle!

4 His Name's Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Thank God For ... My Sister

September’s a funny month because my dad and my sister were born in this month so just when I think it’s safe to get my gratitude out for one family member another pops up and demands the same, but I’m so grateful to God for them both that it’s a pleasure not a chore. I actually have two sisters the elder of whom is based in America and I didn’t really grow up with her, so I’ve only ever known the younger who’s still over one year older than me and so to me was my big sister. When I was a lot younger, Ruth was a dictator who ruled with an iron fist. I’m quite certain she must have been inspired by the leadership of the Prime Minister of the time Margaret Thatcher. For Ruth indeed ruled my brother and I by fear and we knew our place with her – we did not mess with her stuff, we did not enter her bedroom … ever … unless royal approval was given. Even when we started growing up and David and I were physically Ruth’s superior she still subdued us by intellect. The amount of weeks’ washing up I did for Ruth is like the descendants of Abraham – innumerable. Ruth really knew how to manipulate her brothers. For all that though I give God thanks for her because for the longest time up until I met and became close to my wife, Ruth was the best friend I ever had. I can’t speak highly enough of how strong she was for me. When I was contemplating things, Ruth would always offer a perspective on things that made it easier for me to make a decision. She never condemned me for mistakes I made, neither did she soft-soap anything and flatter me – she was brutally honest when she needed to me, always looking out for my good. Indeed she was looking out for my good so much she even did the vetting job on Authrine before she was allowed to be my wife! Hah, I still remember the relations between my sister and wife in the early days – just a testament to Ruth’s protective nature. It’s that what made her such a great sister to me. It’s the one thing I’ve never needed to look for – a great sister, because I already have one in Ruth and I don’t really know if I’ll ever find anyone who comes close to her. So there’s much to be grateful to God for her input in my life, but her example and testimony is also worthy of admiration. My sister has endured setbacks ever since she was a baby – hard, trying, difficult, off-putting, discouraging episodes that would have weakened anyone else perhaps to the point of despair. There was something about Ruth, though, her faith in God strengthened her in those trying times, so even though it was upsetting, she would work through that and trusting in God persevere towards the goal set before her – not only that she would achieve it. A natural-born leader and a great teacher she is able to inspire the best out of those who she lead and taught. I still chuckle at the fact that she was teaching children since she was a child herself and completely self-taught developed a teaching capability that would be the envy of many a children’s teacher. She is an extraordinarily principled woman who’s stuck to her convictions through thick and thin and never wavered (at least to me) in her commitment to Christ. Like her Dad, Ruth is notoriously loyal and dedicated in everything she did. No fanfare, no big deal and sometimes even at the cost to her own health or welfare my sister would keep on keeping on. Supporting and serving others selflessly in such a manner that could only be described as humility in action. Sure she could be strong in her opinion and outspoken from time to time. She had a heavy stubborn streak of that there is no doubt and she could be heavily private putting on a public presentation that would guard against any intrusion into what was going on inside. She is by no means perfect. I give thanks for her, though, because she’s committed to perfection. She loves God with her heart and there’s no doubt in my mind she has been a huge influence in my own spiritual development just by her example. I’ll always look up to Ruth even though times have changed and the dynamic of our relationship has evolved from big-sis – little-bro through best friends through to now brother and sister with families and larger responsibilities. At this particular time in her life I pray that she will truly experience the manifold blessings of God and go onto bigger and better things by faith. I love her so very much and no one deserves happiness more than she does. As long as there’s breath in my body I always want to give God thanks and praise for my sister – Ruth. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Afternoon Thoughts – Never Forget – Always Remember

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2)

The Bible is clear that we live to serve someone or something. Much as we’ve been educated to believe that we’re free agents, we’re only as free as the choice we make as to who will rule us, who we will serve. In coming across the book of Exodus it’s very interesting to note the events that lead to the people of Israel growing and multiplying as immigrants in Egypt. What is undeniable, however, is that for generations all the people have known is slavery to the rule of Pharaoh in that country. All they know is that they serve Egypt and its wishes. They develop its infrastructure, build its cities, play a significant part in maintaining the status quo.

For God, then, to come in and blow that to smithereens must have meant much to the Israelites. For the dominant oppressive superpower of the day to be eradicated in a series of catastrophes must have been a convincing sign of who the real Boss is. Yet in outlining His love agreement with the people God still felt it important to state from the beginning who the people are dealing with. When put into that perspective the following requirements for the people are more than reasonable. More than understandable.

We today have been also delivered from the rule of darkness. Paul outlines in Ephesians 2:1-3 just how oppressive the rule of sin was over our lives. We shouldn’t require too much of a reminder of how bad things were without God. We shouldn’t require too much of a reminder of the hopelessness, pointlessness, boredom, frustration and despair we used to endure under the old rule. Yet that’s exactly what we do need to remind us of the great love the LORD has for us and to remind us of where we now reside as mentioned in Ephesians 2:4-7. Implicit within that is the fact that we are under new rule. So He has to be Lord of all or He’s not lord at all, and if He’s not Lord at all then that leaves room for us to slip back almost effortlessly under the old regime. Let us never forget – but always remember what God has done for us, and can do for those around us living in slavery to sin.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Afternoon Thoughts - It's A Royal Family Affair

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt 25:40)

One of the beauties of reading the Bible is some of the little things you don’t notice. Sometimes we go for the grand schemes and major stories of scripture and don’t take on board some of the little things. This is one of those times where I came across something I hadn’t noticed before. As Jesus is relating what it will be like when He returns He starts off in verse 31 by saying when the Son of Man appears. Now this is always a sign of Him talking about Himself. A bit like saying when yours truly, or in my case, when muggins pops up. So He starts off there, but notice His title changes to the King by verse 34 repeated here. If there was ever any doubt that Jesus isn’t only Lord but king as well this section of scripture should dismiss those quickly.

It makes it all the more remarkable to hear the King saying that whatever is done for the least of His BROTHERS is done to Him. Now there’s a family feeling if ever there was one. The King Himself in all glory saying that care for the little guy is care for Him. That’s got to change our own perspective on humanity. That’s got to motivate us to look for any opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. To know that in doing so we’re actually helping our royalty – not just any royalty but heavenly royalty – what an honour that is. That’s how precious our perspective on humanity should be.

The homeless, helpless, heartless and hopeless are just waiting for an opportunity to know that there is a home, help and hope from people who have a heart to give them and allow them to understand how special they are. And every day we have the privilege of showing them.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Afternoon Thoughts - Check Yourself

Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. (Haggai 1:7) I love it when God tells us to check ourselves. I believe He does it whenever we’re getting carried away with ourselves and miss out on what He would have us to actually be getting carried with. In this situation the people have got carried away with looking after their own business and as a result not getting why they ain’t succeeding at anything in life – so they get crop failure, holes in their money bags and overall dissatisfaction. When I say I love it when God tells us to check ourselves, it’s not the sado-masochist in me that loves to see people suffer, it’s actually the love-in-hindsight of a Father who actually doesn’t want us to suffer anymore, but wants us to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. It should be obvious that this individualistic, materialistic, selfish, ego-based way of living where things drive us – even the most honourable things like family welfare – and yet we find no satisfaction in all of that. Indeed we get so stuck in the rat-race that we get almost comfortable in the futile pursuit of selfish gains where we’re never satisfied, but always in the hope of an elusive and indeed non-existent fantasy life. And like waking up from Groundhog Day of misery God wants us to check what we’re doing and what we’re getting from it and not just that, but to see a way of escape. To see that there’s actually more to life than the house, the family, the car, the children, the job, the shopping, the mortgage, the bills, etc. There’s the great building project that He’s got in mind for us – to be building blocks in the Temple He’s building where He will live – where His kingdom rules over all, where His values are pronounced on all, and where we find real peace, real joy, real love and real satisfaction. The Bible is the outline of God reaching out to a humanity that’s rejected Him even though He created them and offering a way for them to actually be what they were always created to be. To do that we need to put Him and His business first in our lives. And if we are – that’s all good, but just in case I invite us to check ourselves, our motives, what drives what we do, what we are doing and what we’re getting from it. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd