In part 1 of this series, we looked at how
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“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 NLT.
We naturally worry. But worry does not bring about change – especially worries over things we cannot change.
When we worry, we begin to worship our problem. A worry is a care that has not been “cast” to God.
In our busy daily life, sometimes we forget to look
This month has seen a lot of horrors. Bushfires ravaging the land, towns, homes, livelihoods and too many lives. Smoke descending like gloom over cities in a way we have never experienced before. The ripple effects to unaffected parts on the other side of the country causing financial difficulties. The feeling that the fires will never stop. Storms and floods causing destruction but not relieving the devastating drought of the past few years. While this goes on I have had some friends face terrible medical news. Broken health. Hospital admissions.
What a broken world we live in! How we went from the most live-able city in the world to worst air quality in the world. It shows how fleeting things are. It is easy to fool ourselves into thinking that we make our own destiny. But little do we realise how much grace holds up our lives.
Does God care what happens to the land? To animals
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”Philippians 1:6 NLT
When you were in school you would have to take regular tests. These tests let the teacher know where you stood on the material you needed to learn. If you were unable to pass these tests, then more assignments and more tests would have to be given.
God also gives tests. His tests show where we are on the road of our personal development. In his mercy, God does not take us where we are not ready to go. He prepares us first to ensure we can handle it spiritually, emotionally, physically and the like.
At the moment I have a cold. It’s the third virus I have had this season so I am no stranger to a blocked nose and all that goes along with it. Sleeping is difficult when you can’t breathe. Added to that I am pregnant and my large belly is making breathing difficult. (And unable to take decongestant!)
“Blessed are those who can breathe freely…” are words I would not usually think to say. However when something so vital, so ingrained, so normally ubiquitous and under-recognised suddenly disappears we are rendered helpless.
There is another sort of ‘breath’ that is so vital, ingrained, ubiquitous and under-recognised. The Spirit.
This week Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving, a day for family and friends to get together, eat good food, and give thanks. Living in Australia, it’s been 7 years since I’ve had green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce or home-made pumpkin pie.
But while I don’t celebrate the holiday, I like to honour the spirit behind the day by reflecting back on the year and giving thanks for how God has blessed and worked in my life.
This past Sabbath afternoon was a wonderful celebration of renewed life as two of my very good friends, Lily and Nyari, made public declarations of their love for Jesus through baptism. Hearing the testimonies of God’s workings in their lives deeply touched everyone who was there; even those who have witnessed a fair few agree that it was one of the most moving baptisms – to God be the glory.
I seem to come across a lot of new learning at seminars these days. Come to think of it, I guess that’s what the seminars are for! I guess what really strikes me are the insights these seminars give me beyond my immediate career. Last time I wrote about the ‘Matthew Effect’ a term to describe a phenomenon in education taken from Jesus’ Parable of the Talents. I recently came across another idea that put me in mind of my Christian walk through my teen years.
Growing up in a Christian home, going to a Christian school and attending church every weekend I had some beliefs and behaviours that were pretty well worn in. One of these beliefs was that belief is more important than actions. Put simply I had a very narrow view of verses in the Bible such us ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,’ – Romans 3:23-24. The idea that I am a sinner and nothing can change that – but I shouldn’t worry too much because God will save me anyway. Of course, that’s a very simplistic view, but nonetheless, one I held.