My parents taught me at a young age the value and virtue of having excellent manners. To have good manners honors others and also makes you feel happier about yourself knowing that it others appreciate it. This week I have been thinking and pondering on a fresh way of revealing the love of God to those around us and so was asking myself the question: “How are we being good news to people”?

Jesus has asked us to go into all the world and speak of the Good News as He himself did informing others that He has come as a light into the darkness. As followers of Jesus we are to do the same.

I have found that by being Good News to people we can share the Good News of Jesus. Because of Jesus there is now opportunity, the chance to live an extraordinary life now. The painful wrong choices we have made can be forgiven, the wounds of disappointment we have lived with can be healed, and the sense that something is missing that often we hear people speak about can be found through relationship with Jesus Christ. This is really Good News for people!

Unfortunately sometimes sharing the Good News looks and sounds more go and bible bashing only presenting perceived rules, making it very hard for anyone to hear anything apart from hostility and hypocrisy. From my observations as we read the accounts of Jesus in the Scripture we find that He came to people with compassion, healing, kindness and acceptance, the Bible calls this the fruit of the spirit of God. We could say that these are the manners of Gods people.

Galations 5:22 -23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

The Bible explains that we are carriers of the Holy Spirit ( Gods spirit) once we are in relationship with Jesus. So therefore we are to carry and act in such a fashion as Jesus did. In other words we follow what He has shown us and are capable of doing so, walking with the manners of the Kingdom of God as a value would be a great thing.

So in light this lets ask the question again “how are we being Good News”?

As we go about our day today lets intentionally think, “how can I be Good News and bring light into someones life right now”?  

 

 

Have you noticed that we have ideas and dreams that we want to achieve or aspire too and yet we never seem to fulfill them. They remain in the “one day I want to” section of our lives for one reason or another.

Mostly it would seem that two reasons stop us moving on in life. Firstly we don’t have the money or secondly we lack the confidence to have a go. 

I personally seem to spend most of my days in the “ I don’t have the money” or “will it work” seat. But I refuse to let those too objections dominate my choices in life. What changed for me was when I came into a fuller understanding of Gods plan and destiny for me. Below are some observations to think through:-

1. God pays for what he orders. 

When God has someone He wants to reach and reveal His love to there will be a way and means. Our role is to be prayerful about such things and open to going where He sends Mark 16:15.

The Key here is openness.

 2. God sees me from my full potential. He has designed me in such a way that He knows I have the skills and ability to accomplish what He places before me (Jeremiah 1:5 & Psalm 139:13-16).

The Key here is to trust in that God given ability.

 3. God has granted me a renewed mind, this comes through prayerfulness and living out of the word of God. Therefore according to His word (Matthew 4:4) therefore I need not live in fear but have faith that God has good things for me despite life feeling uncomfortable sometimes.

The Key here is live as God intended. 

Don’t let life pass you by and don’t wait for things to change. Our lives need our input to bring a change. Gods door is always open so what are we waiting for?

 

 

 

 

 

How do we get help when we need it? 

Have you ever felt that you need help with something or realise you’re not going to make it without the input of others? The problem is that we live in a world that promotes independence and self – sufficiency so when we need help we either cant ask or don’t have anyone around to ask.

The good news is that we can break this poor habit by following the ways of Scripture. The Bible mentions in Galatians 6:7 whatever a man sows he will reap. Even though Scripture has a spiritual emphasis it is also a practical road map for our lives.

When we sow friendship in a time of need or help someone else just because we can we begin to develop a different practice. People will sense that maybe we are more approachable to receive help and give it in a time of need in other words we reap what we sow in life. The diversity in people means that we all need each other and we can all help each other… this would appear look like micro and macro community in other words local and global.

I challenge you to look for someone to help today, this week, this year. Whose life can you invest in right now?

 

 

 

 When you travel your hitting opportunities for experiencing new people and challenging situations. We have just returned from traveling overland by car and covering 1,000 miles in distance.

That 1,000 miles has brought much change in our lives. Our eyes have been opened to the lack of healthcare availability in rural Uganda. The things we take for granted in the developed world are a privilege in the underdeveloped world. 

As I sat in a waiting room of a small clinic desperate for medicine, I realized I was sat with people who were desperate everyday living in extreme poverty. To them this is how it is and they learn to cope in this unjust world.  Holding no malice to those who could be a channel of blessing; US.

For me I have learned that when there is no medicine, no home comforts, no finance there is only God. His kindness and mercy toward us on this trip has been  heart changing. 

Only one question remains now, what is my response now I know?

Confidence, Calmness and Contentment

Last year was the year of setting goals and achievement. I set myself a goal to join a gym, get fit and loose weight. I did achieve that and much more as I have maintained a healthy lifestyle and rhythm of training. This year is a year of transition personally, the thing thats once inspired and motivated me no longer do so. I have been seeking for something more than just goal orientated living – this is a new perspective for me.

So I thought it would be good to focus this year on transitioning to a new perspective one that challenges me and yet opens new opportunities. Ever since I can remember my life has been about running at things 100 miles an hour, the consequences of this are:-

1.You crash and burn all the time
2.It is never enough

Paul wrote about living a different way – He had been shaped on the inside by knowing Jesus and living daily from such a source.
Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

For myself I have identified 3 areas; Confidence, Calmness and Contentment which I would like to walk freely in. To make this possible requires two actions:-

1.A change in lifestyle (making sharp decisions and checking the motivation).
2.Creating a constant awareness of my daily source Jesus and connecting with Him throughout each day or hour.

These two changes are practices of discipline. Just as I was able to discipline myself physically. This year I am disciplining my heart.

I wonder if you have a focus for this year and what is the new thing that God is birthing in you? We must remember that change is inevitable so preparing for it is a better way – nothing except God and His ways stays the same forever.

“Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law” Proverbs 29:18.

We are living in the busiest and nosiest time in history so far. People have instant access to each other, demands and expectations are becoming greater, the pressure to attain something whether material or personal goals are in the forefront of our minds often. The question people often ask me is “ What is next?” As if the now is not enough.

The scriptures encourage us to keep the eternal perspective that our life as a disciple or follower of Christ is not about what we do but about the quality of our friendship with God the father. Our vision should be one of devotion not driven into the doing.

Jesus left us with two commands:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” Luke 10:27.

Busyness doesn’t get us any points in heaven but knowing Jesus does and Him knowing you – quality relationship. Plug into the quality and ditch the busyness treadmill you might be on. God wants to know you, “your name is written in the palm of His hand” Isaiah 49:16 to God you are worth so much!

Don’t get distracted by the seductiveness of self-importance leading to high expectations and driveness. Let the vision of devotion to the person of God become once more a priority and from there God will direct the pathway of your life.

Preparedness

 

There is a great power and authority that comes with being prepared. So many people ask, “how do I do all that I am doing? “ or comment on how I always seem calm and spontaneous. My secret is that I am always prepared.

 

Being prepared saves others and myself around me negative experiences. There is nothing worse than walking into a room of stressed out emotions, it will never go well! There is a difference between stress and excitement. When I am with people in any context I will always want to give them quality and my full attention, this takes some preparedness.

 

Getting Prepared. 

 

1. Stop rushing around; the world won’t stop if you do!
2. Imagine yourself in the situations you have before you today, what will you say, where will you sit, whom will you meet, are you happy with what material you are presenting today?
3. Practice the art of being still and restful on the inside
4. Prioritize the things you have to do today and defer the other until a priority.
5. People will often be the biggest demand on time and energy. Make a decision we don’t have to see everyone and spend ages with them. We are allowed to say, no.
6. Be around people who are inspiring and creative. Iron sharpens Iron!
7. Make quality time for reading scripture. Hanging out with Jesus days are amazing and most needed, how can we hear Gods direction unless we create hearing room. So get off the treadmill and be at peace.
8. Do something practical and use it to think. When was the last time you went for a walk, run, cycle ride, washed up or a drive etc.  Just to allow thinking time?

 

So then…

 

When we are sharper we can do more in less time and with less energy used, leaving room for fun and time with family and friends. When we are stressed it not only hurts us but those we come into contact with.

 

Follow Jesus example he achieved much in His life, healing the sick, teaching followers, building communities, travelling, teaching in religious institutions, ran a business, being with family; He was a prepared man who learned that spending time with His father (God) brings revelation and peace, true preparedness.

 

 

 

God Dreaming

I had an encounter of truth last week during our Church celebration.  The preacher had been opening our eyes to the fact that when we create space for God He will come and fill it with His dreams and ideas.

Over the years I have had many dreams, ideas and rudely thought they were mine. But I believe that Jesus through the Holy Spirit has shown me otherwise.   Scripture reveals the work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us and show us things from a heavenly perspective. Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would be directed by Himself as to what to reveal at any given time John17: 13 – 15.

Dreams become a reality

• We had a dream of not only praying for people to get well from a water disease in Kenya but to put fresh water in for them. We at RSVP Trust are planting wells into Kenya!  http://www.rsvptrust.co.uk/page24/page24.html

• We had a dream that women who walked and worked the streets, selling themselves would not have too. They no longer do in some locations!

• We had a dream of helping leaders equip people in sharing the Gospel. Now I run a mission’s focused Bible School and coach leaders all around the globe!

• Just a few examples to get you thinking! I have some new dreams bubbling away too.

These dreams came from Gods heart and perspective, they are His desires; the Holy Spirit planted the seed of idea into my heart.

We think we have a great idea’s or see a need that we think we could meet, actually who gives us those ideas those dreams, whose gift of creativity are we accessing. When we are living in the Kingdom of God and following Jesus Christ then I would suggest it is God, they are His ideas and dreams.

If we give God some room in our lives and stop hurrying around being busy with people, projects, daily living demands – Jesus himself is waiting to speak, waiting for us to listen or turn our attention towards something or someone He is looking to touch with His compassionate heart.

Our role

Get close to Jesus and hang out with him more and more. Simple!!

Have a listen to my friends teaching  (Create Space) http://www.livingit.org.uk/podcast/

What is your story?

The history of your life will impact someone. Looking back at photographic evidence of where you have been and who has been part of your life can paint a picture of the history your building into your world.

Holidays

Family and friends birthdays

Days out

Weddings

Funerals

Church gatherings

Overseas travel

Places you have worked

Schools you have attended

We all build a historical picture whilst we are here. Not all of it will be great memories or even how we thought life would turn out. That’s fine those events are still part of your history and may tell a powerful story that impacts someone one day.

My grandma always a great optimist taught me to take photos so when I am older I can look back and see what a lovely time I have had and remind myself of the people who have been around. I used to spend hours pouring over her photos from an old tin and loved hearing stories of the people in them.

Jesus story makes a difference

Jesus built a historical picture of His life in written format. His story is still being told today and impacts millions of people around the world as they sit at the feet of someone to listen. Stories tell much more than facts they allow us to almost be in the midst of the story ourselves so we feel in some way connected.

As you gather your story and retell events from your history. Think about the story that Jesus left and how His life history can impact your world, not only the way you think but more the way you live. As I listened to my Grandma I wanted to be part of her history and live as she had lived loving sport and being with family, drinking out of china cups for tea, serving in Church (she was a worship leader). My point is this I wanted to live as she had lived and as I read and listen to Jesus history I want to live as He lived!

Read the Gospels Mathew, Mark, Luke and John and listen for the stories of Jesus in a new way that will impact your life bringing transformation!

 

This week I have been thinking deeply about the power and authority that Jesus walked in during His ministry on earth.

What strikes me is that Jesus was a person of great vision. He knew what the He wanted to do and where He wanted to be. Often He would say to the disciples – I have come to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom of God, I can not stay in one place. All that time he walked in great power and authority.

At the end of His earthly ministry He stated to His disciples ” Go and make disciples everywhere and of every people group, as I have shown you and share the things I have explained to you” Matthew 28. Now Jesus grants the disciples His power and authority.

Today we are His disciples and we can walk in the that same power and authority. The call is to Go and share the Kingdom. This presents challenges sometimes:-

• We may need to leave where we are

• We will need to become risk takers

• We will need to walk in obedience to what Jesus calls us to and not other people

• We will need to walk in humility – the way of power and authority as Jesus did

• We will need to ditch our pride and self boasting

Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is not about us but Him and His Kingdom.

When we follow and walk in His footsteps we really get to know Him!

Making disciples takes some going – from ourselves – to Jesus – to others