Thoughts for reflection . . . (Assurance)

Entering a new year there is reason for having great assurance and hope in all that lies ahead of us.

The past year may have been a mixture of joy and sadness, it may have included times of ease or of great difficulty. Yet in the midst of every circumstance by knowing God through Jesus Christ we have an anchor fixed to a Rock that can never move.

As we look forward into the future, true peace, true joy, and hopeful expectation is to be found in God who is faithful.

He is the God who never changes, the One who rules over all, whose purposes will prevail. No matter the state of the world, or the apparent darkness on the horizon, our God IS God. In the midst of darkness, He is the Light. In the midst of weakness, He is the Rock of our strength. In the midst of uncertainty and despair, He is the Refuge of peace. In the storm, He can bring calm. When we stumble, He can pick us up. When hurting, He can heal. He is the All Sufficient One. His grace is more than enough for every situation and in the midst of our frailty, His mercies are new every morning.
[Deut7.9, Mal3.6, Heb13.8, Ps103.19, Dan4.25, Ps18.28, Ps62.7, Ps57.1-3, Deut10.17, Ps107.29-30, 1Sam2.2-4, Ps147.3, 2Cor9.8, 2Cor12.9, Ps103.14-17, Lam3.23]

As we advance into this coming year, may we know with unshakeable confidence that God goes ahead of us and is for us, His children. May we rest in Him, trust Him, rejoice in Him and allow the Light to shine out through us, showing the way for the world around us that they may find and come to know the Source of life - Jesus.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Progress)

What progress am I making in my walk as a believer? Can I look back over this past year and see qualitative advancement in my life spiritually?

When we come to faith in Christ, our condition is as a newborn child and our life from that point on should be one of continual growth unto maturity and onward in the direction of perfection - the completeness of Christlikeness that God has purposed for us.
[Rom8.29, 2Cor13.9, Col1.28, Col4.12, Heb6.1, 1Pet5.10]

In Heb5.11-14 the believers were challenged about their lack of progress spiritually. The writer of Hebrews said they should by that time have been teachers, yet they still needed 'milk' food instead of meat.

How does my life compare?
Am I walking more closely to God than in the past? Am I gaining a deeper knowledge of God's Word and more importantly seeing that knowledge worked out practically in my daily living? Am I living to a greater level of holiness and eradicating worldliness in it's many subtle forms?

I need to be desiring God's Word and feeding on it in the same way as I would physical food for nourishment, growth and strength. Is God's Word having that place of priority in my daily life, so my life will be fruitful?
[1Pet2.2, Col3.16]

In 2Cor13.5 we are called to examine ourselves, to check our condition. We also see in the Lord's words to the Churches in Revelation, that He draws attention to their condition, calling them back to their first love, to be watchful, to strengthen that which remains, and to remember what had been received and heard. To not be lukewarm, and revealing the deception of not seeing their true state before Him.
[Rev2.4-5, 3.2-3,15-19]

I need to be taking stock of my life before God, making an honest assessment of my lifestyle, character and ways. I need to be vulnerable before the Lord so that He can point out areas of progress and show me where greater progress and change needs to be seen.

May I never be standing still but always moving forward unto conformity to the Lord Jesus.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Alignment)

The Christian life is one of walking in the grace of God. We can never earn the rights to God's favour through our own righteousness and achievements. All we will ever receive from God both now and throughout eternity is solely on account of Christ Jesus and all He has done for us.
[Eph2.8-9]

Yet the Scriptures have many examples that show we need to bring our lives into alignment with what God has spoken in order to experience the fulness of the life we see available to us in His Word.

I can be desiring many things from God, wishing to see much change in my own life and circumstances around me, but is my life aligned with the promises I wish to see unfold in my life and the conditions that accompany them? Is my life conforming to God's Word or conforming to the pattern of this world?
[Rom12.2]

Each day I may desire to walk in God's protection, to know His healing power in my physical frame, to experience His strength, to know the blessings of answered prayer, to see His will performed in my life.

But in order to see those desires fulfilled, am I seeking to dwell in the secret place of the most high God? Am I full of faith and expelling doubt? Do I wait upon the Lord in expectation and trust at all times and especially in times of weakness? Am I keeping His commandments and doing those things that are pleasing in His sight?
[Ps91.1-2,3-16, Matt9.21-22, Luke17.19, Jam5.15, Heb11.6, Is40.31, 1John3.22-23]

God's promises are the ground that faith walks on, but the accompanying conditions are like a permit that gives access to the ground of the promise.

Through the operation of God's grace, by faith may I take hold of His promises and walk consistently in their conditions. Hence aligning my life so that I may have the joy of seeing God work His Word into the fabric of my life.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Wisdom)

As believers in the world in which we live, we need an abundance of wisdom to walk safely and securely amidst the dangers to our souls. We need wisdom to navigate through a world of temptations and snares that would corrupt and defile us, and cripple our walk in God.
[Prov1.20,33, Prov3.21-23, Prov28.26, Is33.6, Eph5.15-17, Prov2.10-17]

The world is limited to operating in it's own wisdom. A wisdom that doesn't know or acknowledge God. A wisdom derived from sense and reason. Yet in Christ we have treasures of true wisdom available to us. We have the privilege of access to the wisdom of the only wise God.
[1Cor1.21, Col2.3, 1Cor1.30, Jam1.5, Prov2.6-7, 1Tim1.17]

Am I drawing on that divine wisdom, or content with walking only on the level of the world's wisdom? Do I seek after that wisdom from above or follow the counsel of the world?
[Ps1.1]

True wisdom starts with the fear of God, recognising His sovereignty and almighty power, submitting unto Him. It is received by faith and is therefore not measured on the same scales as that of the world's wisdom. God's ways and thoughts are far above our own and in the same way His wisdom so far excels man's that comparison is futile.
[Ps111.10, Prov9.10, 15.33, Jam1.5-6, Is55.8-9]

When God's wisdom flows in us, it will be known by the character it develops. A character of meekness. A character that is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
[Jam3.13,17]

May I recognise my need of daily wisdom, choosing not to draw it from the wells of the world's supply but going to the Source that never runs dry. Then in all my dealings in this world may I see the fruit of walking in the wisdom and counsel of God.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Boundaries)

What sort of framework am I building my life within? In Hosea 5.4 God speaks of Ephraim and Israel as those that 'will not frame their doings to turn unto their God.'

How am I ordering my life? Is the structure of my life focussed around growing in the knowledge of God or consumed with worldly affairs? Am I seeing my life as a time of preparation for an eternity that Jesus has gone ahead of me to prepare, or am I shortsighted, only concentrating on the here and now?
[Phil3.7-11,18-19, 1John3.2-3, 2Pet1.9-11]

A frame defines the boundary of a picture. How do I define the boundaries of my life? How do I judge what is acceptable for me as a follower of Christ and what is compliant with the high calling that I have received in following Him?

The boundaries of my life should not be the cold stones of legalism and regulation but borders drawn up from relationship with Christ as the map and His Word as the markers.

May my life be steered according to the principles of seeking to live by what brings direct pleasure to the Lord and what edifies and strengthens me in my walk with Him.
[Col1.10-11]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Change)

Am I open to change in my life? Am I looking to see my circumstances change or me to change within my circumstances?

Our journey as believers in Christ should be one of perpetual change. A genuine salvation experience results in a radical change of one's life. It moves us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's Son, changing us from a lifestyle that ends in death to a new pathway that leads to life. Changing from glory to glory, from faith to faith. A pathway that gets brighter and brighter.
[Eph5.8, Col1.13, 2Cor3.18, Rom1.17, Prov4.18]

Such should be my experience, but the enemy of our souls would lure us into getting comfortable with where we have attained, causing us to become resistant to change and blinding us from seeing the deeper consecration we are called to and the ongoing pursuit of holiness that is needed.
[Heb12.14, Rev3.15-18]

The goal of our lives is to know Christ, to become like Him - a life long experience. Taking our focus off the goal set before us will remove the point of reference for our lives. It will remove the plumbline against which we should be building and leave us without a compass to know where we are.

I need to always have an attitude of humility and an openness to see my spiritual progress in the light of the Scriptures and be willing to realign myself. I need to be letting go and forsaking those things in my life which are unlike Christ Jesus, changing what I do and how I speak, never settling, ever moving onward, until God brings to completion the work He began in me and takes me into the glorious eternity He has prepared for us.
[Phil1.6, Ps138.8, John14.3, 1Thess4.17]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Mirror)

Our lives are like mirrors: they are a reflection of the influences we expose our lives to and the condition of our hearts.

What am I reflecting when others look at me, and come into contact with my life?

God's plan for our lives as believers is to conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus (Rom8.29). Our lives should be increasingly reflecting the character and wisdom of Christ in every compartment of our being. Am I growing in purity, peacableness, gentleness? Am I easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy? (Jam3.17) Are those qualities spoken of in 2Pet1.5-7 present in me and abounding?

The Scriptures reveal this process of change as involving the likeness of our looking into another mirror, referring to the Word of God (2Cor3.18, Jam1.22-25).

God's Word contains within it the revelation of the glory of God, and this is found in the face of the Lord Jesus (2Cor4.6) - the Scriptures reveal Jesus to us. As we expose ourselves to God's Word gazing into it with the intent of finding Christ and of being doers of what it says (Jam1.22-25), then as the Lord reveals Himself to us, we will experience change within ourselves by the work of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of that Word will start reflecting out to others - they will see Jesus in us.

May I choose to sit at the feet of the Lord exposed to His life changing Word (Luke10.39), closing the door on this world's influence over me, in order that my life may transparently show Jesus to others.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Voices)

There are many voices in the world bidding for our attention. Voices that are seeking to influence our opinions, and affect how we spend our time, our money and our energy - am I listening to them? Is the compass of my life being affected by what this world is 'saying' or does it remain true to the voice of the Lord calling me onward into His purposes?

I must learn how to filter out the voices of this world, and fine tune my hearing to the voice of the One who deserves my undivided attention.

Amidst the noise of the world there is a gentle sound of stillness of the Lord's voice (1Kings19.12 Heb.). It takes a quietening of ourselves from the raging ocean waves around us in order to listen to Him (Ps46.10a). Listening for His direction like the word He promised Israel would hear (Is30.21). Listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk (John16.13).

The Lord describes our relationship with Him as sheep with the Shepherd, and says that His sheep hear and know His voice (John10.3-5). Am I recognising the Great Shepherd's voice in my daily life?

We also see on a number of occasions in the Gospels Jesus saying, 'He that has ears to hear, let him hear' (e.g. Matt11.15, 13.9, Mark7.16) and to the Churches in Revelation He repeats, 'He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says . . .' He also warns in Mark4.24, 'Take heed what ye hear.' How important it is that my ears are open and attentive to what my Saviour is saying.

May God grant me the discernment to recognise His voice amidst the many others, the wisdom to apply the truths He reveals and the grace to remain faithful to all He says.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Remember)

One of the most dangerous enemies of our soul is pride. It is like a weed in the garden of our lives that will wrap it's tentacles around the roots of all we do, strangling and poisoning the fruit that is growing in us and ultimately bringing destruction (Prov16.18).

Pride has many faces, some of which are very subtle, but it can be identified by elevated or exalted thoughts about self, affecting how we see ourselves compared to others and even influencing how we come before God (Luke 18.11).

The desire and motivation of my heart and life should be to know God and draw near to Him, yet God says the proud He knows afar off (Ps138.6). He resists the proud (1Pet5.5, Jam4.6), and the proud in heart are an abomination to Him (Prov16.5). Pride will distance me from God and block His working in my life.

Firstly I must recognise where pride may exist in me, so that I can root it out. Then I need to be diligent in preventing seeds of pride accessing my heart, being ruthless in keeping myself free from pride in all its forms.

Pride gains access through forgetfulness. Forgetting my former condition prior to knowing Christ, forgetting the true perspective of my life relative to the eternal, Almighty God (Ps144.3-4, Job38&39, Is40.17).

I need to remember the rock from which I was hewn (Is51.1): the place from which God has taken me. Ever mindful that my life is only a vapour that is on this earth for a short time (Jam4.14) and is like grass (1Pet1.24). Numbering my days in light of the eternity ahead (Ps90.12) and remembering that my life is not my own (1Cor6.19-20) and that all I have I've received by God's grace (1Cor4.6-7).

Keeping in memory these truths as well as having an attitude of total dependence upon God will raise a guard against pride.

May God grant me the clearness of vision to see myself as I truly am, and that I may walk humbly with Him (Micah6.8)

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Abiding)

Jesus describes our relationship with Him as one where we are branches, in Him the true Vine. (John15.5)

A branch has no life of it's own. The life that flows through it and the fruit it produces comes solely from the life received from the vine of which it is part. Do I see my life so grafted into the Lord (Rom11.17) that I live in an attitude of total dependence upon Him? A dependence that flows from a convinced belief and acknowledgement that I can do nothing without Him. (John15.5)

The scriptures also declare that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God (Luke4.4, Deut8.3). The strength of my life, my life-force spiritually is directly related to the level to which God's Word is abiding in me (1John2.14, John8.31, John15.7). It is related to the inflow, by faith and revelation, of that Word, and the outworking of it in my life: God's Word needs to take up permanent residence in me. It needs to be the reference point and plumbline against which every aspect of my life is judged and aligned. Am I daily feeding on God's Word? Am I living by it? Is my life patterned by that Word? Is it shaping my thoughts and the content of my words and my actions?

Abiding in Christ speaks of remaining, staying in that position of special relationship and dependency on Him. Am I consciously and consistently staying close to the Lord? Or do I allow the world and the age I live in to distance me from my Saviour, sidetracking my attention and love for Him?

How much do I turn to the Lord for strength, wisdom and guidance along the pathway of life? Do I turn to Him first or as a last resort? Eternal life is in Him (1John 5.11), all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Col2.3). He is full of grace and truth (John1.14) and my completeness can only be found in Him. (Col2.10)

May the eyes of my heart be continually opened to see how much I need Christ, so that I cling to Him and never loosen my hold or desire to know Him more.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (with me)

One of the greatest consolations in the new life we have in Christ and as followers of Him is the bedrock promise that God is with us. The basis of my living life totally free from all fear is that God says, 'I am with thee.'

In Gal3.6-7,9 we learn that those of faith are children of Abraham and blessed with faithful Abraham. In Rom11.17 we see that God has grafted us as believers into the olive tree that Israel were of, so that we partake of the same 'root and fatness.' Also 2Cor1.20 declares that all the promises of God in Christ are 'yes and in Him Amen' - confirmed, available and ours to partake of.

In light of the above truths what great comfort and strength we can take from the Lord God saying, 'When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee' (Is43.2), 'Fear thou not, for I am with thee.' (Is41.10), 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'(Heb13.5), and 'because he has set his love on Me . . I will be with him in trouble' (Ps91.14-15). And Jesus words, 'I am with you alway.' (Matt28.20)

What an awesome truth: Even though I was formally alienated from God and His enemy (Col1.21, Rom5.10, Jam4.4), yet the infinite, eternal, all powerful, creator of all things has reconciled me and is with me. Whatever circumstances I face, whatever the future may hold, He is with me. As David wrote in Psalm23, 'though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. . .'

I need never be shaken by anything, God is with me. My life can be full of hope and expectation because God is with me. My steps onward into the destiny that God has for me can be with confidence and boldness, knowing that God is with me. What a privilege, what wonder!

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Called)

One of the wondrous truths of the Gospel is that God has called us (Rom1.6, Rom9.24, 1Cor1.9 etc.). He has specifically chosen and called us out of the darkness of this world (1Pet2.9).

Being called implies a destiny, a divine purpose behind that calling. The Scriptures declare that we have been called to God's eternal glory (1Pet5.10), to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus (2Thess2.14), to glory and virtue (2Pet1.3), to eternal life (1Tim6.12). To a glory which the Apostle Paul indicates will so completely outweigh and outshine the sufferings we may endure in this life that those sufferings can't even be compared to it (Rom8.18). A high calling (Phil 3.14).

Do I fully appreciate the significance of being called by the Almighty Creator God? Do I have a revelation of what I am called to inherit and am I walking worthy of that calling? (Eph4.1, 1Thess2.12) Have I allowed the influence of that calling to 'spoil' me for this world (age), so that it's attractions, temptations and ways (that are so contrary to God's ways) no longer find a response or pull in my heart? Am I continually choosing the pathway of holiness, recognising it is the only way to see the Lord (Heb12.14) and is integral to that calling (1Thess4.7)?

I need to see myself as marked out, set apart to an incredible eternal future, and consequently live in a manner that befits the kingdom of which God has now made me a part (Col1.13). and the change of citizenship that has taken place (Phil3.20 ASV).

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Today)

In Matt7.23 the Lord says, 'Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, . . . And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity (lit. lawlessness).'

One of the most terrifying experiences imaginable must be on the day of judgment standing before the Lord convinced all is well because of deeds done in the past, but to be told by the Lord to depart. Knowing that the time of choice, the time of making things right, the time of repentance unto salvation has run out and is past. It is too late - all is lost for eternity, eternal punishment awaits.

How do I make sure I am not of 'the many' that the Lord speaks of? How do I avoid the deception that must have cloaked those that will receive such a response from the Lord?

That group the Lord rejected He described as those working lawlessness, yet they had pointed in their defense to works they had done in His name, mighty works.

What counts is my walk with God today: my condition spiritually before Him at any current moment of time. It is not just my examples of faithfulness and submision to God's Word and yielding to the Holy Spirit in my conscience and life that I can point to 'yesterday' (in the past), but where am I today? (Ez33.11-19,Heb3.12-14)

Today I must be walking with God. Today I must be submitting to the counsel of His Word and walking in obedience to the light I have received. Today I must be walking in love towards all. Today I must be allowing God's Word to be the rule of my conduct, words and thoughts.

If I love God then I will be known of Him (1Cor8.3). My loving Him will be known by my obedience to Him and His Word (John14.21-24). God knows them that trust in Him (Nah1.7). My love of God, my faith in Christ, my believing in Him, trusting in Him, and my obedience to Him must be a present, continuous experience of my today.

May God protect me from the deception of looking to the past to what may have been achieved and experienced spiritually back then and because of that relaxing my fervancy to remain in that place of love, obedience and trust this day. May I live everyday in the awareness of the Lord's presence being in a continual state of readiness to stand before Him on that day.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Tomorrow)

Am I walking in the light of 'Tomorrow', or is my today covered by the shadows of yesterday and my current circumstances?

The difficult circumstances that we have been through or are currently passing through, if allowed, can negatively mould and influence our outlook on life, how we relate to others and how we approach each day we live. Yet in a believer's life our "tomorrow" should be more greatly influencing our today than what may be dark shadows of past and present trials and sufferings.

The Apostle Paul had such a revelation of the "tomorrow" that God has in store for us as followers of Christ that he declared: 'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.' (Rom 8.18) 'For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.' (2Cor4.17-18).

One secret to enduring trials and tribulations is seeing their true scale in comparison to God's overall plans and goals for our lives, not just plans for the near future but in the glorious eternal age to come after Jesus returns.

In Heb12.2-3 it says of Jesus, 'Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross . . consider Him ... lest ye be wearied.'

The key is to lift our eyes off the immediate now in order to gaze upon the Lord (Heb12.2a) and the future we have with Him - so enabling us to regain perspective.

May God grant us the same revelation that the Apostle Paul had, so that the truths of Scripture move from the pages of the Bible and are etched on our hearts as an unchangeable and unshakeable reality. This is how we won't just survive what we go through but overcome in it.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Thanksgiving)

We have so much to thank God for! (Ps40.5) Thanksgiving is an outward expression of gratitude, and gratitude cannot help but arise when there is a recognition in our hearts and minds of the goodness that God has shown us, and continues to show us with every breath we take.

How much do I meditate on God's goodness? How much do I turn my focus to all that God has done, not just for me but those I know who are my family in Christ? When I look at my life can I describe myself as a thankful person? Is that how others see me? Throughout each day does the Lord hear thanksgiving pour forth from me, both in the small things of life as well as the large and significant happenings?

Thanksgiving is very much linked to the perspective we have about ourselves, our circumstances and life itself. If we have a continuing revelation of our unworthiness before the Almighty God, how we deserve only condemnation and eternal judgment (Rom6.21-23), and yet we have received acquital (Rom4.7-8, Col2.13-14), the forgiveness of sins (Eph1.7), deliverance from it's power (Rom6.6-7,14), and have been made heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8.17), by His grace (Eph2.1-8) by the shed blood of Jesus (1Pet1.18-19, Eph2.13), how can our hearts not respond in gratitude and thanksgiving? How can we not every day be thankful that we have been chosen and brought into relationship with the awesome, all powerful, all wise God?

Our thanksgiving should be in all circumstances (Eph5.20, 1Thess5.18), in all that we do (Col3.17) and a characteristic of our prayer (Phil4.6-7, Col 4.2, Ps100.4).

Thanksgiving is a natural by-product of faith. It's presence, or lack of, in our lives is a reflection of what we really believe and are believing and the strength of that conviction. In 1Pet1.8-9 the Scriptures declare, 'Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end (outcome) of your faith even the salvation of your souls.'

In all that comes my way, may I be 'yet believing' and as such have that thankfulness and joy as a characteristic of my life. May the awesome magnitude of my redemption affect my heart every day and cause my lifesong to be one of thanksgiving.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Pressing or Pressed?)

What stance am I taking in my daily walk as a believer? Are my circumstances pressing in on me and inhibiting my progress spiritually or am I taking positive action in my life by God's grace and advancing in my maturity in God?

In war, territory is never taken by staying in a defensive position but pushing forward against the enemy. In Matt11.12 the Lord states, '... the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.' The Apostle Paul says to 'fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.' (1Tim6.12) and declares near the end of his life, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.' (2Tim4.7) I am in a spiritual battle as a follower of Christ and there are many areas in my life where I need to advance, gain ground and see change. This will only come through direct action on my part empowered by the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in me.

Our society and culture, if allowed, will lull us into passivity in how we live, causing us to prefer to remain in our comfort zones, rather that moving out from where we are into the attaining of what God is calling us toward. It will deceive us into thinking that things will never change, to accept things as they are, both in our lives and in the fallen world in which we live.

But we must arise! The Apostle Paul says in the context of knowing Christ in Phil3.11, 'if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.' This statement implies the apostle is endeavouring to make certain his inclusion in that future resurrection, do I have the same intention and attitude? Am I making my calling and election sure?(2Pet1.10)

In that same passage in Philippians 3 the apostle goes on to say, ' . . I follow after . . . reaching forth . . . I press toward . . .'(Phil3.12-14)

Am I pressing forward in prayer each day, breaking the shackles of tiredness or busyness to commune with God? Am I digging into the gold mine of the Scriptures with ever greater fervancy, discovering the treasures hidden therein and being clothed with the fruit of His Word? Am I stretching the boundaries of my evangelism through the daily annointing of the Holy Spirit, reaching more souls with the message of life eternal and seeing God's kingdom come?

May I always be in 'pursuit mode' in my life - pursuing that high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil3.14)

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Tick Tock)

Am I being a good steward of my time?

Time is a precious commodity. We all have the same amount given to us each day, yet so often we don't feel we have enough and that which has passed we cannot retrieve.

Each day we choose how we spend our time, but so often we can be driven by circumstances that leave us feeling out of control of that which has been given to us.

The Scripture declares that we should be redeeming the time. (Eph 5.16, Col 4.5)

Redeeming the time means to buy it back. In a culture where life is lived in the fast lane of continuous activities and busyness, where demands are being made on us by our jobs to do more, achieve more and perform better, we must be making radical decisions about the time we have and how we will use it. We must break ourselves free from the mould of the world and the pattern that it follows.

Our life is a preparation for eternity. We each have a call from God to know Him and complete the race set out for us (2Tim4.7, Heb12.1). But how much of my time is devoted to this cause?

That which is important to me will not be known by what I say is important, but by looking at the hourly diary of my life and what my time is given to.

Will I choose to give the best of my time to sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in His Word (Luke10.39,42)? Will I choose to arrange my schedule around seeking God in prayer rather that try to fit God into my existing plans?

The Scripture states,'. . knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.'(Rom13.11)

The time is short. May I make the days and years that God grants me on this earth count for eternity so that I may look back without regret when my time here is fulfilled.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Consuming Fire)

In a world that is increasingly dominated by political correctness, in a society where absolutes are being eroded and it could be described that every man lives by the rule of doing that which is right in his own eyes, where sin is given a label of acceptability, do I have a balanced and accurate recognition of the character and holiness of Almighty God?

Heb12.28-29 says, 'Wherefore we receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.'

Do I fear God . . . ? Is my life, while knowing the wonder of God's infinite love directed towards me in and through Christ Jesus, balanced by the awe and reverential fear of the Holy God who is Light and in Whom is no darkness? (1John1.5)

Do I come to God understanding I am His adopted child with a heart cry of 'Abba, Father' (Rom8.15), but also taking heed to Jesus' declaration in Matt 10.28, 'fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him that is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.'

I may not have experienced the vision of Isaiah who when seeing the Lord said, 'woe is me, I am undone . . for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.' (Is6.5) nor may I have had the revelation of the Apostle John who when seeing Jesus 'fell at His feet as dead.' (Rev1.17) But am I living my life in the continual awareness that Whom they saw is the same God and Lord Jesus that I live for? Does the reality of this truth govern my thoughts, words and deeds?

When I enter His presence in prayer or with others congregationally, do I rush in or have a casual attitude? Or do I still myself to allow His majesty and awesomeness to attract my full attention?

Do I delight in those things that God delights in: lovingkindness, justice and righteousness (Jer9.24)? Do I hate those things which God hates: Prov 6.16-19?

Do I tremble at God's word (Is 66.2), recognising the treasure it is, but also the awesome responsibility that comes with being given such truths that are contained therein?

May my life be evenly tempered by the revelation of God's love toward me as His redeemed child along with the reverence, awe and fear that God is owed, the One who dwells in light unapproachable (1Tim6.16) and Whom angels worship.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Friend or Foe?)

A very sobering Scripture in James 4.4 declares, 'do you not know that the friendship of the world is hostility toward God? whosoever therefore wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.' (ASV)

How much of my life is aligned to the world and it's ways of thinking, behaving and talking? How important to me is the opinion of my peers and those with whom I rub shoulders with in the world through my job, friendships or other activities?

In 1John2.15 the Scripture commands, 'love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.'

If I look carefully into my life are there traces of love for this world (age) and the pleasures it makes available? This can be measured by asking myself - What things do I get excited about? When I have 'free' time what would be the top five activities that I would give myself to? What do I most talk about when around others?

Jesus said '.. that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.' (Luke16.15)

May I regularly be checking my value system to make sure that it is always aligned with God's estimation of things. May I not allow the glitter and seduction of the world to corrupt my perspective and draw me into a position where I am setting myself in opposition to God through my desires, actions and conversation.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (All Sufficiency)

Times of crisis are like strong winds blowing through the trees of a wood: they test the depth and strength of the roots of our lives.

In times such as these we need to know and rest in the all sufficiency of God.

The Apostle Paul speaking to the Corinthians about giving, encouraged them that 'God is able to make all grace abound toward you that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.' (2Cor9.8)

There is a sufficiency that we can walk in by God's provision, that will differentiate us from the world when it is going through storms that fill people with fear, worry and uncertainty.

That sufficiency reaches us through the pipeline of faith and trust in the Lord. The Scriptures declare, 'Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.' (Jer17.7-8)

The place of quiet trust and confidence in the Lord, and His promises toward us, is a place of security and shelter from the storm. A place of rest, a place of great peace.

Ps91 is full of the promises of God to the believer that dwells in that secret place of trust in Him. One particular promise is that 'a thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.' Ps91.7. All around us the waves of the sea of this world's systems can be in turmoil, but in Christ there is a security like no other that will keep us and protect us.

Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' (John14.27)

May I daily believe, daily trust and daily place my hope and confidence in the Almighty God, fixing my gaze on Him.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Patience)

Am I letting patience complete it's job in my life?

The Scriptures declare in James 1.4 to 'let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.' The word patience in the original Greek means a 'bearing up under, endurance, perserverence as to things and circumstances'.

How do I view the difficulties and storms that may blow across the fields of my life? Such storms can come in many shapes and sizes but what is my reaction to them?

God's predestined purpose for every believer's life is to conform us to the likeness of His Son, the Lord Jesus (Rom8.29), evidenced in word, thought and deed.

Character development comes through character testing. The quality of fruit is known by it's taste. The tasting of the fruit of our lives is that which flows from us in response to the circumstances we pass through. Are those around me experiencing a bitter or a sweet taste?

It's against a backdrop of the dark rain clouds of storms and trials that faith is tested and we can grow and mature in our spiritual lives. Gold is found in it's purest form as it comes out of the furnace after all the impurities have been melted away.

When the valley of difficulty and trial comes to an end, my rejoicing should not be in the deliverance alone that God has accomplished for me but whether there has been a change on the inside of me as a result of that situation. What work has God wrought in me? Can I look and see another aspect of the character of Jesus shining through my life more clearly?

This will be a true cause of rejoicing when we're seeing the grace of God working in our lives and Jesus more evident in us, thus bringing more glory to God: our ultimate aim.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (The future)

God says in Is 65.17, 'for behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.'

Am I looking forward to that day, is it something I am consciously preparing for, waiting for, desiring to see? One may respond and say, "but that is way off in the future, there are more important things to focus on" but in 2Peter3.12-14 the Apostle Peter says 'looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God', 'we according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness', 'wherefore ... seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent .... '.

The emphasis in these scriptures is one of looking into the future with expectation to what God is bringing in, so that it has a direct impact on our daily living - 'that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.' (2Pet 3.14)

This same perspective was seen back in the Old Testament influencing the patriarchs: Heb 11.10 of Abraham, 'for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God', and in Heb 11.14,16 of all those that died in faith, 'they ... declare plainly that they seek a country ... they desire a better country, that is an heavenly'.

God has an incredible future planned for His children. Imagine for a moment how wondrous that new heaven and new earth will be such that the former will not be remembered or come to our mind. A place that fills us with wonder and joy in the direct presence of God, a place of no tears, no suffering, no pain, no sin, a place where righteousness dwells.

Our hearts need to be caught up with the expectation of that time and place. It will radically change our perspective on what by comparison is a 'short' period of time in this fallen world. We will then be more likely to consider ourselves pilgrims and strangers in this life (Heb11.13, 1Peter2.11), and hold lightly to the things of this world. Less likely to get wrapped up in pursuing earthly matters but will rather turn the rudder of our lives to catch the winds of the Holy Spirit's purposes and goals for us.

May I keep my focus on the unseen (2Cor4.18), remembering my true citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3.20), and living in such a way that I'm getting ready to dwell there.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (One minute)

A Christian sits beside a man on a train. It's the first time they have met and in the conversation that ensues it becomes apparent that the other man has no religion, has never read the Bible and has no understanding of why Jesus came and died on a cross. The train is about one minute away from the station where the man is getting off. The Christian may never see the man again, who may never have another chance to hear the Gospel. What does the Christian tell him in that final minute that will furnish him with enough knowledge and understanding that he will have an opportunity to repent, be converted and give his life to Christ? (Acts 3.19) What can he tell Him that will leave the right type of seed in his heart which the Holy Spirit can use to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment? (John 16.8)

The Christian continues and tells the man, "... you see the Bible says it's appointed to man once to die and after that the judgment. You and I one day will die and we will meet God and He will judge us. What we deserve at that judgment is eternal hell, a place of suffering and torment that never ends. We deserve this because we have all broken God's commands, which is called sin and are guilty before him and the Bible says the wages or penalty of sin is death. Such things as lying and blasphemy are just a few examples of sin. But God, because He loves us, doesn't want us to perish and the only way our judgment could be lifted is if Someone took our place. That is why Jesus Christ the Son of God came and lived a perfect life, died on the cross and rose from the dead. When he died and offered His life to God, God put all our wrong-doing, that sin, on Jesus. This made it possible for you and I, if we turn away from all that we do wrong and from living life our own way, asking God for forgiveness through Jesus and give our life to Him, receiving Him as Lord over our life, for God to then to forgive us, wash us clean and make us His child. We then need to walk close to God every day in that new relationship with Him that comes by trusting Jesus daily and surrendering our life totally to Him. . ." The conversation closed with the Christian encouraging the man to consider seriously what had been said and handing him a small card with some Scripture verses written on the back, the man walked away to leave the train.

We meet so many people as we pass through life. We may be the only voice they will ever hear that will tell them the good news of the Gospel: that the pending judgment over their lives and eternal punishment that is waiting them (which they probably don't even know about) has been lifted away through Jesus and they can receive eternal life and experience God's love. They need to know why it was necessary for Jesus to die and why they must repent and believe.

Am I telling them? Am I looking for opportunities to spread the incredible news of the gospel with them? Even in a brief moment of time (60 seconds) we can pass on the keys of knowledge (the complete picture of the Gospel) to someone which the Holy Spirit can then use to set that person free.

May I daily be looking to the Lord for the boldness to be the voice that brings the words of life to souls heading for a lost eternity.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (pathway)

Our life as believers is a pathway which the Lord describes as a narrow way (Matt 7.14). Heb 12:13 says 'And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.'

In that narrow way what sort of ground am I preparing for my feet to walk on?

We have a much greater influence on the path we tread than it may immediately seem when looking at the circumstances we face. This Scripture in Heb 12.13 indicates we can make our paths straight, which also means we can do the opposite!

One of the greatest influences on the path we lay down for ourselves is our tongue. In James 3.6 we see the tongue 'sets on fire the course of life'(NASB). Our words will either smooth out and straighten the road ahead, or will have the effect of dropping rocks and boulders in front of us, causing risk of stumbling, falling and injury. For example, in a moment of heightened emotion in a relationship such as in a family or at work my words can stoke the fire of argument and contention or can bring a calming effect such as described in Proverbs 15.1 where 'A soft answer turneth away wrath.'

Am I conscious of the power of my words and their influence on what I'm going through? Am I cautious in how I speak and what I contribute to conversations?

May I live by James 1.19, so that I am 'swift to hear': 'listening' carefully to the situation before me being attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He directs me. 'Slow to speak': avoiding hasty words of reaction but instead taking time to ponder my responses and words. 'Slow to anger': Giving room for God's peace to stay ruling and umpiring my heart in whatever situation I am facing.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Unshakeable)

In the midst of a world where there is so much turmoil, how do I remain unshakeable in my resolve as a follower of Christ, unaffected by whatever situations confront me?

The apostle Paul says, 'Therefore .. be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.' (1Cor15.58) How do I remain unmovable? The 'therefore' at the beginning of the statement points to the previous verse where he says, 'Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (v57). It is from the basis of the victory we have in Christ that we can attain a position where we are unmoveable in our faith. How is this practically worked out as I face what may be extreme difficulties or challenges in my daily life?

As with so much of my life in Christ the key is my heart condition. The psalmist writes in Ps 112.7-8 speaking of a good man, 'He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid . . .'

The Hebrew word translated 'fixed' literally means 'to set up, to make firm, to establish, to prepare'. It speaks of actions that have been completed resulting in a condition of steadfastness.

The way in which I will not just survive but overcome in all my circumstances is preparing my heart beforehand, so that when those situations arise 'the evil tidings' will bring no fear or dread because the sound condition my heart is already in, planted firmly in God's promises, and faith in Him.

Our heart is also likened to soil itself by the Lord (Matt 13.3-9, 18-23). It will bear fruit according to how it is cultivated. The focus of our heart preparation should always be to know God more and move into a deeper level of trust and relationship with Him. As such we should be vigilent in keeping our heart free from all that would hinder knowing Him.

As well as preparing the soil of our heart we must be continually sowing the Word into our heart (Ps1.2-3, Josh 1.8). The presence of God's Word is a climate for faith (Rom 10.17), which itself is a shield that will protect against all the fiery darts of the enemy (Eph 6.16).

King David said in Psalm 16.8 'I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad. . .'

Every day I need to be 'setting the Lord before me', that is, bringing God into every area of my life. If God is before me then my focus is on Him and not on the size of the situations I face.

May I be perpetually preparing my heart to walk in that level of knowing God that I will never be shaken but instead be resolute and determined, ultimately experiencing God's peace amidst every trial.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Thirst)

How thirsty am I to know God? How much do I hunger after righteousness and desire to be conformed to the likeness of Christ in my character, words and actions?

We have every reason for such an intensity of desire towards the Lord: He redeemed our lives from eternal destruction through giving Himself for us on the cross; in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2.3); eternal life itself is knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17.3); in His presence is fulness of joy ... (Ps 16.11). The Scriptures are full of such examples that should inspire an intense longing to know God.

The Psalmist wrote in Ps 42.1 'As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God:'

It's very easy in the context of Church meetings or listening to Gospel music to sing songs of being hungry and thirsty for God, but is my daily life reflecting that hunger and thirst?

A hungry and thirsty man when placed before food and drink will devour it. He will make the most of the provision laid before him to quench the thirst and satisfy the hunger.

In Ps 23.5 the Scripture declares 'Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies'. God lays before us the provision of His Word and access by grace (Eph 2.8, Heb 4.16) into His presence. My hunger and thirst for God will be measured by how I take hold of that provision. It will be seen by how frequently I sit at that table and feed on His Word through study and meditation, whether my thoughts are continually drawn with a desire to spend time in God's presence in prayer.

Our world is so full of 'other things' that can come into our lives and consume our thoughts, time and energy. And one of the tactics of the enemy of our souls is to choke us (Luke 8.14) and distract us with these things so that we don't bare fruit.

May I continually be making room in my life so that I allow that hunger, thirst and desire for God to arise within me. Closing the door on the distractions this world offers and running to His table to partake of His goodness.

Jesus' promise in Matt 5.6 is 'Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.' What a promise!! - we will be filled with the righteousness we hunger and thirst after. We will see the Lord forming Christlikeness in us, He who is our righteousness (1Cor1.30).

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (The Secret Place)

When pressures and stresses daily increase,
And seem to do all they can to steal away our peace.
When storm clouds may be building and the thunder may roar,
And the sun's face is hidden and doesn't seem to shine any more.
(Is 50.10)

Then this is the time when that secret place we must seek.
The place of stillness and calm found only at our Saviour's feet.
His peace is unlike any other, His love can none compare.
His faithfulness reaches to the heavens, and His presence is always there.
(Ps27.5, Ps91.1, Luke10.39-42, John14.27, Phil4.6-7, Eph 3.17-19)

So seek Him and we will find Him, that is the promise in His Word.
As we put our faith and trust in Him we will see a sure reward.
For we must turn our lives over to Jesus, the One who is so worthy.
Of all our praise and worship not just for the now but eternally.
(Matt 7.7, Jer29.9, Heb11.6, Rev5.12)

So these are some keys of how to walk above the storms.
How to win the victory when all things around are so far from calm.
Find and live in the secret place of the Most High where nothing can trouble or distress.
And we will then experience the peace of God in the midst of every test.
(Ps91, Ps112.7-8, Ps16.8, Ps25.14)

- Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46.10)

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection. . . (Counsel)

Who and what am I listening to?

Our level of victory (knowing experientially the will and purposes of God as revealed in His Word) in every area of our life and character will be significantly influenced by the counsel (guidance/advice) that we allow to lead and direct us.

Most every day we are faced with decisions we need to make and situations to which we must respond. Living in such a way that my choices and responses bear the right fruit will be achieved by carefully choosing the counsel I listen to.

We should not limit our definition of counsel only to specific forms of instruction we receive from a given source but need to recognise that it can include anything we expose ourselves to which can influence our way of thinking, our opinions and our lifestyle.

There are many voices from the world clawing for our attention, and seeking to influence us: the media, the entertainment arena, the fashion industry to name just a few. Combined with this we face an enemy that will use any means to try and deceive, distract and infiltrate our lives by getting us to adopt his counsel. Consequently we must heed the Scripture in Ps 1.1 that says, 'Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord. . .'. We must continually guard ourselves from taking on attitudes, opinions and lifestyles that are influenced by these voices in the world.

Our objective should always be to know God's counsel in all things and be aligned to that counsel in all our ways. It is God's counsel that always prevails (Ps 33.11, Prov 19.21, 21.30), and as we therefore come under the shadow of that counsel we will partake of the benefits of it.

The counsel of the Lord is always available to us as followers of Christ through the Scriptures and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives (John 16.13, 1John 2.20,27). It just requires us to recognise the greatness of our need to be led of God and to set our hearts daily in the direction of seeking His counsel and wisdom.

May we so love God's Word that like the Psalmist we can say 'Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors' (Ps 119.24). And be tuned to the Holy Spirit's working that we may experience what God promised His people Israel '.. thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left' (Is 30.21).

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Conscience)

How sensitive is my conscience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? How effectively is my conscience influencing my pursuit of holiness (Heb 12.14)?

The conscience should be equivalent to a litmus paper test that operates alongside all that we say, do and think, aligning us to the will of God. However, the Scriptures show us that the conscience is subject to external influence and can be corrupted, defiled and seared (1Tim4.2, Tit1.15). Our conscience therefore is only as good a rule as the plumbline against which it is aligned and our response to it's operation in our life. As believers therefore it's important how our conscience is trained and exercised.

In Rom 2.15 we see that our conscience works alongside the heart and operates in the realm of our thoughts. In Heb 4.12 the Word of God is spoken of as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ('discern' here in the original Greek means to be able to decide, critical, skilled in judging). The level of the sensitivity of my conscience to the Lord as well as what will be acceptable or unacceptable to me as a believer in walking in godliness and holiness will therefore be directly influenced by the measure of the presence or absence of the Word of God operating in my life and my willingness to be changed by it.

Am I soaking myself in God's Word? Am I a positive responder to God's Word? Is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit sufficient for me to take action? Do I allow other influences into my life and my activities that will harden my conscience, that will dull my ability to discern between good and evil (Heb 5.14)?

May my testimony be that of the Apostle Paul who stated in Acts 24.16 "herein do I exercise myself (Grk: exert all one's diligence, study, endeavour, strive), to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men".

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Hold Fast)

Whatever the storms, whatever the pressures and stresses, however great the current need in our life, we must hold fast to the anchor God has given us (Heb 6.18-19) and we must hold fast to speaking of those circumstances in the light of God's promises.

Heb10.23 says that we are to hold fast to the profession of our hope without wavering (for He is faithful that promised). The word profession in the original Greek means 'to say the same thing'. There needs to be a consistency of faith in how we speak in the midst of all our circumstances but especially in the storms.

It is natural when going through tough times to speak of things as our eyes and feelings would dictate to us. However as believers we have a greater truth than the facts of what we see. And that truth, God's Word, can change and impact what we see if we believe unwaveringly in God's faithfulness to what He promised (Rom 4.20-21).

Heb 3.1 speaks of Jesus as the High Priest of our profession (same Greek word). So what will I decide about how I'm going to speak about things that I'm going through?

Let me consistently speak from the perspective of knowing the Almighty God that has me in His hands - however dark the clouds above me may be. Let me speak according to the declared promises of God to me . . promises of healing, provision, deliverance, strength, hope, restoration. Let me speak in faith and trust in the One who will come to my rescue and aid (Ps 46.1-3)

God is faithful, and through faith and patience we will inherit the promises (Heb 6.12).

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Values)

How highly do I value the Lord and knowing Him?

If someone were to look at the details of my life, how I spend my time, the subjects of my conversations, what occupies my thoughts - would they conclude that the Lord is precious to me, that He is highly valued, and a treasure to my life . . or other things more so?

In Phil 3.7-15 the Apostle Paul provides us with an insight into how much Christ Jesus should mean to us. He considers all that was previously gain and advantage to him as refuse in order that he may gain/win Christ and know Him.
It is so easy in this life to have our vision clouded so that the temporal things of this world draw our attention and corrupt our value system. There is nothing in this world that can compare to the privilege and wonder of knowing the Lord. Do I believe that? do I live by that?

In a world where all around us everything moves so fast, let us step off the treadmill of the world's ways and focus upon the One with Whom we will spend eternity and to Whom we owe our lives.

Let us press into knowing Him.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Anticipation)

How much am I anticipating the Lord's return? How much is His return influencing my daily walk with God?

Jesus said on a number of occasions to watch, to be ready (Matt 24.44), to pray (Mark 13.33) all in the context of readiness for His return. Am I in that state of readiness now? Am I being faithful with what God has put into my hand to do as part of His will for my life? Am I delaying making changes that God has shown are needful in my life, delaying because I lack the urgency of the Lord's pending return (Rev 22.7,12,20).
Our hope as believers should find it's focus in the soon return of our Saviour, and that hope will result in our purifying ourselves in readiness for His appearance (1John3.2-3). It will result in us abiding in Him, so we will have confidence when He appears and not be ashamed (1John2.28).
Is that hope alive and active in me? Is the fruit of that hope visible?
The Apostle Paul declares in 2Cor5.9-10 'Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. . . . for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ . . '. In the original language of the text the Greek word for labour in this verse means 'to be actuated by love of honour'. Is my daily walk being motivated and driven by a love for the Lord and hearing Him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matt 25.21,23). Is His pleasure my primary desire in my thought-life, my words and my actions and how my life is lived out towards my family and those with whom I come into contact?
May I be vigilant, preparing myself and by abiding close to the Lord be amongst those of whom the Lord speaks when He says 'Blessed . . are those servants whom the master finds awake and alert and watching when he comes' (Luke 12.37 Amp).

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (The tongue)

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright . . . (Proverbs 15.2).
If we know the Lord and His Word it will affect our tongue and how we speak.
Those that are wise are those that fear God (Prov 9.10), and those in whom the wisdom of God is flowing. They will be known by their being pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy (Jam3.17).
How do I speak? When I learn that I have been lied to, what are my words of response? when I am betrayed, how do I speak of those who betrayed me? when I am confronted with foolishness, waste and selfishness what is the response of my tongue? Our mouth is the revealer and indicator of the condition of our hearts (Matt 12.34-35). We are instructed to speak evil of no one (Titus 3.2). As we look to the Lord we see His perfect example; Who when He was reviled did not respond in like manner, when He suffered He did not threaten those around Him but entrusted Himself to God (1Pet2.23).
In all my circumstances, in all my dealings with those around me; family, friends, work associates and others in the world, may my words build up and not destroy, heal and not wound, encourage and not criticise, understand and not judge, and ultimately be a reflection of the gentle workings of the Holy Spirit in my life moulding me into the likeness of my Saviour and Lord.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Perspective)

What is your perspective on the challenges that you face in life? David as a youth faced Goliath but saw the greatness of His God and not the size of the giant before him and Goliath was slain (1 Sam 17). King Jehoshaphat faced a host that came against him but focussed on the Lord God and trusted Him and a great victory ensued (2Chron 20). We need a true and accurate concept of God and see things from the perspective of His greatness as we trust Him. This is excellently described by Stephen Charnock a puritan writer: 'Whatsoever God is, He is infinitely so; He is infinite Wisdom, infinite Goodness, infinite Knowledge, infinite Power, infinite Spirit; infinitely distant from the weakness of creatures, infinitely mounted above the excellencies of creatures: as easy to be known that He is, as impossible to be comprehended what He is. Conceive of Him as excellent, without any imperfection; a Spirit without parts; great without quantity; perfect without quality; everywhere without place; powerful without members; understanding without ignorance; wise without reasoning; light without darkness; infinitely more excelling the beauty of all creatures, than the light in the sun, pure and unviolated, exceeds the splendour of the sun dispersed and divided through a cloudy and misty air: and when you have risen to the highest, conceive Him yet infinitely above all you can conceive .... '. This is the God we serve, our Heavenly Father, Saviour, Healer, Redeemer. Lift up your eyes and behold His greatness as you face what is before you and lean on Him.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (God's Word)

Am I making full use of God's Word in my life?
God's Word is multi-faceted in how it can effect our lives. But the power of God's Word working in us is proportionate to the place we give it in our daily lives and the application by faith of all that God has written in it. In 2 Timothy 3.16 we see that the Word is able to make us wise unto salvation, it instructs us, reproves and corrects us and ultimately can make us fully equipped to live the life that God has ordained for us to walk (Eph 2.10). God's Word is life changing but am I allowing it to be to me? Do I give myself wholly to it? Or is it a treasure chest that I do not regularly open through fear, lack of appreciating it importance or because of the distraction of all the other activities of life? (Luke 8.14)

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection .... (Pleasing God)

In the Bible in Hebrews 11.6 we learn that it is impossible to please God without faith. Also in Galatians 5.6 we see that what counts is 'faith working through love'. I therefore need to be asking myself: Are all my actions, my words, my thoughts that relate to my relationships, work and other activities (i.e. my whole life) coming from a motivation of God's love in me through faith in Christ? This is the gauge of whether my life at any particular moment is pleasing to God.