Friday, 25 May 2012
Do not kill... Are you sure?
I must say I'm a little confused with the journey readings at the moment. I mean so far this year we've read the 10 commandments saying do not murder yet all that David and his troops seem to be doing is murdering all the time!!! What's this about? Wasn't David supposed to be a man after God's heart?
A couple of things I thought about follow (and they are not by any means true - just thoughts)
Perhaps without Jesus there is death. Jesus obviously appears in human form in the new testament to bring life and truth and freedom from death. Our wrong doings upset God so much that they are punishable by death. Even if we are the nicest person ever we can still upset God by our thoughts, our words, our actions and so on. If you rarely do stuff wrong - awesome! Tell me how!!! If you get a lot wrong, it just means you get to experience grace more times over. A win win situation! We need a saviour to save us and give us life i.e. Jesus who took our punishment and died for us on the cross. (If you don't know the amazing life and freedom from death He offers - check it, out leave a comment or visit Watford Community Church's website - it's well worth it).
Secondly I started thinking, whilst 2 Timothy 3:16 talks about all scripture being God breathed and full of purpose, are we allowed to choose which scriptures we follow and which we don't? Are we allowed to place more importance on some than others for example those we deem to be 'cultural' such as women being silent in church? What do we think here? Has David done this here? Is he disobeying the ten commandments by killing? Why does God give him success in this?
Finally I loved Helen Roberts' talk on Sunday (check out the sermons on the Watford Community Church website to listen). She talked about the Bible working in harmony with the Holy Spirit. The Bible is quite confusing without the assistance of the Holy Spirit to open up our eyes to understand it and allow God to speak through it. Likewise we need scripture for guidance, spiritual grounding, truth and direction, therefore the Holy Spirit alone is not enough. So perhaps in this case it is worth taking my lack of understanding to God and asking His Spirit to assist me on this. You can do likewise with anything you're not sure of.
Anyways, what do you think about this?
Xxx
Monday, 21 May 2012
Against the norm
Hello.
I've been struck recently about how much God just doesn't fit into our neat little boxes. So often we try to categorise God or to believe in this and that and the other when actually God is so much bigger. He doesn't always fit into our mindsets, our views and the moulds that we often make for Him. He is bigger.
Just over a week ago I had a picture at this Christian conference of a pretty neat, pink bow being unravelled and undone. I really felt God challenging me and the others at the conference to think about our viewpoints and our neatly packaged and labelled boxes we have for God. We go to church on a Sunday and have certain expectations. Anything out of those expectations is often considered wrong, unjust, unfair, not right, a challenge..... But God is bigger. What would we do if a prostitute walked in off the streets, or a drug addict, or even an atheist? Are we willing to be disrupted for the One who is BIGGER than our normality?
Two things have jumped out at me in the readings over the last couple of days. The first one I want to mention is in Samuel 7v2-7. David says to Nathan the prophet 'Here I am, living in a palace of ceder, while the ark of God remains in a tent'... God later replies through Nathan saying (v7) 'Wherever I have moved with all of the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers... "Why have you not built me a house of ceder?"' We cannot 'house' God. We cannot limit him. Remember in the old testament God was seen to dwell in the Holy of Holies in the temple? And when Jesus died, the temple curtain, separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, tore in two? God broke out of there. He tore through the man-made container because He is just too big. God cannot be boxed off or limited. He does things out of the norm. He challenges our preconceived ideas and stereotypes. He goes across cultures and genders and ages and races. He is not limited. We must therefore not limit Him.
Secondly I love it in 2 Samuel 6 where David is dancing before the Lord with all of his might, wearing only a linen ephod (v14). You can just imagine the gossip and stares and look of shock and surprise on the faces of some of the people with him that day thinking 'what the heck' and 'woah that's not right, that's not the done thing'. But David challenges the people saying (v21-22) 'I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes'. Wow. He is so focussed on pleasing the Lord that he is prepared to step outside of the box, to go beyond the norm, to break the boundaries in order to please God and give God glory.
So a challenge to us today...
1 - How prepared are we to go beyond the norm and what's acceptable (obviously still in line with God's will) to spread and further the Kingdom? How are we prepared to allow our view points and preconceptions to be challenged? How much have we limited God and placed boundaries on our faith and on His power?
2 - Are we willing to make a fool of ourselves if it means God is being glorified? Are we prepared to step out of our comfort zones and other people's comfort zones, going beyond boarders and beyond 'the norm' to give glory to God, further the Kingdom, and be accepting of other people in our midst who are doing the same?
Some interesting challenges and thoughts today. And a final thought, how far can we go and still be acceptable?
Many blessings
I've been struck recently about how much God just doesn't fit into our neat little boxes. So often we try to categorise God or to believe in this and that and the other when actually God is so much bigger. He doesn't always fit into our mindsets, our views and the moulds that we often make for Him. He is bigger.
Just over a week ago I had a picture at this Christian conference of a pretty neat, pink bow being unravelled and undone. I really felt God challenging me and the others at the conference to think about our viewpoints and our neatly packaged and labelled boxes we have for God. We go to church on a Sunday and have certain expectations. Anything out of those expectations is often considered wrong, unjust, unfair, not right, a challenge..... But God is bigger. What would we do if a prostitute walked in off the streets, or a drug addict, or even an atheist? Are we willing to be disrupted for the One who is BIGGER than our normality?
Two things have jumped out at me in the readings over the last couple of days. The first one I want to mention is in Samuel 7v2-7. David says to Nathan the prophet 'Here I am, living in a palace of ceder, while the ark of God remains in a tent'... God later replies through Nathan saying (v7) 'Wherever I have moved with all of the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers... "Why have you not built me a house of ceder?"' We cannot 'house' God. We cannot limit him. Remember in the old testament God was seen to dwell in the Holy of Holies in the temple? And when Jesus died, the temple curtain, separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, tore in two? God broke out of there. He tore through the man-made container because He is just too big. God cannot be boxed off or limited. He does things out of the norm. He challenges our preconceived ideas and stereotypes. He goes across cultures and genders and ages and races. He is not limited. We must therefore not limit Him.
Secondly I love it in 2 Samuel 6 where David is dancing before the Lord with all of his might, wearing only a linen ephod (v14). You can just imagine the gossip and stares and look of shock and surprise on the faces of some of the people with him that day thinking 'what the heck' and 'woah that's not right, that's not the done thing'. But David challenges the people saying (v21-22) 'I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes'. Wow. He is so focussed on pleasing the Lord that he is prepared to step outside of the box, to go beyond the norm, to break the boundaries in order to please God and give God glory.
So a challenge to us today...
1 - How prepared are we to go beyond the norm and what's acceptable (obviously still in line with God's will) to spread and further the Kingdom? How are we prepared to allow our view points and preconceptions to be challenged? How much have we limited God and placed boundaries on our faith and on His power?
2 - Are we willing to make a fool of ourselves if it means God is being glorified? Are we prepared to step out of our comfort zones and other people's comfort zones, going beyond boarders and beyond 'the norm' to give glory to God, further the Kingdom, and be accepting of other people in our midst who are doing the same?
Some interesting challenges and thoughts today. And a final thought, how far can we go and still be acceptable?
Many blessings
Thursday, 17 May 2012
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Hello
Many thanks to those who sent encouragement and words of wisdom yesterday following the blog I wrote. I was so tired and had so much buzzing round in my head, I was just ready to walk away! Sometimes our spiritual lives can get like that and be so full of this and that and the other, it's hard to take things back to God and see what He thinks. No worries y'all I am not ditching God! I just need some rest, some space and to not be so hard on myself! Let's be a people who, when things get tough, take it back to God and see what He says and see what He thinks. Yes, people's input is more than valuable, but ultimately God is the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12) not people.
I really wanted to share what I shared yesterday because I want to be real. In fact that is half of the point with my blogs - I am opening up my heart and mind to you guys in order that I may encourage, assist, help, offer some alternative viewpoints, tell you it's ok... and also to look back on my own journey and share it with you - my highs, my lows, my confusion, my answers, my prayers, my heart... I don't just want to write about the good stuff, but the bad stuff also. I would be a fake and a fraud if I pretended that everything was always ok. It's not. I think often we can be in utter inner turmoil at 11:05 on a Sunday morning, and when we walk into church at 11:15 we can pretend everything is ok, put on our super holy hats and act as if nothing is the matter. It's ok to doubt. It's ok to be unsure. It's ok to question things. It's all part of the journey. Praise God that we have a whole host believers, friends and family surrounding us, with whom we can have fellowship and even seek guidance. Thanks once again to those who supported me last night and continue to support me.
Finally I wanted to share this which inspired me yesterday...
2 Samuel 2v1 says:
'In the course of time, David enquired of the Lord'
This verse jumped right out at me yesterday. It was totally appropriate. Yesterday as I've said, I was exhausted, confused, sad, struggling... and so on. I really really was not in the mood for a whole big consultation from God, hour long prayer session, three hour Bible study and 90 minute engagement in spiritual warfare. That would not have been helpful. I did, however, attend my Community Group and have a good chat with the amazing folk there which helped. A few other people posted encouragement also and called me up which was fab. After a bit of time, I had calmed down enough to pray and take things to God. It helped and I came up with some solutions.
Now, what I love about the above verse is that in the course of time David enquired of the Lord. Now I'm not saying that this isn't just a tool to move the narrative of the Bible along and to indicate a generic passing of time. However if we think outside of the box, perhaps David was upset, confused, amazed, astonished, numbed, sad, petrified... you name it, and thus he needed time to process his thoughts and gather up enough might to pray and enquire of the Lord. David had just become King. His enemy Saul and best friend Jonathan had just died. David is in mourning. He is probably too numb to pray. He probably doesn't know what to think or say or do. He has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. It takes him time. And eventually he has had enough space to gather himself together and take it to the Lord. Now obviously we know that God is always there ready to assist us whenever we are ready so sometimes waiting is not necessary. Other times we can wait too long and almost run away. I'm not suggesting we do this. What I am saying is that sometimes we are numb. Sometimes we need a break. Sometimes we need some respite and space. Sometimes it is enough to just lift ourselves out of bed in the morning without the guilt feeling of 'I'm a terrible person because I just don't feel like praying today'. Let's be real people. Life isn't a bed of roses. God understands. God knows. But God is also there behind you, supporting you, and waiting for when the time is right. God will not force Himself on you, but will wait for you until you are ready. What a gracious God we serve.
Many thanks to those who sent encouragement and words of wisdom yesterday following the blog I wrote. I was so tired and had so much buzzing round in my head, I was just ready to walk away! Sometimes our spiritual lives can get like that and be so full of this and that and the other, it's hard to take things back to God and see what He thinks. No worries y'all I am not ditching God! I just need some rest, some space and to not be so hard on myself! Let's be a people who, when things get tough, take it back to God and see what He says and see what He thinks. Yes, people's input is more than valuable, but ultimately God is the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12) not people.
I really wanted to share what I shared yesterday because I want to be real. In fact that is half of the point with my blogs - I am opening up my heart and mind to you guys in order that I may encourage, assist, help, offer some alternative viewpoints, tell you it's ok... and also to look back on my own journey and share it with you - my highs, my lows, my confusion, my answers, my prayers, my heart... I don't just want to write about the good stuff, but the bad stuff also. I would be a fake and a fraud if I pretended that everything was always ok. It's not. I think often we can be in utter inner turmoil at 11:05 on a Sunday morning, and when we walk into church at 11:15 we can pretend everything is ok, put on our super holy hats and act as if nothing is the matter. It's ok to doubt. It's ok to be unsure. It's ok to question things. It's all part of the journey. Praise God that we have a whole host believers, friends and family surrounding us, with whom we can have fellowship and even seek guidance. Thanks once again to those who supported me last night and continue to support me.
Finally I wanted to share this which inspired me yesterday...
2 Samuel 2v1 says:
'In the course of time, David enquired of the Lord'
This verse jumped right out at me yesterday. It was totally appropriate. Yesterday as I've said, I was exhausted, confused, sad, struggling... and so on. I really really was not in the mood for a whole big consultation from God, hour long prayer session, three hour Bible study and 90 minute engagement in spiritual warfare. That would not have been helpful. I did, however, attend my Community Group and have a good chat with the amazing folk there which helped. A few other people posted encouragement also and called me up which was fab. After a bit of time, I had calmed down enough to pray and take things to God. It helped and I came up with some solutions.
Now, what I love about the above verse is that in the course of time David enquired of the Lord. Now I'm not saying that this isn't just a tool to move the narrative of the Bible along and to indicate a generic passing of time. However if we think outside of the box, perhaps David was upset, confused, amazed, astonished, numbed, sad, petrified... you name it, and thus he needed time to process his thoughts and gather up enough might to pray and enquire of the Lord. David had just become King. His enemy Saul and best friend Jonathan had just died. David is in mourning. He is probably too numb to pray. He probably doesn't know what to think or say or do. He has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. It takes him time. And eventually he has had enough space to gather himself together and take it to the Lord. Now obviously we know that God is always there ready to assist us whenever we are ready so sometimes waiting is not necessary. Other times we can wait too long and almost run away. I'm not suggesting we do this. What I am saying is that sometimes we are numb. Sometimes we need a break. Sometimes we need some respite and space. Sometimes it is enough to just lift ourselves out of bed in the morning without the guilt feeling of 'I'm a terrible person because I just don't feel like praying today'. Let's be real people. Life isn't a bed of roses. God understands. God knows. But God is also there behind you, supporting you, and waiting for when the time is right. God will not force Himself on you, but will wait for you until you are ready. What a gracious God we serve.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Time out from God?
Ok, so this is about my journey right? So I'm going to be honest (as per usual).
Today I'm tired. Today I can't be bothered. Today I just want to live a hassle free life and not have to think about God, church, being a Christian, good and bad, living in the light, my sin... today I feel chained up by my faith. I want to give God a break.
I'm fed up of the constant striving, trying to be good, trying to live right, making decisions about things which honestly feel like I'm denying myself the good stuff in life. I'm tired of constantly battling, trying to be good, trying to do the right thing yet getting nowhere. I'm scared. I'm scared of getting it wrong, missing my salvation, fighting for my salvation when really it's all been done for me. Im tired of my thoughts. I'm tired of thinking about whether things are good or bad. I don't want to care today.
I want to stop striving. I wish I wasn't such a perfectionist. I wish I couln't care. I have bad spiritual indigestion and I just want some time out. That's ok right? So what do I do?
Just being honest.
xxx
Today I'm tired. Today I can't be bothered. Today I just want to live a hassle free life and not have to think about God, church, being a Christian, good and bad, living in the light, my sin... today I feel chained up by my faith. I want to give God a break.
I'm fed up of the constant striving, trying to be good, trying to live right, making decisions about things which honestly feel like I'm denying myself the good stuff in life. I'm tired of constantly battling, trying to be good, trying to do the right thing yet getting nowhere. I'm scared. I'm scared of getting it wrong, missing my salvation, fighting for my salvation when really it's all been done for me. Im tired of my thoughts. I'm tired of thinking about whether things are good or bad. I don't want to care today.
I want to stop striving. I wish I wasn't such a perfectionist. I wish I couln't care. I have bad spiritual indigestion and I just want some time out. That's ok right? So what do I do?
Just being honest.
xxx
Monday, 14 May 2012
The Bible's contradictions; do's and don'ts. How do I know?
Hiyer,
Apologies for being really tired today. My head is swimming with all kinds of stuff so I'm going to write it down in the hope of finding clarity.
I've just spent the most amazing weekend at Meltdown, a Christian hard music festival with like-minded believers and non-believers... it was superb. (http://meltdownmusic.co.uk/) I met so many great people and caught up with some people I haven't seen in years! I was truely blessed. BUT I've come away completely confused!
During the weekend there was some outstanding teaching. All very relevant and appropriate. Some was extremely challenging and other bits were just really motivating and encouraging. I loved it. There were some real gems that I took from the weekend. BUT I'm still confused. In fact I'm often confused about stuff to be honest because in this world there are just so many voices screaming at you to wear this, don't wear that, be this, do this, eat this, avoid this... In one magazine you can read so much contradicting advice. The TV, the news, our politicians, our friends, and even our churches can be so full of contradicting advice. What's a girl supposed to do?!
This weekend I heard one speaker say that you can lose your salvation and another the same day say that you couldn't. They both backed up their arguments with scripture and both had relevant arguments to make. As you know from my previous blogs I am dating a non-christian. (Please let me clarify here, I am 'dating' this guy, getting to know him better, spending time with him, praying for him, taking him to church, having fun with him, chilling out with him and so on to build up a foundation and see whether a relationship is something we can pursue further down the line. Whilst I am also exclusively dating, I am not committing the rest of my life to him. He has not asked me to marry him. We are not officially together. We are not boyfriend and girlfriend. Yes I am not perfect and it is a difficult road to tread in keeping things calm, chilled and not rushing, but nonetheless we are taking things very slowly, being very open and honest with eachother and just seeing what happens. I am aware that at times this could cause mixed signals, but we are both doing our best to limit these and at the end of it all if nothing works out between us, then nothing works out between us. Time and space will tell.).....
Anyways, so as you know I am dating this yet to be believer. I have spoken to several people about this this weekend. Some people have been quite feisty in their opinions that 'you shouldn't be yoked together with a non-believer', 'what are you doing', 'the Bible is quite clear on this'. Others have been extremely happy for me 'you are free to date who you like', 'God didn't make man (or woman) to be alone', 'Hosea dated a prostitute, it's fine', 'Adam and Eve weren't the conventional Christian'.... and so on.
So what do I believe? The Bible is full of 'opposing' views, opinions, arguments and so on. So what are we supposed to do? What do we believe? What do we follow? Now I don't quite like my use of the word 'opposing' views because I feel that many arguments in the Bible merely offer alternative perspectives. I have certain views on teaching. Other people have different views. But we both teach and the pupils still learn. Just in differing ways - neither is right nor wrong. I also massively value the Bible. I think it is all 'God-breathed' (2 Timothy 3v16) and is also alive. I think it is all useful and inspirational. Infact I really like the analogy that God hides gems in the Bible for us to discover as and when we grow deeper with Him. Hiding an easter egg for a 2 year old would be in a much more obvious place than hiding an easter egg for a 10 year old to find. Just like scripture - the more mature we grow, the more gems we can find hidden in deeper places.
But this still doesn't give me an answer to what I should do or what I should follow. Particularly at present, do I go with the 'don't be yoked with a non-believer' verse and risk putting this guy off and him turning his back on God because he doesn't agree or do I go along with 'it is not good for man to be alone'? Similarly and just to throw this out there... do we follow David's example in killing and plundering the Philistines or do we follow the 'do not kill' commandment? So what do we do?
Well personally I love the seemingly contradictory parts in the Bible. I love peoples' opposing views and opinions. It just shows and demonstrates how individual each person is, and how different we can interpret things. It allows us to exercise free will and consider alternative perspectives. I don't think the Bible is opposed or contradictory necessarily, I think it just allows for us to chew over certain things and exercise our free will in what we choose to believe or follow.
I tell you, if I'd have followed the advice I have received this week, I would have stopped dating and started dating this guy a billion times over. How's THAT for confusing? He is far too precious for me to mess around with like that. And besides how do I know what is right and wrong? If we followed everything in the Bible and the examples we see we would all be murderers and adulterers, have up to700 wives, concubines and princesses (like King Solomon - see 1Kings 11v3), not allow women to show their hair or speak in church.... and a whole host of other things. So what should we do?
Isn't it amazing that Christianity is based on relationship as opposed to do's and dont's. Isn't it amazing that after it all we have a heavenly Father who has GOOD plans for us and who is FOR us, not against us and out to trick us with His Word. Isn't it amazing that we can ask Him directly and ask Him to reveal His will and plan and thoughts to us. Isn't it amazing that we can tell Him when we don't understand and ask for clarity. He isn't going to point an accusing finger because we don't get something or have misunderstood. No. He is going to walk this with us, guide us and direct us, help us out, reveal things to us... I think it's amazing that the Word, i.e. the Bible is a 'light for our feet' (Psalm 119v105). The Word is not the Way itself - that role belongs to Jesus, i.e. God. HE is the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14v6). The Bible is there to light the way and help us to discover a pathway to God and make things clearer and assist our understanding. YES it has power, YES God SPOKE the world into being with words, yes we can use scripture to speak life into things and break strongholds, but ultimately it is GOD who does these things, who has blessed us with His Word to enable us to see Him clearer and understand Him better. Perhaps my theology is not entirely accurate here. Perhaps there are differing views. That's fine. Good. I hope there are and I would encourage you to think about these things for yourselves.
So in answer to what to do; take it to God. What does He say? What does He think? What is He getting at, telling you, speaking to you about? I am fed up of us living a Christianity based on what other people say and think and tell us to do. YES praise God for other people's divine wisdom and encouragement. Praise God for other people's ability to teach, minister and help us through things, but at the end of it all WHAT DOES GOD SAY? How much of what we believe is based on God and how much of it is based on what other people have said and the cultures that they have formed? Let's take things to our Creator. Honestly, if something goes wrong with my computer, I take it back to it's creator because they know best. Yes a technical assistant in Curry's or a friend with IT knowledge may be able to help me out and often I do ask for their help. But ultimately the designer and creator knows best. Let's be a people who do not live out a people based faith, but a God based faith.
Some interesting thoughts. My head is not swimming so much anymore.
xxx
Apologies for being really tired today. My head is swimming with all kinds of stuff so I'm going to write it down in the hope of finding clarity.
I've just spent the most amazing weekend at Meltdown, a Christian hard music festival with like-minded believers and non-believers... it was superb. (http://meltdownmusic.co.uk/) I met so many great people and caught up with some people I haven't seen in years! I was truely blessed. BUT I've come away completely confused!
During the weekend there was some outstanding teaching. All very relevant and appropriate. Some was extremely challenging and other bits were just really motivating and encouraging. I loved it. There were some real gems that I took from the weekend. BUT I'm still confused. In fact I'm often confused about stuff to be honest because in this world there are just so many voices screaming at you to wear this, don't wear that, be this, do this, eat this, avoid this... In one magazine you can read so much contradicting advice. The TV, the news, our politicians, our friends, and even our churches can be so full of contradicting advice. What's a girl supposed to do?!
This weekend I heard one speaker say that you can lose your salvation and another the same day say that you couldn't. They both backed up their arguments with scripture and both had relevant arguments to make. As you know from my previous blogs I am dating a non-christian. (Please let me clarify here, I am 'dating' this guy, getting to know him better, spending time with him, praying for him, taking him to church, having fun with him, chilling out with him and so on to build up a foundation and see whether a relationship is something we can pursue further down the line. Whilst I am also exclusively dating, I am not committing the rest of my life to him. He has not asked me to marry him. We are not officially together. We are not boyfriend and girlfriend. Yes I am not perfect and it is a difficult road to tread in keeping things calm, chilled and not rushing, but nonetheless we are taking things very slowly, being very open and honest with eachother and just seeing what happens. I am aware that at times this could cause mixed signals, but we are both doing our best to limit these and at the end of it all if nothing works out between us, then nothing works out between us. Time and space will tell.).....
Anyways, so as you know I am dating this yet to be believer. I have spoken to several people about this this weekend. Some people have been quite feisty in their opinions that 'you shouldn't be yoked together with a non-believer', 'what are you doing', 'the Bible is quite clear on this'. Others have been extremely happy for me 'you are free to date who you like', 'God didn't make man (or woman) to be alone', 'Hosea dated a prostitute, it's fine', 'Adam and Eve weren't the conventional Christian'.... and so on.
So what do I believe? The Bible is full of 'opposing' views, opinions, arguments and so on. So what are we supposed to do? What do we believe? What do we follow? Now I don't quite like my use of the word 'opposing' views because I feel that many arguments in the Bible merely offer alternative perspectives. I have certain views on teaching. Other people have different views. But we both teach and the pupils still learn. Just in differing ways - neither is right nor wrong. I also massively value the Bible. I think it is all 'God-breathed' (2 Timothy 3v16) and is also alive. I think it is all useful and inspirational. Infact I really like the analogy that God hides gems in the Bible for us to discover as and when we grow deeper with Him. Hiding an easter egg for a 2 year old would be in a much more obvious place than hiding an easter egg for a 10 year old to find. Just like scripture - the more mature we grow, the more gems we can find hidden in deeper places.
But this still doesn't give me an answer to what I should do or what I should follow. Particularly at present, do I go with the 'don't be yoked with a non-believer' verse and risk putting this guy off and him turning his back on God because he doesn't agree or do I go along with 'it is not good for man to be alone'? Similarly and just to throw this out there... do we follow David's example in killing and plundering the Philistines or do we follow the 'do not kill' commandment? So what do we do?
Well personally I love the seemingly contradictory parts in the Bible. I love peoples' opposing views and opinions. It just shows and demonstrates how individual each person is, and how different we can interpret things. It allows us to exercise free will and consider alternative perspectives. I don't think the Bible is opposed or contradictory necessarily, I think it just allows for us to chew over certain things and exercise our free will in what we choose to believe or follow.
I tell you, if I'd have followed the advice I have received this week, I would have stopped dating and started dating this guy a billion times over. How's THAT for confusing? He is far too precious for me to mess around with like that. And besides how do I know what is right and wrong? If we followed everything in the Bible and the examples we see we would all be murderers and adulterers, have up to700 wives, concubines and princesses (like King Solomon - see 1Kings 11v3), not allow women to show their hair or speak in church.... and a whole host of other things. So what should we do?
Isn't it amazing that Christianity is based on relationship as opposed to do's and dont's. Isn't it amazing that after it all we have a heavenly Father who has GOOD plans for us and who is FOR us, not against us and out to trick us with His Word. Isn't it amazing that we can ask Him directly and ask Him to reveal His will and plan and thoughts to us. Isn't it amazing that we can tell Him when we don't understand and ask for clarity. He isn't going to point an accusing finger because we don't get something or have misunderstood. No. He is going to walk this with us, guide us and direct us, help us out, reveal things to us... I think it's amazing that the Word, i.e. the Bible is a 'light for our feet' (Psalm 119v105). The Word is not the Way itself - that role belongs to Jesus, i.e. God. HE is the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14v6). The Bible is there to light the way and help us to discover a pathway to God and make things clearer and assist our understanding. YES it has power, YES God SPOKE the world into being with words, yes we can use scripture to speak life into things and break strongholds, but ultimately it is GOD who does these things, who has blessed us with His Word to enable us to see Him clearer and understand Him better. Perhaps my theology is not entirely accurate here. Perhaps there are differing views. That's fine. Good. I hope there are and I would encourage you to think about these things for yourselves.
So in answer to what to do; take it to God. What does He say? What does He think? What is He getting at, telling you, speaking to you about? I am fed up of us living a Christianity based on what other people say and think and tell us to do. YES praise God for other people's divine wisdom and encouragement. Praise God for other people's ability to teach, minister and help us through things, but at the end of it all WHAT DOES GOD SAY? How much of what we believe is based on God and how much of it is based on what other people have said and the cultures that they have formed? Let's take things to our Creator. Honestly, if something goes wrong with my computer, I take it back to it's creator because they know best. Yes a technical assistant in Curry's or a friend with IT knowledge may be able to help me out and often I do ask for their help. But ultimately the designer and creator knows best. Let's be a people who do not live out a people based faith, but a God based faith.
Some interesting thoughts. My head is not swimming so much anymore.
xxx
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Our gospel isn't enough
Something's been on my mind lately that I need to write about. OUR gospel isn't enough. What? What do I mean? Of course it's enough, Jesus died to take our sin away so we can have eternal life and be free and live life to the full. Yup.
But that's not it. That's only half the gospel. We're missing a whole chunk off!!
So what's the whole gospel? What's the good news?
Well yeh, ultimately Jesus did die to take our wrong doings on His shoulders so we can stand clean before God and hav direct access to a relationship with Him. BUT THERE'S MORE!!!! What about the years leading up to Jesus' death? Why about His ministry and teaching? What about all of the people He got alongside and supported and loved and prayed for? What about the prostitutes He hung out with, the meals He shared, the sick He healed? Isn't this part of the good news and the gospel too?
You see far too often we are so obsessed with people becoming Christians, saying the sinners prayer and wham bam thank you mam. Well yeh, excellent if that's the answer then superb!!!!! But what about the people that this doesn't work for? See we are missing half of the gospel - we are missing the walking alongside people, the journey, the love, the care, the different pathways that different people take to God. What about the links in the chain? What about the healings? The loving? The fellowship? The TIME we should dedicate to people? And what about the alone time which Jesus had and needed in order to spend time with His Father so He could carry out His ministry effectively?
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Offended?
Hello :-)
Just a quick blog. I've heard rumours that some people have been offended by my blog - particularly the one on dating. If this is you then from the bottom of my heart I am completely sorry and it was definitely not my intention. I realise some of what I say is quite controversial. I'm learning. This is a journey. It's about sharing thoughts, ideas, my walk... Please feel free to challenge me on what I say. I do not mean to out down, accuse, speak harshly or offend...
MUCH love in Christ :-)
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