As little as a few months ago I was reading 1 Cor 1:26-28 and spent some time meditating on that passage. As I was thinking about it I was struck with just how mediocre my life is. When I thought about everything that I had set my hand to in my own strength I realised that the outcome was almost always mediocre. I'm no great scholar, preacher, sportsman, engineer, writer, thinker or man of physical strength. This caused me to rejoice greatly as I realised that I don't need to be any of the above to be effective for God. Indeed, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:8-10). It was at this moment that I began to pray in faith that God would use me greatly. 1 Cor 1:26-28 talks about the weak and foolish of the world and I have never been one to dream small things, 'may you use the weak and foolish things of the world to change the world' was my prayer. As I write this, there is a push within the Christian community to promote a song by 'Delirious?' called 'History Makers' into the number one spot in the secular music charts. I don't want to make history, but I do want to change the future - on an individual, local and global scale! See, in my own strength I am nothing but a mediocre man, but God is not calling me to live a mediocre life and as such, I can only live in Gods calling if I live in His power.
The following statement may seem vain and self promoting on the surface, but know my heart here, for this call is extremely humbling! We, as children of God are called to live as such. This life, by its very nature is powerful, radical and cannot but change lives. I know for certain that God would use me greatly if I allowed Him, if the reality of my life is that 'my life is not my own'. However, if I keep on clinging to my own life and wanting to live it my way, then all that will be achieved is a life of mediocrity.
Shall my life song be "I did it my way" or "Take my life Lord let it be wholly consecrated unto thee"?
It was in this time of contemplation that God and I shared the most magnificent of dialogues!
God clearly said to me "How serious are you?" to which I wholeheartedly responded that He had my life and could use it as He wills. God knows my heart, which can be terrifying at times, and so He told me this:
"If you seek to change people or a nation, you yourself must first be different"
As I pondered this it became so clear. If the world is the way it is because of the people in the world, can someone who is just like the rest of the people bring about change? If a man wishes to change a community, what hope does he have if he thinks, feels and acts as everyone in the community he wishes to change? Like produces like. What good does a wolf, with all the characteristics, traits and likeness of a wolf do, when running with a pack of wolves in the hopes of turning them into sheep?
The same is true of our witness. If we immerse ourselves in the world and its ways, think, act and react like the world, what value is our witness? I'll dare to step on toes and go further. If we see similar behaviour in the church, behaviour which is not fitting to the redeemed, do we accept that others act in such ways and therefore we have license? If the church as a body is not daily seeking Gods word, walking in His will and hungering for more of Him in her ministries and walk, you are called to be different so that change may come about; that others would see your example and follow it.
Now, we are different by virtue of our regeneration. Our very natures have been changed, is this enough? It is fair to say that in most matters in life I see things in black and white; the same is true with our relationship with Christ. You have either accepted the full truth of the gospel and therefore given the entirety of your life for Him who gave all for you, or His blood means nothing to you and as such, is trampled underfoot. The middle ground is simply unacceptable! This middle ground says 'Thank you for dying for me, I'll take eternal life and carry on living this temporal life how I want. Thanks again" How emphatically can I say "NO!!!" to this? Christ is all or nothing! A life that is given over to the Lord in every facet is the only life that counts for anything at all.
"If you seek to change people or a nation, you yourself must first be different" How different is different then? Is going to church on a Sunday different enough? Is refusing to participate in drugs, prostitution and gambling different enough? If you want to change the people around you, how different must you be? You must be Christlike. H. L. Mencken once said "For every complex question, there is a simple answer – and it's wrong" The answer seems almost a throwaway statement, 'be Christlike', and yet the depth, magnitude and gravity of such a statement is vastly complex. Who is Christ? How can we be like Him? There are many ways that this is to be correctly answered, all equally important but I shall look at one aspect.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus Christ is the express image of His Father. The Son and the Father are like in nature. So to be like the Father is to be like the Son, and to be like the Son is to be like the Father. Then what does the Father say about Himself? What is He like? How can we be like the Son and the Father? Our title tells us the answer: "You shall be Holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:2). Undoubtedly this shall be a common theme in future posts since there is so much to be said about holiness!
So the difference that is needed to bring about change is holiness. I'll not proceed into a study at this point, but what is conjured up in your mind when the word is mentioned? Or imposed upon you?
We know that holiness and conversely sanctification and consecration begin and end with God. It is the plan of the Father, the work of the Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The work which God begins will end with Him, who is the perfector of our faith when our holiness will be complete. But for now, how can we be holy? Well the word itself means 'other', it is different from everything else. God in His holiness is 'other' than creation. He is seperated from sin, He is not bound by time or space, His thoughts and ways are vastly different from our own, He is so different from all of His creation that the creatures in Heaven that surround the throne who have only ever known God and never experienced anything less cry out "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" (Rev 4:8) This song has been sung since their creation and will continue on thoughout eternity! It strikes me that 'be holy, for I am holy' (paraphrase) is both an exhortation and a promise. God is saying 'because I am holy and I am your Lord and God, you too shall be holy' as well as 'because I am the Lord your God and I am holy, I desire you to be holy' We are to seek to be seperate from the world (consider Jesus' prayer in John 17), 'other' than it, whilst we are in this world and in eternity we are assured that we shall be like Christ (1 John 3:2).
So how do put flesh to the text? How is this done practically and lived out? What would this life look like? Does my own life look anything like that?
These are questions which need to be continually assessed and in the very near future I will continue this thread of thought, DV.
Until then, bless God as He continues to bless you.
For His glory.
Amen.
Friday, 16 April 2010
An extremely brief introduction to the author
I have decided to take up the advice of several friends and start a blog. I must warn from the outset that I intend to be open, raw and candid in my writing, which may well leave me open to abuse and criticism and will undoubtedly grate some nerves along the way. If I cause offense in any way then please understand that it is not my intention to do so and before you demand an apology from me, think long and hard as to why you have been offended.
Views, beliefs and the interpretations of those into tangible lifestyles vary greatly, even in the interpretation of the same beliefs. As such, though many who read this may well believe the same things fundamentaly, physically those beliefs are expressed very differently (which in itself is no bad thing!) and it is out of this that offense may occur. "How dare you say I am to live in such and such a way?" As previously stated it is not my intention to 'grate nerves' but you will find - if this blog is regularly used - that God in His goodness does not allow me to live a comfortable life, therefore do not expect a comfortable read. He who has been challenged much, challenges much.
So, a little about myself for those who do not know the story.
Maria, in the sound of music begins a song with the words "Let's start at the very beginning, the very best place to start." My story starts with my parents, as much of who I currently am is rooted in the upbringing that God, in His manifold wisdom, preordained for me.
My biological mother was born in Finland and became a Christian whilst at school where her teacher was a great influence and eventually led my mum to Christ. Her name was also Mariah. She trained in Finland as a nurse and went on a sort of working holiday to Israel, the Holy Land.
Meanwhile my father, Jeff, who had grown up as a bit of a ruffian was travelling Europe with a group of friends when they decided to visit America. To get to America they would need more money and so they decided to travel to Israel wher they could work and live for a while, immersing themselves in the local culture and then when they had enough cash, move on to the States.
Jeff and Mariah ended up working in the same Kibbutz and it is there that they met. It just so happened that they were living next door to eachother and one day my dad knocked for my future mum (by which time he had taken a liking to her) and was welcomed into her room. He found a copy of the Bible there and having no sort of church upbringing or Christian influence in his life, asked what it was all about. My mum sat down and began to explain the gospel. At first my dad just wanted an excuse to spend time with her and so he often went back with questions.
Eventually they had to part and they exchanged addresses and promised to write eachother. To cut a beautiful story short my dad finally became a Christian and not long after my mum left Finland to marry him.
When I think back I often marvel at the sovereign power of God to bring about and weave all these situations into such a splendid testimony. God is truly awesome!
My dad grew in his love for God and his word and a gift of teaching was given to him which he has used powerfully in the service and sight of God. However, his ministry so far is only a taster of what God has in store for him in the near future, of this I am certain! All shall be revealed in Gods perfect timing.
I was born the eldest child in 1986 with two younger sisters, Hannah and Esther. My parents raised us well, taught us as Christian parents are exhorted to teach their children of the things of God and took us to church every Sunday. As is often the case in young church going children, I knew of God but didn't personally know Him. My own faith was born in what many may see as a tragedy but to myself, it shows the wisdom, goodness, grace and sovereignty of God. When I was 10 my mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer and one of the first things I noticed as an impressionable young lad was how the church rallied around us, supported us, visited us, prayed with us, provided meals and many other things. Such love was shown and it really left its mark on me!
After a while and much radiotherapy my mum was called home and I still remember that morning when my dad broke the news of her death. He was so strong and again it was a strength that built confidence in me, confidence in the source of my dads strength, Jesus Christ!
Now some would use that to say that God does not exist or is not good, how could He just let her die? I found the opposite! I had never know such peace and solid assurance as I did then. When the thought of a life without my mum could have overwhelmed me, all I felt was peace! God was with me and I could clearly hear Him telling me that all was well, that He would always be with me and would provide our every need. Again, my dads faith nurtured and built my own. He explained and claimed the promises of God, told me that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28) and soon after this I moved from acknowledging Gods existance to accepting His gift of salvation and entering into a personal relationship with Him. The truths that I had been taught became a reality in my life and through my mums death, I found life! I began to have a greater grasp of what it meant for Christ to give His own life and as the years go by I have learnt and am still learning what it means to give and live your own life for Him.
Life for the next few years was hard as my dad had to leave his job to look after three young children. We lived on income support and I found that I was 'deprived' of many luxuries and needless things which I now see as one of Gods greatest gifts to me personally. I never had a care for the latest gadgets as we simply couldn't afford them. Fashion meant little to me as the majority of my clothes were castoffs from friends and neighbours. It was a great lesson in humility and Gods providence. I now had to grow up quickly and become more responsible in looking after my younger sisters, pulling my weight around the house and many other things which matured and prepared me for later life. Though it all I now see the hand of God and it is truly astonishing! What a wonderful God we serve!
About 5 years later my dad was invited to a singles night at church which he went to just to be sociable and enjoy a laugh. His social life had been quite strained when we were too young to leave at home alone and now that I was 15 he could begin to enjoy company outside of the family home that much more.
On that same night a wonderful Christian lady called Joy grudgingly accepted her friends request to join her on this singles night and it was there that she was introduced to my dad. You can guess what happened next; preordained and blessed by God, their relationship grew and again, cutting some wonderful stories short they married. My mum, ironically enough, was also a nurse, a wonderful woman of God and I couldn't have asked for someone better!
She encouraged me to get a job and still being 15, McDonalds were the only company employing such youngsters. I took a job there and thoroughly enjoyed four years of employment with them. It was during this time that I faced the reality of living as a Christian in a working environment where I had previously been so protected. God was to show me many things during my time there, build up my faith and confidence in sharing it (I had always been a quiet child) and introduce me to many great people, some of which I have a strong and lasting friendship with. I know for sure that there are reasons for my being there which are yet to be revealed and seeds sown which are yet to germinate whether I know this side of eternity or not.
The original plan (according to me anyway!) was to go to college after a year of working but 1 year turned into 4 and at the age of 17 I began to wonder what God planned for my life, it cetainly wasn't in fast food! I committed such thoughts to God in prayer and eventually felt a calling to join the Navy. It took me a further two years to actually get in and I was baptised at the age of 19, weeks before I was to start basic training. Again, in hindsight, I see a principle at work. Jesus' ministry didn't start until He was baptised and immediately he was drawn out to the desert to be tempted. God has called me to a ministry within the Navy but before I could go, I had to be baptised, the urging of the Spirit made it clear that I had to be baptised before I left. I faced my own time of tempting during training, especially the trade training and the temptation to drink alchohol was certainly a strong one; I fell many times and yet God has remained gracious, even using me through my sin. If He could use me in my wretchedness and rebellion, what could He do with a life that is totally given over to Him?
My parents had left a letter for me at the bottom of my bag which I found on my first day at HMS Rayleigh, the initial training unit. At the bottom of this letter was a reference to a verse and so I pulled my Bible out to read it. One of the lads nearby asked what I was reading so I showed him and he immediately shouted out "This guy's a bible-basher!", the whole class knew that I held a faith before I had even had a chance to share it with them! Isn't God good? This led to many easy opportunities and some great discussions.
As I say, during my phase two training I was quite compromised. I would share my faith, went to church and drew boundaries which I dared not cross but I did succumb to the lure of achohol. I thank God that He has freed me and pray that He uses me in turning Christians away from pubs, clubs and vile places of like nature, along with the subtle call of alchohol which so devestates our walk with God and effectiveness for Him!
The turning point came when I joined the Naval Christian Fellowship and met up with some fantastic brothers who were and still are faithfully living for God in the midst of what I think is possibly one of the hardest mission fields in the Western world. You'll find out more about why I think this in later posts no doubt.
In my state of compromised rebellion a lady from church was overheard saying that "I would never make it" as a Christian in the Royal Navy. Upon hearing this God used the rebel in me to come to a place where my attitude was "I'll show you!". Everything changed from then on and God showed me so much! I found the Holy Spirit working in me to mature me so quickly in parallel to how I had matured mentally as a young child. Indeed, He taught me so much! Thank you Lord, may you continue to find me a teachable soul!
There are many stories which I would like to share, and maybe will at some point. You now know who I was and where I have come from. My deepest longing is that as you get to know who I am now, through later blogs and in person, that you would grow in your relationship with, love, faith and fervour for Jesus Christ!
For His glory.
Amen.
Views, beliefs and the interpretations of those into tangible lifestyles vary greatly, even in the interpretation of the same beliefs. As such, though many who read this may well believe the same things fundamentaly, physically those beliefs are expressed very differently (which in itself is no bad thing!) and it is out of this that offense may occur. "How dare you say I am to live in such and such a way?" As previously stated it is not my intention to 'grate nerves' but you will find - if this blog is regularly used - that God in His goodness does not allow me to live a comfortable life, therefore do not expect a comfortable read. He who has been challenged much, challenges much.
So, a little about myself for those who do not know the story.
Maria, in the sound of music begins a song with the words "Let's start at the very beginning, the very best place to start." My story starts with my parents, as much of who I currently am is rooted in the upbringing that God, in His manifold wisdom, preordained for me.
My biological mother was born in Finland and became a Christian whilst at school where her teacher was a great influence and eventually led my mum to Christ. Her name was also Mariah. She trained in Finland as a nurse and went on a sort of working holiday to Israel, the Holy Land.
Meanwhile my father, Jeff, who had grown up as a bit of a ruffian was travelling Europe with a group of friends when they decided to visit America. To get to America they would need more money and so they decided to travel to Israel wher they could work and live for a while, immersing themselves in the local culture and then when they had enough cash, move on to the States.
Jeff and Mariah ended up working in the same Kibbutz and it is there that they met. It just so happened that they were living next door to eachother and one day my dad knocked for my future mum (by which time he had taken a liking to her) and was welcomed into her room. He found a copy of the Bible there and having no sort of church upbringing or Christian influence in his life, asked what it was all about. My mum sat down and began to explain the gospel. At first my dad just wanted an excuse to spend time with her and so he often went back with questions.
Eventually they had to part and they exchanged addresses and promised to write eachother. To cut a beautiful story short my dad finally became a Christian and not long after my mum left Finland to marry him.
When I think back I often marvel at the sovereign power of God to bring about and weave all these situations into such a splendid testimony. God is truly awesome!
My dad grew in his love for God and his word and a gift of teaching was given to him which he has used powerfully in the service and sight of God. However, his ministry so far is only a taster of what God has in store for him in the near future, of this I am certain! All shall be revealed in Gods perfect timing.
I was born the eldest child in 1986 with two younger sisters, Hannah and Esther. My parents raised us well, taught us as Christian parents are exhorted to teach their children of the things of God and took us to church every Sunday. As is often the case in young church going children, I knew of God but didn't personally know Him. My own faith was born in what many may see as a tragedy but to myself, it shows the wisdom, goodness, grace and sovereignty of God. When I was 10 my mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer and one of the first things I noticed as an impressionable young lad was how the church rallied around us, supported us, visited us, prayed with us, provided meals and many other things. Such love was shown and it really left its mark on me!
After a while and much radiotherapy my mum was called home and I still remember that morning when my dad broke the news of her death. He was so strong and again it was a strength that built confidence in me, confidence in the source of my dads strength, Jesus Christ!
Now some would use that to say that God does not exist or is not good, how could He just let her die? I found the opposite! I had never know such peace and solid assurance as I did then. When the thought of a life without my mum could have overwhelmed me, all I felt was peace! God was with me and I could clearly hear Him telling me that all was well, that He would always be with me and would provide our every need. Again, my dads faith nurtured and built my own. He explained and claimed the promises of God, told me that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28) and soon after this I moved from acknowledging Gods existance to accepting His gift of salvation and entering into a personal relationship with Him. The truths that I had been taught became a reality in my life and through my mums death, I found life! I began to have a greater grasp of what it meant for Christ to give His own life and as the years go by I have learnt and am still learning what it means to give and live your own life for Him.
Life for the next few years was hard as my dad had to leave his job to look after three young children. We lived on income support and I found that I was 'deprived' of many luxuries and needless things which I now see as one of Gods greatest gifts to me personally. I never had a care for the latest gadgets as we simply couldn't afford them. Fashion meant little to me as the majority of my clothes were castoffs from friends and neighbours. It was a great lesson in humility and Gods providence. I now had to grow up quickly and become more responsible in looking after my younger sisters, pulling my weight around the house and many other things which matured and prepared me for later life. Though it all I now see the hand of God and it is truly astonishing! What a wonderful God we serve!
About 5 years later my dad was invited to a singles night at church which he went to just to be sociable and enjoy a laugh. His social life had been quite strained when we were too young to leave at home alone and now that I was 15 he could begin to enjoy company outside of the family home that much more.
On that same night a wonderful Christian lady called Joy grudgingly accepted her friends request to join her on this singles night and it was there that she was introduced to my dad. You can guess what happened next; preordained and blessed by God, their relationship grew and again, cutting some wonderful stories short they married. My mum, ironically enough, was also a nurse, a wonderful woman of God and I couldn't have asked for someone better!
She encouraged me to get a job and still being 15, McDonalds were the only company employing such youngsters. I took a job there and thoroughly enjoyed four years of employment with them. It was during this time that I faced the reality of living as a Christian in a working environment where I had previously been so protected. God was to show me many things during my time there, build up my faith and confidence in sharing it (I had always been a quiet child) and introduce me to many great people, some of which I have a strong and lasting friendship with. I know for sure that there are reasons for my being there which are yet to be revealed and seeds sown which are yet to germinate whether I know this side of eternity or not.
The original plan (according to me anyway!) was to go to college after a year of working but 1 year turned into 4 and at the age of 17 I began to wonder what God planned for my life, it cetainly wasn't in fast food! I committed such thoughts to God in prayer and eventually felt a calling to join the Navy. It took me a further two years to actually get in and I was baptised at the age of 19, weeks before I was to start basic training. Again, in hindsight, I see a principle at work. Jesus' ministry didn't start until He was baptised and immediately he was drawn out to the desert to be tempted. God has called me to a ministry within the Navy but before I could go, I had to be baptised, the urging of the Spirit made it clear that I had to be baptised before I left. I faced my own time of tempting during training, especially the trade training and the temptation to drink alchohol was certainly a strong one; I fell many times and yet God has remained gracious, even using me through my sin. If He could use me in my wretchedness and rebellion, what could He do with a life that is totally given over to Him?
My parents had left a letter for me at the bottom of my bag which I found on my first day at HMS Rayleigh, the initial training unit. At the bottom of this letter was a reference to a verse and so I pulled my Bible out to read it. One of the lads nearby asked what I was reading so I showed him and he immediately shouted out "This guy's a bible-basher!", the whole class knew that I held a faith before I had even had a chance to share it with them! Isn't God good? This led to many easy opportunities and some great discussions.
As I say, during my phase two training I was quite compromised. I would share my faith, went to church and drew boundaries which I dared not cross but I did succumb to the lure of achohol. I thank God that He has freed me and pray that He uses me in turning Christians away from pubs, clubs and vile places of like nature, along with the subtle call of alchohol which so devestates our walk with God and effectiveness for Him!
The turning point came when I joined the Naval Christian Fellowship and met up with some fantastic brothers who were and still are faithfully living for God in the midst of what I think is possibly one of the hardest mission fields in the Western world. You'll find out more about why I think this in later posts no doubt.
In my state of compromised rebellion a lady from church was overheard saying that "I would never make it" as a Christian in the Royal Navy. Upon hearing this God used the rebel in me to come to a place where my attitude was "I'll show you!". Everything changed from then on and God showed me so much! I found the Holy Spirit working in me to mature me so quickly in parallel to how I had matured mentally as a young child. Indeed, He taught me so much! Thank you Lord, may you continue to find me a teachable soul!
There are many stories which I would like to share, and maybe will at some point. You now know who I was and where I have come from. My deepest longing is that as you get to know who I am now, through later blogs and in person, that you would grow in your relationship with, love, faith and fervour for Jesus Christ!
For His glory.
Amen.
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