Mark 10:13-16
In our 'other' (Closer to God, Scripture Union) reading this morning we read Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus goes to John to be baptised nut John says that he is too unworthy to baptise Jesus. The commentator made the point that we might not think that we are worthy or qualified to perform the tasks which he has in mind for us but it is not for us to question God's plan.
We might not feel equipped to evangelize our family , friends and neighbours but all we have to be is the channel and get ourselves to the right place. He will do the rest.
Children are on the learning curve to adulthood. God just needs us to be on the learning curve to his way, we do not need to have perfected it, just to be willing to learn.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
St Stephen's Day
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
God is love, insignifiicant me.
1 John 4:7-16
I needed to be reminded of this. God is love. This is the most important fact, all else pales into insignificance, especially me.
I needed to be reminded of this. God is love. This is the most important fact, all else pales into insignificance, especially me.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Wind and words
Isaiah 59:15-21
Today gusts of 100 km/hour are forecast. I cannot avoid listening to the wind as it is forced between the house and the rocks. Thus my attention was caught by this passage. I read on.
I am sure all parents have some sayings of their children in infancy. Matthew died before he could speak but I remember his grin and the light in his eyes. Often we speak without knowing it. This year I seem particularly frenzied. I am annoyed with myself. It is not the behaviour which tells of "Peace and Joy". This passage reminded me of two minor admonishments that I received from my daughters when they were each about eight years old.
We had arrived at choir practice. I was faced with 45 minutes in the car without my forgotten book. Becky said "Well why don't you listen to the birds"? Indeed the church parking lot was a very peaceful place in the busyness of Houston.
The other which I do well to remember today was said by Naomi. I was complaining that I had not had time to do something, her reply was "If you really wanted to do it you would have done it".
What are my priorities today? Can I take the time to enjoy the world and the people around me?
Today gusts of 100 km/hour are forecast. I cannot avoid listening to the wind as it is forced between the house and the rocks. Thus my attention was caught by this passage. I read on.
I am sure all parents have some sayings of their children in infancy. Matthew died before he could speak but I remember his grin and the light in his eyes. Often we speak without knowing it. This year I seem particularly frenzied. I am annoyed with myself. It is not the behaviour which tells of "Peace and Joy". This passage reminded me of two minor admonishments that I received from my daughters when they were each about eight years old.
We had arrived at choir practice. I was faced with 45 minutes in the car without my forgotten book. Becky said "Well why don't you listen to the birds"? Indeed the church parking lot was a very peaceful place in the busyness of Houston.
The other which I do well to remember today was said by Naomi. I was complaining that I had not had time to do something, her reply was "If you really wanted to do it you would have done it".
What are my priorities today? Can I take the time to enjoy the world and the people around me?
Monday, December 23, 2013
Gifts of commemoration
Zephaniah 3:14-20
If God is with me, at my side then I hope he will do all the talking so that I do not offend with my words and can draw my family and the other people whom I meet, friends, shops assistants, other shoppers, the other people in a pre-Christmas frenzy, into a closer relationship with him. This is really what the season is about, Jesus becoming man, living among us, dying for us and rising for us. This is the gift which we commemorate with our gifts.
If God is with me, at my side then I hope he will do all the talking so that I do not offend with my words and can draw my family and the other people whom I meet, friends, shops assistants, other shoppers, the other people in a pre-Christmas frenzy, into a closer relationship with him. This is really what the season is about, Jesus becoming man, living among us, dying for us and rising for us. This is the gift which we commemorate with our gifts.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Be Prepared
Matthew 25:1-13
Yes I was a Girl Guide. The principles of Scouting are embedded in me. I always have a packet of tissues and take a snack. There is at least one plaster/bandaid and a safety-pin in my handbag. I am prepared. But am I ready for Jesus? Do I have oil in my spiritual lamp? Am I even really seriously expecting him to come?
I think I need to do some neighbour-loving.
Yes I was a Girl Guide. The principles of Scouting are embedded in me. I always have a packet of tissues and take a snack. There is at least one plaster/bandaid and a safety-pin in my handbag. I am prepared. But am I ready for Jesus? Do I have oil in my spiritual lamp? Am I even really seriously expecting him to come?
I think I need to do some neighbour-loving.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
knickers
Zechariah 3:1-10
What was Joshua wearing under his outer garments? Did they strip him naked or just remove his ceremonial robes? And if his top clothes were dirty were his knickers filthy too? Would they put a pristine coat over a soiled tunic?
I was always brought up to wear clean knickers and ones without extra holes- just in case, for some unknown reason I had to go to hospital and reveal my underwear.
Sometimes we look wonderful on the outside but our inner motives are not so good. Today will be a day of good motives. I might even knock on my neighbours door and say hello.
What was Joshua wearing under his outer garments? Did they strip him naked or just remove his ceremonial robes? And if his top clothes were dirty were his knickers filthy too? Would they put a pristine coat over a soiled tunic?
I was always brought up to wear clean knickers and ones without extra holes- just in case, for some unknown reason I had to go to hospital and reveal my underwear.
Sometimes we look wonderful on the outside but our inner motives are not so good. Today will be a day of good motives. I might even knock on my neighbours door and say hello.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Floods that focus.
Matthew 24:32-44
A few months after we moved to Ittre there was so much rain that the little stream which runs through the village could not cope. the streets flooded. Not only the streets but also the cellars. The butcher has freezers for meat in his cellar, they were covered in the brown muddy water. The next day, even though the water had subsided and a pump lorry had emptied the cellars, the streets were covered in slime.
We had an appointment with the bourgemestre, as we were newcomers and he wanted to welcome us. we could not take our normal route to the commune house but had to go up a hill in the opposite direction and then walk down a backalley to the commune, only to find that Monsieur le Bourgemestre was not in but orchestrating the rescue of his village.
We managed to arrive at the bakery for our fresh bread, the water was within 5cms of their doorway which was only reachable from on direction. There are many stories in Ittre of that morning.
The next two years were spent giving the little stream a wider bed in the hope that we will not be surprised in such a way again.
The flood in Ittre was a surprise. I hope I heed the warning and am prepared for the coming of Christ. I suppose this is part of the purpose of Advent, to regroup your thoughts and assess the real focus of our lives.
A few months after we moved to Ittre there was so much rain that the little stream which runs through the village could not cope. the streets flooded. Not only the streets but also the cellars. The butcher has freezers for meat in his cellar, they were covered in the brown muddy water. The next day, even though the water had subsided and a pump lorry had emptied the cellars, the streets were covered in slime.
We had an appointment with the bourgemestre, as we were newcomers and he wanted to welcome us. we could not take our normal route to the commune house but had to go up a hill in the opposite direction and then walk down a backalley to the commune, only to find that Monsieur le Bourgemestre was not in but orchestrating the rescue of his village.
We managed to arrive at the bakery for our fresh bread, the water was within 5cms of their doorway which was only reachable from on direction. There are many stories in Ittre of that morning.
The next two years were spent giving the little stream a wider bed in the hope that we will not be surprised in such a way again.
The flood in Ittre was a surprise. I hope I heed the warning and am prepared for the coming of Christ. I suppose this is part of the purpose of Advent, to regroup your thoughts and assess the real focus of our lives.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Grass
Psalm 37:1-18
The St Augustine grass of Houston dies off in the summer due to the intense heat and drought. The blades of St Augustine are thick and course, but they are the grass most suitable to the climate. Our grass in Belgium is beginning to die off now. It cannot take the winter cold, we have had several nights of frost.
The grass dies.
The hope and guidance in the verses 3-5 are a watering to thirsty grass.
Be still before the Lord, do not worry about the lifestyle of those around, that is a matter solely between them and God.
Be still.
Wait.
Do not fret.
Trust.
Take delight in the Lord and his blades of grass.
The St Augustine grass of Houston dies off in the summer due to the intense heat and drought. The blades of St Augustine are thick and course, but they are the grass most suitable to the climate. Our grass in Belgium is beginning to die off now. It cannot take the winter cold, we have had several nights of frost.
The grass dies.
The hope and guidance in the verses 3-5 are a watering to thirsty grass.
Be still before the Lord, do not worry about the lifestyle of those around, that is a matter solely between them and God.
Be still.
Wait.
Do not fret.
Trust.
Take delight in the Lord and his blades of grass.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
My focus
Amos 8:1-14
Yesterday I was walking along the fashionable Avenue de la Toison D'Or in Brussels. There was a hand written sign in a shop window saying that the shop would be open on Sundays 15 and 22 December. The fact that the sign was there would be strange to my American friends. it brought home to me home much effort and money we put into celebrating the festival of Christmas and how Amos preached against the commercialism of his day, 2500 years ago.
I could continue at length bemoaning the trees and lights, the electricity and fossil fuels that are spent lighting up our streets and gardens but maybe not our lives; of the gluttony; of the excesses of partying. I wonder what Amos would have to say.
It is not my intention to turn the festival into a time of mourning. I am searching for a sense of proportion and focus.
Yesterday I was walking along the fashionable Avenue de la Toison D'Or in Brussels. There was a hand written sign in a shop window saying that the shop would be open on Sundays 15 and 22 December. The fact that the sign was there would be strange to my American friends. it brought home to me home much effort and money we put into celebrating the festival of Christmas and how Amos preached against the commercialism of his day, 2500 years ago.
I could continue at length bemoaning the trees and lights, the electricity and fossil fuels that are spent lighting up our streets and gardens but maybe not our lives; of the gluttony; of the excesses of partying. I wonder what Amos would have to say.
It is not my intention to turn the festival into a time of mourning. I am searching for a sense of proportion and focus.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Confused
Matthew 22: 34-46
The Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Teachers of the Law could not comprehend Jesus. This makes me feel a little better as they were steeped in the words which foretold him. They tried to understand, they did not accept.
Perhaps this is what I need to do too. Accept what comes without worrying about the whys and wherefores.
Jesus is and that should be enough.
He loves me.
I need to trust.
The Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Teachers of the Law could not comprehend Jesus. This makes me feel a little better as they were steeped in the words which foretold him. They tried to understand, they did not accept.
Perhaps this is what I need to do too. Accept what comes without worrying about the whys and wherefores.
Jesus is and that should be enough.
He loves me.
I need to trust.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Cloud watching.
Revelation 1:1-8
This morning will be mundane, housework and shopping in the village. By lunchtime my life will get a little more exciting because I am meeting a new acquaintance who is taking me to a meeting of women who talk in English for an hour and then in French for another hour. I shall be vulnerable.
The housework is including laundry. I am deciding whether to hang my things on the line or put them straight onto the frame in front of the radiator; I have looked at the weather forecast and am currently monitoring the clouds. I am not looking at the clouds to assess the possibility of Jesus returning today. His arrival would really mess up my plans, though arguably my need for french would not longer exist if God sent Jesus today.
One of my other readings today was Zephaniah 1:1-13. The two fit together. I am carrying on as usual, in fact wearing foreign made clothes, though I suspect that is not a literal reference but more to following foreign gods, not expecting God to intervene in my plans. Ouch, Oh Lord forgive me for my complacency.
This morning will be mundane, housework and shopping in the village. By lunchtime my life will get a little more exciting because I am meeting a new acquaintance who is taking me to a meeting of women who talk in English for an hour and then in French for another hour. I shall be vulnerable.
The housework is including laundry. I am deciding whether to hang my things on the line or put them straight onto the frame in front of the radiator; I have looked at the weather forecast and am currently monitoring the clouds. I am not looking at the clouds to assess the possibility of Jesus returning today. His arrival would really mess up my plans, though arguably my need for french would not longer exist if God sent Jesus today.
One of my other readings today was Zephaniah 1:1-13. The two fit together. I am carrying on as usual, in fact wearing foreign made clothes, though I suspect that is not a literal reference but more to following foreign gods, not expecting God to intervene in my plans. Ouch, Oh Lord forgive me for my complacency.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Mince pies and mulled wine
Amos 5:18-27
Christmas is a good time to "Eat, drink and be merry", a good time to celebrate. Tomorrow is the jazz carol service followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Next Sunday we celebrate with the annual service of Nine lessons and carols, with more mince pies and mulled wine. Come Christmas Day I shall roast a turkey and we shall intentional burn the pudding in brandy. Where is God in all this? I hope he is in my heart. I hope that everyone knows that I am only doing this to tell the tale of Jesus, my companion, Lord and Saviour.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Clothed
Matthew 22:1-14
I thought that God accepts everybody, just as they are. I hope he does but there also hints of items of clothing that he has provided for us. His armour is listed in Ephesians 6:10-17 and garments which I prefer in Colossians 3: 12-14.
I am sure that if I wore this clothing I would be prepared for any feast that God sends my way.
I thought that God accepts everybody, just as they are. I hope he does but there also hints of items of clothing that he has provided for us. His armour is listed in Ephesians 6:10-17 and garments which I prefer in Colossians 3: 12-14.
I am sure that if I wore this clothing I would be prepared for any feast that God sends my way.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Waiting.
2 Peter 3:11-18
I went to the dentist two weeks ago. I arrived a minute or two early and the dentist was running 15 minutes late. I had to wait. i looked at a magazine or two, mainly the pictures because the words were not in a language that I can easily read- but I do not think that was the real reason for me skimming the articles. My brain was not concentrating. I was wondering when I was going to be called in. There was no way of knowing. I was not really at peace.
We have been waiting quite a long time for Jesus to come back. I think my attitude is more of the door will not open soon. I will not have to go and sit in the chair.
My waiting needs to be more constructive and with less agitation then when I was at the dentist. How else can I tell my friends, neighbours and the person who I meet on the street that Jesus coming is good news?
I went to the dentist two weeks ago. I arrived a minute or two early and the dentist was running 15 minutes late. I had to wait. i looked at a magazine or two, mainly the pictures because the words were not in a language that I can easily read- but I do not think that was the real reason for me skimming the articles. My brain was not concentrating. I was wondering when I was going to be called in. There was no way of knowing. I was not really at peace.
We have been waiting quite a long time for Jesus to come back. I think my attitude is more of the door will not open soon. I will not have to go and sit in the chair.
My waiting needs to be more constructive and with less agitation then when I was at the dentist. How else can I tell my friends, neighbours and the person who I meet on the street that Jesus coming is good news?
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tea in bed
Amos 3: 12-4:5
One Christmas my mother bought me a Russell Hobbs Automatic teamaker. Years later, when I was still enjoying my nice morning cuppa she told me that I had once said how decadent I thought it would be to woken by the tea pouring into the cup. How right she was.
After the demise of the Teasmade I used to enjoy a nice cup of tea first thing in the morning, brought by my devoted husband. I still would if he ever woke up before me and gave me such a treat.
Amos was writing about 2500 years ago. Not much seems to have changed. The Belgian Blue cow is very large and yet sleek in its own way, bred like the cows of Bashan. They graze and sleep, then sleep and graze.
What is my lifestyle? Am I centred on my own well-being? Do I focus on my pleasures, do I put them before the welfare of those less fortunate than myself? How much do I include God's desire's for his world when I decide on my schedule for the day?
One Christmas my mother bought me a Russell Hobbs Automatic teamaker. Years later, when I was still enjoying my nice morning cuppa she told me that I had once said how decadent I thought it would be to woken by the tea pouring into the cup. How right she was.
After the demise of the Teasmade I used to enjoy a nice cup of tea first thing in the morning, brought by my devoted husband. I still would if he ever woke up before me and gave me such a treat.
Amos was writing about 2500 years ago. Not much seems to have changed. The Belgian Blue cow is very large and yet sleek in its own way, bred like the cows of Bashan. They graze and sleep, then sleep and graze.
What is my lifestyle? Am I centred on my own well-being? Do I focus on my pleasures, do I put them before the welfare of those less fortunate than myself? How much do I include God's desire's for his world when I decide on my schedule for the day?
Sorry the photograph is a Mr not a Mrs;
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Dropping in
Amos 3:1-11
It is verse 3 that seemed important this morning. When did I last drop by to see a friend making an arrangement a few days in advance or without telephoning first. Quite a while ago. What is worse I do not think anybody has come to my door to say hello since we left Texas, and dropping in is certainly not a Texas habit. Leah Taylor sometimes came with a message and stopped for a chat.
Are we so wound up in our own lives that we have no time for anybody on the outside? Hospitality is something which I need to practice. I miss my friends. I hope they miss me too.
It is verse 3 that seemed important this morning. When did I last drop by to see a friend making an arrangement a few days in advance or without telephoning first. Quite a while ago. What is worse I do not think anybody has come to my door to say hello since we left Texas, and dropping in is certainly not a Texas habit. Leah Taylor sometimes came with a message and stopped for a chat.
Are we so wound up in our own lives that we have no time for anybody on the outside? Hospitality is something which I need to practice. I miss my friends. I hope they miss me too.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Chain reaction
2 Peter 1:1-11
The list of virtues which Peter gives always fascinates me. At least I only have to start with faith. I hope that the others will then grow on me like the development of chain stitch in crochet.
It looks very easy in the pictures!
The list of virtues which Peter gives always fascinates me. At least I only have to start with faith. I hope that the others will then grow on me like the development of chain stitch in crochet.
It looks very easy in the pictures!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Selling the righteous for silver
Amos 1:1-5, 13- 2:8
This makes depressing reading. How I hope that I walk in God's path for me, that I am not self-centred and that I treat everybody with respect. This last thought led me to wonder about the person in the Bangladesh clothing factory. Am I by buying from retailers who buy their goods from sweat shops selling the righteous for silver?
I will try my best to follow Christ's rule "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and my neighbour as myself". And by neighbour I mean my fellow world inhabitant.
For the rest I will have to trust in God's saving grace.
This makes depressing reading. How I hope that I walk in God's path for me, that I am not self-centred and that I treat everybody with respect. This last thought led me to wonder about the person in the Bangladesh clothing factory. Am I by buying from retailers who buy their goods from sweat shops selling the righteous for silver?
I will try my best to follow Christ's rule "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and my neighbour as myself". And by neighbour I mean my fellow world inhabitant.
For the rest I will have to trust in God's saving grace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)