this i know..

 

 '...let us press on to know the LORD;
  his going out is sure as the dawn;
 he will come to us as the showers,
  as the spring rains that water the earth.”
(Hosea 6:3 ESV)

 

 

Sometimes in life it must be said that things just don't make sense. My (very wise) Mum has taught me (whether or not she realises) that when you find yourself in that position, or when things are hard or your plans fall apart, that this is what you do. You don't focus on what you don't know, or how things may not make sense, or the 'why?' in your situation. You focus on what you do know. And this verse tells me two things...

 

1 - God is faithful. As the sun rises every day and sets every night, God will hold true to His promises. That He has good things planned for us. That He loves us and will never abandon us. And that He can use everything for good.

 

2 - God will replenish, restore and rejuvenate (and any other words starting with an 'r') us every day.

 

'Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.

And the things of earth, will grow strangely dim,

in the light of His glorious face'

i can do everything...

 
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:12-13 ESV)

 

I have always loved this verse. Especially the 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me' bit. But it wasn't until a little while ago at when I was at Hillsong Conference that I think I grasped (at least a wee bit more) the meaning of these words. Which is a bit narrow minded of me as the explanation is right in the verses previous.

 

I used to love quoting this verse to myself, and it usually went like this...

 

I can achieve my dreams through him who strengthens me!

I can achieve everything I need to do today through him who strengthens me!

I can achieve all this work I've left overdue through him who strengthens me!

Now, to a certain (very small) extent, this is true. Except that really, what I'm saying is...

I can achieve everything I want to do through him who strengthens me!

What I am now coming to realise is that instead of this verse being used as a superman verse ('I can do everything...!!'), what it really means is...

I can do really hard times through him who strengthens me!
I can do illness and difficulty through him who strengthens me!
I can do lack through him who strengthens me!

How amazing, that this is how good God's love is! That even in trial, we can persevere in joy, because God is there throughout everything. This verse is not written to remind you that life is or can be difficult, but rather to encourage you, that even amidst those times, God will be with you and He will give you strength. So let me encourage you today. If you are in the midst of a hard time, God will give you the strength you need to get through. And as the Message translation puts it...

 



'I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. ' (Philippians 4:12-13 MSG)

this is my revelation...

My lovely husband and I are just back from 6 days in Europe, and I must say, 'twas a grand mini break! We spent 3 days in Amsterdam, soaking up the sun amongst the canals and tulip bulbs, cheese and clogs. So many clogs! I lost my phone at one point on a tram, and miracle of miracles, we got it back that evening. We walked a LOT, and saw a lot of beautiful flowers - hooray!  I can safely say it's one of my new favourite cities. However, before we were in Amsterdam, were were in Den Haag for Hillsong Conference Europe. And as always, when you go into His presence with expectation, you will hear and see God in all His glory. It was spectacular, encouraging, uplifting, challenging, filled with glorious worship and kind people seeking God. When singing one song (well, several really), it felt like heaven was raining down on us. But as usual, my biggest challenge is always when I arrive home. It's easy to be on fire for God when in an environment like Hillsong Conference, but how then do we put these things we have learnt into action when back in the daily routine of life?

The focus of the conference was on building the local church, and of course in building the local church, what first must happen is that we ourselves, personally, are being built into the person God wants us to be. Are we allowing the external to control and influence the internal? Or is it (hopefully) the internal changing and affecting the external? What measure do you take to protect your heart and soul? Are you spending time with God, listening to Him and learning to love Him more? And most importantly, as a Christian, are you living off other people's revelation of who God is and what He has done? Or have you been sitting at His feet enough that He has personally revealed Himself in all His glorious and magnificent slendour to YOU? What is your revelation? What is the 'why' behind your faith? Is it because of things you've been told, experiences other people have had? Or is it because you know Jesus through His revelation to you?

Coming back to Scotland, that is my greatest prayer. That God will reveal Himself to me. Because I know without a doubt, that will lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus every day.

Hello there! It's been a while, and I've been a busy bee! Last Monday my husband took me on a tour of Callander which was dee-lightful! Filled with sunny, leafy streets, colourful charity shop bargains, lunch by the meadows, visiting Hamish the Highland cow, the yummiest bakery outside of Sydney and a lovely cafe by a beautiful loch, it was wonderful! We also spent a good few minutes sniffing the air which smelt of shortbread - yummo!

Yesterday we went on a hunt for furniture without any luck, and currently I'm sitting amidst approximately a bajillion boxes all ready to be moved into our new flat on the river this weekend, which I am very excited about.

As I've been cleaning and packing (there is SO much cleaning and packing), I have come to the realisation that I should clean more often. Clever? I think so! But it also made me think of my Dad telling me that maintenance is better and much more efficient than the alternative. Christine Caine put on facebook this week, 'It's often the stuff you leave out that matters', and yet it seems that no matter how often we're told what's good for us, the easy habits are so easily abandoned. Do you pray? Do you read the bible? Do you make time in your day to spend time with God? I struggle a lot with these simple things, and yet I know that if I got them right, SO much would fall into place. I would begin to place my self worth in God and His view of me, I would grow into a deeper relationship with God, my confidence would no longer be placed in things of this world, but God, and I would be released to be free in the love of God.

Sometimes, I need a good shake, and a good question asked.
What is stopping you?! Because whatever it is, do you realise what it is you're sacrificing?

are you free?

What will your response be?

I wish I could make this all stop RIGHT now. If we all did, I think we'd stand a pretty good chance...

No one is free when others are oppressed.
www.thea21campaign.org

Peace I leave with you...

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' John 14:27

Peace is something that I don't think I realised I had, until it left. But amongst much soul searching, I have come to the realisation this peace was my own peace, my own confidence, my own understanding.

My body is often unwell, there are days when I miss home more than others, and there are times when loneliness is pretty hard to handle. And yet I am slowly beginning to recognise the peace of God that transcends all understanding. I am starting to realise that this peace is something that we as Christians do all have...but have you accessed it? Are you willing to let go of your own peace which will change with the seasons, in exchange for a peace that will NEVER leave you, and NEVER forsake you?

There was a moment at Colour London 2012 in which I knew God was asking me to let go of what I wanted, and trust Him. This was a real struggle, and be assured I only promised God I would try (the best you can do sometimes!), but He took me on, and immediately I was flooded with peace.
In my sickness, my heart stays calm. In my homesickness, my head trusts God has good things planned for me. And in times of loneliness, I know that spiritually I am never alone.

My prayer for you today is that any anxiety, agitation, worry, fear, stress, anything that keeps you from seeing the true splendour of God, will leave in a moment, and that the peace of God will overwhelm you, body, heart and soul.

'...Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You...'

'Like an Avalanche - Hillsong'

feeling vs knowing

Every now and then I have a day where everything is going swimmingly! Well, that happens more than every now and then. But sometimes, when I'm having a day that is going swimmingly, something unexpected can come along and take the wind from my sails (we're going with water-y metaphors this evening...stick with me!). And the silliest thing is, since moving to Scotland, it's usually the nice things that leave me feeling a bit...lets say, overwhelmed. When I receive a package in the mail, or am having a lovely chat to a loved one far across the seas, it can be as planned and thought out and as expected as the Scottish rain. Or it can be as unexpected as a couple from Australia walking into my work and saying,'G'day!'. Turns out, this lovely couple today reminded me very much of my family back home. Originating from the suburb my Nanna and Pop lived in, knowing the places I grew up in, welling up with tears when thoughts of their children moving away occurred to them. They were lovely. And they were a touch of home.
I don't think many things compare to another human being understanding what you are feeling. And I am reassured by the fact that even when I'm at my pity party feeling as though I am alone in these moments, my heavenly Father understands how I am feeling. He does not dismiss it, He does not try to cure it with insensitive solutions or inept words, He does not accuse me of being weak. What He does do, and will always do (thank goodness), is point me to what I DO know. And this is what I do know:

* I am loved. John 3:16
* Every need of mine is taken care of. Matthew 6:26
* God has good plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11
* Everything is viewed in comparison to eternity. Isaiah 60
* The God of the universe hears, understands and feels my pain, and will comfort me in my need. Psalm 34:18
* God is almighty, His glory shines brighter than the sun, His mercy and grace are abundant and good, He is a refuge, a strong tower, a rock, a deliverer, our protection, our strength. Psalms
* He walks with me, guiding me along the way. Psalm 23:4

For if I live based on what I know, rather than how I feel, perhaps the wind wouldn't be taken out of my sails quite so dramatically. I will still feel homesick, yes. And I will still feel the myriad of emotions that partner in my day to day life. But perhaps the waves won't feel quite so big if I keep my eyes focussed on what I know to be the truth.

What do you know?

strength...

being still...

Whilst running up the very steep hill which leads to our church last Sunday night, I knew I'd be puffed at the top. Sweaty too. There's been a heatwave* here, and it's been WONDERFUL! But I knew that walking into the quiet auditorium I would be hot and bothered. Back in Australia, this wouldn't have been unusual, being warm and all, and I've learnt that the best way to cool down is simply to be very still. Being still means when the soft, cool breeze comes, you can feel it, appreciate it, and let it do it's job.

I was reading this week about how we need to be still for God to speak to us, and show us His ways. I know when I'm warm I need to be still to let my body cool down. How much more should I be aware that in order for me to hear God's voice, I need to be still? I wonder how much more obedient and willing I am to still myself and listen to God, than I am when I'm trying to cool down?

'This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength...'

Isaiah 30:15

* heatwave = 18-22 degrees.

'You will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace...'

I am weary today, and currently thanking God for a husband who tells me to sit down while he gets dinner. Last month I went to Colour conference in London (after going in Sydney in March - yep, I'm a lucky girl!), and there was so much scripture that came alive for me! How blessed I was (am) to be in that place, hearing these words come alive. There are a LOT of verses I now call my favourites, and Isaiah is now a favourite book, but this verse is one I now hold very near to my heart.

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. 
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands. 
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

Isaiah 55:8-13

Cross references:

1. Isaiah 55:1 : S Pr 9:5; S Isa 35:7; Mt 5:6; Lk 6:21; Jn 4:14; 7:37
2. Isaiah 55:1 : Jer 2:13; Eze 47:1, 12; Zec 14:8
3. Isaiah 55:1 : La 5:4; Mt 13:44; Rev 3:18
4. Isaiah 55:1 : S SS 5:1; 1Pe 2:2
5. Isaiah 55:1 : Hos 14:4; Mt 10:8; Rev 21:6; 22:17
6. Isaiah 55:2 : Ps 22:26; Ecc 6:2; Isa 49:4; Jer 12:13; Hos 4:10; 8:7; Mic 6:14; Hag 1:6
7. Isaiah 55:2 : S Isa 1:19
8. Isaiah 55:2 : S Isa 30:23
9. Isaiah 55:3 : S Ps 78:1
10. Isaiah 55:3 : S Lev 18:5; S Jn 6:27; Ro 10:5
11. Isaiah 55:3 : S Ge 9:16; S Isa 54:10; S Heb 13:20
12. Isaiah 55:3 : S Isa 54:8
13. Isaiah 55:3 : Ac 13:34*
14. Isaiah 55:4 : Rev 1:5
15. Isaiah 55:4 : S 1Sa 13:14; S 2Ch 7:18; S Isa 32:1
16. Isaiah 55:5 : S Isa 49:6
17. Isaiah 55:5 : S Isa 2:3
18. Isaiah 55:5 : S Isa 12:6; S 54:5
19. Isaiah 55:5 : S Isa 44:23
20. Isaiah 55:6 : S Dt 4:29; S 2Ch 15:2; S Isa 9:13
21. Isaiah 55:6 : Ps 32:6; Isa 49:8; Ac 17:27; 2Co 6:1-2
22. Isaiah 55:6 : S Ps 50:15; Isa 65:24; Jer 29:12; 33:3
23. Isaiah 55:7 : S 2Ch 7:14; S 30:9; Eze 18:27-28
24. Isaiah 55:7 : Isa 32:7; 59:7
25. Isaiah 55:7 : S Isa 44:22; S Jer 26:3; S Eze 18:32
26. Isaiah 55:7 : S Isa 54:10
27. Isaiah 55:7 : S 2Ch 6:21; Isa 1:18; 40:2
28. Isaiah 55:8 : Php 2:5; 4:8
29. Isaiah 55:8 : Isa 53:6; Mic 4:12
30. Isaiah 55:9 : S Job 11:8; Ps 103:11
31. Isaiah 55:9 : S Nu 23:19; S Isa 40:13-14
32. Isaiah 55:10 : Isa 30:23
33. Isaiah 55:10 : S Lev 25:19; S Job 14:9; S Ps 67:6
34. Isaiah 55:10 : S Ge 47:23
35. Isaiah 55:10 : 2Co 9:10
36. Isaiah 55:11 : S Dt 32:2; Jn 1:1
37. Isaiah 55:11 : Isa 40:8; 45:23; S Mt 5:18; Heb 4:12
38. Isaiah 55:11 : S Pr 19:21; S Isa 44:26; Eze 12:25
39. Isaiah 55:12 : S Ps 98:4; S Isa 35:2
40. Isaiah 55:12 : Isa 54:10, 13
41. Isaiah 55:12 : S Ps 65:12-13; S 96:12-13
42. Isaiah 55:12 : S 1Ch 16:33
43. Isaiah 55:12 : Ps 98:8
44. Isaiah 55:13 : S Nu 33:55; S Isa 5:6
45. Isaiah 55:13 : Isa 41:19
46. Isaiah 55:13 : S Ps 102:12; Isa 63:12; Jer 32:20; 33:9

'When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.'

Psalm 94:18-19

I read this verse this morning, and it was like a balm for my soul. Praise the Lord that He cares for us! And praise Him, that He knows us better than anyone, and knows exactly what we need. Praise Him for His compassion, kindness and mercy. And praise Him, that in our difficult moments when we are slipping, He holds us close.

I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, where?

Today, I hung my washing outside. To those who live far away in sunnier climes, let me assure you, this is a reason for GREAT excitement! The warm sun! The lazy breeze! Both culminating in crispy dry and sun soaked smelling clothes...*sigh*. 'Tis the small things after all.

And as I was sitting outside reading and sending my thighs into shock at their long time overdue reunion with the sun, I pondered. Are we excited about this faith we profess? If you are a Christian, are you excited about the faith which changes your day to day life? This faith which preaches unexpected and undeserved grace, overwhelming love, miracles, sacrifice and eternal salvation. Does this excite you? Does it excite me?

Because it seems to me, that if we have grasped this abundance? My gosh. We should be so joyful, it can not help but spill out!

What I really mean to say is this: Is your life any different (apart from going to church! And bible study!) because of what you believe?

'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.' 1 Peter 1:3-9

Is it worth it?

I don't know about you, but when I want something, I'm pretty capable of convincing myself there's a good reason for me to have it. If I want some chocolate, chocolate is made from beans, ergo, is good for you. And this evening, as I contorted my body to manage to poke my head out our bathroom window, I wondered how far we all go to achieve what we want. In Scotland, when it's been sunny, the evening is my favourite time of day. It's possibly the closest it will get to Australian weather, although in Australia this would be a lovely Winter's day, here, it's almost Summer. Out our bathroom window, it's fairytale land. And when the sun starts to wind it's way through the Birch trees and stretch itself out over the mossy green grass, and the sky turns almost cream and the mites in the air looks like gold dust floating around,  and the birds are singing their tinkling tunes, I will do what I can to be in that. Even if it means twisting my body and sticking my head through a velux window, with nothing to lean on but spiky toiletries.
I've been reading Priscilla Shirer's 'He Speaks to Me - Preparing to hear from God', and it makes about a bajillion excellent and life changing points. But what struck me today, from I had read previously, was the question, 'Is it all worth it?' Now, I know that poking my head through the bathroom window for 15 minutes was worth it, it was a beautiful moment. But a beautiful moment that lasted for 15 minutes. When we consider our circumstances at present, do we have in our minds eye the big picture? Do we get bogged down with the day to day, and the disappointments and frustrations? Or do we unknowingly decide to be a mediocre Christian, because we can't grasp the end point and therefore do not make the hard decisions (which effectively result in only good from God) along the way? When you decide to cut the bad language, step back from unhelpful or gossip-y conversations, refuse to watch or read certain shows and books, when you make the unpopular decision for the glory of God, do you think it will be worth it? Or do you know it will be worth it?
I am sure that when the end of the world comes, and when I kneel in front of my King and sing His praises, while I hope to hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant', I will without a doubt know, it was ALL worth it.
Now the challenge is this: to remind myself of this, in every single moment, of every single day. When it's tough, and when I get to stick my head out the window for 15 minutes.