Keep your head above water

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

The adage “keep your head above water” is certainly applicable to faithfully living the Christian life when you are feeling overwhelmed. The sensation of drowning in the midst of problems, struggles, and challenges calls for a determined trust in God that is greater than our feelings. David was familiar with the trauma caused by life, and he often expresses the raw emotion of those in the Psalms.

Psalm 69:20 is one such confession by David. Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. When life is ticking along smoothly, we give little thought to preparing for the times of struggle. Regardless of the source of your tauntings, be they health, financial, relational, or decisions gone bad, reaching that point of  heart break and despair is torturous. The sense of aloneness can be demoralising to say the least. David was there; human friendship had failed, personal resources had failed, there was no light in his tunnel of life, but he knew Yahweh would not fail him.

Psalm 69:1-3 records David’s initial cry of despair. ​Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 3 I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. David had reached his end. His perception of life was understandably human in its focus, and he was tired of waiting for God to respond in the way he expected. Yet, in spite of the seemingly hopeless nature of his situation, David calls out in dependence upon the God of hope. But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness (Psalm 69:13).

Burnt out expectations eventually yielded to the providential love of God which supplied the required trust that David lacked (Psalm 40:4; Jeremiah 17:7). This trust looked to God for what seemed impossible, and it clung to God for compassionate relief at the most appropriate time. Like David, we can keep our heads above water when all else seems lost by trusting God. Trust that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) regardless of circumstances and what others may say.

Never give up on prayer, that God will embed within you acceptance, patience, and relief. Pray for His presence to be the comfort you need. Pray for wisdom to discern God operating within your heart and to observe His coordination of external events (James 1:5). Pray for common sense to navigate the complexities of your situation in ways that will lead you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Determine to rest in God’s plan for your life to glorify Him. Wait for God to work in His time and through the supportive people He brings into your life.

Never abandon reading God’s Word. Talk to the Lord about what you’re reading. Question Him. Share your raw thoughts and feelings with Him. Worship Him with whatever thoughts of gratitude you can muster. Distract yourself from the surrounding problems with times of spiritual focus using whatever methods are available to you. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

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Comforting Encouragement – Part 2

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Just as we all express encouragement differently, so also, encouragement is perceived differently from person to person. What may seem amazing to one person, may not even register with another. Therefore, thoughtful grace needs to be operating in all believers to compensate for and enhance the learning process of how to express and receive encouragement appropriately. Personal history, personality, culture, health, and maturity are some of the key players in the business of encouragement. Plus, its grace that elevates encouragement to the level of comfort, but only if it is received. While our hearts are remarkably sensitive at receiving, they are not always so delicate at expressing compassionate sentiments. Both the giver and the receiver share equal responsibility in the ministry of encouragement.

Included in Paul’s relational teaching to the church in Rome, He instructed them to give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:17-18). Here, Paul is saying that believers are to consider the different ways we express honour to different people as all people will perceive honour differently. Also, we are to do our best to express and receive other’s attempts to show us honour with a peaceful attitude. This speaks to the matter of not allowing ourselves to take offence when no offence was intended. It thinks the best of the other person. That’s grace.

With the concept of grace in our thinking, Romans 15:5-7 takes on a fresh dimension. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Christ welcomes us with the listening grace of acceptance, of preforgiveness, in full knowledge of all our shortcomings and failings. Just as Christ glorifies God by welcoming us with such grace, so also, we glorify God when we welcome others likewise. God is by nature the God of endurance and encouragement, and endurance is greatly fuelled by the strength that comes through encouragement, whether we are receiving or expressing it.

As we learnt from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are to encourage one another and build one another up, which is the graceful purpose that should be intentional. But I suggest, that listening to and receiving those words or actions of encouragement should be received for the purpose of being built up yourself, which is graceful listening. Again, this thinks the best of the other person. Grace!

In Acts 14:22, Paul was strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. What a wonderful and realistic example Paul leaves us. He did not hide from the difficult realities of the Christian life, and he also highlights the resource of strength that comes through encouraging… to continue in the faith. Often, pain follows us as we enter and live in this stage of God’s Kingdom, and the human expression of encouraging one another to remain faithful is critical to our spiritual sanity. We also do this by not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25).

As we perceive the closeness of Christ’s return to snatch up His bride, so we should be motivated to do and receive encouragement in an attitude of grace, for God’s glory.

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Comforting encouragement

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Both comfort and encouragement are regularly needed by the human heart, and they work best when operating in synchromesh with each other. Plus, both are able to be conveyed and received in multiple ways, but always best when done with authentic love. Consequently, refreshment at some level, and to some degree, is usually the result. Here we see the compassionate nature of God, who has  designed and equipped believers as agents of His grace.

It seems a contradiction by worldly thinking, that the LORD is able to show His mercies while we are engulfed in the pains of life. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Instead of only offering comfort to those enjoying the sweet and smooth times of life, God offers comfort during struggles for those suffering. Counter to the culture of our times, the greater our suffering, the greater the availability of meaningful comfort to sustain us. The reservoir of divine comfort is as limitless and as free as God’s mercy, simply waiting for the pained child of God to draw from.

Like Job of the Old Testament, it’s in the extremities of life that we realise more fully our fragile and limited personal resources. Once taken outside of our coping mechanisms, we often find ourselves in that vulnerable place of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

As it was following salvation, times of refreshing… come from the presence of the Lord… (Acts 3:19-20), so it is during the great difficulties of life, God is the source of refreshment which fuels our endurance. But how does He do this? What are some of the most common methods used by the LORD to transfer His comfort and refreshment to His child engulfed by trials? More often than not, God employs other believers to conduct the transfer.

As Yahweh is the God of endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), He uses those redeemed by Jesus Christ to communicate the required encouragement. So Paul commands us to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Encouragement is to be intentional,  purposeful, and applied to one another in the body of Christ without discrimination as it looks to do it’s work. Since encouragement specifically looks to build up it’s recipients, Paul adds, be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all (1 Thessalonians 5:13-14).

Paul understood that fragile hearts need building up through peaceful relationships that looks to encourage and help with patience. This takes only a little thought to gain some idea of the needs of the recipient. Our listening should not be flippant, dismissive, shallow, or self-serving, as we look to the interests of the other person as our priority (Philippians 2:4). What a spectacular recipe of grace. The fears of the heart which trigger so many internal malfunctions are kindly explored, and love is applied without pretence or force. There is no personal agenda here, only the desire to love on behalf of Christ.

The church of Jesus Christ is well equipped to apply His soothing love to those under the weight of life. A smile, a listening ear, a few minutes of genuine interest, is all it takes to initiate the process. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. The power of grace accompanied by a few words can have far reaching consequences for good and create opportunity for encouraging comfort.

To be continued…

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Jesus centered living

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

For believers in Jesus Christ, Christianity is not merely part of life, Christ is our life. Everything other that Christ forms the various components of life, with Jesus being the hub, the axis from which everything grows and orbits. This, in part, is because Jesus is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him (Hebrews 5:9). The believer accepts, trusts in, and arranges their priorities to conform to Jesus’ declaration; I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

Paul had proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord to the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 4:5), which he did everywhere that he declared the gospel. And it is compliance to Jesus’ lordship, within a believer’s unique and sometimes complex circumstances, that develops transformational living for Christ. For the Christian, their heart’s desire is that in everything he (Christ) might be preeminent (Colossians 1:18).

Near the end of His earthly life, Jesus explained in John 15:4-5, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. While this may sound strange to the nonbeliever, the child of God acknowledges the essential nature of belief that is dependent upon Jesus. The longer we live and walk with the Lord, the more we recognise the truth of Jesus’ teaching in this matter.

The horticultural parallel of integration with Christ, and dependence upon Him as the only supplier of spiritual nutrients is unmistakable. Just as the branches of a vine require sap from its own root to survive, to grow, and then to produce fruit, the same is true of the believer. Those who live in Jesus, whose daily existence depends upon His spiritual food, they remain faithful and grow to produce Christlike fruit through their lives. For them, only Christ can satisfy by providing what they need.

While life has many important relationships and activities that require commitment, Christ is life’s essence, life’s motivation, and goal. As Lord, Jesus is permeated through every facet of Christian living, nothing goes untouched by Him. Relying continually upon the spiritual resources of Jesus, our vine, enables us to use the earthly necessities and activities of life for His purposes and our blessing.

It is a sharp focus on Jesus that brings joy, comfort, and security in this everchanging world that we live. Clear focus on the Lord Jesus inspires perseverance during difficult chapters of life while we wait upon Him to resolve the issues that distress us. Listen to Job’s testimony during his greatest suffering, what is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? (Job 6:11). Here, the child of God can experience genuine peace while enduring great difficulties.

Living a Jesus centered life enables us to …run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2). Similarly, Paul wanted the Colossian believers to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3). May we pursue knowing and living Christ. And as we grow in our understanding of Him, may our hearts place Him more and more in that central place of focus.

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God of Change

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

It was only a few days before Jesus’ crucifixion, and the chief priests and elders of Israel were determined to create a way to kill Him. Although Jesus publicly exposed their hypocrisy, their false teaching, and even pronounced seven woes upon them, He did not bring instant judgement as they deserved. Jesus knew that many of his enemies were receiving grace which would soon change them into faithful believers in Him as Lord and Saviour (Acts 4:4; 6:7).

Sometimes we see change coming, but often, uninvited change just happens abruptly. Change will always be part of our lives by God’s design and administration. Although we often struggle with unpleasant changes, we need to remember that no change happens outside of God’s governance or His purposes.

In Matthew 21:32, Jesus confronted the chief priests and elders over their unwillingness to change saying, for John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. Determined unwillingness to change for Jesus can have devastating consequences if allowed to play out to its ultimate goal. But in God’s grace, He perseveres with us to achieve His will, which always involves great change.

All of Scripture records that mankind is required to change their beliefs and behaviour for God, this is normal repentant faith-life, and it’s good. Personal change should be expected, it should be preached, it should be included in our gospel explanations and in all discipleship. Faith in Jesus Christ brings great changes, which we call sanctification. The Lord employs a variety of circumstances and events; medical, financial, employment, location, and relationship changes, to grow our faith and maturity in Christ.

Jeremiah 29:5-7 tells of Yahweh’s instruction to those under His discipline of exile in Babylon. Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. 7 Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to Yahweh on its behalf; for in its peace you will have peace. Israel, like many of us, resented and resisted the changes God had forced upon them. Although they should have understood why, they had such a long and determined history of rejecting God’s instructions and warnings, that they were both blind and deaf to the preventative Word of God.

Again, grace prevailed, with God telling them to accept it and get on with living in a God honouring way. They were to proactively seek the blessing of their captors, the Babylonians, and in so doing God would benefit them, even returning them to Israel in the future. As if the trauma of being dragged off to a foreign land with every aspect of life forcefully changed was not bad enough. Now Yahweh says, seek the blessing of your enemy. This must have been like rubbing salt in the wound, the ultimate insult that would have gone against everything they felt.

But this is so typical of the Lord, and Jesus repeats the same lesson in Luke 6:27-28. May we accept change that is outside of our control as being used by God for His glory and our blessing. May we seek the benefit of others that can often only come through change (1 Peter 3:9).

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