On Sunday, our pastor, Colin Dye, spoke about 'Living in the Kingdom of God', and about 'taking our communities and workplaces for the Kingdom. Afterwards the Lord reminded me of an example of this, during the time I was still involved with horses. I hope the following will be helpful.
First of all the way 'not' to do it is, to go about the office being 'spooky' mumbling in tongues, and giving disapproving looks at every dirty joke. (I'm sure that's not you..ha ha). The bible tells us that; 'Love never fails' (1Cor 13 v 8). I got a lesson in this very early on in our 'horsie years. It's not uncommon on some livery yards for some mothers to drop off their young daughters whilst telling them exactly what they must do before being picked up at the end of the day. It's a bit like a teacher leaving instructions for his young pupils to write a five page essay before leaving the class for a couple of hours! (It 'aint gonna happen).
Well anyway, the every day routine on most livery yards is that, first thing in the morning, you take a wheelbarrow, and the stable gets a full 'muck out', change of water, and some fresh golden straw. Then later on, during the winter months when the horse is stabled, you normally just take out any further droppings using something called a 'skip' which is a small plastic tub.
The thing these young girls often did (in the absence of their parents) is, to take a skip, fill it up with soiled straw, then just leave it outside their stable for someone else to empty. I remember this particular day very well. I'd arrived at the yard in the afternoon to find there was no empty tub, then whilst filling Chandler's haynet with haylage, watched as one of these girls (busy chatting to her friend) cut the string from a bale of straw, took it then dropped it outside before returning back to talk to her friend.
I was getting really wound up, then whispered under my breath, something like; 'Lord, I've had enough of this, I'm just going to have to say something...You know.... 'speak the Truth in love' (yeah right...ha ha) then I heard the Holy Spirit say, - 'You do it....you clear up after them'...I thought; 'That can't be God....get thee behind me satan'... However, the instruction remained, (as it does) and I was left with a choice. I'll be honest and say, I was so incensed with the situation at that stage, that I did not obey immediately. Then when I did, it was 'with attitude' at first, but then I found...the more I persevered...the more I looked for ways to help, - the more joy I experienced.
Fast forward now many livery yards later...and after much petitioning of heaven with my list of desirable qualities for the ideal livery yard....the top of the list being; 'Plenty of land for winter grazing!' Yaay! Anyway, the day finally came when we arrived at this wonderful place where we found so much favour! The owner immediately took to our horses and nicknamed them 'The Giraffe's, because they were bigger than anyone else's on the yard.
Anyway, this new place, already a livery yard, had now been improved and extended with 10 new stables, - and we got first pick! It was as near perfect as you could get apart from one thing which was, there was a Catholic guy there (let's call him Jerry) who, though very helpful, and nice at times, was very controlling, had a raging temper, and a mouth like a sess pit.
He'd been on the yard with his horse like 'forever' and the thing you'd always hear him say was, 'You'll never get rid of me...I'll always be here!' Well, I'd learned by now, what to do, (which in this case was to love the unlovely!) Then back home I would pray and intercede...also 'speaking those things that be not as though they were' (Romans 4 v 17) ie; That we would only get the nicest people come on the yard! Another good word to stand on is Joshua 1 v 3; 'Every place the sole of your foot shall tread, - that have I given to you'.
Meanwhile, I was torn between one minute really liking this guy Jerry, to just 'outrage' on the inside, every time I heard his 'blue language' around the young children on the yard. Knowing I was a Christian, he would try to provoke me on purpose, so I learned whilst talking to him, whenever the conversation took a 'downturn,' to just walk away.
Well, as time went by, the situation with this guy just seemed to grow worse, and I found my prayers ever intensifying; 'Lord, please save him...or do something!' Then one day, I got an email from my daughter saying; 'Jerry is gone! My mouth dropped open....I thought; 'How did that happen!? It seems that he and this girl had had a 'stand up row' in the middle of the yard, and apparently the manager had told them; 'If that ever happens again, - you'll both have to leave!' - And it did!
What I've realised is that, when you keep a consistent prayer watch over wherever you work, or spend your days, if there is a difficult person there, (and you're doing your level best to walk in love in the situation) the Lord will either change them, or remove them! As I say, it was a shame 'cos the guy had a lovely wife, and two sweet children. He could also be really funny at times, and often brought lovely food treats in for us. He said once; 'He thought I was the nicest person he'd ever met,' - but he never knew how close I came to slapping him!
(I would have repented...honest...ha ha!)
Monday, 22 April 2013
Thursday, 18 April 2013
'Eat Your Heart Out, Danny Kaye...'
I've just returned home from a visit with my family back in the Northwest of England. As a bit of an update about the problem with my left leg (which had been steadily improving over the past weeks) whilst at my mother's house, I was larking about in the kitchen demonstrating a 'Cossack dance', then the day after, I was limping badly. However, I fought back with a vengeance using the Blood of Jesus, and today after my weekly visit to the gym, it is feeling loads better. Thank You, Lord for Proverbs 4 v 22, which tells me; 'Your Word is healing and health to ALL my flesh'
I love driving back to the Fylde Coast where I grew up. It seems, the nearer I get, the more liberty and freedom I feel. Why is that? Because God has not called me to be there, therefore there is no spiritual resistance. It's nice to enjoy a few days in that atmosphere...then it's 'back into the frae', as it were! It's just as important to be in the right 'geographical' location and church, as it is to know our gifting so that God can bless us, and use us, according to His plans and purposes.
I hope the following story will encourage anyone who may be facing some kind of threat in their local community. Ten years ago in 2003, a company called Canatxx from the USA, came to the Fylde Coast, wanting to store natural gas in the saltmines of the Wyre Estuary which runs into the Irish Sea. Soon after this, a stalwart group of people gathered together to set up resistance in the form of 'The Protect Wyre Group'.
In the meantime, confident they would win, Canatxx began buying up strategic areas of land near to the desired site, also endeavouring to curry favour with certain key people in the community. At the same time the PWG were gathering evidence of the dangers of storing volatile gas in that particular area, from various experts in the field. Plus, given the main industry of the Fylde Coast is tourism, the plans were set to devastate an area of natural beauty, not to mention the effect on wildlife, and the surrounding communities.
Apparently in Kansas a few years previously, in a similar situation where gas had been stored, there'd been an explosion causing loss of life after escaping gas had travelled about 8 miles underground.
Meanwhile, I was fighting the battle in the heavenlies (as I'm sure others were too). Thank God the planning application was refused. But the victory was short-lived as it soon became apparent that, undaunted, Canatxx were not for quitting! So, with more 'Say No To Gas' posters in every window, the PWG continued to fight on over the next few years, thwarting two further applications.
After that, another company called 'Halite Energy' arose, obviously confident they could win where their predecessors had failed. Meanwhile, though continuing to decree daily over the area during prayer, with two house moves over recent years, I'd lost touch with the progress of the campaign. However, whilst visiting this time, I got to wondering about it again, and happened to ask my mother if she'd heard any news about the situation. She said she hadn't.
Anyway, before leaving for the journey home, I went the petrol station to fill up my tank, and whilst standing at the till, my eyes fell on the local newspaper which bore the headline; 'FOR A FOURTH TIME...NO', and underneath was a picture of triumphant campaigners celebrating their victory! Oh the joy! After 10 years of battling, - they deserve to celebrate! But I give all the glory to God. He wanted to let me know, and I don't mind telling you, - it was an emotional moment. But it just shows what can be achieved using both 'the natural, and the spiritual' resources available to us, - plus, - that 'bulldog' refusal to quit! Hallelujah!
I love driving back to the Fylde Coast where I grew up. It seems, the nearer I get, the more liberty and freedom I feel. Why is that? Because God has not called me to be there, therefore there is no spiritual resistance. It's nice to enjoy a few days in that atmosphere...then it's 'back into the frae', as it were! It's just as important to be in the right 'geographical' location and church, as it is to know our gifting so that God can bless us, and use us, according to His plans and purposes.
I hope the following story will encourage anyone who may be facing some kind of threat in their local community. Ten years ago in 2003, a company called Canatxx from the USA, came to the Fylde Coast, wanting to store natural gas in the saltmines of the Wyre Estuary which runs into the Irish Sea. Soon after this, a stalwart group of people gathered together to set up resistance in the form of 'The Protect Wyre Group'.
In the meantime, confident they would win, Canatxx began buying up strategic areas of land near to the desired site, also endeavouring to curry favour with certain key people in the community. At the same time the PWG were gathering evidence of the dangers of storing volatile gas in that particular area, from various experts in the field. Plus, given the main industry of the Fylde Coast is tourism, the plans were set to devastate an area of natural beauty, not to mention the effect on wildlife, and the surrounding communities.
Apparently in Kansas a few years previously, in a similar situation where gas had been stored, there'd been an explosion causing loss of life after escaping gas had travelled about 8 miles underground.
Meanwhile, I was fighting the battle in the heavenlies (as I'm sure others were too). Thank God the planning application was refused. But the victory was short-lived as it soon became apparent that, undaunted, Canatxx were not for quitting! So, with more 'Say No To Gas' posters in every window, the PWG continued to fight on over the next few years, thwarting two further applications.
After that, another company called 'Halite Energy' arose, obviously confident they could win where their predecessors had failed. Meanwhile, though continuing to decree daily over the area during prayer, with two house moves over recent years, I'd lost touch with the progress of the campaign. However, whilst visiting this time, I got to wondering about it again, and happened to ask my mother if she'd heard any news about the situation. She said she hadn't.
Anyway, before leaving for the journey home, I went the petrol station to fill up my tank, and whilst standing at the till, my eyes fell on the local newspaper which bore the headline; 'FOR A FOURTH TIME...NO', and underneath was a picture of triumphant campaigners celebrating their victory! Oh the joy! After 10 years of battling, - they deserve to celebrate! But I give all the glory to God. He wanted to let me know, and I don't mind telling you, - it was an emotional moment. But it just shows what can be achieved using both 'the natural, and the spiritual' resources available to us, - plus, - that 'bulldog' refusal to quit! Hallelujah!
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
'Passion Is The Power That Carries Us Through...'
After chatting with those ladies at the Premier Inn on Easter Monday, I visited the livery yard as planned last Saturday. The lady I'd gone to see couldn't be there at that time, so I went for a wander round, stroking lots of warm noses, and just generally enjoying the familiar 'atmosphere and smells!' I was surprised at how much I remembered about 'heights and makes' of horses.
I eventually got chatting to a lady as she groomed her cute horse called Derry, and she let me brush his tail. I asked if I could come and watch her ride, then sat there on a dusty stool in the ice cold indoor school, hands and feet numb with cold, as she went round working her horse. It brought back lots of memories!
The thought crossed my mind, 'Would I ever ride again?' But was immediately dismissed. However, when she suddenly asked me to get on, I heard myself say; 'Yes!' I suppose I just couldn't resist the challenge!
Afterwards, I helped take Derry and another horse out to graze. On the way across the fields, there were fluffy white feathers everywhere! I couldn't work out whether it was from the Lord, or just evidence of the local Sparrow Hawk's lunch! But it seemed to me like that whole day was wrapped up in this 'huge red bow' like an unexpected gift from God, which I so thank Him for.
Let me just add here that a few years ago, I was required to walk away from my horse in order to fully obey the call of God on my life, which was hard. But when we obey him fully, as well as the assurance that He is in full control, and taking care of everything, He always has a way of recompensing.
Alot of the time I was involved with horses, I used to feel like such a fraud as, though I loved and admired them very much (and still do), it didn't really bother me one bit, whether I rode or not. For me it was more a necessity, and a discipline. On the other hand, a 'true horse person' is unmistakable, and quite something to behold. As children they'll sit astride a wall 'jogging away' with some bit of string, then one day they arrive on a livery yard prepared to do anything, - just to get to ride.
When we arrived on our very first livery yard, there was a lady there who had recently bought Rio, a grey Arab out of a horribly abusive situation. Arabs, not unlike Thoroughbreds can be a bit 'hyper' to say the least, so being mistreated did not help the situation. The first time my friend took Rio out for a hack, she'd not long left the yard when apparently, the horse dumped her on the grass verge, then bolted off up the lane. That was to be the first of many such falls. (I have fallen off about 4 times, - which is 4 times too many!) Another time Rio tore a man's sleeve from his arm whilst he was innocently putting in her morning feed. However, I watched this woman as she persevered to the point where she able to do perform simple dressage tests at the local shows.
Further down the line, we were at another place where there was this girlie with an enormous black horse called Arnie. This was definitely not one of the ones you'd go up and say 'hi' to on the yard! Also, when passing him from behind, you had to be mindful in giving his back legs a very wide berth!
Anyway, my daughter and I were there at the stables every morning around 7am mucking out, and this girl, who competed at quite a high level of dressage, was there most mornings in the indoor school, practising and working her horse. One time I was walking past just in time to see this thing rearing up vertical with her still sitting there! (Oh my goodness!) But then she carried on riding like nothing had really happened! Why? Passion! It's no surprise that there are lots of prize-winning rosette's around her stable, and it's that passion that carries her through to the victory.
Proverbs 29 v 18 tells us; 'Where there is no vision, the people perish'. In other words, if we have no 'real goal', nothing to aspire to, or strive for, we will just toddle along in life not really achieving much. It's good to 'know ourselves and our giftings' which we can find out primarily, by spending more time with the Lord in His Word, and in prayer. Once we locate that thing in us, that passion, we then need to seek the Lord as to how (and where) He wants us to use it.
My passion is encouraging people in their God-given gifting and purpose. In fact soon after meeting someone for the first time, I can't wait to find out their occupation....what they love to do, and what is their vision for the future. Though God gives the gifts, it's our responsibility to follow through in finding them out, then using them in the way He tells us, - all for His Glory. This is what the Parable of the Talents means in Matthew 25 v 15 - 29.
You are a unique being, created in the image of God, and have something about you that no one else has, or knows. Something that will be of great help and blessing to another. It's the devil's job however, to make you feel insignificant, and of no value, - but I'm here to tell you, - that is a great big fat lie because the Truth is, - he is scared of you!
Zechariah 4 v 10 tells us; 'Not to despise the day of small beginnings...'
So don't!
I eventually got chatting to a lady as she groomed her cute horse called Derry, and she let me brush his tail. I asked if I could come and watch her ride, then sat there on a dusty stool in the ice cold indoor school, hands and feet numb with cold, as she went round working her horse. It brought back lots of memories!
The thought crossed my mind, 'Would I ever ride again?' But was immediately dismissed. However, when she suddenly asked me to get on, I heard myself say; 'Yes!' I suppose I just couldn't resist the challenge!
Afterwards, I helped take Derry and another horse out to graze. On the way across the fields, there were fluffy white feathers everywhere! I couldn't work out whether it was from the Lord, or just evidence of the local Sparrow Hawk's lunch! But it seemed to me like that whole day was wrapped up in this 'huge red bow' like an unexpected gift from God, which I so thank Him for.
Let me just add here that a few years ago, I was required to walk away from my horse in order to fully obey the call of God on my life, which was hard. But when we obey him fully, as well as the assurance that He is in full control, and taking care of everything, He always has a way of recompensing.
Alot of the time I was involved with horses, I used to feel like such a fraud as, though I loved and admired them very much (and still do), it didn't really bother me one bit, whether I rode or not. For me it was more a necessity, and a discipline. On the other hand, a 'true horse person' is unmistakable, and quite something to behold. As children they'll sit astride a wall 'jogging away' with some bit of string, then one day they arrive on a livery yard prepared to do anything, - just to get to ride.
When we arrived on our very first livery yard, there was a lady there who had recently bought Rio, a grey Arab out of a horribly abusive situation. Arabs, not unlike Thoroughbreds can be a bit 'hyper' to say the least, so being mistreated did not help the situation. The first time my friend took Rio out for a hack, she'd not long left the yard when apparently, the horse dumped her on the grass verge, then bolted off up the lane. That was to be the first of many such falls. (I have fallen off about 4 times, - which is 4 times too many!) Another time Rio tore a man's sleeve from his arm whilst he was innocently putting in her morning feed. However, I watched this woman as she persevered to the point where she able to do perform simple dressage tests at the local shows.
Further down the line, we were at another place where there was this girlie with an enormous black horse called Arnie. This was definitely not one of the ones you'd go up and say 'hi' to on the yard! Also, when passing him from behind, you had to be mindful in giving his back legs a very wide berth!
Anyway, my daughter and I were there at the stables every morning around 7am mucking out, and this girl, who competed at quite a high level of dressage, was there most mornings in the indoor school, practising and working her horse. One time I was walking past just in time to see this thing rearing up vertical with her still sitting there! (Oh my goodness!) But then she carried on riding like nothing had really happened! Why? Passion! It's no surprise that there are lots of prize-winning rosette's around her stable, and it's that passion that carries her through to the victory.
Proverbs 29 v 18 tells us; 'Where there is no vision, the people perish'. In other words, if we have no 'real goal', nothing to aspire to, or strive for, we will just toddle along in life not really achieving much. It's good to 'know ourselves and our giftings' which we can find out primarily, by spending more time with the Lord in His Word, and in prayer. Once we locate that thing in us, that passion, we then need to seek the Lord as to how (and where) He wants us to use it.
My passion is encouraging people in their God-given gifting and purpose. In fact soon after meeting someone for the first time, I can't wait to find out their occupation....what they love to do, and what is their vision for the future. Though God gives the gifts, it's our responsibility to follow through in finding them out, then using them in the way He tells us, - all for His Glory. This is what the Parable of the Talents means in Matthew 25 v 15 - 29.
You are a unique being, created in the image of God, and have something about you that no one else has, or knows. Something that will be of great help and blessing to another. It's the devil's job however, to make you feel insignificant, and of no value, - but I'm here to tell you, - that is a great big fat lie because the Truth is, - he is scared of you!
Zechariah 4 v 10 tells us; 'Not to despise the day of small beginnings...'
So don't!
Friday, 5 April 2013
"A horse is a horse, of course, of course..."
On Monday I was enjoying a lovely 'Easter' lunch at the Premier Inn. Chicken Ceasar salad with some garlic bread. Yum. When the two ladies sitting in front of me rose to leave, one of them complimented me on the colour of my jumper. I thanked her then said; 'Being a Christian, I chose to wear purple during Easter because it signifies 'royalty'. After chatting a while, I discovered they were both 'horsie'...one had recently lost hers at the good old age of 23, meanwhile, the other lady had been involved in rescuing horses, some of which were Thoroughbreds.
We joked about how 'highly strung' they are, and I said 'there's another term I can't quite think of at the moment? 'Hyperactive? she said. - 'No, that's not it...... Anyway, I then said I'd like to visit their livery yard sometime, but quickly added, - 'but not to ride'. Truth be told, I've always preferred the grooming and care side of things. Even when we had three horses way back then, I only rode because I thought it was what the Lord wanted me to do.
So anyway, arrangements were made for 11am the following Saturday (tomorrow) and as the ladies began to leave...I suddenly called out after them; "...I remember now - it's 'drama queen!" ....they walked away laughing. It was good to talk about horses again.
Do you ever have one of those days when things get intense...your mind's constantly assailed with negative thoughts, and it's hard to settle to anything? At times like that I'll often hear the Lord whisper; 'Go ye...out!' Okay...so anyway, it's now Tuesday, and I set off towards the river, unaware I'm walking briskly...shoulders hunched...hands in pockets...eyebrows knit, - until I hear Him say, - that's not it! I take heed, then stand on the bridge, 'Now, - gaze!' (Ha ha) It's good to just 'gaze' sometimes...
Though the forecast promises warmer temperatures, evidence of the recent unrelenting easterly wind was apparent in the park, with the once abundant and colourful Primrose bed (next to the Steve Redgrave statue) now laying decimated and sparse. It seems the cold spell is unwilling to leave without a fight! Meanwhile, thank God for the stalwart daffodil and pussy willow assuring us, 'it really is spring!'
Ended the day with a bag of fruit and nuts whilst watching more of the 'Gospel of Matthew'.
'His heart is kept in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee...' Isaiah 26 v 3
We joked about how 'highly strung' they are, and I said 'there's another term I can't quite think of at the moment? 'Hyperactive? she said. - 'No, that's not it...... Anyway, I then said I'd like to visit their livery yard sometime, but quickly added, - 'but not to ride'. Truth be told, I've always preferred the grooming and care side of things. Even when we had three horses way back then, I only rode because I thought it was what the Lord wanted me to do.
So anyway, arrangements were made for 11am the following Saturday (tomorrow) and as the ladies began to leave...I suddenly called out after them; "...I remember now - it's 'drama queen!" ....they walked away laughing. It was good to talk about horses again.
Do you ever have one of those days when things get intense...your mind's constantly assailed with negative thoughts, and it's hard to settle to anything? At times like that I'll often hear the Lord whisper; 'Go ye...out!' Okay...so anyway, it's now Tuesday, and I set off towards the river, unaware I'm walking briskly...shoulders hunched...hands in pockets...eyebrows knit, - until I hear Him say, - that's not it! I take heed, then stand on the bridge, 'Now, - gaze!' (Ha ha) It's good to just 'gaze' sometimes...
Though the forecast promises warmer temperatures, evidence of the recent unrelenting easterly wind was apparent in the park, with the once abundant and colourful Primrose bed (next to the Steve Redgrave statue) now laying decimated and sparse. It seems the cold spell is unwilling to leave without a fight! Meanwhile, thank God for the stalwart daffodil and pussy willow assuring us, 'it really is spring!'
Ended the day with a bag of fruit and nuts whilst watching more of the 'Gospel of Matthew'.
'His heart is kept in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee...' Isaiah 26 v 3
Monday, 1 April 2013
Time to remember...
Last week, knowing the clocks were soon to go forward, I wrote out a note to remind myself, then placed it in a strategic place in my kitchen so I wouldn't forget! Every so often I kept moving it round so my eyes wouldn't get used to it. Anyway, late Saturday eve I was upstairs preparing for bed when the phone rang. It was my 87 year old mother;
"Have you remembered the clocks go for forward tonight?"
"No I haven't....thanks, mum.... (Ha ha) Oh, and thank You Lord for prompting her...
It put me in mind of Mark chapter 4 which is all about the parable of the Sower, and how our minds are under constant attack from the enemy. To me, that whole section is a piece of spiritual warfare. Jesus is describing all the ways the enemy uses, in order to stop us growing and maturing in the Lord as we meditate on His Word. Because he knows full well when we do, it's all over for him! Which brings us right back to the vital importance of Romans 12 verses 1 and 2.
Yesterday, I was on my way to Kensington Temple Church, ready to celebrate 'Resurrection Day'. I parked my car (which is very good at only £5 for 12 hours) and was on my way to the bus stop. There never seems to be any in between, - I'm either charging along, 'coat and bag flying', or standing for seemingly ages awaiting the next bus.
It was still perishingly cold...apparently something to do with the jet stream remaining south of the country keeping all the weather fronts (and milder air at bay). I confess to being a bit of 'a weather geek'. I used to love hanging out my washing but I don't have a garden now : ( Plus, years ago caring for a 'high maintentance' Thoroughbred meant having to know exactly whether he would need a rug or not, whilst out in the fields. You soon knew if you'd got it wrong, when fetching him in at the end of the day, as he'd be standing at the gate looking really sorry for himself!
Anyway, I'm standing there at the bus stop struggling with something the Lord is asking me to do, something which is going to require alot. However, there remains so many unanswered questions, and I've been wavering about it all for some time (according to James 1 v 6). I know He is wanting to take me into a deeper level of trust....but...
All of a sudden the words; 'Okey cokey' came to mind....I thought...what?! Then....'you put your WHOLE self in'....how I stopped myself bursting out laughing, I'll never know. But there again, - it is London...would anyone even notice...
One thing about God I've found is, the more I get to know Him, the more I see His sense of humour. We have many times shared a private joke, (mostly during challenging times when He has endeavoured to make me smile). One such time was recently when I was back in Lancashire visiting my mother. She enjoys 'quizzes' and after listening to a certain question on the radio, came and told me about it. It was about a particular song (from way back when).
I said I was sure someone else had covered it since, but I just couldn't think who it was. You know what it's like then, - it becomes an obsession til you get it? Anyway, I got half the name, then not long after that, my mum got the last name. Anyway, the song was 'Answer Me' and the artist was Barbara Dickson....and was probably way back sometime late 70's? Well whatever, I haven't heard anything of her in years...
Well, the very next morning I came down to breakfast and my mum told me; 'You'll never guess, one of the DJ's has just done this whole 'bio' on Barbara Dickson...all about her songs...who she married etc. ...I just smiled.....isn't He sweet? x
"Have you remembered the clocks go for forward tonight?"
"No I haven't....thanks, mum.... (Ha ha) Oh, and thank You Lord for prompting her...
It put me in mind of Mark chapter 4 which is all about the parable of the Sower, and how our minds are under constant attack from the enemy. To me, that whole section is a piece of spiritual warfare. Jesus is describing all the ways the enemy uses, in order to stop us growing and maturing in the Lord as we meditate on His Word. Because he knows full well when we do, it's all over for him! Which brings us right back to the vital importance of Romans 12 verses 1 and 2.
Yesterday, I was on my way to Kensington Temple Church, ready to celebrate 'Resurrection Day'. I parked my car (which is very good at only £5 for 12 hours) and was on my way to the bus stop. There never seems to be any in between, - I'm either charging along, 'coat and bag flying', or standing for seemingly ages awaiting the next bus.
It was still perishingly cold...apparently something to do with the jet stream remaining south of the country keeping all the weather fronts (and milder air at bay). I confess to being a bit of 'a weather geek'. I used to love hanging out my washing but I don't have a garden now : ( Plus, years ago caring for a 'high maintentance' Thoroughbred meant having to know exactly whether he would need a rug or not, whilst out in the fields. You soon knew if you'd got it wrong, when fetching him in at the end of the day, as he'd be standing at the gate looking really sorry for himself!
Anyway, I'm standing there at the bus stop struggling with something the Lord is asking me to do, something which is going to require alot. However, there remains so many unanswered questions, and I've been wavering about it all for some time (according to James 1 v 6). I know He is wanting to take me into a deeper level of trust....but...
All of a sudden the words; 'Okey cokey' came to mind....I thought...what?! Then....'you put your WHOLE self in'....how I stopped myself bursting out laughing, I'll never know. But there again, - it is London...would anyone even notice...
One thing about God I've found is, the more I get to know Him, the more I see His sense of humour. We have many times shared a private joke, (mostly during challenging times when He has endeavoured to make me smile). One such time was recently when I was back in Lancashire visiting my mother. She enjoys 'quizzes' and after listening to a certain question on the radio, came and told me about it. It was about a particular song (from way back when).
I said I was sure someone else had covered it since, but I just couldn't think who it was. You know what it's like then, - it becomes an obsession til you get it? Anyway, I got half the name, then not long after that, my mum got the last name. Anyway, the song was 'Answer Me' and the artist was Barbara Dickson....and was probably way back sometime late 70's? Well whatever, I haven't heard anything of her in years...
Well, the very next morning I came down to breakfast and my mum told me; 'You'll never guess, one of the DJ's has just done this whole 'bio' on Barbara Dickson...all about her songs...who she married etc. ...I just smiled.....isn't He sweet? x
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