Frustration - over-ruled.

Rick Pullen, Ray and Mary, Brian Jennings

North cioast of Ghana

The following devotional was taken from my book (now out of print) called ‘The Neurotic Rooster.’ I contained 31 devotionals arising from our three short term study and mission trips to Africa.

            "Things don’t always run smoothly do they Lord!"

            We commit our way to you, make our plans with good intentions and imagine that we are in for an easy ride. That’s not life. It’s not ministry. There are forces out in the wide world, sometimes close at hand, intent on frustrating our efforts to honour you and encourage others. Plane departure delays making for uncomfortable nights, buses which break down and run to no timetable, promises made without any possibility of being honoured, police road-blocks causing justifiable but time eroding delays have nerve wracking tendencies.

            In the face of such barriers and seemingly unbridgeable time chasms how glad am I that your word has made a wonderful promise to your people. Short term mission trips become learning centres for understanding Romans 8:28: ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.’

            ‘We know...’ Here experience is talking. These often unpleasant experiences had drawn from Paul’s faith and hope the over ruling ministry of the Holy Spirit and the consolation of God’s comforts. It was not a theory. This was a truth we were to learn so that we too can say "we know, from personal experiences, not pious theories."

            ‘that in all things God works...’ therefore don’t be fatalistic, negative or defeatist. Unseen, unfelt, God is in the scene working on behalf of His people and purposes. It is more often than not only realised with hindsight. Each team member could recount difficulties and embarrassing situations unpleasant and unwelcomed and yet on reviewing them realising God was in there with them and producing good. Faith can only gain muscle through being aware of God's workings in our situation even if it is realised afterwards. It prepares you to be more settled when the next circumstance arises.

            ‘for the good of those who love Him...’how reassuring. The unbelieving, indifferent World has great delight in doing Disciples of Christ mischief. There is great glee in placing snares across the believers’ path to trap them. The awesome creative power of God, when permitted by His people, takes such hostility and brings ‘good’ out of it. What ‘good?’ For the disciple it fashions him or her into the likeness of Jesus Christ. For God, it vindicates His purposes, blesses His people, converts opponents, and verifies His word.

            ‘who have been called...’ and responded. It is interesting as we work through this promise that ‘love’ isn’t enough. There needs to be two other faith factors. This one is being ‘called.’ This is not referring to salvation but to ministry. It is stating that God actively safeguards what He initiates, not what we might believe is a good idea to pursue. Here is uncovered why many worthwhile ventures fail. Before going we needed the unshakeable conviction this was pleasing to God. That conviction can be severely tested in coming days.

            ‘according to His purpose.’ This is the next factor in harmony with the other two ensuring the over-ruling of frustration. Assured of God’s purposes is the essential requirement for emotional and spiritual well-being in the face of opposition and doubts. The bold assertion of our faith in the sovereign grace of Jesus is that nothing can separate us from His love, nothing experienced by obedience to his Word can prevent His purposes from being fulfilled. What ever assessment others may make of our time and miistry we have peace in our hearts. Why? Because, our Lord would have achieved His purposes in us, through us, inspite of our strengths or weaknesses, because He called and we went.

Final Word.

            There can be no unwanted experience, no frustrating delay, over which God cannot fashion honour and glory for His Name.

When Dark Valleys are ahead.

 Mountains and valleys play a very prominent role in Biblical history. They also have a spiritual significance for our life. An interesting comment by Moses about the Promised Land comes from Deuteronomy 11:11-12. ‘The land you are crossing over to occupy is a land of hills and valleys, watered by rain from the sky, a land that the Lord your God looks after. The eyes of the Lord your God are always on it …’

We enjoy the mountains for the vistas they offer. However, we live down on the plains and in the valleys. The psalmist now takes us into one of the numerous valleys of life which even the right paths have to negotiate. David, seemingly takes a deep breath and confesses his thoughts about the valley of the shadow of death. Even then he will face any fear in the confidence of knowing his Lord. Sheep are guarded from brigands and predators by the shepherd’s rod and staff. Their spiritual applications are applied to the believer as he or she faces this and other shadowy valleys.

The rod can be translated as a sceptre. As such it defines authority and kingship, Psalm 45:6.  And it is also translated as a rod which smites as in Psalm 2:9.  Here is the flock’s protection. The regal nature of the Shepherd plus His righteous character and power unite in the image of ‘thy rod.’ The staff is used for rescuing the sheep caught in a difficult situation. It is also a source of strength on which the shepherd can lean. When we apply this to God’s word and its many shades of meaning we also will know comfort. It is through God’s involvement in people’s lives we realise He keeps His promises. Consider the case of the weeping prophet, Jeremiah. He was opposed though he walked the right path. His God given messages and warnings were despised and rejected. God’s judgement upon the nation, courtesy of Nebuchadnezzar, meant a valley of the shadow of death experience. Innocent though he was, Jeremiah suffered with his nation.

Jeremiah wasn’t deported to Babylon. He saw the destruction of his beloved city and temple. Evil had fallen. How did Jeremiah handle the sorrow, the grief and answer the fear of the survivors. In what way would he, could he, endorse the nice sounding words of the psalmist about being strengthened by comfort? In Lamentations he records, through tears, his hope. As you read the following from that book, understand it as referring to the ‘Rod and the Staff’, God’s word and promises. ‘The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall! My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

How could he feel that way in the shadows of suffering? Because he believed God’s promise about a coming Messiah, about the reign of that descendant of David over Israel and about God’s promise to Abraham. God had taken His flock through many valleys and endured their bleating and waywardness, especially in the Wilderness. He would not abandon them now. Interestingly, that experience is likened to going through the valley of the shadow of death. (Jeremiah 2:6 in KJV) Why does the Good Shepherd persevere with them? As we have said in the previous blogpost, it’s ‘for His name sake.’  He keeps His word. It was in that certainty Jeremiah trusted as he sat in the rubble of Jerusalem. It is the confidence of the prophets about Israel’s future role even as the nation endures judgement. It is the assurance for those who believe that Jesus is the Messiah and their personal Lord and Saviour. In fact, it is your personal commitment to Jesus that declares the Shepherd took the nation through their valley of the shadow. It culminated in the fulfilment of Scripture about the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. Sure, Israel is in another valley of unbelief at the moment, but Scripture points to them coming out of it.

Hosea spoke of another valley called ‘Achor.’ It means sorrow and its story is in Joshua 7. The prophet likened Israel’s history to one of defeat and dispersion and being disowned. However, in Hosea 2:15 he foresees a future time when that valley will be transformed. The Lord (Israel’s Shepherd) said He will ‘make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.’ How? The Lord will reclaim them, will gather them and will make them conquerors. Truly, as the psalmist wrote ‘even though I walk through [notice it is ‘through’] the darkest valley … your rod and staff comfort me.’

Can you find comfort through God’s word for whatever valley is the way your path of rightness is taking you? Let His rod of authority protect you and His staff keep you safe. Then even the valley of the shadow or the valley of sorrow will be faced with faith and hope.

To be continued.

©Ray Hawkins, February 29th 2016.

Comfort means more than a cuddly toy

It’s a command, not a suggestion. It’s personal as well. In Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, yes, comfort my people!” says your God.” Those suffering, grieving, confused would sob “please!” Those, probably like you and I would want to know answers to two questions that verse raises. Who is defined as His people? How am I to express comfort, especially to those in far off places?

In the context ‘my people’ is referring to the Nation of Israel. God actually fulfilled His own command when Jesus was born into their Nation. Today, the Nation is in need of people and Governments offering ‘comfort’ and support. The attitude by some Denominational church leaders is to be thorns, not comforters, in the side of the Nation. That’s a sure way of getting into the Lord’s book of discipline

 ‘My people’ would also include Humanity in general for Yahweh is their Creator, according to Genesis. Therefore we have no reason for denying those in need because we have some racial dislike.

There’s another group (not extra-terrestrials) which come from out of both the classes above. It is called ‘the body’ or the Church. Over the centuries this people group have known the pain inflicted when they have withdrawn from one of the other groups. Why they withdrawal? They have joined up with Jesus Christ. They belong to an international and spiritual identity which, unfortunately often means they are given a hard time by former colleagues. 

When we consider the need of people for comfort the Lord is actually asking us to embrace one and all. Paul expressed it well in Galatians 6:10,”Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ It doesn’t take much imagination to know how to do good to the hungry, homeless, sick, lonely and others. This can be done in a detached and impersonal manner.

The words translated ‘comfort’ however calls us to be more personally involved to those who are hurting.

Psalm 23:4 tells us that God’s staff and rod bring comfort. The word means ‘it gives forth sighs.’ What does? The word is used in Psalm 119:50 and points us to God’s word. We are not peddling in pious and unthinking sentences. We are using the scriptures to offers hope and strength mixed with wisdom for the circumstances. Romans 15:4, ‘whatever things were written before [in the Old Testament] were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.’ As we read the Bible there is a realisation that God is sharing our scene and feeling for us. He sighs with us. We know we are not alone.

2 Corinthians 7:6, ‘God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.’ In this instant the word means that when Titus met up with Paul and company his presence was a blessing. What this young man had to share boosted the morale of the group. You may not have magical solutions to share with those who are downcast, but, coming alongside of them is a comfort. Giving them a hug as you shed a tear is therapeutic to their soul, and a joy to their heart. In Philippians 2:19 Paul says how he will be refreshed when Timothy comes with a report on the Church there. In Colossians 4 9-18 Paul once again reveals how the hurts, frustrations and house confinements were soothed by the friendship and visits, prayers and greetings of people.

I’ve conducted many funerals. Some have had a sense of hope that death was not the end. It was the entrance into an eternal realm of grace and glory with Jesus Christ. This is such a contrast to others who only see oblivion or perdition. There may be wishful thinking about being ‘up there looking down’ but that’s all they have to cling too.  What is the difference between the two funerals? It is hope grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of who He is and what He achieved on Calvary’s cross and His resurrection our hope has substance. When we activated our understanding of the Gospel by faith and made Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, an eternal hope was born. Christians have comfort because they know Jesus keeps His promise. Christians want to share with all the wonder of what Jesus does in a life infused with hope, grace and comfort.

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 informs us of a great ‘getting up from the grave’ event when we will meet Jesus Christ in the air. Then we will be forever with the Lord. It is by this promise, secured for us by Jesus Christ, we are able to comfort each other. How do we know He can and will deliver? The empty tomb, the risen Lord and the Bible are our guarantees.

Space before creation

It’s hard to imagine what space would have been like prior to creation. Take away the stars, planets and other lights and we have to presume darkness. Imagine that! God wrapped in deep darkness. Does your mind recoil at this as does mine?

There is a fascinating contrast, even paradox confronting us as we meditate upon getting a glimpse of God before creation as we know it. I’d like us to preview some verses together and allow our finite minds to go on a journey. Where will it take us? Let’s find out.

In Exodus 20 Moses has taken the nation to Mt. Sinai. The appearance of God was associated with thunder, lightning, trumpet and smoke. Moses had to ascend the mount and in verse 21: ‘The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.’ Compare Deuteronomy 4:11. 5:23.

Ps.18:9: He (God) parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.

Ps 18:11: He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him.

Ps.97:2: Clouds and thick darkness surrounds him.
1 Kings 8:12: Solomon said “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud.
Whilst the Lord God had space dressed in blackness it had no part within His nature.

Now let us contrast that with:-

Deuteronomy 4:24: ‘The Lord your God is a consuming fire…’ (Hebrews 12:29).

Ps. 104:2: ‘The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment.’

Isaiah 60:19: The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.’ (Revelation 21:23)

1 John 1:5: ‘God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.’

1 Timothy 6:15-16: ‘God, the blessed and only ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.’

How can these two seemingly contradictory concepts be harmonised?

 

I wonder if the darkness in which He covers Himself was for our benefit. Because His radiant holiness is as a consuming fire, unapproachable, God shields humanity by this canopy of darkness. If we are to meet Him we must be properly dressed to stand in His company. This is only possible when we have been redeemed from ungodliness, dressed in Christ’s righteousness and indwelt by His Spirit. The Eternal Lord God has made this offer open to all. It is received by a faith commitment of your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He has all which is needed to be in the Father's presence and not be consumed.

When Moses went up to meet God he was enveloped in a dense cloud. When Moses went back down the mountain he didn’t realised the change in his appearance had occurred. His face was radiant. (Exodus 34:29-30). How awesome! Encompassed by a cloud, presumably dark, he had fellowship with the Lord God and it showed. Explain it how you will, there is a beautiful spiritual insight for life and worship expressed here. In our times of being shrouded in life’s dark clouds our Lord is willing to meet us there. When we come out of that darkness there will be an unselfconsciousness of the Lord’s radiance impacting others. David, the king of Israel and writer of Psalm 139: 11–12 summed it up so well: ‘If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.’

My imagination pictures space before creation as total darkness. And yet the blazing radiance of the glorious light of the Eternal and holy triune God was there. He and He alone was the focal point across the whole of space. I wonder if it will something similar when we are caught up to ‘the Father’s house’ at the end of time. Whilst we will involved in a new heaven and a new earth once again the focal point will be God and God alone.

Therefore until then Psalm 23:4 takes on added significance and in life's uncertainty I’ll cling to the psalmist’s words: Even though I walk through the darkest valley (or, the valley of the shadow of death), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ The Lord will walk with us and bring us into the light of His eternal day.

 

Devotional books by Ray N Hawkins

Children: God's special interest
From Eden with Love (about marriage)
Bethlehem's Warrior Baby (Christmas)

Captured by Calvary
Dynamic Ageing
Signposts to Happiness
We love because...(Love poems)

See under 'Books' for more details.

Death's Shroud is Shredded

The following blog ‘thought’ was written some time ago and ‘filed.’ It was written in a conversational style between me and the Lord. This world in which we live is covered by a shroud of death. We are all affected and one day it will envelop us. The Bible calls it an enemy. We see its impact everywhere. In Psalm 23 the writer believes that there is a way through this ‘Shroud’  which he calls a valley. His point is that the Lord will walk with us and that His rod and staff will comfort us. Could we say they are His word and promises?  I invite you to ‘listen in’ to my talk with the Lord.

 

Into the Valley of the Shadow.

            “The phone call has left me with mixed emotions Lord. The family friend called to say her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. How long he will be in the valley of the shadow of death isn’t certain, but it isn’t a long walk. I found it difficult to put words together without soundly glib, pious or hard hearted. In such times as this I would rather be there and simply give her and her man a hug.

            As she talked she expressed her appreciation of the Christian Fellowship both of them enjoyed. Their church is very supportive in practical ways such as meals, being drivers, mowing the lawn amongst other things. Individuals as well as the church family undergird them with prayer and pastoral care.

            My friend is dying Lord and we are a long way away. The comforting thing is that they both know you as their Lord and Saviour. He isn’t afraid of dying, but he isn’t really enjoying the pain. Please be to him peace and strength as you walk with him in this valley. We are so fortunate to have a faith grounded in the historical reality of your coming; your blameless life; your substitutionary death, resurrection and ascension. The words of Revelation as so explosive to the believer’s heart, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18. Knowing also you promised nothing could separate you from your people is a real source of comfort.

            One of the most beautiful passages surrounding the death experiences of your disciples is found in John 17:24. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Because of your Risen Life, men and women have the opportunity to be born again. This makes them fit to stand in your holy presence.  By faith we know you now. Then we will see you face to face! How the hearts of your people long for that glorious day.

            It’s such a relief to be able to talk openly with a dying man or woman about death and beyond. Faith in you is so liberating, humbling and at the same time exhilarating. I’m guessing here but I suspect you are saddened by those who reject your offer of pardon for offensive behaviour and attitude towards you and Your Heavenly Father. They travel the valley’s one way track alone to face you the Lord who is their judge, not their saviour.

            In times such as this an old song surges to the mind, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. Heaven’s laid up somewhere beyond the blue…” We are pilgrims with a destiny. We take John 14:1-3 on the strength of your promise and your resurrection, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

            In upholding my friends to you in their journey of mixed emotions the unshakeable hope we have because of you Jesus is our consolation. The valley of the shadow of Death has been robbed of its terror for your disciples. It isn’t always a pleasant experience but in the light of your word it is short. “Death has been swallowed up in victory…thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.

            Hallelujah!”

Personal soliloquy. Read and dwell awhile in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.

Postcard from God.  The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23