Jesus Stops for Intimacy

        

    One of my favourite websites is www.allworship.com.  They have four streams of Christian music that is all free online; praise, instrumental, contemporary and Spanish.  When I am writing, I like to listen to it.  My heart gets engaged, and it seems to stir my creativity.

            On Saturday afternoon I walked over to St. Francis church here in the parish.  They were hosting a donation-based afternoon tea to celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta.  It was 800 years ago today that King john signed it.   ‘Maverick’ was at work, so I went by myself. 

            As I was about to leave, I felt a little prompt in my heart to invite my friends, Mr. & Mrs. B., to dinner on Sunday afternoon.  They have provided several meals for us, and it was time for me to have the honour of providing hospitality to them.  Stir-fried chicken with brown rice was served about 5.30pm with watermelon for afters.  We had a lovely evening.  I was blessed by flowers from their back garden.  I wanted to share them with you here.

       ____________________________________________________

         Another experience I wanted to share with you was from a Bible study I did last week.  I was reading Mark 10:15-16. 

        

         The context is that Jesus and his disciples are going from one community to the next, sharing the kingdom of God with all who would listen.  Many people were bringing children to Jesus for blessing.  Now the disciples were not getting the picture and told them not to bother Jesus.   

But Jesus stops and says:

 “Truly, I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all.” (16) And He took them [the children up one-by-one] in His arms and [fervently invoked] a blessing , placing his hands upon them.”

           God often uses my imagination to communicate with me, to engage not only my intellect, but also my emotions and spirit.  As I read that passage, a beautiful picture formed.  Jesus stops near a stand of trees.  The crowd has to stop as well.  He forgets about time.  The sun is out, the shade is welcome and Jesus smiles at the children, their mothers and reaches for the nearest child.  He picks the child up in his arms. 

           For Jesus and the child, everything else seems to fall away into this eternal, timeless moment.  The child, a girl, relaxes in Jesus secure embrace, and lays her head on his shoulder.  Jesus places his hand on her head, then softly, firmly and intimately says: 

“In the name of the Father, I bless you.  He has given His angels charge over you.  As you grow, may your heart rest in His love for you.  He is in your midst, mighty to save.  He exults over you with singing.  Be secure in His love.  Be courageous.  Trust totally, and take notice of His direction.  He will never, no never forsake you.  You are His Child.  Amen”

            Jesus’ voice resonates with the Father’s love and purpose.  He calls forth the gifts and destiny in that child.  The breeze blows, moving the leaves on the trees, whispering through grass nearby.  

            As I meditate of the words and picture, the child is no longer a stranger from the crowd.  I have become the child in Jesus’ embrace.  I have become the focus of His blessing, His love.   My mind and heart were encouraged, comforted and emboldened.  With all my heart I want to share with others that God loves them too.  

            In the past week, I have gone back to this inspired encounter and meditated on it.  My heart is so full of thanksgiving.  I thought it only appropriate to share it.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

           

It's her birthday! Its her birthday!

Birthday Girl Maisy with "Scamp"

One year ago today a little dog names Zara gave birth to sa litter of three puppies.  I learned about these little creatures in July and went to see them.

In my sister's hands

Three girl puppies, identical to look at.  Overwhelmingly sweet to hold.  I took each one in turn, held her on her back and rubbed the tummy.  The one above let me indulge my enjoyment for a few seconds, then gave a yip!.  So, this one had Sas!  I made up my mind, she was the one.  We had to leave her, as she was only four weeks old!  But she had a name, and a deposit was paid.  I was looking forward to getting my Fur-baby!

Maisy came home to me on 8th August, full of attitude and curiosity.  She is a year old today.  She is an amazing little creature, cleaver, sweet and funny.  "Maverick" and I are totally besotted.

Maisy on 18 September 2014

Maisy with her favourite Doggy friend, Foo on 26 May 2015

Maisy, with "Scamp" her newest toy playmnate--8 June 2015

Looking like a film star-8 June 2015--1st Birthday

About to take a nap, 6 June 2015

 Happy Birthday, my darling Maisy!

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
"Lady Helene"

Intercessions for church service 31 May 2015

     Yesterday, 31st May, would have been Mom's birthday--and she would have celebrated 89 years with us if she would have been this side of heaven.  I had no cake on hand, so I ate too many cookies instead.  :-)  
     I enjoy being on the rota for the Intercessions at St. Mary's.  I felt honoured to give the intercessions on Mom's birthday.  I guess because she is the one who taught me and my syblings to pray.  
     I know some of you, who were at St. Mary's (Langley) yesterday, you will have heard this already.  For those who regularly attend St. Mary's, but were away yesterday, it is an opportunity to participate by reading it.  For the rest of you, I hope it inspires you to pray as well.
________________________________________________

Following the example of our Lord Jesus, let us pray for the church and the world.

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

The Church:  Most Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our great need of your grace and Presence.  Thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayers.  We pray for all church leaders worldwide.  Enable them to speak Your words of vision, Your heart, to us.  Let their words be a call to action, inspiring us to act on behalf of widows, orphans, the disenfranchised, the poor, the illiterate.  May we, your church, fulfil Your promises:

·         To be a voice of justice and protection for the elderly and widows

·         To be the family in which you place the solitary and desolate

·         To be the hands that feed the hungry—spirit, soul and body

·         To be the ones to quench the thirst of those who are weary and parched physically and emotionally

·         The open door into which the wanderer and stranger are invited in

·         The resource to clothe the naked

·         The visitors to those who are sick, afflicted with care and those in prison.

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

Creation, Human Society, The Sovereign, Those in Authority:  God of Creation, we pray for governmental leaders, nationally and locally.  Thank You for raising up Christians to run for and get elected into government offices.  Let them be Your voice in parliament as well as local councils.  Let them be an influence of righteousness in making policies and laws.  Help them to be an example of service to others, contrasting the others who are seekers of power and/or personal gain.

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

The Local Community:  Father of Mercy, we pray for the elderly in our community and the many organisations that work on their behalf.  We pray for cross-generational relationships to be formed, so that the practical and emotional needs of the older generation are met.  We pray for children many continue with tests which affect their future education.  Provide them with peace during test-taking, and bring to mind all they have learned during the year.  

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

Those who suffer:  God our Healer, we lift up those who are suffering in mind and/or body.  Bless the work of counsellors and those who provide comfort, guidance and support through active listening.  We ask that Your healing will manifest in those who have recently undergone major treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive surgery.  We pray for the people who through surgery have received implants and transplants, that their bodies will accept these life-changing organs/prosthetics.  Provide rest, nutrition and strength to aid in the healing process.  We pray for their care-givers to have wisdom and support. 

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

The communion of saints: As we remember those who have recently experienced bereavement, we ask that we may be agents of solace, comfort and encouragement.  We give you thanks for the lives of those who have gone on before us, yet live on in our hearts and minds.  

Lord, in Your Mercy

Hear our Prayer

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 
     

"Do exactly as I command you..."

“Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you.”  Genesis 27:8, New King James Version.

         In a previous post I wrote that I would share my journey in studying obedience.  Here is another scripture from the list I compiled.  In the verse above, these are Rebekah’s words to Jacob.  I found myself asking: “Is this verse relevant to my study?  Why do I need to stop and meditate on this one?”

          In context these words are:

a)    A parent speaking to a child / offspring;  and the “child” is actually a young man.  A young man who is old enough to think for himself.

b)    One person speaking to another person—not God speaking to an individual.

The intention of this study is to study of my obedience to God.  And because this conversation does not start: “Thus says the Lord to you…” I could justify skipping or overlooking it.  But, if I do purposely miss it out, there is a good probably I will miss something God may have for me. 

     As I pondered this verse, I wrote down my thoughts on what appears obvious to me (or the reader) and see where it takes me.

Observation #1:  This conversation is between two people who have a relationship—family relationship.  This relationship is governed by the eastern cultural standard of respecting and honouring a parent/an elder.  Rebekah has overheard a conversation between Isaac and her older son, Esau.  Isaac is old, and asks Esau to hunt for some wild game, cook it and bring it to him.  After Isaac has eaten it, he promises to give Esau the blessing for the firstborn.  After Esau has gone, Rebekah finds Jacob, and says, “Do exactly as I command you.”  She gives Jacob instructions to bring two suitable young goats, which she will cook, to take to Isaac.  But Jacob questions Rebekah, as Esau is hairy and an out-of-doors worker.  Jacob is smooth-skinned, and a tent dweller.  He is afraid of being found out by Isaac, and will incur a curse from him father.  Through carefully following all of Rebekah’s instructions—wearing Esau’s clothing and covering his hands with the fur from the goats—Jacob does deceive Isaac in order to obtain God’s blessing from Isaac. 

Observation #2:   The relationship is based upon the foundation honour, which produces trust.  When Jacob speaks his doubts and concerns, he respectfully questions Rebekah.  He isn’t defiant or rude.  He states the obvious—“Esau is hairy and smells of the earth.  I am smooth and hang about tents.”  His mother does not reason with him, but rather defers his fear and reassures him; based upon respect and trust, Jacob does exactly as his mother tells him.  

Observation #3:  In my own life I have found myself believing that others who are older than myself will tell me: “Just do this (whatever action that he/she might prescribe) and trust God to sort out the rest."

     Because I am familiar with the story, I know that Jacob did obey his mother’s instructions, so that Jacob received God’s blessing from Isaac—even though it was obtained through deception. 

     However, God had foretold Rebekah that Jacob would be a ruler over Esau.  Is it possible that God allowed Rebekah to hear Isaac ask for a roast meal from Esau, with the result that God’s purposes were eventually accomplished?  

     Rebekah knew two things:

1)    While she was still pregnant with Esau and Jacob, God spoke to Rebekah concerning the twins; Jacob would rule over the elder, Esau.

2)    Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, when Esau was hungry and thought he was dying.  For the simple price of a bowl of red lentils, Esau showed he counted his birthright as nothing. 

I ask again—how does this passage of scripture apply to my life?  As a Christian, God will send a person or people to me who will give me instruction.  The words my parents spoke to me provided guidance, revealed discernment, and enriched me with encouragement because God spoke through them.   I still have many of those precious insights in my memory, even though my parents have passed on to heaven. 

It hasn’t been just my parents who have provided insight and direction.  There have been times when my prayers and seeking have been answered by my pastor, or church elder, a counsellor or a mature Christian friend.  Sometimes the advice I’ve been given sounds contradictory to reason—and it is okay to count the cost of following the advice given.  Yet, in the end, when I’ve obeyed the directions given, it is not the person I’ve heeded.  In reality, it is the heavenly Father speaking, saying, “So now, my child, do exactly as I command you.” Genesis 27:8, Amplified Bible.

Prayer:

Dearest Heavenly Father,

I’m listening.  Today I am listening to Your voice

·       Through the Bible verses I’m reading…

·       Through a worship song I hear on the radio…

·       Through an overheard conversation…

·       Through those around me who know and serve You.  To hear them is to hear Your voice.

Thank you.  I love You.  Amen.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Starting a Journey

I want to draw near to God;  spending time focusing on Him, reading the Bible and studying it provides the opportunities of knowing God.  Another way I renew my mind and guard my heart is by listening  to Christian music.  I have four favourite on-line resources to listen to:  United Christian Broadcasters (UCB), All Worship, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and Premier Christian Radio.  I’ve listed them in order of my favourite first to last.  I like each one for different reasons.   

UCB Link:  United Christian Broadcasters 

All Worship: Allworship.com

Christian Broadcasting Network: CBN Radio stations 

Premier Christian Radio:  Premier Christian Communications 

 

To have them as options to listen to thirty years ago would not have been possible, because I listen to them over the internet.  In the early and mid 1970’s it was only on Sunday mornings that I could hear a two-hour radio show with contemporary Christian music.  I’d use a small tape recorder sitting next to the radio to record the programme in order to listen to it during the week.  All other Christian Radio stations played preaching and teaching programmes.  It was in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s that a local radio station tried using a music station format to play only Christian music.  Today there are many local radio stations that provide access to Christian music. 

In the 1990’s ministries began using the internet to share the gospel around the world.  One of those ministries is Joyce Meyers.  Her programme is now televised on TBN Europe.  Last week I became aware of Joyce Meyer’s 3030 Challenge—studying the Word for 30 minutes a day over 30 days.  I had been lacking self-disciple and focus when it came to Bible Reading and Bible study.  I signed up for the challenge, began getting the e-mails on Friday, 15^th May.  But it is a battle to avoid the distractions—like television, playing on-line games or desk-top solitaire.  And of course, there are interruptions—phone calls, taking Maisy out, eating lunch. 

I am determined to persevere.  On Monday, 18^th May I made some quality decisions about what I want to study from the Word.  Studying is different from just reading the Bible.  To study is to read the verse several times, look up words in a regular dictionary as well as in a Bible concordance.  I’ve done this in years past.  I am always inspired, encouraged and surprised by what I learn.

I know about obedience.  But I am not good at obedience—the kind of immediate obedience that shows the Lord that I am serious about making Him known to others.  So, I want to understand what it really means to obey, and then get better at being obedient. 

                Biblegateway.com* provides a search function for key words or scriptures.  Using the New King James Version options, I found that “obey” is listed 157 times in the Bible.  (Other versions have different numbers of listings.  For example, New International Version has 207.)  I took the time to write the list down in a stenographer’s notebook, so I could easily look them up in my Amplified Bible. 

                I read a few of the verses as I looked at the list and observed two things very clearly:  consequences for not obeying and consequences for obeying. 

                In the year 2000 I began a study of the words “obey” and “obedience”.  I wanted to study these words in relationship to the fear of the Lord.  Because I need more fear of the Lord.  Following are some points that I made back then.

• Obedience is an act of love.
• Obedience is an act of worship.
• Obedience positions me for blessing.
• Obedience breaks the yokes of bondage
• Obedience brings anointing
• Obedience brings joy and joy becomes our strength.

Yesterday morning, (19^th May), as I was out walking Maisy, I was thinking about Joshua.  He was anointed and appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  Because other tribes were living in Canaan, the Israelites had to fight to take possession of it.  Obedience had taken them into the position to battle. 

The first verse I looked up on the list was Genesis 22:18:  “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

At first glance I thought about Isaac, because he was the son that God promised Abram.  Isaac was the promise, the seed.  In Romans it is written that Isaac was the seed of Abraham, and that it was Abraham’s faith that was counted as righteousness.  In Galatians 3 Paul writes “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

My heart pondered the question:  “What is MY seed that will bless the nations?”  I had no children, gave birth to no child.  “What application does Genesis 22:18 have to me, to my life?”

In my heart came an answer:  “Your ‘seed’ is the gift of your talent.  A promise that God gave you is your ‘seed’.  Ideas that you invest your time in is your ‘seed’.  “

I began to understand that the ‘seed’ that God planted in my life is the talent that leads to ideas that will pre-occupy my mind, my imagination, to the point I long to and purpose to obey God’s call on my life.

So, I have begun a journey of study.  In the coming days I will share what I learn here on my blog.  Maybe it will help someone else.  Mostly, I want to strengthen my self-disciple in regards to obeying those nudges, following those ideas that my Loving Heavenly Father places in my mind and heart.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

*Bible Gateway : https://www.biblegateway.com/