Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"For I know thew plans which I am planning for you," saith Jehovah, "plans of welfare and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 Rotherham)

The year we are now entering is one unknown to us, but known to God.  He has a "custom-designed" plan for our lives.  Included in His plan for us is the year ahead.

At the time Jeremiah wrote the above scripture, God's chosen people were in captivity.  Jeremiah reminded them that God had not forgotten them, but in His own time would return them to their homeland.  "...I know the plans I am planning for you..."  Their captivity may have seemed like a calamity, but God assured them He had their welfare in mind.

We cannot see what lies ahead in the new year, but God can.  "...I KNOW the plans I am planning for YOU..."  His plans are for the PRESENT moment - NOW.  "The plans I AM planning for you..."  He knows "where" we are, the "why" of our circumstances, "how" His plans fit into our lives, and "what" His plans are to accomplish.

His plans are PURPOSEFUL.  "Plans of welfare, not of calamity..."  Often we see our circumstances as calamities, but not so with God.  He loves us and desires only His best for us.  We view our situations from where we are, but God sees them completed and fitted into His plans.

He has PROSPECTIVE plans for our FUTURE.  We are to be WITH HIM in heaven.  There we will experience no sorrow, nor pain.  There all our tears will be wiped away.  Knowing that one of these days He will return for us gives us HOPE today.

We can face the new year with peace of heart and mind, knowing that God is working out His plans not only for our life on earth but throughout eternity.

His plans for our lives find completion and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  "Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to HIS PLAN, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.  For God, in His foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:28-29 Phillips)

"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, Give me a light that I might go safely out into the darkness.  And he replied, Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.  That shall be more to you than a light, and safer than a known way." - Minnie Louise Haskins

From Beside Still Waters - Words of Comfort for the Soul - C. H. Spurgeon

Blessed Beyond Measure - Genesis 22:17

The greatest blessing God gives is His presence.  If I could choose any of life's blessings, I certainly would not ask for wealth, because wealth cannot bring freedom from pain, concerns, or anxiety.  I certainly would not ask for popularity, because there is no rest for the world's leaders.  My choice, my highest honor, would be to have God with me always.

When God is with us, there is no difference between Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3:19) and a comfortable bed.  It does not matter!  We will be happy in either.  If God is with us, if His divine love surrounds us, then we carry our own atmosphere and residence wherever we travel, and we can say with Moses, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations" (Psalm 90:1)

The individual who can say this is full of heaven, full of God, and blessed beyond measure.  This is the privilege of all who truly believe in Jesus, of all who come out from the world, and of all who, like Abraham, live a life of faith (Genesis 12:4).  Bow your head, believer, and let the Lord God pronounce this blessing, "I will bless you."

If you are sorrowing, suffering, weary, or burdened, receive this blessing from God's own mouth, "I will bless you."

If you are poor, despised, or slandered, this blessing is not shortened.  Take it with you, and go on your way rejoicing.

"My dearest Lord,

be thou a bright flame before me,

be thou a guiding star above me,

be thou a smooth path beneath me,

be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,

today and for evermore."

St Columba (521 - 597)

All photos are flowers in my garden :)

Weekend Words

 Some thoughts to ponder as we go forward into 2022....

From Be Still and Know...

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - (Isaiah 43:19)

The New Year will not be a repetition of the one just past, but a year of new beginnings, new resolves, new plans.  It will be filled with new experiences, new challenges, new opportunities, new lessons to be learned.  We may be transferred to new surroundings.  New joys may overflow our hearts.  New sorrows and heartaches may enter our lives.  Regardless of what the year may hold, God promises, "I will do a new thing."

As you begin this new year, what do you want God to do in your personal life?  Do you desire a greater knowledge of His word?  If so, He will gladly open new truths to you from it.  Do you want a more effective prayer life?  He will give you new opportunities to trust Him in prayer.  Do you long to know Jesus Christ in a more real way?  He will lead you into a deeper and closer walk with Him.  He promises, "I will do a new thing in your life this year."

There may be new wilderness experiences for us in the unknown year ahead.  We may find ourselves in the desert.  But God assures us, "I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert... I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen" (Isaiah 43:19-20).  In the wilderness and desert we are brought to a place of complete helplessness, learning total dependence upon God.

We sing a little chorus that says, "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow."  In these wilderness and desert times, He will do a new thing, transforming them into fruitful ones for His glory.

As God does a "new thing" in our lives, it will bring praise to Him.  " This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise" (v. 21)

From A Year's Journey with God...

Do it with Jesus

Forgetting what is behind, and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

How are you feeling about stepping out into this New Year?  Perhaps you're 'straining towards what is ahead' like an Olympic sprinter, full of hope and confidence?  Or you could be limping up to the start, exhausted by Christmas and crippled by endless problems.  You might even be hanging back, dreading some of the forthcoming events in your brand-new diary, or unable to face life without someone you have recently lost.

As I was writing that, an email popped into my inbox from my friend in Australia.  She finished by saying, 'Oh well, here's another year to do with Jesus.'  I like that!  It feels like a large injection of faith.

We've got to 'do' this year, however we feel about its shadowy uncertainties, and it is uncertain for all of us - even if we planned it out to the last detail.  Life on this planet is always unpredictable.  Yet one thing is rock-solid sure: we don't have to face the future alone; we can 'do it with Jesus'.

His promise to us rings out like a glorious peal of church bells, ringing in the New Year: 'Do not be afraid...for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you' (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Thank you Lord, that nothing is going to happen this year that you and I can't handle together.  Amen.

My prayer for 2022 is that I will face all the challenges it may bring, with Jesus by my side.

I wish the same for you!  

Whatever 2022 throws at you, may you know God's Presence with you. xx

Christmas Pics

 Went to Marnie and Denver for lunch Christmas Day.

Denver, Marnie and I...

(plus Toby the cat)

Denver's friend Sophie was there too...

Main course was delicious...

...and filling

So we went for a walk at the local park...

Denver and his 'girls' 

To make room for dessert...

...also delicious

It was a lovely day!

Unfortunately the rest of the family are spread far and wide, but they did sent photos.

The Adelaide family...

Ben, Hazel and Hayley

The Canberra family...

Rafe, Anushka, Jefferson and Jaya

The USA (Connecticut) family...

Patrick, Natasha, Dylan, Oliver and Zak

And here is my song to you, for (post) Christmas. xx

Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way" (Matthew 2:12)

In Matthew, the second chapter, we read of the wise men making a long journey in search of the new born King.  Guided by a star, their search came to an end in Bethlehem.  With great joy they bowed in worship of the Christ child, presenting Him with gifts.

Herod had asked them to return to Jerusalem to give him a report on finding the Babe.  Very likely this was their plan.  However, their course of travel was completely changed.  God warned them not to return to Jerusalem.  They were to return to their home "another way."  Although they may have wondered why, they obediently followed God's direction.

In a few days we will enter a new year.  As God places it in our hands, we will have the privilege of using it for Him.  Most of us already have plans for it.  Yet we can never be sure of what lies before us.  Next year's path may lead us in a completely different way, a new way we have never walked before.  It may bring a sudden change in our life.

God may say to us, "I want you to go 'another way' this year."  You may be comfortably situated in your home, everything going well for you.  Suddenly a change comes and you are to be moved to a new area.  This is not what you would choose, but God say, "This is 'another way' for you to take this year."  You may have to walk 'another way' as someone dear to you has been removed from your life.  'Another way' for you may be a serious illness.  We may not understand why we must go 'another way,' but God does, and He never makes a mistake.

We should be ready to accept changed plans as the wise men were.  When God leads us 'another way' we need to be ready to follow.

God says, "I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known" (Isaiah 42:16)

God will make a way Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me

He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way He will make a way

-Don Moen

Christmas

 Dear Friends,

I have not been able to post as much as I would have liked this year, especially 'on the home front' updates.  But Weekend Words took precedence and sometimes that was all I had time for each week.  I had been considering taking a break from my blog, but I received a lovely comment this week from a reader,  which I will post here as I don't know if many of you read the comments:

"Dear Lynda, this is one of the most beautiful blog posts I have ever read. I'm a long time admirer of your beautiful blog and writings and when I am faced with uncertainty and hard times, I have been known to reread many of your posts. This one speaks to me wonderfully right now and I thank you for it. God bless you this Christmas season and in the new year to come!"

And I replied:

"Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to me that you took the time to write and tell me you enjoy my post. I was considering whether to keep going with my blog. Life gets busy sometimes and it can be hard to find the time to search out readings and type them up, find photos, etc. But if even only one person is blessed by the writings then I am encouraged, and it is a reason to keep going. We never know what effect a word of encouragement can mean to someone. Thank you and God bless you! xx"

So it looks like you are stuck with me for a bit longer :))  

Perhaps it's time you encouraged someone?

Here is a little prayer I read this week.  I don't know who the author is...

Bless Us Lord, this Christmas with quietness of mind.

Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.

Show us that in quietness we can feel Your presence near

Filling us with joy and peace throughout the coming year.  

This is my wish for all of you and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and read my posts.  Have a blessed Christmas! xx

Weekend Words

 From Watch For The Light reading for December 15...

Be Not Afraid - Johann Christoph Arnold

Perfect love, the apostle John writes, casts our fear.  So when God's angel broke the good news of the Savior's birth to the cowering shepherds of Bethlehem, "Fear not!" was more than an instruction for them to get up off the ground and stop shielding their frightened faces.  The "glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" meant that fear's grip on human hearts was going to have to give way to the far greater power of love.

People have derived comfort from these words for two thousand years, but millions are still afraid.  What's more, we are scared to admit our fears, particularly our biggest fear of all - death.

The fear of death overshadows all our lives.  We live longer than our grandparent's; we are better fed; we lose fewer babies.  Vaccines protect us from once-feared epidemics; hi-tech hospitals save tiny preemies and patients in need of a new kidney or heart.  But we are still mortal.

I have stood at the bedside of dying friends and relatives - and have fought alongside them - as they faced death.  I have held their hands when fear filled their eyes, and have witnessed the remarkable peace that radiates from those who have not only battled their fears, but found strength to ask God to intervene on their behalf.

Without exception, these were ordinary men and women who at some point in their life had decided to spend their energies reaching out to people around them, rather than focusing on themselves.  Through this, they received a special gift: the ability to hear the angel's words, "Fear not!"  Such a gift can only be given to a surrendered heart, one that knows itself to be held in the palm of God's hand.

My grandfather, Eberhard Arnold, was one such person.  He grasped intuitively that our flesh, blood, and bones are not, in the truest and deepest sense, our real selves, but that the real seat of our being, the soul, passes from mortality into immortality, and from time into timelessness.  My grandfather spoke of the human soul's perpetual longing for God, and referred to death as the moment we are "called into eternity" and united with God.

It is natural, even for us who call ourselves believers, to feel the gulf between our present state and eternal unity with God.  But then we should bear in mind that the angel's "glad tidings", wonderful as they are, do not spell out the whole story.  Christ's life began in the manger, but its pivotal point was His crucifixion, and its completion was Easter, when He rose from the dead.

Many years of counselling people through grief and loss have made me certain that Christ's death and resurrection hold the deepest answer to all our fears.  We all have bad days; and plenty of us know what depression is.  There are very few people who have not, at one time or another, experienced deep anguish - and growing numbers have faced the terror of violence.  In our lives we may be tested in ways we cannot even imagine.  Yet we can be certain Christ has shared our torment, and worse.  He sweated drops of blood and was totally forsaken.  He died, and descended into hell.  But by overcoming death he took away all our reasons for fear, forever.

Of course, it does no good to recognize this in a merely intellectual way.  Knowing that Christ loves us may not save us from fear, nor will it save us from death.  And so it comes down to this: the only way to truly overcome our fear of death is to live life in such a way that its meaning cannot be taken away by death.

This sounds grandiose, but it is really very simple.  It means fighting the impulse to live for ourselves, instead of for others.  It means choosing generosity over greed.  It also means living humbly, rather than seeking influence and power.  Finally, it means being ready to die again and again - to ourselves, and to every self serving opinion or agenda.

In Dickens's "Christmas Carol", the bitter old accountant Scrooge provides a memorable illustration.  Tight-fisted and grasping, he goes through life dragging a chain that he himself has forged, link by link, with each miserly deed.  Having closed himself to human kindness, he lives in a universe so calculating and cold that no one escapes his suspicion.  Before long he begins to despise himself and look for a way out of his misery.  But he cannot find one.  He is trapped - trapped in the person of self.  Worse, he is haunted by dreams of death, and dreads its approach.

Then he changes.  Loosened by those same dreams, the scales fall from his eyes, and he sees a way out: "The time before him was his own, to make amends in!"  No longer consumed with his own needs, he is free to love, and vows to dispel "the shadow of the things that would have been."  And as he runs from one old acquaintance to the next, he rediscovers the world around him with the unselfconscious happiness of a child.

Such happiness can be ours, too, if we live for love.  By "love" I am not speaking simply of the emotion, nor of some grand, abstract ideal, but of the life-changing power Jesus speaks of when He says: "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me" (Matthew 25:35-36).  When we live for love, we will be able to meet any challenge that comes our way.  We will know peace now, and at the hour of death.  And we will not be afraid.

The Hope of Christmas

This year has held such sadness,  It touched each heart and mind,

And sometimes when the sky was dark  The sun seemed hard to find.

Yet people were so caring  And lent a helping hand,

So side by side we journeyed on  And reached out through the land.

But now it's time to look ahead,  The future shining bright,

The hope and joy of Christmas  Will fill the world with light!

- Iris Hesselden

Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23

As we listen to the beautiful stains of Christmas carols filling the air, we are reminded of the real meaning of Christmas.  Jesus came to earth to be more than just the Babe of Bethlehem.  He came to be "Emmanuel, God with us."  Years before, Isaiah had foretold of His coming to earth.  "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14)

At Jesus' birth the angel said to Joseph, "Thou shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us."  In the person of Jesus Christ, God came to earth that he might be "GOD WITH US."  But He came to be more than "God with us."  He came to be the Saviour that He might be "GOD IN US."  "I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Corinthians 6:16).  Through Christ we can know what God is like and what He can do for us.

With His presence in us, we are assured that He will enter into each of our needs with us.

What is your need today?  Is it comfort?  He, the God of all Comfort, is WITH YOU, bringing His comfort to your hearts.  Are you lonely?  He has promised "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).  Are you fearful?  He is with you, quieting your heart as He says, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).  Are you weak, wondering how you will get through the day?  He is with you to strengthen you.  "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect" (Psalm 18:32).

The Christmas season will soon be over.  But the Christ of Christmas is always available every day through the year to meet our needs.  Emmanuel - GOD WITH US - in the person of Jesus Christ - DWELLS IN US - that He might LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH US.

And the following reading by Spurgeon:  Something to keep in mind, not only at this time of year, that can often be busy and stressful for some, but at all times... 

A Quiet Heart

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15

It is weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting.  Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision?  We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.

Oh, for grace to be quiet!  Why run from house to house repeating the weary story that makes us more and more heartsick as we tell it?  Why stay at home to cry out in agony because of wretched forebodings that may never be fulfilled?  Be still and know that Jehovah is God!

Oh, for the grace to be confident in God!  Every word of His will stand though the mountains should depart.  He deserves to be confided in; and if we would display confidence and consequent quietness, we might be as happy as the spirits before the throne.  Return unto your rest, and lean your head upon the Lord Jesus.

- Charles H Spurgeon