About this traveller

My photo
London, United Kingdom
Follower of Jesus. Husband. Father. Son. Poet. Writer. Preacher. Story-teller. Learner. Pilgrim.

Friday, December 28, 2007

guilty as charged

I don't know why, but I always have mixed feelings about this time of year. I sat with my family on Christmas day and we gave God thanks for the meal and the gifts. I then pray for those who have little or less than little, and I'm overcome with a torrent of guilt that almosts sweeps my to tears. Compared with many I have little, and compared to billions I am rich. I guesss this truth touched me again and reminded me of the reality that many face - a little is a great blessing when you have nothing, and a lot is meaningless when you have much!

Then comes New Year with the pressure to change your life for the better. We've all made and broken resolutions. I always recommit myself to God at this time of year and I've found that in doing so I gain a fresher and stronger visoin of Jesus. This 'tradition' has become an important aspect of my 'religious calander' and I recommend us all to take time to be with God (even if it is just a few minutes before the bells!) and affirm our ardent desire to follow Jesus by loving God and loving others.

may your new year take you into new spiritual places with God, as well as take you practically into new situations that allow you to shine bright for Christ as you walk in life.

Happy New Year with blessings for 2008.

Friday, December 21, 2007

right or wrong place?

I was just thinking that I often think "where will I be in ten years time?", but I've never thought "Am I where I though I'd be ten years ago?"

It's funny how the future impacts us here and now, isn't it? As I look at where I wanted to be ten years ago, I'm amazed at how life's journey has taken a different twist.

I'm happily married. I have two brilliant, smart and funny kids that make me happy even when I'm tired and grumpy, and i'm being used by god in life. It's not how I imagined life yet I can see God's faithfulness as I've journeyed with Jesus.

Don't get me wrong - I've not got it right - I've made massive mistakes and I've hurt people close to me on the way. I'm trying my best to follow Jesus and to trust him.

My point is this - despite our mistakes and the fact that most of us are not in the place we expected to be...

...GOD IS FAITHFUL TO LEAD US AND STICK TO WITH US. Following on from this: We see part of the picture God has already painted for our lives (1 Cor 13 - verse near end of chapter!) but He sees it all - we don't try to work it all out. As we follow Jesus in simple faith he will lead us into places we don't expect. Some of them will be amazing and some of them will be difficult, but all of them will make us more like Jesus if we're simply looking to him. After all, He's the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb 12:1-3)

So wherever you are keep looking to Him. Don't live life with regret. Live life with gusto and simple faith in Christ. He does have a plan - even if we can't see how it will all work out.

Be blessed. Be faithful and be encouraged. God really is in control!

Blessings to you today!

Stuart

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

joy in the journey

Today has been a funny old day. My motivation has been low and my heart has been happy. life is good and troubled at the same time. It amazes me that life can be many things all at the same time. Why isn't life all that we would want it to be. we all just want the perfect life or the best job or to retire or to have enough time to enjoy the relationships that matter. we can spend so much time wishing our dreams would come true. we spend so much time wishing our lives away!

And yet Jesus said "I have come that you may have life to the full".

are we to believe that he doesn't understand what we're going through? Becuase he really does know!

Are we to believe that he doesn't care about our dreams or even the mundane stuff we routinely have to be doing? Becuase he really does care!

The truth is that life to the full is all about following Jesus. His life was not 'perfect' - he was an itinerant preacher (imagine it!); he suffered misunderstandings from the religious leaders; he died on a cross after enduring immense pain! Our lives are easy compared to what Christ endured.

His was a life of sacrifice and yet he could still promise us life to the full. The secret was that he stayed close to God the father. We journey as followers of jesus into the very presence of God. God's Kingdom enters our lives through that relationship with Jesus. That doesn't mean life will be simple or our dreams will all come true - but it does mean that God is with us in all that we are going through.

I love that even in my struggles God brings happiness into my heart. It's a perk of the journey with Christ I'm sure.

Happy travelling

adventure

Following Jesus is an adventure!! Oh yes, and adventures are fabulous...

...to watch!

But participating in an adventure is a whole different ball-game. you see, to be in an adventure is to experience the exhileration of the highs and to know implicitly to lows as well.

Too many of us Christians have preached and been told that following Jesus is the adventure of a lifetime that will transforn our lkives so that we will ne 'set free' from anything that's negative. This message sounds great - it's good news - but it's not the message Jesus taught. One only has to look at the gospels to see that Jesus taught a hard gospel.

"Take up your cross and follow me"
"In this life you will face hardships"
"Count the cost"

These are just a few examples of Jesus' claim that following him would not be easy. Read Paul's account of his life. for the sake of the Gospel he was beaten, shipwrecked, attacked by bandits, forsaken by other believers, imprisoned, martyred! The bible does not teach that a life of faith in Jesus Christ will be easy, but it does say that it is possible. Following jesus takes guts, perseverance and character - a character that he builds within us on the way.

Are you experiencing the rugged side of following Jesus? Fix your eyes on him. Are you tired and burdened? Throw your burdens on him. He's with you now. He see your struggles and he's cheering you on. Run the race with perseverance and see the prise of knowing him more now and being with him in eternity. So, fix your eyres on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith. He's with you leading, guiding and working to see you finish following well.

Blessings in Christ to you all.