Misconception of Misery

Ive noticed recently that a christian school-of-thought is that God works through our uncomfortableness (which can be a valid point), that breaking out of our comfort zones or forcing ourselves to do something that scares us can be very liberating.

However, this ideaology can be taken to extremes (as can all, just look at Neitche and Hitler!) and some people think that if I enjoy doing something or find something fun that it must be from the devil.

God can only work through pain and suffering and uncomfortableness (with sack cloth clothes and gnashing teeth!).

This is absurd.

Surely Joy, Passion, Talents, and enjoyment are from God.

If you are good at something or enjoy doing it, then its very likely sent from God. I say not only do it, but do it with all your heart and do it for God.

Just look at christian authors, preachers and muscians. They don't do it because its been burdened upon them and the feel forced (one arm behind their back!). They do it because they are passionate about this talent and more importantly passionate about God.

So today may you do what you are good at and may you do what you enjoy, but most of all may you do it all for God.

Love you x

The entrapment of entitlement

After hearing a downloaded sermon from Rob Bell, I was really challenged in some of the ways we as christians may veiw our lives (sometimes).
In his sermon he metion the dangers of feeling somehow entitled to things and that God could owe us.

One theory was that people would be looked down upon because of the situations they find themselves in. We see this throughout the bible. Usually by pharisees (empowered people who should know better), putting down on people who are less fortunate than them. Lepers and beggers are percieved that they have somehow sinned (or someone in their family) and are now being punished accordingly.

This, of course, is rediculous. These people find themselves in these crappy situations because thats just the way life is. Crappy. More importantly, its about what you do and how you deal with these situations.

Another theory, which is a very dangerous path to go down, is that because we have been dealt this crappy hand in life that God now owes us something good to balance things out. Its like, ive been tried or tested by this illness or death in the family or lost my job or house (whatever) and now Im waiting for my pay out. Like God is some kind of insurance company.

God is assurance, not insurance.

We could almost fall into this idea of making a list of all the good things we do and then sit around waiting for or reward from God.

If we make a list, does it mean God's allowed to make one too?

How would that scene go?

Here we are infront of the almighty Father and he goes first . . . .
(God's list)
*sun (heat and light)/ moon and stars / oxygen/ pasta / water / worship /music/art/ family/freinds/sunsets/ holding the hand of someone you love / a childs first steps / pizza / trees / smell of fresh cut grass / a smile on someones face / health / mexican food / fruit / technology/ laughter / a childs first word / medicene / lemon meringue pie . . . .
Now God turns to you and says "Oh Im sorry I got a bit carried away, your turn..."
And you look at this stuff you been trying to hold God to ransom over and your like ...
" I erm, I put and extra £10 in the collection at my church"

It suddenly doesnt seem to work, does it?

God doesnt owe us anything. But He gives us everything. Thats the point.

Love you x

Dont worry . . . . Be HAPPY!

Over the last week or so I've been kinda struggling with some situations in my life, and my apparant inability to control (or change) these situations.
Things have been running through my mind and effecting my sleep and overall ability to function as a member of the human race.
Janine will probably recognise Ive had a few mood swings recently.

Anyway, through our daily bible study (Jeff Lucas) and in my own prayer time (sometimes at work instead of working!) God has made me realise that there is very few things in this world that I have any control over.

I am helpless.

I am vulnerable.

I am nothing without God.

This is what we need to realise in order to truely know what it means to give everything to God.
It isn't easy living the life of a Jesus follower.
The world is a bad place and says "Do whatever it takes to suceed". Whenever we stand against that and say "No! Theres another way" we open ourselves up for trouble.

We need to remember that we are in this world but not of it.

Third Day wrote a song called 'Wire' and its about walking the fine line (high wire) between this place we live in and the place we call home.

So if you are worrying about something as you are reading this, or (like me) just struggling with the lack of control in your life, just remember that its God whose in control of you and theres no way He's going to give you anything you can't deal with.

You're totally safe.

Don't worry . . . . be happy!

Love you x

Superbowl & Blessings

Im sat at home taking it easy and recovering from the event that is the SUPERBOWL!... Even though the colts won (boo!) it was still a good game and it was fun to hang out with some guys and just eat snacks and watch NFL. Also the half time game of Oakham touch football was pretty cool too!
Anyhoo, after Si went to work this morning, I got up and went into the middle room and just prayed and sat in the quiet whilst the others were still asleep, and just listend to God.
Try and spend some time with God and just be still, be quiet.
Too oftern our lives are full of background noise, TV / music / other people, how can we expect God to speak to us with all that going on aswell.
Sometimes God whispers.
Try listening today.

Love you x