Busy for God ?

Jonah 2:7

I've found that we can all drift in and out of 'fake faith', where we follow the basic rules of christianity but have little day-to-day interaction with God.

Ironically, 'busy' christians fall into this trap, we become so busy for Christ that we have little or no time to be with God. We can get lost in the blur of doing things and forget the real reason we are here.

When Jonah reset his compass for Nineveh, he also turned back to face God. Repentance (yep, that word again!) means running headlong into the arms of the Lord.

The prodical son ran home, not just to jewellery, a bbq and new clothes - but, first and foremost, to his father's hug.

I think we could all do with having a hug from God!

Love you x

Major on minors (or a mountin out of a molehill)

Jonah 2:4 (again)

In the last post we saw how sin can deceive us; ironically, we can sometimes do wrong in the name of religion aswell. (just look at the crusades of the holy lands!)

Religious people are oftern sticklers and always banging on about being righteous. Sadly, sometimes we prioritise issues that are unimportant in God's eyes and ignore what He is passionate about.

The pharisees fussed and argued over minute theological details and washed their hands before touching the Torah scrolls, BUT were quite happy to bruise and abuse their fellow human beings all in the name of righteousness.

Their spirituality was selective and blinded them towards their own faults.

Jesus dealt with this issue (Matt. 23:24) and it was this stubborness that lead to Jesus' betrayal and execution.

With this outcry by Jonah, you could be lead to believe that he had finally seen the error of his ways. However, Jonah was a Jew (of course) and very proud of his Jerusalem (this outcry could be seen as homesickness).

His problems all began because his calling was not within the comforts of his homeland, but to a foreign land (Nineveh).

When I tell people I go to church and believe in God, they reply . . .

"oh, you're religous?"

I'm not about religion and rules and regulations.

I'm about realtionships

Relationships with family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, but MOST importantly with God.

Guys, lets not be religous!

love you x

p.s. sorry no post for a while, i've had some stuff to deal with.

The fugitive

Jonah 2: 3&4

On the way to (and back from) Belarus the crossing countries and changing times was kinda crazy. I could fall asleep in France and wake up in Holland (how messed up was that?!)

It was a kind of delayed jet lag, I'd wake up and think 'now where am I?'

Continuous sin and disobeying God can be a bit like this feeling. Deception and rebellion go hand-in-hand.

We find Jonah in this situation, he has run from God and straight into a thick fog (deceptively hard to shift!)

The truth is that Jonah was a fugitive, not an exile. He also ironically complained of being ignored by God, when it was Jonah that ran from Him.

Turning away from God always ends in tears!

This is kinda like a thing I heard (I'm not sure where it's from!), when we feel as if God has left us, the fact is we have moved away from Him.

God NEVER moves.

He is forever

Love You

x

Jonah 2: 3&4

On the way to (and back from) Belarus the crossing countries and changing times was kinda crazy. I could fall asleep in France and wake up in Holland (how messed up was that?!)

It was a kind of delayed jet lag, I'd wake up and think 'now where am I?'

Continuous sin and disobeying God can be a bit like this feeling. Deception and rebellion go hand-in-hand.

We find Jonah in this situation, he has run from God and straight into a thick fog (deceptively hard to shift!)

The truth is that Jonah was a fugitive, not an exile. He also ironically complained of being ignored by God, when it was Jonah that ran from Him.

Turning away from God always ends in tears!

This is kinda like a thing I heard (I'm not sure where it's from!), when we feel as if God has left us, the fact is we have moved away from Him.

God NEVER moves.

He is forever

Love You

x

When the going gets tough . . .

Jonah 2:2

Jonah shows us how stubborn he really is (and how we can be!), not only does he disobey[and run from] God, set sail in the opposite direction of his 'would-be' destination, is thrown over board in to a terrifying storm AND swallowed by a huge fish.

If this is not enough, he then stays inside the belly of the fish (in total darkness and probably close to death!) for 72 hours BEFORE he decided to apologies to God!

The same can be said for us. Sometimes we have to walk some pretty hard pathways before we learn our lesson.

Jonah was tired with his life without God.

He decided to return to the Father (with his tail between his legs) like the prodical son (Luke 15:11-24). It is deffinately a difficult prayer to pray, but we must admit that we have done wrong and that we cannot improve the situation on our own and we need HELP!

When we reach this desperate low and yell for help, this is when we are at our most honest and God instantly hears.

He immediately responds to the cry of those who decide they want/need Him.

How tough do things have to get before you look to God?

Love you x

p.s. I havent got a clue what music to dance to at "strickly come dancing". Any suggestions are welcomed muchley!

Repent?

Jonah 2:1

Repentance isn't a negative thing.

Repent literally means to "turn away" or "do a u-turn" from the things we have previously been doing (our old self).

Repentance is at the heart of New Testament Christianity.

John the Baptist (the guy who matt looks like) was the major prophet to prepare the world for Jesus (his cousin). The heart of his message was to repent and a change of life-style (Matt.3:8)

When JC began his ministry his main message was to repent (Matt.4:17)

Repentance is not negative, on the contrary, it's part of the Good News.

As we see Jonah inside his "fishy chapel", it is unclear as to whether his prayers of repentance are sincere or not.

God wants us to repent, not because He's a killjoy, but because He cares.

No matter how low we've gone, and however deep we find our selves in crap, there's always a way back.

"There's nothing you can do to make me love you any less"

Love you x

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Jonah 2:1-10

Dont be alarmed, it is a large chunk of reading today.

I want you to read thru this chapter and then in the next few days we'll go over it in more detail.

This second chapter of Jonah shows us that repentance is a turning point in our lives and also it is at the heart of the Christian message.

This section of the book has been read for centuries by the Jews on the day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) - the most solemn fast day in the Jewish year.

The question that needs to be asked is ...

"Was Jonah really repentant - or was his stuborness enough to turn a fish's stomach ?"

Repentance is the theme we will be studying in the next few posts.

Love you x

Amazing Grace

Jonah 1:17

Put yourself in Jonah's shoes. (although he only took a size 7 sandal!)

He's ran from God, got himself stuck on a boat with pagans in a wild storm in the middle of nowhere, the "luck" of drawing straws has gone against him and NOW he has been thrown into the oceans depths.

Wowzas! . . . I bet he'd wished he just went to Nineveh now!!!

So, this was it, his life had come to an end.

Then he gets swallowed by a huge fish! (some people argue that it may have been a great big shark). The very thought that this aquatic predator would be his rescuer is quite unbelievable.

But thats the way God is.

You can ask him to help you out and you may think you know what you need to come to your aid, but God will turn you around (or upside down) and in the end you WILL be blessed.

Grace really is amazing.

Can't figure it out ? (you never will) Just accept it, like a lifebelt - or a passing fish - to a drowning man.

Love you!

x

Jonah 1: 13-15

Back on the subject of those pagan sailors (I'm not obsessed!). Even after discovering that Jonah was a Hebrew [sworn enemies of the gentiles], they still did all they could to avoid throwing him overboard, they 'did their best to row back to shore' (v13).

THEN they prayed to the real God - that they would not be held accountable for the death of an 'innocent man' (v14). They were terrified at the fact of executing this man without a fair trial, especially if word got to Jonahs relatives - who would may have felt bound by honour to seek revenge on the sailors. (2 Sam. 14:7)

On top of all this there was the worry of God's judgement upon them for the murder of Jonah. The shedding of 'innocent blood' was a terribly serious crime.

In contrast, Jonah seemed untroubled by his own sin, and had risked the lives of everyone on board that ship for the sake of his own stubborness.

How Jonah expected to have his life spared by these sailors, when he had turned his back on the people of Nineveh AND God, is beyond me.

He simply could not see past his own problems.

Once again, it sounds kinda familar.

Love you !

x

Stand up / Stand out

Jonah 1:9-12

During the panic caused by the storm, everyone (except Jonah!) was crying out to their gods, and there was plenty on offer!

Most people who lived in Palestine at this time believed in three kinds of gods; personal gods, who you would worship to watch over your life (protection) and help in day-to-day problems. There were family gods, worshipped by all family members. And finally, there were national gods, worshipped a guardians of the nation as a whole.

With all this going on, Jonah finally reveals his true identity as a Hebrew - and as a follower of the One true God. But notice that this didn't happen imediately, he sat there and waited until the last possible opportunity (after the men had umm'd and ahh'd about the situation AND drawn straws!) to own up.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we prefere to keep quite obout our faith (I know I have). When you are just too tired or you can't face the questions, sniggers or even the abuse.

I am sad to say that Jonah and myself are more alike than I would like to admit!

I just hope I can learn from his mistakes.

Love you!

x

Jonah 1: 7&8

Last time we saw how the 'pagan' captain seemed to have more faith in prayer than the sleeping Jonah.

Sometimes signs of great love and compassion can be seen within the world. It saddeneds me that we do not see more of this in the church (and in my own heart!)

Often those who don't know God embarass those of us who say we do, and faith sometimes appears in the most unusual places - such as a Roman centurion. (Matt 8:10)

Sometimes we christians give the impression that the world is a lost cause and is hopeless. However, we are ALL sinners and occasionally those who don't know the Lord shine, and some of us saints can learn from them!

Love you!

x

Downward spiral

Jonah 1: 5&6

The tale of Jonah is riddled with 'ups and downs'.

Jonah goes down to Joppa (geographically)

Jonah goes down 'into the depths' of the boat-and after that plummets into a 'deep sleep' (the phrase in hebrew literally translates ad 'dead sleep' which associated to severe exhaustion or depression).

In every way his life was headed south.

When we resist God, we can sometimes think that it'll iron out and all be ok in the end. However, the more we resist(or ignore) God, our hearts harden.

Rebellion is not a plateau, its a downward spiral.

When Jonah lost the ability to hear God's whisper (due to a hardened heart) he tried a more obvious approach (hence the storm).

Jonah was sleeping when he should have been praying....Sound familiar?

Love you!

x

Wrong direction

Jonah 1:3&4

After receiving God's plans, Jonah legged it.

He fleed to Joppa-1,500 miles in the opposite direction of Nineveh. Commanded to go northeast, he went southwest.

You can almost see him shking his fists at God.

What seems like a quick solution to a problem is usually pro-longing the chaos and making it worse.

So . . . Jonah boards a ship. (yeah, that'll work, cuz everyone knows that God can't get you from the sea!)

God sent a great storm-which in the original hebrew text paints a picture of God 'hurling' the storm at the ship in the same way that a spear is thrown.

So why did God bother pursuing Jonah? If he wasn't interested in accepting the Nineveh mission, then surely their where others God could choose?

But Jonah was a chosen instrument for the job. God deeply cares for human beings, EVEN the people of Nineveh!

His calling is not for us to complete mere projects, but to participate with Him in reaching and caring for the lost.

God invites us, not merely to chase after our small dreams, but to play our unique part in His kingdom plan.

If we turn and run from God or just say "no" to God it doesnt just create a raised eyebrow in heaven, but a wounded heart.

Love you!

x

Patriot

Jonah 1:1&2

No No No . . . This post aint about the best NFL team in the league.

Jonah was very patiotic about his background and where he is from. He is proud to be a Jew and going into a Gantile-based area is really not on his mind.

Then God turns around and says "Go...to Ninevah".

The word "GO" in Hebrew roughly translates to "Get up and go". Both Elijah and Jeremiah heard exactly the same command (1Kings 17:9; Jer. 13:6)

Jonah twists and turns and tries to wriggle out of what God has asked of him. He uses excuses we hear (and make ourselves) today.

"Why me?"

"I'm not good enough"

"I don't know how"

"I'm not good at this, I always do that instead"

The last excuse is used a lot when we are being asked to do something that we may not be comfortable in doing, or that takes us out of our comfort zone.

What we've done in the past becomes a secure bunker to prevent us from doing anything costly in the present.

God takes away from what we feel 'safe' doing and puts us in situations we feel we can't deal with, or are scared of.

But we have nothing to fear, if you are doing as God asks, hten surely you are safe in his big old hands.

Love you!

Read Jonah

Don't be scared.

Reading the bible is a good thing to do!

It might sound obvious, but so many christians neglect the best reference to God they have (along with prayer, which is also neglected!)

So read Jonah....Go on!.....It's only 4 chapters!

One of the main problems Jonah has is the initial request from God. He wants Jonah(a Jew) to go and tell ALL the people of Ninevah (Gentiles) that they are not living as they should be and must repent to God!

This is the ONLY instance of this[Jew preaching to Gentile] in the old testament.

We will start this study properly tomorrow, but I encourage you guys to read through the book of Jonah a couple of times (just to get familiar with the ins and outs)

All that really counts are the lessons we can learn from this little book.

God is God.

Whether a man could physically survive inside a fish for 3 days is slightly irrelevant. It would take a miracle for that to happen, and God does those!

Love you!

Jonah Man Jazz

Hi guys!
So, last night I had an idea (yep, I get them sometimes!) and I am gonna try to do a bible study thru my blog. The idea is so that as I learn stuff, I can share it with you guys and you can leave comments/questions.

So (if you have'nt already guessed I'm reading from the book of Jonah!)

If I asked anyone what the book of Jonah was all about, you'd probably say it's about a whale or big fish, or maybe it's about Jonah himself, or it's a story of warning.

Jonah is one of the best known books in the old testament, and the least understood.

The reality is it's about God.

It's basically a love story.

It describes the overwhelming consumimg love that God has for ALL human beings.

"People have looked SO hard at the great fish that they have failed to see the great God"

(G. Campbell Morgan)

#any comments on whether you think this is a good idea or not are welcomed muchley!#

I feel kinda "geeky"

I have just given my blog a facelift AND added some links (there will be more when my head stops hurting!). This is a little worrying as I aint really pc-intelligent.
I'm gonna get some pictures on here soon. So watch this space!

Anyway. I'm now watching wife swap (with mouth wide open!).
Its in the US, and its a gay couple swapping with a really strict "bible-belt" christian family.
Its really weird.

I love you guys.

x

THANKYOU!

Last night was JCS, and I was realy blessed by the sheer amount of people who helped out (visually and behind the scenes). I think it was a brill evening and everyone looked really smart.
Maybe a new years jcs party?!
x

Lazy or what?!

It occured to me today that I've gotten kinda lazy.

Jon is like a lyric writing machine.

And I don't write too oftern now.

So I wrote this . . .

I wanna be who I'm supposed to be

I don't wanna be what I've become

I want me to be the real me

Because You sent Your Son

Low down

On the ground

Is where I am

It's where I deserve to be

Face down

Hide from the frown

On Your face

It's what I deserve to see

Walk tall

Never fall

It's what I am

And I don't deserve to be

Held tight

Treated right

In Your hands

Where I don't deserve to be

Skin torn

Crown of thorns

Taken my place

Where I deserve to be

Whipped and beat

Pierced hands and feet

On Calvary

Where I deserve to be

I've been really thanking God for the abundance of youth at our church at the moment. It really is a blessing to see young people CHOOSING to spend thier time in church.

The evangelical church by our house (the one that nearly burnt down) has an average attendance of about 15, and none of them are under the age of 40 !!!

It blows me away to see these little guys continuing their relationship with God (something that I struggled with!) and not only that, but taking on responsabilities within the church, like leading meetings.

R and R

This week is half term (I hear all the little guys cheering!), also I booked the week off (so I can cheer aswell!). Loads of cool stuff is going on at the moment. There is a new mentoring scheme we is trying to start up (watch this space), and JC's is just round the corner (and everyone seems to be up for it!) and finally, it's the Patriots bye week (so I don't have to worry about them loosing again this week!).

Anyway, last night I lead at church and Beck shared something about being late for the bus and running at big dogs (it was kind of metaphorical!), and it really challenged me.

I think if we stopped worrying about all the things that stand in our way and stop us doing what we should and remembered that we got this big guy on our side and nothing else can get in the way.

Stars

Maybe I've been part of the problem

Maybe I'm the one to blame

But even when I turn it off and blame myself the outcome feels the same

I've been thinking maybe I've been partly cloudy

Maybe I'm the chance of rain

And maybe I'm overcast and maybe all my luck's washed down the drain

I've been thinking about everyone

Everyone you look so lonely

But when I look at the stars I see someone else

When I look at the stars I feel like myself

Stars looking at a planet

watching entropy and pain

And maybe start to wonder how the chaos in our lives could pass as sane

I've been thinking of the meaning of resistance

of a hope beyond my own

And suddenly the infinate and penitent begin to look like home

I've been thinking about everyone

Everyone you look so empty

Everyone, everyone we feel so lonely

Everyone, everyone we feel so empty

When I look at the stars I feel like myself

When I look at the stars I see somone

This is my favourite song off of the new switchfoot album. It rocks! You guys should deffinately check it out.

At first I thought I was'nt going to like it (it didnt have the initial impact that their previous album[beautiful letdown] had), but after a few times through it grows on you.

However, it has been captured by J's car stereo, never to be seen or heard of again!

controlZ

However geeky you consider blogging to be, I would not consider myself a geek. As a non-geek, I feel very blessed that those geeky people who invented computers decided it would be a good idea to invent a undo function.

This little comand has saved my skin on many occasions.

Would'nt life be great if we had an undo button?

Everytime we screwed up or put our foot in it, we could just press controlZ.

I suppose (in a weird way) God DID give us an undo button.

When He sent His son to die on a cross and cover our sin with his blood.

So everyone join with me and thank God for controlZ !

x

Whoop-ass!

I've been playing on NFL street2 on the PSP today (my day off!) in preperation for kicking Matt's ass this weekend (and maybe Jon!).
I also watched constantine. I thought it was cool. I like the idea behind the film and the special effects are "king".

Pros and Cons

Life is always about a balance. The most important thing is how you look at it.

Optimism or Pessimism

The bad thing that has happend in the last few days is that the Patriots lost on Sunday to the Chargers.

However, today I got the new Switchfoot album and a signed CD inlay and a poster!

Ive only listend to the first few tracks, but it sounds like a good 'en !

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the weekend just flies by?
Its the weird way that time works. Like how the fastest hour of the day is your lunch hour!

Anyhoo, I was at work on saturday (boring!) but when I got home Janine gave me a PSP (get- in!)

Then, we went to the church and played computer and pool and watched a film (which also rocked!)

Then, last night I was leading, due to lack of worship teamers.

I was a bit miffed because no-one shared anything, but the worship and the message on worship was pretty cool. It was a bit quieter and laid back, I'm not sure how people felt it went. (How did you feel it went?)

THEN, I get home and find out that the Patriots beat the Steelers 23-20.

Woo Yeah! Thats 2 and 1 baby!!!

(2wins 1loss)

X

NFL DAY!

Today is my day off (woop woop!), so I have officially declared it an NFL DAY!
It started off nicely with me finishing off watching the redskins / cowboys game from sunday night (its a good game!), and then I've been on the patriots website and watched the PVN (patriots video news) and now I'm gonna go play Madden 06!
Its got a really cool mode where you play as yourself and you have to take interviews and go in for the draft. It starts from leaving college right up to nfl pro and retirement.

Channel 5 are showing Kansas v Denver on monday night (12:50) you should definately check it out!

Go Cheifs !

God has really taught me some amazing stuff this week. I had a serious prayer time on monday morning (something that I dont do enough of!) and I've started reading the book of Daniel.

I like the Daniel story, its something I think all of us can relate to,

"I cant do that God . . . I'm just little old me!"

We've all used excuses similar to that. Anyway, since I opened up to God I've been really feeling his presence at work and on a few occasions have caught mysely singing worship songs in the warehouse!

WAREHOUSE WORSHIP (that sounds pretty cool!)

I cant wait for what God has instore for me just around the corner! I'm hoping to get along side Janine and Jon and really put a lot of effort into the youth work (if they'll have me). I am really blessed by the way those two little guys have stepped out for their faith.

I also cant wait for God to bless my face off! (see James' comments on Jons blog!)

x

Catholocism WOW!

(Anyone pick up on the 'Dogma' reference?) . . . Kevin Smith kicks ass!

Anyway, I'm reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown and it is heavily rooted in the catholic faith (as is the Da Vinci code!) and it struck me that catholics are stoopid!

They believe in this hierachy . . .

God

Pope

Everyone Else

Its as if the only person who can have a link to God is an old dude who has been elected by a bunch of similar old dudes! (Did you know the pope must be at least 60 years old?!)

I am SO glad that God talks to all of us.

We are all as good(or bad) as each other.

Also, the message on sunday night really blew me away. It was like it was a direct sermon for me. I really struggle with the fact that although we have been forgiven, we still continue to let Him down. When Claude put the idea of Body, Soul and Spirit into a very visual way, it really helped me to understand the concept.

...good times!

Woke up this morning and "ow!". Is anyone else feeling like they've been kicked repeatedly in their sleep?!
I think the youth weekend away was wicked cool!
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we are already talking about planning the next trip!
x

SPORT !

When I was younger I did'nt really care too much for sports. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed kicking a ball around and watching the world cup.

But, this week is just a sporting spectacular!

There is England against N Ireland tonight

Test match final (England and Aus)

And, (more importantly) the NFL season starts tomorrow night! And the Patriots are playing the Raiders!

Should be quite a game!!!

Work it out!

It is my 4th day back at work and I'm kinda back into my everyday rhythm. (It sucks!)
Also, while we have been away I did no exercise (other than walking and swimming!) and today I had a proper work-out at work. (we've got weights and a sit up bench and a pull up bar.Its pretty cool in the warehouse!) and I found it really difficult to get back in to it.

For example; Before holiday I was lifting three sets of 12 reps of 15KG with minimum effort and I'd upped to 20KG of reps of 8 with three reps (with a little struggle!) And now when I come back I'm stuggling to do 15's at all!

But today I really pushed myself and feel a lot better for doing so. It was tough.

I reckon the same can be applied to our christian life. If you can force yourself into a routine of praying at a certain time and reading the bible at a certain time you will see results!

Its all about discipline.

And just like with the work out, if we ignore the everyday things like prayer and bible reading, its SO much harder to get back into a routine.

Did you know... it takes a third of the time it took to build muscle to lose it.

So if you've been trainig for three years, it only takes one year to get back to your original fitness level. What a bummer!

So remember "we're better than you . . . and we know it!"

It was my first sunday back at church, since we got back from holiday, last night.

I REALLY enjoyed myself!

Playing the worship songs and singing and listening to everyones share time and listening to the message.

You dont realise what your missing until its taken away from you.

Cheers to Jon, for including me in the "boys prayer" in the middle room.

Gamers delight

Hand-held gaming just got a whole lot better!
Before we went on holiday I got the chance to play the PSP in game.

WOW !

I played wipeout fusion (a game that I'm not that keen on, but...) it rocked!!!

Now I find out that Janine has pre-ordered it as an early christmas present!

Wives are cool!

Everyone should have one!

The PSP is way cool. If I were Jon I would say it was "King". It plays games (obviously!) and dvd movies (which can be bought OR downloaded of t'internet) and music videos and mp3s loads of other cool stuff!

Come on! Get excited with me!!!

Crapola on toast !!!

The New England Patriots lost their second pre-season match against the Saints last night, 37-27.

It sucks when your team loses.

Oh well, least its only pre-season (that means no lost points!)

Pre-season don't count.

First ones always a practice (everyone knows that!)

Peace

HERO!

On sunday I was lent a DVD by Jon, it's called HERO! and its an off-shoot of the novel (with the same name) and is described as a rock oprea/musical.

Think Joseph and his technicoloured dream coat but with distorted guitars!

It was actually very good, Janine and I are thinking off showing it at church on the big screen (that'd be cool!).

And we were even thinking of peforming it as a play at church (a kind of alternative to the christmas panto).

Laters

The Beautiful Letdown

I've come to the understanding (since my last post) that no matter how hard we try, we will never stop letting God down.

We is human.

Its what we is good at.

I've been spending a lot of time in thought (instead of working!) and God expects nothing more from us than faliure.

He is the all knowing, all forgiving.

He's had a lot of practice!

We just gotta get over the fact that "we're not worthy!" and get on with getting to know Him more.

He's my best friend.

Why would'nt I want to be with my best friend?

Switchfoot helps . . .

It was a beautiful letdown

when I crashed and burned

when I found myself alone, unknown and hurt

It was a beautiful letdown

the day I knew

that all the riches this world had to offer me would never do

In aworld full of bitter pain and bitter doubt

I was trying so hard to fit in, until I found out

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong

Frustrated ?

I havent prayed or read my bible (seriously) for what seems like ages.
I'm simply "too busy".

Busy . . . on the internet, watching T.V, reading secular books, sleeping, worrying about bills, working out, at work or wondering what clothes to pack on my holidays.

Look at this list.
I've put all these things above God.

I dont wanna let Him down.

If I feel this frustrated with myself, then how frustrated must God feel with me ?
What if God was "too busy" for me ?
I'd be screwed !

But then 'Adding to the noise' by Switchfoot comes on the stereo and answers all these questions.

If all this worldly stuff is getting in the way of God, then leave it.

Simple as.

wow

'Bout a wek ago, I saved a catterpillar who was wriggling around on the loading bay at the rock. I noticed him cuz he was vividly orange and black striped.

Then on monday, we had a furniture delivery (yawn!) and i noticed that there was a chrysalis (?) in the shutters. Then at break time I witnessed the butterfly emerging from the cocoon!

It was tuely amazing! To see this beautiful creature escaping from a dull prison ( the cocoon, not the rock!)

How can God surprise me more and more with new stuff when I've been on this earth for 24 years ?

The Lord moves in mysterious ways.

Have you got a Harry-Hole ?

Do not be freaked out.
Its not some gay wizard thing!

Since finishing the 6th harry potter book ( The half-blood prince), I have experienced something that I can only describe as a 'Harry-Hole'. I have tried to combat that by visiting the harry potter website ( HarryPotter.com ) and veiwed the teaser trailer for the 4th film ( the goblet of fire) but this had made me worse!!!

I then thought.....

"Why dont I feel this way about the bible?"

....The answer is, there is no answer.

We SHOULD get excited about the bible and we SHOULD get excited about what God has planned for us.

I think if people read the bible as intensively as the work their way through the hogwarts novels then our christian life would blossum.

From now on I'm working on filling my Jesus-Hole.

(Please note: Even if Harry Potter does not interest you, you can replace the aforementioned HP for a topic that you may obsess over. For example; computer games, films, comics, music etc etc.)

Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

I have started reading a book called HUMANIFESTO, which is about the sermon on the mount. I am only a couple of chapters in, but it's wicked cool!

This passage is going against everything that modern-day media say is the way forward in life.

The world says . . .

"What job do you have ?"

"Where do you live ?"

"What car do you drive ?"

"Who are you going out with ?"

"What designer clothes do you have ?"

. . . If you answer the "correct" replies to these questions, then in the worlds eyes you have "made it" and are a "winner".

Jesus says it dosent matter about any of this material stuff, it dont matter if you aint got an up-to-date hairstyle or drink the right soft drink.

Jesus dosent care whether or not the world thinks you are a winner.

Jesus loves losers!

Where's the vocals?!

We had a band practice on saturday night, and towards the end of the practice my monitor got turned down (so that I couldnt hear what I was singing properly), so I sang loud enough that I could hear myself over the music.

This, evidently, was very loud and at the end of the practice my voice was completely shot.

Well, that was saturday, and its now Monday and its still not any better!

This sore throat combined with the icky summer-cold (I always seem to get when the weather is nice!) is not good.

On a lighter note, has anyone seen the new eminem video with the puppets?

Thats one funny video!

The Dr Dre, Eminem and 50 cent puppets are funny at the end!!!

Way too much time on my hands!

Today is my day-off (woop woop!), except that the weather is sucky, and I was planning on lying in the sun doing diddly-squat. But now my plans have to be completely changed.
So now, instead, I'm gonna sit in the house doing diddly-squat!

Anyhoo, after talking to James and Lisa last night at band, I thought I would check out this dancing guy on t'internet. He's pretty funny. Today he is dancing with a lady to 'girls on film', it's quality veiwnig.

www.dailydance.com

Also, I've been reading 'Relevant' (which is an American christian youth magazine), its pretty good. I think J9 is gonna subscribe to it....oh yeah! I was reading an artical about a guy named Brian Welch (who, if you didnt know, is 'Head' from the band 'Korn'), and in the last few months he has found God and quit the band and gone on a pilgrimage to Isreal to be baptised in the river Jordan! (If somethings worth doing, it's worth doing right, right?)

It seems from the artical that his life has completely changed, he's even sent a letter to 50 centwith a message from God! I'm not sure what 'fiddy' will make of that, but you never know!

Anyway, Head has got a website that is pretty cool. Check it out. . .

www.headtochrist.com

Anti-social old buggers!

" I went to a christening recently,

They had guitars, and they were singing songs,

Not hymns. . . . The worlds gone mad!"

[Old little scouse dude, on cutting edge channel 4]

X

Through the waters

Well . . . Yesterday I got baptised!

And to tell you the truth, I was more nervous about making a good job of singing RWJ's choice of song [the walk- J.T] than actually going through the 'dunking' or the testimony.

I think last night was brilliant. Everyone seemed to be in very high spirits, and the fact that there was quite a few non-church-goers there was a blessing.

Janines mom and dad really enjoyed themselves, which can only be a good sign.

If only we can get non-christians into the church, then they would see that its not stuffy (was guite warm last night!), and its not boring.

In fact, its a lot of fun!

eh? cool week!

I love weeks like this one!
Its my day off (which is a bonus)
I'm feeling good!
The new Foo Fighters album is out (and it ROCKS!)
And I get baptised this sunday!

This is probably the biggest thing I'll do this year (no, not buying the new foos album! My baptism!!!).

I think I must be allowed one a year. Last years was marriage.

Maybe next year a little Ste or J9.

I bet that strikes fear into some of your hearts!

Ive just done a real good work out (bone would be proud!)

And now I've got J9's electricution belt on, cuz I'm too lazy to do sit-ups today!

... Anyway, back to baptism.

Growing up in the church Ive witnessed my fare share of "dunkings" and its always been a very happy day in the church, but I never really considered the significance of the act itself, and also never dreamed that I would be getting ready to go thru the waters myself!

Well, I guess I did know I'd do it one day, but it seems such a 'grown-up' thing to do.

But, having said that, I suppose getting married is a pretty adult thing to do.

I just wanna take this oppurtunity to 'big up' the other dunkees . . . RWJ, Gracey, and of course Janine.

I can't wait.

oh yeah, RWJ wants Jons song played as come back up!

How cool is that?! We practised it last night, hope he dont mind that it has been well and truely "worship teamed". Sorry.

And on the third day . . .

Third day have some really good messages in their songs.
I was watching the live wire DVD and the whole concept of the 'wire' is fantastic!

Basically, walking the wire is treding the thin line of being in the world, but not of the world.

Too many people in church today only socialise with people from church, and loose touch with the 'outside' world.

How are we supposed to evangelise to these people when we have no way to communicate with them on their level.

Please take from me my life

When I don't have the strength

To give it away to you

Please take from me my life

When I don't have the strength

To give it away to you Jesus

Philipians 3: 13-14

Too many people worry about whats in their past, when they should be looking forward to what they can do for God NOW!

"You either get busy living, or get busy dying"

I was really blessed by these verses, they are an encouragement to me, so I thought they might encourage you also!

I got a new CD the other day (from E-Bay!), and the lyrics to this one song jumped off the page at me. I like to read the lyrics to the songs before I play the CD (I think its because the music isnt that important, its the lyrics that give a song meaning), anyhoo, the song is called No One Else Knows and the band are called BUILDING 429 . . . .

My world is closing in

On the inside

But I'm not showing it

When all I am is crying out

I hold it in and fake a smile

Still I'm broken

I'm broken

Only one can understand

And only one can hold the hand

Of the broken

Of the broken

When no one else knows how I feel

Your love for me is proven real

When no one else cares where I've been

You run to me with outstretched hands

And you hold me in your arms

Again

I need no explanation of why me

I just need conformation

Only you could understand the emptiness inside my head

I am falling

I am falling

I'm falling down upon my knees

To find the one who gives me peace

I am flying

Lord I am flying

I have come to You in search of faith

'Cause I cant see beyond this place

Oh you are God and I am man

So I'll leave it in you hands

Woooo for DAYS OFF !!!

Days off ROCK!

I love days off, they're cool. Its the time when I can not only chill out, but I get to spend time with the dogs and get all the things done that need doing.

Things I like to do on days off include;

T'internet

Gamecube

Walk dogs

Exercise

Listen to music

Its the last on the list I wanna tell y'all about.

This morning whilst playing Madden 2005 I put on a CD (I didnt really pay much attention to which one, I just wanted some background noise!), it was Third Day [Offerings].

It got to the last track and I had to pause the game and just listen. Its a beautiful song and the lyrics are so powerful and humbling. Its called Love Song and here it is . . . .

I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain

Just to be with the one he loves

How many times has he broken that promise

It has never been done

I've never climbed the highest mountain

But I walked the hill of Calvery

Just to be with you, I'd do anything

There's no price I would not pay

Just to be with you, I'd give anything

I would give my life away

I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean

Just to be with the one he loves

How many times has he broken that promise

It can never be done

I've never swam the deepest ocean

But I walked upon the raging sea

I know that you dont understand the fullness of My love

How I died upon the cross for your sins

And I know that you dont realise how much I give you

But I promise, I would do it all again

Just to be with you, I've done everything

Theres no price I did not pay

Just to be with you, I gave everything

Yes, I gave my life away

Surprised by the radio !

Yep . . . You read correctly, I actually listen to the radio! . . . Only at work to pretend that I'm not there!!!

I was listening to Radio one this afternoon, and heard the new Daniel Beddingfield single. now, Im not the biggest fan in the world, but the words blew me away.

Its this artist along with the likes of Switchfoot, that are bringing the worship of God to a secular audience on their terms, in an enviroment that is not alien to them.

I believe that this is the way forwards in evangelising to people, using talents and gifts that have been given to us by God to reach out to the lost.

Here is the Daniel Beddingfield lyrics . . . .

THE WAY

To love somebody like you

Would take the rest of my life

This is my revelation

I feel my heart falling off

And give my conscience a knife

This is my reservation

This is the way of the moon

Waxing and wane

Fro-ing and to

This is the way of the sun

At the end of the day

Night always comes

This is the way of my youth

Risking it all

Pursuing the truth

This is the way of the world

My love is changing

I really meant what I said

All of it wasn't a lie

You were the one I wanted

But in the new light of day

Affection started to die

Our house of love was haunted

This is the way of the rains

Evaporate up and falling down

This is the way of her smile

It burns in her eyes but lasts for a while

This is the way of the Earth

The cycle of life

Of dying and birth

This is the way of my heart

My love is changing

Season changes

My life changes

Memory changes

My love changes

System changes

My world changes

Jesus, Jesus never changes

Hearing "Jesus never changes!" blasting out on national radio sent shivers down my spine.

Peace x

Bone, Thugs and Harmony

Confused by the title of this post? . . .

Yesterday Jon (bone) handed me some lyrics he had been working on, and they are really good!

me and Jon had talked about working together on songs before, and after sharing the same bed in Russia, it seemed the natural progression! (only kidding!...but we did share a bed!) Anyway, this is the second song he's wrote and here it is . . . (hope he doesnt mind!) . . .

The Walk

One foot infront of the other, the path seems so familiar.

Maybe its because I've trod these roads so often before.

It doesnt matter which way I turn, it all becomes the same place.

The same people pass me by always saying hello.

Too quick to stop and speak, too fast to see them cry.

Ive walked this way for so long now ( with salvation on my tongue )

Ive walked this path for so long ( from these footsteps I found this song )

Ive mastered the walking, I almost had to run

Maybe just from boredom, maybe just for fun.

The path is so narrow its easy to fall

but I can see the lost now, and hear them call.

But I'll keep walking, Im gonna carry on,

Until Ive found my purpose, until my job is done.

This morning I sat down before I went to work, and prayed that God would enable me to write the chords to go to this song, and that what I would come up with would be the right style to get the message across. And the second I started to play, it fir into place perfectly!

Isnt God amazing?!

I even put it down on tape (so I wouldnt forget how the tune goes!) all in about 15 minutes.

Gods will is . . .

I was really challenged today already (its only 7:30 am!), about my intentions towards the will of God for my life. It seems we (as christians) tend to be up for doing Gods will, so long as it benefits me in some way! This train of thought ties in with the cat/dog theology. However, if Gods plan is different to our own plan then we are a little less enthusiastic.

In extreme measures living by our faith must also mean willingness to die by our faith (see RWJ's blog from about a week ago).

Its a case of selflessness or selfishness.

Jesus obeyed the Fathers wishes, even though in human form He really didnt want to. (Luke 22:41-44)

Jesus chose to do Gods will, even if it cost Him His life.

It did.

YEZZZZIR!

I appologies for the gangster title, but snoop and pharrel are on MTV . . . "lets get blown".
Anyhoo, its my day off! (woop woop!), and that means chill out day. It usually involves a little bit of eat, a little bit of drink, a liitle bit of banya and then bed (Gennady joke!).
No, there will be T.V., book, gamecube, NFL and a bit of a workout.

My bible study was about Zachius today.

He was a little man and a very little man was he!

Andy is back today, so you will all be glad to know that you wont have to suffer my drumming for another sunday night!

Pats RULE !!!

KNACKARD!

. . . . As you can guess from the title I'm kinda tired. The reason for this extra lethargic behaviour is because last night i went to see WWE RAW in brum. It kicked ass! There were lots of people (old enough to know better!) taking it WAY too seriously. Here are some of the wrestlers I saw . . .

Batista

Christian

Edge

The Hurricane

Chris Benoit

Y2J

HBK

Hulk Hogan

Kane

HHH

Rick Flare

....and many more!

I also saw (my personal favourite!) Stacey Keibler.

Whooo Baby!

Laters

This is a party political broadcast. . .

... So, general elections, again! Doesnt time just fly by?

I can remember when I had just turned 18 (many years ago!) and I was kinda excited to be voting. Finally I had a way to voice my opinions. Oh how naive I was!

It doesnt matter whether you vote for either of the two main parties, cuz they're both the same !!!

"When I were a lad, the conservative party were for the upper class 'yuppie' types, with their own horses and barn conversions. And the labour party were for the working class everyday folk" [said in a northern accent]

But now, the conservatives have dumbed down a little with their snobbery (to accumulate more votes) and the labour party have raised their standards (to . . . you've guessed it! . . . accumulate more votes!) and have both kind of met somewhere in the middle.

Therefore, whether you vote one way or the other, it doesnt really matter, cuz they're the same!!!

*DISCLAIMER* This is not a blog instructing everyone to vote BNP or UKIP, fascism is deffinately NOT the way forward.

*2nd DISCLAIMER* This is not an attempt to rig the election for my own personal gain. I dont care who you vote for!

Ramble over!

Laters x

Don't TEMPT me !!!

Recentley in my biblestudy, I have been doing about important aspects of Jesus' walk on the Earth as a man.

Today was about the 40 days of fasting in the desert and then being tempted by the devil. It seems the best way to keep the devil off your back is to know your scriptures. So (like the bone) I am going to start reading my bible more.

Also one of the other passages of Word was from Ephesians. It was about God's armour. It made me think of Andy D. Please pray for him, he must be fed up being stuck at home, so pray for God to heal his knee. Plus Meg was at the Tuesday crew (stoopid name!) last night, and it was a real blessing to see her playing with the kids and stuff.

Anyhoo, Im rambling! Laters.

From Russia with love

O.K. so we are back from Belarus, and everyone was realy expectant of me to say something about the trip last night at church. The time didnt feel right and I couldnt possibly do the trip justice by talking about it for 5 minutes.

One of the biggest things I got from the trip had nothing to do with the worship team (shock! horror!). The thing that effected me the most was how willing Gennady was to open up his home and family to a bunch of weirdos and feed us and keep us warm.

Its this way of treating others and showing acts of kindness that Jesus was really promoting in the bible.

"Love one and other, as I have loved you"

I guess seeing the way that the priest welcomed us into his family has really humbled my heart before God, and I will try and live my life the "traditional Belarussian way".

And in the wise words of someone a long way away . . . "DO IT !"

another year older . . .

Well. Today is my birthday and I'm 24!
Thats really sad, Im getting OLD!!!
But the thing is, I dont feel any older than when I left school at 16 (is that weird?!).
Anyhoo... got some NFL:MADDEN 2005 to play.
GO PATS!

Oh yeah, sometimes God SHOUTS and sometimes He whispers. Both are just as important.

Thats all I need!

Just a quick post (cuz Im late for work!). Th e other day Matt was round my house and asked . . .

"Have you got e-bay set as your homepage?"

. . . this was said in jest. However, I think it would be a mistake to do this as i would be travelling in the wrong direction in the journey to kicking my habbit.

I gotsta tell ya my throat hurts and (you guessed it!) we got another russia practice tonight... But its the LAST one!!!

Laters

(thats "laters" in webdings)

Blessed are the lifters

(weight, not shop)

Anyhoo, I was at the gym this morning at 8:30 (yes Matt, theres two on a sunday!) and I realised that when someone is lifting a heavy weight, someone else usually 'spots' them. This involves standing by the lifter and making sure they are o.k with the weight and helping if the need arises.

This is kinda similar to the way 'older' christians should keep a watchful eye on the younger ones (giving them enough space to feel independant but being close enough to lend a helping hand if needed)

Plus, for the record . . .

"My name is Stephen and I'm addicted to E-Bay"

(Its supposed to help to admit it!)