Too many men?

So, here's Gideon attempting to assess the situation.

Gideon and the 'Isrealite army' were camped on the slopes of mount Gilboa in an area called Harod ['the fountain of trembling']. Across the plain to the north-west on the hill of Moreh was the massive Midianite army.

As he viewed this 'nightmare', with obvious death or capture and torture as the outcome, he hears a voice speak to him. Probably calm at first, so calm that maybe Gideon doesn't hear (or chooses not to listen) and then louder . . . .

"You have too many men"

WHAT? The Midianites outnumbered the Isrealites 4 to 1. How could Gideon possibly have too many men?

God tells Gideon that if any of his troops are scared, they can leave the battlefield and go home.

This sounds crazy!

However, this was a practice commanded from the law of Moses [Deut. 20:8]. But hardly a strategy that Gideon had in mind.

Gideon was feeling down hearted and afraid when he had 32'000 troops. Imagine what he was feeling now 22'000 of those troops had "legged it" back home!

NOW they were out numbered 13 to 1.

Love you x

Shalom seeker

Another interesting point about the 'fleece' incident is this . . . .

The first time Gideon asks that the ground be dry and the fleece still wet. This could have been seen as a normal occurrence, the ground would have probably dried before the fleece.

With the second request we see a truly amazing sight, the ground is wet but the fleece is dry.

Now that IS a sign from God.

In the old testament, dew was considered a sign of provision given [Gen. 27:28] or with held [Gen. 27:39]. Dew was a sign of security, prosperity and salvation. In short, SHALOM.

This was exactly what Gideon was looking for.

Love you x

My wife ROCKS!

It would appear Gideon has become a little addicted to signs from God.

Some people would argue that this sign was very cheeky of Gideon. Not only was he 'testing' God but he also required a double-sign (on his terms!).

When originally reading this portion of the story, I found myself having this out-look on Gideon. However, my wife [Janine], opened my eyes to another possibility.

Another angle to look at this event . . . Gideon was showing belief and faith in God AND in the fact that he could do ANYTHING!

God obliged, probably due to Gideon's faith.

To me, it seemed Gideon was being presumptuous AND lacking in faith of the previous wine press sign. But to Janine, she saw a powerful understanding of who God is and what He is capable of.

Go Janine!

Love you x

Magic [wine press] Moments

Gideon was still worried.

His newly formed army was very large [32'000], but they would still be out-numbered 4 - 1. Their weapons were few and battle knowledge / skill equally low.

Morale was low in the camps of army troops and so too for Gideon.

The miraculous message from the wine press had probably been long forgotten in the harsh light of reality.

Fighting and dying.

Nice!

Gideon needed reassurance.

Gideon needed another wine press moment.

Love you x

Follow the leader

God nurses Gideon forward into usefulness.

The call of Gideon is a process as well as an event, a journey as well as a crisis.

Important steps of development can be seen through Gideon's call to judge / deliverer of Isreal . . .

Gideon's ministry and influence was a gradual thing. He didn't just over night become Super Gideon! The development of faith (Gideon's and ours) is slowley progressive. Gideon didn't go from wine-press coward to nation-saver in one giant leap.

And the same goes for us.

We don't say the 'sinners prayer' on a sunday night and then start our Billy Graham-esq preaching tour on the monday!

This 'call to arms', this battle trumpet is first played to his own family.

Would they respond to the "baal-fighter"?

They did.

So encouraged by his families willingness and support, he took his trumpet "tooting" to the rest of the Manasseh tribe.

They too answered the call. This got Gideon totally buzzing. He went and took his call to the 3 neighbouring tribes [Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali].

These 4 tribes are the ones most hurt by the invading Midianites and would most likely answer Gideon's call.

As blatantly obvious as it sounds, Gideon was a leader because people were willing to follow him and recognized his gift.

He led _ They followed. [in this case into a battle situation where they were heavily out-numbered!]

If someone insists that their calling is in leadership but no one is following them, then they are just walking alone.

Gideon's status as "baal fighter" increased as word - of - mouth (gossip) spread. His popularity grew like a snowball once his family were on board - it made the rest of the Manasseh tribe believe Gideon was from God - once the Manasseh tribe got involved, Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali tribes believed also.

The more people believed and followed Gideon, the more people believed and followed Gideon.

Love you X

A call to arms

Judges 6:34

The rumours had already started, for the 8th year in a row the Midianites were on their way to take the Isrealite harvest (and anything else they liked the look of!). Where once panic and fear would have spread through out the land of Ophrah, now there was something else.

The "baal fighter" was on their side!

Sure, they had no real army or supply of weapons, but this guy was special, even baal couldn't touch him! Maybe the older Isrealites would be comparing him to Deborah.

This was exciting!

'Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon'

The RSV translation can be quite misleading, it says . . .

'The spirit...took possession', suggesting some kind of violent encounter, like with Samson [Judg. 14:6] or with Saul [1 Sam. 11:6].

However, the Hebrew seems to suggest that it's more like 'God's spirit put on Gideon's personality like a garment'.

This is NOT Gideon being clothed with God, but God clothing Himself with Gideon.

Only 2 other biblical characters recieved this unusual description . . .

AMASAI [1 Chron. 12:18]_one of David's generals.

ZECHARIAH [2 Chron. 24:20]_who was THE most unfortunate prophet. After just one message of judgement, he was stoned to death!

Now, as I have already told you, Ophrah didn't have an official army, so Gideon would have to issue a call to arms.

But where to start?

Who would he call?

Love you X

Jerubbaal

GIDEON'S MISSION: TO BUILD UP AS WELL AS BREAK DOWN_

Gideon's first call was a demolishion job, but we must remember that he also had to BUILD and alter to Yahweh.

Destruction then Construction

Here we see Joash viewing the alter with elements of guilt or shame. The realization that he had turned away from God. With his repentance speech we see Joash taking a step back in the right direction. Stepping closer to the Lord.

Gideon's mission didn't just tear down the lies of paganism, it restored the truth of God.

Joash declared . . . "No longer will my son be named Gideon... He is now Jerubbaal. He has wrestled with baal, now lets see if baal will come after him."

So Gideon as gone from a coward hiding in a wine press, to the famous "baal fighter"
Love you X

Market Place

GIDEON'S MISSION_TO LIVE UP TO HIS NAME:

As an Isrealite, it was Gideon's calling to show others to God. To act as a window through which other nations could look through and see God.
As Gideon was cutting down the asshera pole he was living up to his name.

GIDEON means 'one who cuts down'.

Gideon was never meant to hide in the dark.

GIDEON'S MISSION_TO TAKE THE MESSAGE OUT:

Gideon was called to affirm that Yahweh was the Lord God of Isreal in the openess and hustle n bustle of the marketplace. [Judges 6:26]

Secret alters and quiet prayer times are not enough for God. He wants provocative prayer and testamonies.

He wants people who will stand up and be counted.

People who are not afraid to go against the flow or to march to a different beat.

In church today, 1 in every 100 converts come as a result of a special crusade. The same amount come from visitation, the same number again have a crisis and call on the church for help. 3 in every 100 walk into church, hear the message and respond. 5% come through sunday school ministry. 6% come as a result of activities by church leaders.

So where do the rest come from?

Around 80% come as a result of friendship.

The sad thing is that many christians run around, too busy doing stuff in church, that they neglect to live out their faith in the market place.

I've caught myself pre-occupied, serving God in the winepress.

It's time to go to market!

Love you X

Mission impossible

THE WILL OF GOD IN OUR LIVES : LIVING IN THE WHOLE REVELATION OF GOD_

After Gideon's encounter with Melek Yahweh was over he screamed and sobbed and fell to the ground.

Why ?

Some people think that Gideon's theology would suggest that now he had seen God face to face, he must die [Exodus 33:20], although Abraham, Joshua and many others witnessed the Lord and lived to tell the tale.

Others suggest that Gideon, much like Isaiah and Job, was now suddenly aware of his own sinfulness.

Judges 6 : 25&26

This was a BIG task. A 20 man swat team would struggle to demolish the alter of baal in one night.

[A baal alter was found at Megiddo which measured some 26 feet across and 4 1/2 feet high. Made of many stones, cemented together by mud, such an alter would constitute an immense task to destroy and carry away - LEON WOOD]

So Gideon selected some helpers, family servants, hired-help.

This suggests 2 things . . .

*His paid servants were obviously trust worthy.

*He had no friends he could call on for help.

Thats a bit sad.

Love you X

Never forget

THE WILL OF GOD IS FOUND IN MEMORABLE MOMENTS_

Previous to Gideon's culinary escapade, he had asked this man, this Melek Yahweh, this angel of the Lord for some sign to prove his identity.

Gideon had probably forgotten all about his request (pre-occupied with broth!), but the angel had not forgotten.

"Pour out the broth on the ground, put the meat and the bread on that rock".

Throw away the soup? Waste the meat and bread by dirtying it on the floor?

WHY?!

After this miraculous sign was over and the smoke had cleared, Gideon saw that the angel was gone (along with the goat meat and bread!)

So why burn the meal?

Why not eat it? [Gen. 18:8]

Didn't the angel understand the cost of that meal? _ Goats are few and far between (especially in a famine) AND not to mention the precious grain used to make the bread! Grain probably harvested in that winepress with that stupid threshing stick!

It was for this exact reason that the angel of the Lord did this.

Gideon would remember this encounter with God not just for the prophetic words he recieved, but for the things it cost him.

Everytime Gideon saw a goat or looked upon the measely stock of grain HE WOULD REMEMBER.

Love you X

The will of God

THE WILL OF GOD IS DISCOVERED IN THE DIGNITY OF PARTNERSHIP_

From the winepress we can see that God's will is done in a variety of ways . . .

Sometimes we get a straight forward COMMAND from God, like the instruction given to Gideon to become a saviour for Isreal.

Throughout the bible we see countless examples of God's command approach . . .

The Holy Spirit orders Paul to go to Macedonia, Moses obeys the voice from the burning bush.

However, it's wrong to think that this is the ONLY way God communicates his will to us. God is known to take suggestions from US!

Like Gideon's sacrificial meal or Moses suggesting that killing the Isrealites for worshipping idols (again!) would perhaps not be the most productive answer.

Isn't it an exciting ideology? Along side God commanding us to do some stuff, He is also willing to listen to our ideas and in some cases CHANGE His plans!

In no other religion will you find this idea. Nowhere does a god dictate but also care about the opinions of the little insignificants.

NEGOTIATION_ is another aspect to God's will. In the winepress we see that God wants Gideon to demolosh the alters of baal. Now Gideon is willing, but would prefer to carry out this task at night (under the cover of darkness).

"Would that be alright God?"

"Yes" God replies.

Love you X

Friendship and Function

The angel of the Lord offers Gideon (and us) several helpful ideas . . .

THE WILL OF GOD IS FOUND IN GOD_
"The Lord is with you . . ." God doesn't offer instructions or a map with directions. He offers us HIM.

God follows a pattern when calling people to Him.

FRIENDSHIP and FUNCTION

Jesus invites the disciples to follow Him [frienship] and then promises to make them fishers of men [function].

God reveals Himself to Joshua [frienship] and then calls Joshua to get up and cross the river Jordan [function].

God welcomes Gideon "The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior" [friendship] and then equips him "go in the strength you have" [function].

It is possible to live these 2 elements equally together, but it is also possible to be heavy on one side . . .

FRIENDSHIP_ Loves to have fellowship, sing worship songs and read the bible, but has no interest in dirtying their hands with evangelism or meeting the needs of the community.

FUNCTION_ Hurtling themselves around and physically working for God and finally collapse and burn out because that lifestyle has no sustanance that comes from an inner relationship with God.

THE WILL OF GOD IS IN HIS WORDS_

Gideons initial reply to the angel is "why is all this crap happening to us?"

But God had already answered that question before it had been asked. In the law given to Moses, God revealed a 'cause and effect' treaty.

Obey me and I'll bless you.

Forsake me and I will lift my hand of protection from you.

Now before we all jump on Gideon and call him idiot, doesn't his question sound familiar?

Love you X

He's waiting...

So Gideon is kinda convinced that this IS an angel of the Lord.

He wants to make an offering, but doesn't want the angel to 'leg it' whilst he's gone.

Melek Yahweh confirms that he WILL wait while Gideon does what all of us would do at a time like this . . . . he finds and kills a baby goat, cuts it up into sections of meat, makes a 'bovril' style soup from some of it and bakes some bread!

Several hours later he returns to find the angel still there waiting.

The Lord is waiting for Gideon.

The Lord is waiting for US.

Love you X

I am with you

After God reveals His plan for him, Gideon's insecurity kicks in.

"Who me?"

"Our clan is the least in Manasseh"

"I am the least of my family"

God reassures him with a firm . . . "I am with you"

Gods instruction to Gideon to "go in the strength you have" could be misunderstood to mean that God wanted Gideon to save Isreal on his own (through his own strength).
However, this statement "go in the strength you have" is directly connected to "I am with you".
So what God is more likely to be saying to Gideon is . . . .

"Walk in the strength that you have as a result of the revelation that God is with you".

For Gideon, the winepress represented survival and existance, grain for another sad day.

We can fall into this boring cycle too, going to work to earn money to by food to get strength to go to work . . .

But Gideon (and you & I) was born for SO much more.

Love you X

What?...Me?

"You will save Isreal" . . . "Am I not sending You?" _ declares the Lord.

Gideon has a choice to make.

Stay hiding in the winepress or step out in faith.

Gideon had 2 things holding him back . . . . Cynicism [an inability to trust and believe in God or God's people] and Insecurity [an inability to believe in the value of himself].

The Lord is with YOU, Gideon.

Gideon, YOU will save Isreal.

I am sending YOU.

Go in the strength YOU have.

Yes, Gideon . . . YOU.

As christians today, we can look back through the bible and see many instances where God uses 'ordinaries'. Our insecurities make it very difficult for us to have faith that God could use 'little old me'.

We read and hear about great revivals through out history, but can't seem to comprehend that it could happen where we live. It isn't that we don't believe God is love, it's just we struggle with the fact that God loves US.

This was Gideons problem.

Love you X

Nervous fugitive

After Gideon heard the angel speak "the LORD is with you..." he was probably thinking "WHAT?!...Here in this winepress secretely reaping this harvest so that His people won't starve and hiding in fear of the Midianites?"

'Mighty Warrior' (Gibbor hayil) was a term used to describe a group of noblemen famed for their abilities in battle. Hardly a greeting for a guy hiding in a winepress in fear for his life!

Mighty warriors / Mighty men _ was the term used for the heroic companions of David [a little after Gideon, but you'll get the idea!]. There was Jashobeam a Hacmonite who killed 300 men (with a spear!) in one fight; Eleazar son of Dodai who was with David in the stand of Pas Dammin (sounds impressive!); Abishai the brother of Joab who also killed 300 men in one go; Benaiah son of Jehoiada who went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion!

Gideon wasn't known for his achievements on the battlefield or his abilities in politics.

He was a nervous fugitive.

The rabbis didn't teach that Gideon was a brave man.

Love you x

Melek Yahweh 2 [electric boogaloo]

So who was this Melek Yahweh, this angel of the Lord ?

There are many different ideas of who (or what) he is.

Some say its Theophany [a pre-existant Christ]

Others say he's a cheif or an angelic representation of God on earth.

This Melek Yahweh shows up all the time througout scripture....

comforting Hagar [Gen. 16:7-13] / burning bush with Moses [Ex. 3:2] / appearing before Balaam and REALLY upsetting his donkey! [Num. 22:22] / addressing the nation of Isreal at Bokim [Jud. 2:1] / meeting Joshua to change his clothes [Zech. 3:1] A touch from Melek Yahweh sees Herod eaten by maggots! [Acts. 12:23] / A few years after Gideon's story we see the same angel appear to another threshing floor, but this time it's to David [2Sam. 24:16]

But when he appeared to Gideon, he had no sword of vengance, just a simple message of good news.

Love you x

Melek Yahweh

So in hindsight (or from the vantage point of the observer) we know this guy is an angel, but what does Gideon see?

Radient white, shimmering celestial entity with pure white wings and a glowing halo?

No.
Gideon sees a stranger relaxing whilst he is doing all the work!

What does Gideon hear?

A cherub choir of angelic voices proclaiming "Hosanna!" from heavenly heights?

Or even a thunderous roar of the Zion Lion, proclaiming God's awesomeness and power?

No.

He comes to Gideon (and to us) in our boring normal days.

We must be careful how we treat strangers. (Hebrews 13:2)

An ordinary looking God reveals Himself to an ordinary looking man but has some extra-ordinary information.

*Remember_ God comes to the ordinary.

Love you x

Threshing stick

Judges 6:11

Joash (his name roots back to Joseph) means 'Yahweh has given'. This guy is an Isrealite, a man of the tribe of Manasseh, of God's chosen race. But now he worships baal. Although he ain't royalty, he is quiet well off. He has some power, land, livestock and servants. One of his sons is called . . . .

Gideon. His job (at the begining of this story) is to help bring in the 'secret harvest' of grain. Using an old winepress by Terebrinth (sacred tree). If the Midianites found out they would take it for themselves. He was the youngest son (so had nothing going for him!)

Inside the winepress there was no room for oxen or sledges to aid the threshing. They were forced to use a threshing stick to beat the grain and took it in turns. This was a slow, back-breaking process. Gideon would have been humiliated by 1 of 2 things (or maybe both!);

1) The pagan neighbouring tribes couldn't even be bothered to conquer the Isrealites and claim their land. They just sat back, waited for harvest time and swooped in and took the fruits of their labour and left. (A bit like the grasshoppers in the film Antz)

2) The fact of having to use a threshing stick. This was a farm tool used by the poor (Ruth 2:17)

The winepress should have been a place of joy, rejoicing, celebration at the prospect of new wine ("woo hoo! Party!"). But now it was the scene of humiliation, anger, bitterness and fear (?) [Lamentations 1:15 / Joel 3:13]

Now Gideon notices someone watching them working . . . "How dare he! every man should be helping with the harvest!"

More next time

Love you X

For all the cows

From the outset we see that AGAIN the Isrealites did wrong in the eyes of the Lord.

They were stuck in a cycle . . .

Rebellion. Retribution. Repentance. Rescue.

This wasn't just forgetting to say grace before meals or not saying bless you when someone sneezed.

This was heavy stuff.

Despite that the Lord brought them out of slavery from Egypt and constantly tended for them, they turned away AGAIN and began worshipping false gods and idols. They adopted the gods of their neighbours.

Alters dedicated for Baal and Asherah poles were everywhere in the promise land.

The Isrealites had been falling down like this for hundreds of years. Whilst Moses was up talking with God and getting the 10 Comandments, the people were worshipping a golden calf.

Its all about cows.

Baal (Canaanite) is depicted as a bull. Amon-Re (Egyptian) is a bull. Asshur (Assyrian) is a bull.

There was times when the Lord was with the Isrealites (through the Shofets [Judges]) and the neighbouring nations lived in fear of them. And then there are times when they turned away from the Lord and had to live in fear of the pagans.

In history, this is where we find ourselves in the story. The Isrealites are running scared and hiding in caves. Waiting for the inevitable capture, torture, rape, murder.

Ending on a high!

Love you X

Funky Gideon

OK.

The time has come to begin another bible study (using the wonderful media tool known as 'blogging').

Im currently running through various studies in my quiet time (as well as the studies we do at Oakham), these include . . . .

*Exodus _ Egypt to the promise land

*David _ Shepherd to King

*Nehemiah

*Paul's letters

*Genesis (with thursday youth)

*Ephesians (Sunday mornings)

*Esther (Sunday nights)

Plus, my word for today.

But this isn't enough! We need more bible!

So, via this blog, I'm gonna start a study on Gideon.

I don't know much about Gideon (hence the study!) other than he is one of the judges in the book of Judges and he was a bit of a wuss AND he leaves little bibles in hotels!

So, we set the scene with the Isrealites (God's chosen race) to-ing and fro-ing between worshiping the LORD and various other false gods. Everytime they turn from God something bad happens, everytime something bad happens the turn back to God and cry out to Him for help. (this happens a lot in the whole of the old testament!)

God hears their cries and sends a saviour (of Judge) to help the out. Already in this book we have seen the Isrealites screw up at least 4 times, and God has sent 'judges' to help out (Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar and Deborah).

To help keep the story of Gideon moving AND to keep it relevant to life today I shall be adopting a method called Midrashim.

Midrashim is a teaching (storytelling) method that Rabbis have used since forever. It simply means "to inquire" or "to go in search of", a Rabbi would basically look at how a story could be brought up to date or made more accessable to people here and now.

My next blog will see the start of our study into Gideon. So please familiarize yourself with history [his story] Judges 6,7 & 8.

Also please use this blog to voice your points of view or for any questions through the comments, any feed back will be much appreciated.

Love you X

Questions . . .

I lent a book from Pete's imense library.

It's a book about the questions Jesus asked and why He asked them.

It's a really good book with many interesting ideas for discussion.

I love the different sides to Jesus.

He had so many opposite emotions (or attributes).

I love the way He almost always answered their questions with more questions.

It has opened my eyes to the life of Jesus and how He was so much more than a healer or good teacher.

This will make a very good future sermon or bible study.

Love you x

Growth

In my prayer time yesterday, God revealed a very simple but very real truth.

As a person (physically) the act of growing is to gain your own indepedance and to move away from parents.

This is not the case with God.

When we grow (spirtually) it's the act of losing our independance and growing towards God not away from Him.


Thats it.

Short and sweet.

Love you x

I'm a loser

I like Paul.

He's a great character with a fantastic background.

Just to read where he came from and the journey he took is SO cool.

He started off as a Jew (but no ordinary Jew). His job was to find, hunt down, and persecute christians.

The Pharisees and 'religous' leaders of that time would have thought that when they got rid of Jesus all their problems would be over. However, after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples and they all started performing miracles and seeing the early christian church grow, these 'religous' leaders would have been a bit worried again.

They needed to nip this 'cult' in the bud, before it got too out of control.

Saul (aka Paul) was a very effective persecutor, and his name was feared throughout the early christians. But God chose Saul, and after revealing Himself in 'illuminating' ways, Saul finally 'saw the light'.

Paul (no longer Saul) now made it his mission to spread the word of Jesus throughout many lands.

It amuses me that in Galatians, Paul is defending the right of the gentiles (non jews) to know the Lord and not to have to become a Jew. Previously, this same dude was killing christians because they didn't follow the law of Moses!

Ironic.

I guess I like Paul's story because God took the most unlikely character, someone who was going out of his way to prevent the spread of the gospel, to be one of the fore-runners for missionary.

We see this all the way throught the bible.... Abraham (too old), Moses (had a stutter), Noah (a drunk), David (danced in his pants), Jonah (racist and coward).

The list goes on and on.

God uses normal people.

God uses losers.

He's got nothing else to work with!

Love you x

Cry out to Jesus

To everyone whose lost someone they love

Long before it was there time

You feel like the days you had were not enough

When you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains

Keeping you back from your life

You believe that there's nothing and there is no one

Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless

Rest for the weary

Love for the broken heart

There is grace and forgiveness

Mercy and healing

He'll meet you wherever you are

Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on

They've lost all their faith in love

They've done all they can to make it right again

Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains

You try to give up but you come bakc again

Just remember that you're not alone in your shame

And your suffering

When you're lonely

And it feels like the whole world is falling on you

You just reach out

You just cry out to Jesus

Cry out to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone

Wiping the tears from her eyes

For the childrens around the world without a home

Saya prayer tonight

How good are Third Day ?

Theif in the night

Its my day off today (which is nice 'cause I had to work all weekend!).

Anyhoo, a guy from Barrats came to take photos of our house to put in their ad to sell our house.

I knew he was coming at 13:00 and so I could get the house looking 'up to scratch'.

Because I knew when to expect him I could get all the hoovering, dusting, polishing, washing up done aswell as putting away anything that didn't need to be out. And to improve the overall appearance of the house.

It got me thinking about the second coming (and Phil's song from sunday night!), but if we knew Jesus was coming back at 13:00 then we'd get all our stuff sorted.

All the mess that had accumulated over time would be dealt with, not straight away, but just in time to see His return. We would leave everything until the last minute.

I thank God that we don't know when Jesus is coming back, because the world would be more of a mess than it is now. Sure, we'd see mass conversions hours before He was due to return, but that isn't the point.

It's about living every day as if it's our last here on earth.

It's about looking at how and why we live our lives and asking ourselves "is this what Jesus wanted from me ?"

Jesus is coming back . . . so don't look busy, get busy!

Love you X

Mountain of God

Im currently working my way through Exodus.

Ive got to the bit where Moses is the go-between for God and the Isrealites.

It makes me chuckle to think of Moses running up the mountain (at the age of 80 ish!) and God saying "tell the people the LORD says..." and then Moses running back down to the Isrealites and telling them what God has said. Then the people say "Moses, tell the LORD...." and Moses runs back up the moutain.

This goes on for chapters!

I struggle with the fact that I'm human (and destined to screw up!), I think if only I'd have been around back then when God revealed Himself in fire and thunder and wind and through Moses.... THEN my faith would be unshakable! But we see that the Isrealite (inspite of this very visual God) still make the same mistakes we make.

Moses comes down the mountain (after getting the 10 commandments) and finds that the Isrealites have made a golden calf and are worshipping it!

Third Day have done a song caled Mountain of God (chorus)

Even though the journey's long

And I know the road is hard

Well, the One whose gone before me

He will help me carry on

After all that I've been through

Now I realize the truth

That I must go through the valley

To stand upon the mountain of God

Love you x

John 2

Everyone knows the story.

Jesus is at a party (a wedding reception), the social event of the Jewish year!

He's there with his mom (family was very important). And in this story we see Jesus first miracle (or sign).

Running out of wine wasn't just a pain in the ass, it was seen as shame or disgarce upon the family name.

John suggests that miracles (signs) were always pointing to something else.

Even though Jesus said this, what He really meant was that...

Jewish comparrisons:

When Jews would hear (or read) these stories it would conjure up other images in their head.

Regardez . . .

Wedding - This story is set in a wedding. Weddings were always large occasions in the bible, and almost always represented the relationship between God and people. The church is Christ's Bride (for example)

"The master was pleased" - God is our master. (pretty simple!)

Third day - (not the band!) The wedding party takes place on the 3rd day.... hmmm what else in the bible could of happend on the 3rd day? The Resurrection.

Wine - Heaven.

This 1st miracle was the anticipation of heaven and earth coming together.

We all know this story as Jesus turning water into wine, BUT nowhere does it mention this fact.

Its through Jesus power and authority, but its more about the servants doing what Jesus tells them to do.

Jesus DOES turn the water to wine, BUT he does it through others.

Real miracles happen when we do what Jesus tells us.

This is what it looks like when heaven and earth meet.

Love you x

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL

Worn out, wasted

Like a bird with broken wings

Sometimes, grace reminds me

I don't get to be the king

But love it washes over

Love it pulls me closer

Love it changes everything

So everything is beautiful

Even when the tears are falling

I don't need a miracle to believe

Even in the crashing down

I can hear redemption calling

And everything is beautiful to me

Sweetly, You release me

From the weight of what I've done

The trigger trips the hammer

But the bullets never come

And love like a landslide

Like the wind

Spins around me pulls me in

At it's unveiling, I begin

This song just nails it.
This band knows what it feels like to live as Jesus' hands and feet in the world today.

Scared?

Since I last blogged 2 things have happend . . .

1) The first of our two evaluations on the house have been done

2) I have been "moved" to the Bilston store

BOTH of the events scare the hell out of me!

It is said that humans are creatures of habbit.

This is most deffinately true of me.

I like to know where I'm at and what I'm doing.

The idea that mine and Janine's future is in the hands of some random guy (from Skitts!) is terrifying!

The very thaught of not doing "auto-pilot" at work is worrying.

Ive read that worry is a sign of lack of faith (and/or trust) in God.

I don't want to have a lack of faith!

I want to be full of faith . . . . Faithful!!!

Anyhoo, I have spoken to Stef (assistant manager at Bilston) and she has put my mind at ease (a little!), but I don't want anymore nights of broken sleep over this.

Its just a job.

Its not me.

Its not what I am.

Is it?

Please pray for me, I could do with the backup!

Many thanks and blessings.

Love you X

iPod goodness!

Well, its finally done!
My iTunes is copied and my iPod is synched!
I have music (with album artwork), music videos, short films, podcasts and Noomas!
Oh yes! Rob Bell is on my iPod (no Jon, its not like looking in the mirror!)

Its SO pretty!

Now I just need our evaluation on our house to be what we want, and then we can move into our 3 bedroom 3 floor town house!

God is good!

What ?!!!

1% of the worlds population uses 40% of the worlds rescources.

To completely solve the worlds health and nutrition problems it would cost $20 billion.

Thats how much a year Americans spend on icecream.

Switchfootage 2 (Electric Boogaloo)

Today is my birthday.

One of my presents from Janine was Switchfootage 2 (Switchfoot DVD), and for the last 2 years those 5 guys have (Monday - Friday) woke up late(in San Diego!), surfed until dinnertime, then practiced songs and recoerded tracks for their last 2 albums in their own practice room/recording studio. (Saturday - Sunday) Woke up late, travelled in a VW Van, rocked out for Jesus infront of thousands of people.

Not a bad way to spend 2 years!

Oh! Gravity! is awesome too!

Love you x

Think YOU have problems?

Everything in this world screams for the self.

Jesus tells us of another way.

Adverts and other culture medias tell us that if we just concerntrate on what we need.... then our lives will be complete.

Jesus say love God and love others.

Where is the "I" in thast last sentance ?

The world says if only you live in this house, drive this car, drink this beer, use this shaver, get this aftershave, eat in this resturaunt, go on this holiday, have this job, wear these clothes, earn this much a year, get this kinda girl (or boy!) on your arm . . . THEN you know you've made it.

Jesus says sell your stuff, give the money to the poor, and follow me.

Our problems are usually to do with us. Money, bills, our wants (not needs). There are loads of self-help books out there now, but the truth is they can't help. Just as soon as you deal with one problem another one pops up in its place.

Offer them to God along with everything else. Say. . .

"I'm not gonna carry this junk around with me for one more second".

Take a look around you, find someone who seems really happy in themselves, someone who really seems to milk life for all its worth, someone who seems to have no worries in the world.

Got them in mind ?

Chances are that they have taken the focus of themself and are using there time and abilities to serve others.

Try serving instead of being served today.

Love you X

My Everything

I give You everything

even my failure and my mistakes.

I give You all of me

'cause I have nothing elese to give to You (my everything).

Maybe someday You will show me exactly my true purpose

what I'm capable of.

'Cause now I feel so helpless, so undeserving

of Your love.

I understand this questions why, we come to You in prayer

with our heads bowed down.

And now I'm the lost son, and You've welcomed me back

with open arms.

And when I think about Your Son, all the pain He went through

He died for me.

The sacrifice has been made, my debt has been re-paid

and now I'm free.

All the things I once thaught precious, that held some value

count for none.

God waits for our return home, His heavenly throne

for everyone.

Love you x

Hallel

Are you familiar with hallel ?

Probably not (unless you're Amy Knight!)

Hallel translates as "Praise [God]" and is a collection of 6 Psalms (113 - 118) that is read / chanted / sang on Jewish holy days and 'joyous occasions'.

Hallel is usually chanted as part of Shacharit (morning prayer service) following the Shacharit's Shemoneh Esreh ("The Eighteen", main prayer).

It is recited during the first night of Passover as well as Shavuot, Sukkot, Hanukka and Rosh Chodesh (begining of a new month).

Interestingly enough, (or perhaps not!) it is from these recitals we get many of our modern worship songs. His Love Endures Forever is a prime example.

So at the last supper, it is very probable that Jesus and His disciples would have endulged in this Hallel. And if we believe that the scriptures are inspired by God or "God-breathed" (well...Do we?). Then is it at all likely that God had inspired David to pen these Psalms that He knew would be used and part of this ceremonial singing/chanting (worship), so that He could use it as a form of expression when He is on the Earth in human-form?

This is HUGE!

Esentially God wrote that song for Himself !

It brings a whole new level to the way in which we veiw Jesus. We know He was fully God and fully man. But here we see a much more vulnerable Jesus.

A Jesus who prays and asks that this purpose and direction He's headed be taken away from Him.

A Jesus who sweat blood with worry and concern.

A Jesus who, in the most sensative time with His disciples, needed a song.

Just like we need a song.

Go ahead! Hallel yourself!

Love you x

Everything for Jesus

Whatever you're doing today . . . Do it for Jesus.

Send me comments and let me know what stuff you've done for jesus today!

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

Superbowl XLI

Damn it!
Patriots lost to the Colts 38 - 34.

That means we got a Bears v Colts superbowl in a couple of weeks!

Im definitely supporting the Chicargo Bears. Woop! Woop!

How 'bout dem Bears?!

Worship

I'm leading the worship again on sunday, and I never really thought about how much of an important job that is.
Before all it meant to me was that I had the task of picking the songs and have to ramble on in between them.
But after listening to a sermon about worship by Rob Bell, I discovered that leading the worship IS quite a big deal!
It should be guided by God. I should pray and meditate on His word, before asking Him to help me pick the songs, I should be open to let the worship time move freely in the direction that God wants.

I should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

The words should be meant and not just sang.

I should put great words on His peoples lips.

I want to be SO much more for Jesus than I am now.

I want to stop letting God down over and over again.

I want to be an inspiration to the people I love, like the way I'm inspired by them.

I want to thank you, my christian brothers and sisters, for challenging me to do better.
To live my life the way I should.
Help me to put great words on your lips this sunday.

Love you x

Wii

Can I get a "woop woop!"?
My nintendo Wii came this morning and its my day off, so guess whose been playing Wii sports and Wario all day?!

Its all white and minimal and pretty looking.

Love You X

Micah 6:16

After this post we will go back to verse 9 of chapter 6 and work through into chapter 7. This is because the next topic crosses over the chapter divide. The next topic is Judgement (but that'll be the next post!). Cofused? 'cause I am!

In this verse it mentions a guy called Omri.

Omri was a king who reigned over Isreal and led the people to idol worship (1Kings 16:21-26). His son was Ahab, was Isreal's most wicked and evil ruler (1Kings 16:29-33). If the people were being influenced by these types of people alone, they were in for some big trouble.

This was the mother of all insults to God. And remember this is still the old testament God.

The God who smites!

You do not want to mess with Him! And they were basically spitting in His face!

"Remember all those times our God has gotten us out of trouble?...Screw that! Im gonna bow down to some statue of the god of cheese!"

Idiots!

X

Micah 6:5-8

At this point Micah has already delivered 2 of his 3 messages: a message of warning (verses1&2) and a message of promise (verses 3-5). His third message is a challenge to the people to trust in the Lord and obey Him. For its only through this trust and obidience that they can be forgiven and saved from the punishment that they are owed.

Throughout the history of the old testament it is important to remember just how essential it was to the Jewish nation to trust in the Lord. (Gen 12: 1-3, John 4:22)

The story of Balak and Balaam is found in Numbers:22-24 (if people are interested) basically, this story is mentioned by Micah to remind the people of a covenant that was made between them and God.

It was this forgetfullness of the people that would condem them. When people refuse to see how fortunate they are then they begin to take God (and His blessings) for granted and become self-centred. This is what was going on here.

People have tried many ways over the years to please God, but God makes it very clear what He wishes us to do. He wants us to be fair, just, and merciful, and to walk humbly with Him.

As Ive mentioned before, this message from Micah was very much like a courtroom set-up. Micah uses 3 key points to underline the importance of repentance. . . . guilt, punishment and mercy. The first of these are found in these verses we are looking at today.

Because of great guilt, trust the Lord;

Along with Micah reminding the people of Balak and Balaam, he also mentions Isreal's crossing of the Jordan river and entering the promised land (Josh 3-4). The very same God who opened and closed the Red sea did the same with the Jordan so His people may claim their inheritance. He did for them what they couldn't do themselves. But all that is forgotten.

It is important for God's people to remember what He has done for them. The word "remember" is found 14 times in the book of Deuteronomy. As it is important not to live in or dwell on the past, it is essential that we learn from it. Otherwise we will continue to make the same mistakes.

Interestingly enough, in this passage we see the people answering Micah back and attempting to bargin with God or even buy Him off with a few calves. Nothing we have to offer the Lord will ever come close to repaying Him for all He has done for us.

The people simply didnt get what Micah was saying to them. The very fact of how guilty they were should have motivated them to turn away from their sin.

The only people who God can save are lost .

The only people who God can forgive are guilty.

X

Its the weirdest thing . . . .

This morning in my prayer time with God I got onto the subject of sin. Now I know this is one of those things we dont like talking about but . . . I was kinda beating myself up over the fact that even though I know Im forgiven of my sins (past, present and future) I didnt want to continually keep letting God down.

Each morning I make a habbit of saying sorry to God for the stuff ive done wrong the day before, but today I realised I was gonna do just as much wrong tomorrow aswell. This was kind of bugging me, and I know the idea is to strive to improve each day and to try to be more Christ-like, but I want to see better results! Everytime I seem to be improving and growing spiritually I fall back down.

I suppose its the getting back up again that counts.

Then I put on Nooma 0010 Lump (its the one with the little white ball) and it really spoke to me about this wrestling match that I'd been having with myself. Rob Bell says to his son who has done wrong "there is nothing you can do to make me love you any less". He goes on to say that this is how God feels about us. About me!
He knows Im a loser and rejoices in that fact.

There is nothing I can do to make Him love me any less!

Then in my bible time I turned to the book of Romans (which is written by Paul to the non-jews) and chapter 8 towards the end of the chapter (v38/39) it speaks of Gods love for us.

Nothing will ever be able to seperate us from the love of God

X

Unashamed

I have not much

To offer you

Not near what You deserve

But still I come

Because Your cross

Has placed in me my worth

And I know I'm weak

I know I'm unworthy

To call upon Your name

But because of Your grace

Because of Your mercy

I stand here unashamed

Oh Christ my king

Of sympathy

Whose wounds secure my peace

Your grace extends

To call me friend

Your mercy sets me free

I can't explain

This kind of love

I'm humbled and amazed

That You'd come down

From heavens heights

And greet me face to face

Here I am at Your feet

In my brokeness complete

X

Christmas

I'm leading the service on Christmas morning and Andy is speaking.
He has asked me to play a song on the guitar as part of his message.
The song is by Relient K, and it's called I celebrate the day.

Although I had already heard Relient K, I'd never heard that song before.

It's amazing!

It really captures the true meaning of Christmas and asks some very good questions.

The chorus goes . . . .

And the first time

That you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my saviour

And the first breath

That left your lips

Did you know that it would change the world forever

This christmas think about this chorus.

And join with me by celebrating the day that He was born to die so we could one day pray for Him to save our lives.

Amen x

Sorry

And I've tried to heal the wounds

Make it as if it never was

And I know I've done my best

But I can never heal the scars

I wanna say I'm sorry but I know I'll do it again

I'll do it again

I know what I did but I still don't know the reason

I wanna say I'm sorry but I know I'll do it again

I'll do it again

I'll do it to you

I don't wanna hurt you anymore

Order in the court !

Micah 6: 1-3

Here we see Micah conjuring images of a courtroom. Obviously, God as the judge. Telling His people how they have wronged Him and each other and reciting what He asks of them.

Within Micah, chapters 4 and 5 bring messages of hope and 6 and 7 proclaim judgement and require repentance from His people.

Here we see that the mountains themselves are the jury, where God calls to confirm the peoples guilt.

These mountains would serve as excellent witnesses, due to the fact that it would have been up in those high places that God's people would have built there pagan alters and sacrifices to their false gods ( 1 Kings 14:23 / Jeremiah 17: 2-3 / Ezekiel 20: 27-28 )

This question asked from God, is unanswerable. Simply because He has done nothing wrong. In fact, He had been over generous and very patient with them. Always showing them love, guidance and giving them every opportunity to repent and return to Him.

If God asked you this question, what would be your reply ?

Love you x

Oooh! Oooh!

You should all check out

www.nobodyswatching.tv

Those guys are funny!

Deliverance and Destruction

Micah 5:7-15

Within these few verses there are many descriptions of just how the all powerful God is gonna open a can of whoop-ass on these suckas! . . . Seriously, this is a mega warning to the peoples. God's patience has well and truely been s t r e t c h e d.

In my bible this section of verse 5 is entitled Deliverance and Destruction. On first glance it is easy to see the destruction part of this, but on closer inspection the deliverance part becomes clear also.

Destruction;

Like a lion among beasts of the forest,

Like a young lion among flocks of sheep,

which mauls and mangles as it goes,

and no-one can rescue. (verse 8)

I will destroy your horses from among you,

and demolish your chariots. (verse 10)

I will destroy the cities of your land,

and tear down all your strongholds. (verse 11)

Here are just three obvious example of where God is quite clear in His intentions.

However, this is all just relative. And His overal goal is for the benefit of His people.

Later in the chapter it continues to explain how God will rid the land of witchcraft, false idols and false gods/goddess (Asherah, verse 14). Surely this destruction is for the ultimate deliverance. Think back to Noah, the world had got SO bad that God's only option was to completely wipe out life on the planet (sparing Noah and co.). If that was the state of the Earth in such a short period of time from perfection (Eden), then just imagine what God sees when He looks at the Earth today!

We must remember that all these words we read are prophetic, and did in this case take place within history as we know it. However, I believe that some of these words of warning could be meant for modern day Isreal. In particular the conflict going on at this very time in Jerusalem.

Try reading these verses again with the world as we know it in your mind, any of it sound familiar?

Love you x

Deliverance and Destruction

Micah 5:7-15

Within these few verses there are many descriptions of just how the all powerful God is gonna open a can of whoop-ass on these suckas! . . . Seriously, this is a mega warning to the peoples. God's patience has well and truely been s t r e t c h e d.

In my bible this section of verse 5 is entitled Deliverance and Destruction. On first glance it is easy to see the destruction part of this, but on closer inspection the deliverance part becomes clear also.

Destruction;

Like a lion among beasts of the forest,

Like a young lion among flocks of sheep,

which mauls and mangles as it goes,

and no-one can rescue. (verse 8)

I will destroy your horses from among you,

and demolish your chariots. (verse 10)

I will destroy the cities of your land,

and tear down all your strongholds. (verse 11)

Here are just three obvious example of where God is quite clear in His intentions.

However, this is all just relative. And His overal goal is for the benefit of His people.

Later in the chapter it continues to explain how God will rid the land of witchcraft, false idols and false gods/goddess (Asherah, verse 14). Surely this destruction is for the ultimate deliverance. Think back to Noah, the world had got SO bad that God's only option was to completely wipe out life on the planet (sparing Noah and co.). If that was the state of the Earth in such a short period of time from perfection (Eden), then just imagine what God sees when He looks at the Earth today!

We must remember that all these words we read are prophetic, and did in this case take place within history as we know it. However, I believe that some of these words of warning could be meant for modern day Isreal. In particular the conflict going on at this very time in Jerusalem.

Try reading these verses again with the world as we know it in your mind, any of it sound familiar?

Love you x

The Land of Nimrod

Micah 5:5&6

Way back in chapter 3 we read about the corrupt leaders of Judah, now here in chapter 5 verse 5 we hear Micah talk of seven shepherds and eight princes. This is a reference to the exact opposite of the leaders of that time. Micah speaks of many good leaders that will be raised up when the messiah returns to reign.

When Assyria is mentioned by Micah it is not just about that land at that time. It is symbolic of all nations throughout history that oppose God's people.

This chapter is one of the clearest prophecies of Christ's coming in the Old Testament. The key phrase within this text is "He will be our Peace".

In one of the last meetings between JC and his 12 he said, "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27).

With the first coming of JC we are given the oppurtunity of peace with God. No fear of judgement. His peace gives us assurance in this dark world full of war.

With the second coming of JC all wars and weapons will be destroyed.

Amen!

Love you x

Eternal King (not Elvis!)

Micah 5:2

This king that Micah is going on about is . . . . (you've guessed it!) . . . . Jesus!!! (the Messiah)

Micah actually predicted Christ's birthplace hundreds of years before it took place. The promised eternal king from the line of David, who would come to Earth and live as a man, had been alive forever_ "from everlasting ages past."

Although eternal, he entered human history as a man, Jesus of Nazareth.

Many people during the time of Jesus would refuse to believe that He was the son of God (the messiah) because of his lowley and humble upbringing.

"A carpenter from bethlehem?!"

Their messiah would have royal blood and be rich and powerful (in the eyes of humans) and deffinately would NOT ride into the city He was supposed to be king of on a donkey!

So many times our preconceived ideas of what God is going to do in our lives gets in the way of what God actually wants to do with us.

Lord, help me to not get caught up on what I am expecting from You, and help me to concerntrate on listening to what You have to say.

Love you x

Strike my face!

Micah 5:1

Jerusalem was very wealthy and powerful, and VERY stubborn! They deemed it ludicrous and impossible the idea that their mighty nation could be destroyed. No matter how big or powerful their king, even he couldn't stop what God had in store for them.

Its kinda ironic that this big wealthy powerful nation couldnt be saved by its big wealthy powerful king, but in Bethlehem (a tiny poor town) would be born a king who could save these people (and the rest!).

The judge mentioned in this verse was probably King Zedekiah who reigned in Jerusalem when Nebuchanezzar conquered the city (2 Kings 25:1). Zedekiah was the last king of David's line to sit on the throne in Jerusalem. Micah prophesied that the next king in David's line would be the Messiah, who would start a kingdom that would last forever.

How cool is it that our God is the King, as well as our father?

We are all Princes and Princesses.

The same royal blood that ran down the cross at calvary runs through mine and your veins.

This isnt just a nice idea. This is real.

Love you x