Monday, October 30, 2006

How many hairs are on your head?

Estimation is that there is on average about 100,000 to 200,000 hairs on each humans head. But I guess this is not something that we go about counting. To us, it is probably useless piece of information that we dont spend too much time thinking about. I was thinking about the following verses from Matthew:

Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Your heavenly father knows how many hairs are on the top of your head. To him it is not a useless piece of trivia. It shows us that he knows us inside out and back to front.

So, are you afraid?

You Father knows you intimately and desires to hear you come with your requests.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Flooding

It has been quite a wet couple of weeks here in Dingwall and some areas of Dingwall have hit the news with flooding with no trains running to the north or to kyle of Lochalsch. Dave has a clip on this over on his blog
*Update* More footage is on Dave's blog regarding the flood here in Dingwall (These clips have made its way to BBC. )

You can see the BBC article on the floods here

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Thank God for Creation

Picture taken from Limone, Lake Garda, Italy (Friday 6th October)

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Being Honest with God

Heard a few sermons recently looking at being honest with God. When used we say we argue with God - this doesn't sit well when we speak about promises and purposes of God. The Psalms often start out arguing with God. But then remember God or realise that they are blessed to find themselves in God. It is amazing to see the turnaround in Psalm. The Change of outlook. Piper has a sermon on this theme on "How to Argue with God" from Psalm 143 and can follow it here
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To view more on this theme you can view a previous post entitled Just be yoursel in Prayer

Purposes, Purposes Purposes!

As well as knowing about the promises of God - we need to know that we have a purpose. Esther was told in Esther 4:14:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther is told that she is here for a purpose - such a time as this. She was used in the position of queen. When we come to Him in prayer we need to remember that we too are here for a purpose - such a time as this.

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Speaking on Esther, Just discovered that there is a movie to come out speaking about the story of Esther entitled One Night with the King . Does anybody know if there is a showing in the UK? Has anybody reading this seen the film?

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Promises, Promises, Promises!!

Promises, Promises, Promises...we are always making promises. We settle down to do something or have our dinner then the phone rings. Somebody phones promising you a deal that in their eyes is not worth missing! Only problem with some of them is that the deal is only available today during the phone call. They want you to make an instant decision and you want time to see how their changes will affect you and indeed whether there is any small print to these deals.
Politicians make promises. It is so easy to make these in a lead up to some election or in opposition. But what happens when they come to the reality of governing. They may find that they have to break promises but hope we will not notice.

Why all this talk about Promises? We need this sure confidence of knowing that as we speak to God that is promises are indeed true. I know for sure that I can come to God trusting his promises because I have not known him to break them I have just posted these verses as verses for this week.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

We are still learning about his promises and comprehend them but never the less it is good daily to remind ourselves of these promises. It is interesting that the Hymnwriter of the tradtional hymn "Standing on The Promises" actually had these verses in mind as he came to write the hymn.
It says to us that the God of the Old Testament is the God of the new testament. As Gods Son Jesus Christ was revealed, we see that the promises God made were yes and amen in him. Then we see the work of the Holy Spirit. He serves as your guarantee of what is to come. The Holy Spirit lives, moves and breathes in us giving us a glimpse of what is to come.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Christianity Todays Interview with Philip Yancey on his book on Prayer


"Philip Yancey is known for asking hard questions about the Christian life. Bestselling classics like Disappointment with God, The Jesus I Never Knew, and What's So Amazing About Grace? have made him one of the contemporary church's most compelling voices. In his new book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? (Zondervan), Yancey once again explores a profound subject from the perspective of a curious and candid observer. Today's Christian recently chatted with the author about Prayer and his journey as a writer."

To see this written Interview on the Christanity today site click here

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Come Holy people!


I have been reading this book Red Moon Rising (Story of 24-7 prayer) Written by Peter Greig and Dave Roberts. I have really enjoyed the passion for prayer and desire to follow in God's ways of those who have written the book. The story is told by Peter Greig who in obedience to what God was saying to him answered his call. He tells the story of setting up prayer rooms in the unlikely of places over the world. They marvel at how God has put things together and put people in place. But it isnt without the difficulties even Peter, the founder went through a difficult time when they had discovered that his wife had brain tumour. At that time a number of the other members were going through difficulties of a great scale. But they kept going!
What struck me? It has been known to pray "Come Holy Spirit" or even Lord will you bless my plans? Have ever asked God what are you doing and how can I be a part of it? Peter reckoned that as they moved forward it is the Holy Spirit saying "Come Holy People". It is so true we dont want to miss what the Lord has for us. So when hear the call lets obey the gracious invitation.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

No resentment!

A new verse for this week has been posted:

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God really wants you to do - ask him he will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking - James 1:5, New Living Translation

Chose the new living translation as it mentions the fact that God does not resent us coming into his presence and asking. I feel this came over well in Philip Yancey's book.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Philip Yancey & Prayer: Does it make a difference?


Yip I have completed the book and really enjoyed this devotional and challenging book. The book is birthed from feedback of readers of his previous books that have struggled with this issue of prayer. In fact in this book contains various letters about readers who have wrestled with prayer.
Philip does not set out to be an expert in prayer. In fact probably finds himself in the same boat as the reader. He too struggles with prayer. He doesnt have all the answers. So often we want these straight answers and quick fixes.
I feel that Philip definiely makes us think about these things we dont understand about prayer.
He even talks about unanswered prayerand reminds us that Jesus were seemingly not answered - Jesus had asked that if it be his will the cup be removed from him if it were to be the Fathers will. The biggest impression was that it is okay to be honest or even wrestle in prayer. I
didnt just feel like I was reading a dry book on prayer but a book that spoke and gave me a fresh perspective on prayer..

Monday, October 09, 2006

Soren Kierkegaard on Prayer

Well as I read Philip Yancey's books on prayer I discovered a quote from the philosopher Soren A Kirkegaard about Prayer:

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays" (Soren A Keirkegard) for more info on Kierkegard check out Brian's blog on Kierkegaard here

This is one of points that Philip Yancey brings out well in his book. We should never expect to be changed but we can expect as the pray-er to be changed. For me just coming to him really changes the focus of the pray-er.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Batteries Recharged!

There is nothing like a holiday to recharge your batteries. Morven, Catriona & I have enjoyed our time in italy in the cliffs as we have explored some of the towns of Lake Garda & Verona & there will be more of that on our italy blog.
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I had the opportunity to complete Philip Yancey's book on prayer and will be saying more on that over the course 0f the next couple of days as I find my feet again! Suffice to say that I really enjoyed considering the various thoughts on prayer.
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Another book which I have mentioned I was hoping to read - I have now started Red Moon Rising (story of 24-7 prayer) and am enjoying the passion with which it is written!
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More to follow soon ----- watch this space!!!!