When the lights went out

Last night (or should I say early morning) I went to my computer with this text etched on my mind to prepare a picture text to upload to Facebook. It seemed a random text as I hadn't been reading or studying it but well it must be meant for someone. I believe these words of Jesus to Peter can be applied to God's people and maybe you are that someone who needs it today.

Shortly after uploading, boom, my computer just stopped without any warning. The screen was black. I immediately thought: ah no, that's bad for my computer; or has it just crocked it? Then, I suddenly realized it is dark all around me. The lights were out and it was pitch dark. I really could see nothing. It was weird because, as anyone who lives in the town knows, even when the the house lights go out, the street lights still show light into the home.

But here's my quick chain of thought as I dealt with it (I cannot write as quickly as I thought):

It is not Jesus coming back for He will come in clouds with great glory and with a mighty shout. It is not hell for there is no fire or shrieks of the eternally lost souls. Ah, the lights must have tripped so I felt around the table for my phone. The light from the screen showed me my way for the short time it stayed on. But how will I make Adrian's lunch with that stopping every minute? I really need to make him lunch as restaurants are shut because of coronavirus restrictions. 

So, with the aid of my phone screen light I searched for a torch but the couple I found didn't work. Then, it suddenly dawned on me that there was a torch on my phone! Silly me. So, Adrian's lunch was made under torch light 😃 Then, off to bed for there was no point sitting up.

However, in the middle of all this, I stepped outside and saw that the street lights were out, too. In the darkness I lifted my eyes up to heaven and saw the beauty of the stars twinkling. What a beautiful glimmer of hope provided by the Creator!

So what's my point in all this? Why am I rambling on? Well, let's read the full text first:

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Luke 22v31-32

Satan wanted to destroy Simon Peter's life so that he would not do great exploits for God BUT Jesus prayed for Peter. That made all the difference. Yes, Jesus is God and He knew exactly how Peter was feeling and all he was struggling with. God had purpose for Peter's life but he needed strong faith. So, Jesus prayed that Peter's faith would not fail. After this Peter denied the Lord 3 times with oaths and cursing but he repented with bitter tears and 3 times affirmed his love for the Lord. His faith had faltered but did not fail. Later Peter would be the one who would strengthen his brothers in Christ.

Today you may be feeling great pressure upon your faith in God. Perhaps this lockdown and isolation from friends and church has caused you to doubt, question or despair of your faith in Christ. Maybe the Bible is not as precious to you as it used to be. You are crying for help and the temptation is to give up on your faith. Satan would love to destroy you and make you a failure BUT remember Jesus is praying for you in heaven (Romans 8v34; Hebrew 7v25). His prayers cannot fail. He has purpose for your life.

In conclusion, I hope these points will be helpful:

1. Just as the stars seem to shine brightest in the darkest night, so you can shine in the darkness  that you are experiencing at this time.
2. The Lord Jesus understands and cares about you in all your struggles and you can trust His praying for you, so leave your life in His hands. 
3. Your faith may falter but it will not fail when Jesus is praying for you.
4. God will give you the privilege of fulfilling the purpose He has for you after your faith is strengthened.

It is amazing how it took the lights to go out to switch me on to what God was saying. May these few scattered thoughts be a blessing to you.

Questions in Lockdown

We have been living with restrictions to our daily lives because of coronavirus and of course we are all looking forward to the time when things can get back to normal. What the new normal will be I just do not know but I have put together a few thought provoking questions to help us think about how we can make the most of our time in lockdown and benefit from it. Here they are:

1. How are you using this time in lockdown to evaluate what matters in life?

Yes, you may have less stress from running in the rat race of life and there may be less pollution in the air but have you been rediscovering the little things that matter in life? Has spending time with your family cooking, painting, gardening, reading, listening to music and online info, etc. given you a new appreciation of family life? What precious times do you plan to continue after lockdown? Will you view your employment differently when all this is over? What and who will you value more?

2. What are you doing to benefit your spiritual, physical and mental health?

Yes, you need proper rest, good diet, and exercise. Perhaps you have been spending time on your hobbies and even DIY jobs around the house. These are all very beneficial for your well-being but do not forget to take time out for God. Also, remember to share the load of household chores and if you are struggling with home educating your children, make sure to take time out for yourself.

3. If you believe in God, do you turn to HIM first with all your heart in this crisis?

Yes, it is good to heed the advice of the experts and follow the government's guidelines for keeping safe. But perhaps as you listen to all the media reports your heart is filled with worry and fear.

Remember, Jesus said: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 14v1)

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3v5+6) 

Trust the Lord in the crisis and trust Him to solve it, even though we may have many questions about why it is happening.

4. If you believe God answers prayer, are you trusting God to answer prayer?

There are so many things to pray for: Those suffering and bereaved, world leaders, church leaders, medical staff, key workers, wisdom and healing, and much, much more. Pray people will turn to God through this pandemic. However, it is so easy to say prayers that are really only from the lips and not from the heart. Trust God with all your heart to answer prayer.

Jesus said, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11v24)

5. If you believe the 10 commandments are God's moral rule for our lives, what are you doing to keep them during lockdown?

I suggest that you get your Bible out and go down each commandment as found in Exodus 20v3-17, carefully considering how you can  keep these commandments during lockdown. Don't forget to consider how your time on the internet and social media relates to them. Don't forget your heart attitude as well. I think if we are honest we all fail to keep the 10 commandments perfectly.

6. If you are a Christian, how are you practising Christ's command to love thy neighbour as thyself?

Jesus taught that we are to love God first and that we are to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22v37-39). Our neighbour is not just the person who lives next door but other people too. You may not be able to get out during lockdown and isolation but that doesn't mean you cannot keep in touch with and care for others. A little text or phone call may be all it takes to encourage and help others. Praise God for social media and all the benefits of modern technology. Of course, you may even be able to bring essentials to those who cannot go out. Perhaps you know someone vulnerable or in danger??

7. How are you making use of all the volume of good material and sermons online?

Now that the churches are closed, it would be so easy to forget about listening to sermons and just let Sunday pass as any other day. However, most churches are providing teaching for adults and children by various means online. In fact, I have never seen my Facebook newsfeed so filled with good sermons, children's talks, helpful blogs, hymns and gospels songs. Research these for yourself.

8. Are you thankful?

The Bible tells us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5v18)

Be thankful for your blessings, food to eat, and lovely weather. Just imagine what lockdown would be like inside in the cold and wet! I am so thankful for being able to enjoy the sunshine in my back garden. Praise God for answered prayer and for all those who recovered.

9. Are you hopeful?

Yes, we hope it will end soon. Hope for vaccine/cure. But the Bible talks about the living hope we have through Christ. Read 1 Peter 1v3-5. This is not just some hope for the best, maybe it will happen by chance idea. No, this Biblical hope is steadfast, as if we already had it. Do you possess that living hope and strong assurance of faith?


By considering all these questions honestly and privately, I hope they will help you to decide how you will come out of lockdown a better and stronger person.

Please do not send me answers to these questions as they are not a test. I do not pretend to have all the answers right in my own life but I just offer the above questions to you for careful contemplation.

Love God and stay safe!
Rhonda

Easter Lockdown

Easter is on lockdown. We are asked to stay at home. No trips to the beach or scenic places that we always enjoy at Easter. No visiting family and friends. No groups gathering for egg hunts or special Easter meals. No church services to remember Christ's resurrection and take communion at. About a quarter of the world's populatuion is in some form of lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic. Not exactly the way we like to spend Easter.

Nonetheless, all this reminds me of the first Easter lockdown. You can read about it in the Bible in John 20v19-29. The disciples of Jesus had spent three of the most frightful days of their lives. Jesus their Master had been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested in Gethsemane, whipped and beaten, mocked and spat upon, tried and falsely accused, denied by Peter and then cruelly put to death on an old Roman cross. The disciples were terrified and had fled in fear. They were afraid of the Jews delivering them up to the Romans to be treated likewise. So, they assembled together, shut the doors and went into lockdown.

But while these strong, healthy men were terrified and in lockdown, some women were making their way through the empty streets of Jerusalem very early in the morning just as the first day of the week was beginning to dawn. They were to make the most amazing discovery....Christ had risen from the dead. Yes, they were frightened by the angel at the tomb but they got the message very clearly about Jesus: "He is not here for He is risen." Then, while they ran to tell the disciples, the Lord appeared to them and they worshipped Him.

Later that day Jesus appeared in the room where the disciples were locked away for fear of the Jews. He did not burst into the room or enter through the door. He just suddenly appeared inside the room in His resurrected body. Only Thomas was missing and he would not believe until he had seen the risen Christ for himself.

I want to draw your attention to how the Lord dealt with His terrified disciples.

1. He greeted them with peace

They were terrified, in fear because of the Jews and now this figure suddenly appears, standing in the room before them! He greets them with words of peace (v20) in the midst of their fear. Perhaps you are filled with fear at this time. The news is full of coronavirus reports and they strike fear into your soul. Remember, Jesus can bring you peace. He is the One who speaks peace in the midst of the storm and calms the waves. Perhaps it would be an idea for you to sit down with your Bible and find times when Jesus brought peace.

Jesus had told His disciples before He went to Calvary, 'Let not your hearts be troubled...' (John 14v1-3); 'My peace I give unto you... In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world' (John 14v27; 16v33). So, may the peace of God that passes all understanding give you courage and strength at this time.

2. He showed them His scars

He showed them the scars of the nailprints in His hands and feet and the scar where the spear was thrust into His side (John 20v20 cp Luke 24v39+40). He was not just a spirit standing before them. His resurrected body was real. His wounds were not still bleeding, for the full price for our sin was paid when He shed His blood on the cross at Calvary. This really was the Lord. It was no imposter. He had the scars to prove it. He had risen as He said He would. Yes, He had conquered death and burst open the tomb that morning. The soldiers could not stop Him. Not even Satan himself could stop Christ.

When the Lord entered the disciples' lockdown and showed them His scars, the Bible says, Then they were glad (v20). They were filled with gladness when they recognised their Lord. This resurrection morning, I encourage you to meditate upon the One with the nailprints in His hands. Dear Christian, as you contemplate upon what His death and resurrection mean for you, surely it will fill your heart with gladness. Coronavirus lockdown may be a fearful time for you but Christ can bring you joy and gladness. Do you recognise Christ as Lord in the midst of all the current crisis?

3. He rebuked them for their unbelief

Thomas was not there that first Sunday when Christ appeared to them, so he would not believe until he would see the nailprints for himself (v25). That is why he is sometimes called Doubting Thomas. But the Lord graciously gave Thomas that opportunity. One week later, with the disciples still in lockdown, Christ again suddenly stood before them and told Thomas to reach out and feel the nailprints in His hands and the scar in His side and be not faithless, but believing (v27). Immediately Thomas recognised Him and said, 'My Lord and my God' (v28).

However, Mark 16v14 tells us that Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they believed not those who had seen Him after he was risen. Was the testimony of Mary Magdalene and the other women who saw the risen Lord not good enough? What about the witness of the two men who talked with Him on the Emmaus road? Why would they want to live in lockdown with unbelief and hardness of heart? I suppose the truth is they had not seen Him for themselves and 'seeing is believing.' However, Jesus did not commend them for their unbelief and hard hearts. In fact, Jesus said, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20v29).

None of us today have seen Jesus but by faith we believe on Him. The Lord does not want us to live in fear, unbelief and hardness of heart. He wants you to have the faith, peace and joy that are found in Him. Just because we cannot go to church and we are to stay at home, it does not mean we cannot believe and rejoice in the Risen Saviour!

4. He gave them the great commission

When Jesus had dealt with their fear and unbelief, He gave them the great commission:

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16v15)

Later, before He ascended into heaven, He told them to teach all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28v19+20).

The disciples fearlessly fulfilled that great commission that Christ gave them, after they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit. They did all they could in their then known world to preach and teach the gospel.

Christ still expects us as believers to proclaim and teach the gospel. These are strange days in which we are living and yet it is so amazing to see so many sermons, devotional messages and children's talks available online. I believe their effect will be very far reaching. Take time to listen to some of them this Easter and may they lead you to worship Christ the Risen Saviour with all of your heart.

So, as you are in lockdown this Easter, you can still remember the Risen Christ who is the Saviour of the world and may you find encouragement and strength from Him to help you through this time of coronavirus lockdown.

Happy Easter to you all!

Rhonda

**You can read more about the Resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 19+20.

Remembering 2019

It's that time of year when I stop to reflect upon the past year and consider what lessons and encouragement I can take with me into the New Year.

Christmas 2019

The first half of 2019 gave me some beautiful memories to treasure. I think particularly of our beautiful holiday in Tenerife in May. It was a lovely time to relax and enjoy walking around Port de la Cruz. I think there was one day where I actually did over 19000 steps! Also, I had the experience of walking on black sand beach for the first time. The memories roll as I view my holiday photos. Here are just a few:

Then, I really enjoyed the Holiday Bible School week at the beginning of July. These are just a couple of photos to illustrate what we taught the children about during that week. I am so thankful for the great team of workers who excelled in work and unity. 

The second half of 2019 was very different. On 23rd July my mum fell and has not been fit to be home since. Life changed dramatically for her and dad after over 64 years of marriage. He is tired and vexed that he cannot bring her home. For the rest of us there is a big focus now on visiting mum and doing what little we can to help her. But, even in all of this, I have learned to take time out to spend with my own family Adrian, Isaac and Jemima. They have been so understanding, patient and helpful, especially concerning housework, cooking for themselves and driving me about. It has not been possible to be at home every day to have dinner ready for them coming in from work.

At 58 years of age, my body tells me what it is able to cope with. I realize it is important to take time to relax, chillax, to refresh my body and to spend time with Adrian, Isaac and Jemima. This means that I must prioritize the things I do, even if it does not please everyone. Yes, and it has even meant cutting back a bit on my commitment to church activities.

Here are just a few things to think about as we enter 2020:

1. Praise God for the good times and seek His strength and guidance in the difficult times
2. Appreciate family and enjoy time with them
3. Respect the body God gave you and do not burn yourself out
4. Take care of your physical, spiritual and mental health
5. Unity brings blessing from God and joy to your soul
6. Try to resolve problems with others before they fester
7. God's grace is sufficient for you in every situation in life.

This is the Bible verse that I have chosen to take with me into 2020:

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 3v13-14 KJV

The New Year brings new challenges and opportunities. My sole focus for 2020 is to be Christ as I run in the spiritual race of life. I must not let the difficulties and struggles of the past year hold me back. May I ever keep my eye on the finishing line and the heavenly prize that God has for me!

Wishing you every blessing for 2020.
Rhonda