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Another in the Fire
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https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/another-in-the-fire/
When all sides are pressing in. When the situation seems hopeless in the natural. When your greatest dream of a hope and a future and salvation for your children and grandchildren appears to be evaporating in front of you, turn your eyes upon Jesus!
When our children or grandchildren have wandered far from us and God. Or maybe, they have never known Jesus. If they are suffering from mental health, physical health, or spiritual issues or problems with the law. When their life choices are risky and may put them in harm’s way, remember, He is always there.
In scripture it says we see through a glass darkly (1Cor 13:12). Our view of a situation is imperfect. Our God is not bound by time or space or anything that seems permanent in the natural world. He can work all things for good:
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Romans 8:28 (Amp)We must remember we are never alone! He is Emmanuel – God with us! And He wants to be with us. He created us for relationship and intimacy with Him!. We are His people! He will use everything, even what is meant for evil, and turn it to good. He will weave it together to bring about His good purpose and plan.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Isaiah 41:10
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.I am so inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3. They were thrown into a furnace when they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image. Their staunch faith in Yahweh, that he would deliver them from the fire was, and still is astounding. When they were thrown in the fire they were not consumed by it. The King and onlookers could see four, not three people walking around in the fire. He was there with them! Protecting them. And when they came back out, not even a hair on their head was singed. They didn’t even smell of smoke.
This is such a visual story of Jesus being in the fire with Daniel and his companions. Can you imagine it? It breathes life back into the dying remnants of our hope and faith. Raising it to a roaring unquenchable flame again.
So, with the steadfast faith that comes from knowing Emmanuel is with us, working everything for our good. We can trust Him with our burden and know He’s got this! He is in this turmoil, in this situation with us. And most importantly, He is bringing it to completion in Jesus name!
Don’t allow circumstances in the natural to quench the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life! God is with you even when you can’t see or feel Him. He loves you and has a role for you to play in His plan.
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Praise and worship
https://unsplash.com/@nate072107 When we are going through a challenging time from loss, sickness, financial hardship or other trials we may think God is far away. Our thoughts may be sorrowful and full of anguish, or bitter about the turn our lives have taken.
We may pray to God for support, a change in circumstances or healing. Or we may even blame Him for not protecting us from these difficulties. We may think this shouldn’t happen to us, as we are Christians, and it’s not right!
However, God never promised that our lives would be “perfect” whatever perfect really means. In John 16 he tells us we will weep and mourn, and we will have trouble in this world. Yet, he also said our grief will turn to joy and to take heart because He has overcome the world.
I have always been amazed and impressed with Paul and Silas’ fortitude, praising and worshiping the Lord while bound and chained in prison:
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
Acts 16:25-26 NIVThere was an incredible outcome from that praise and joyful singing in such difficult circumstances. The jailer and all his household were saved. Unfortunately, the bible doesn’t mention the influence it must have had on the other prisoners. I believe it would have been profound. In the scripture it says no-one had escaped, even though all the prison doors had swung open and their chains had been loosened. Why didn’t the other prisoners try to escape? Were they so gripped by the presence of God that they forgot to run away? I wonder how many souls were saved that night by Paul and Silas’ unexpected response to incarceration?
The bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22:3 KJV). He is enthroned on our praises. Our praises are irresistible to Him.
When things are tough, the best thing we can do is praise and worship the Lord. It is easy to do this in good times. However, a sacrifice of praise and worship to God while we are suffering and undergoing trials will draw His presence like a magnet.
I am not saying this is easy. We may not have the heart to sing. We may not know what to say. If we have the courage to speak in a small, broken voice about the goodness of God, this is a start. When we remind Him of all He has done for us, or His promises in the scriptures, it will lighten our spirit and bring calm during the storms of life. His presence changes the atmosphere from fear and desperation to overflowing peace, hope and yes even joy.
I hope you found this blog encouraging. If you would like to comment or subscribe, please fill out the section below. I’d love to hear your testimony. God bless you and your family.
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Cultivating a Servant Heart: Insights from Jesus
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Jesus modelled the servant heart to all. He demonstrated God’s nature, love and care in his words and deeds towards the most vilified groups in his culture:
- He washed His disciples feet.
- The tax collector was asked publicly to host a dinner party for him and his friends, before joining his ministry.
- The leper was touched and healed.
- The adulteress was saved from stoning and forgiven.
- The prostitutes and poor were welcome and cherished.
As Christians we all have a desire to serve in some way. To serve at home, work, church and in our communities. This a Godly desire.
The question is “do we have a servant heart?” This means not only caring for and helping others, but possessing the right motivation – doing God’s will and being obedient to Him.
Do we have the right attitude while carrying out these tasks? Are we joyful during these times, or are we completing them grudgingly? Do we grumble and whinge about it when we have the opportunity?
Are we seeking praise for what we do? Are we using service as a vehicle to gain brownie points with others and to identify as a good person?
Alternatively, are we busy serving because we struggle with saying “no”, due to inexperience or fear? Are we afraid to disappoint people? Do we want them to like us?
Are we trying to achieve our salvation via good works? It is important to note that this is impossible. We are saved by God’s grace and faith in Jesus – not by works:
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favour drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgement and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God
Eph 2:8 (AMP)When there is so much need, do we say yes to everything because we think that is the Christian thing to do? If so, we will have little in the way of boundaries and are likely to end up with what I call “the craziness of the busies”. So busy doing, that we don’t have quality time to spend with God.
When we take on too many things how effective are we anyway? Often, we burn ourselves out. We must take time to consider whether our actions are keeping others from opportunities to walk in their calling. When we say “no”, space and freedom are created for others to rise and serve.
The bible says:
Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light
Matt 11:28-30 (NKJV)Have we ever thought of seeking God’s opinion about what He wants us to do, instead of rushing in and trying to do everything? Shall we consider stopping for a while, slowing down and spending time with God. When we hang out with Him and tune ourselves into His heart we will find rest and Godly direction. He can reveal our calling/s to us and show us the way forward.
When Holy Spirit is in charge of our yes, there will be a lightness, a joy and vitality in our spirit. A rightness we can feel. Co-labouring with Holy Spirit has has great benefits. He will provide His strength, wisdom, creativity and continued guidance. He brings the resources of heaven to every situation.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. If you have any comments, or would like to subscribe, please fill out the section below. Alternatively, you can contact me directly at admin@jesus4generations.com. God bless you and your family.
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Raising Resilient Children: The Dangers of Overprotective Parenting
https://unsplash.com/@chuttersnap We all love our children and grandchildren. We don’t want them to suffer or make the same mistakes we’ve made. And if you are anything like me, you’ve made a few.
In our efforts to spare our children from harm we may stop them from failing in small ways with little things. For instance, they want this cool pair of jeans that are costly. Instead of letting them save up we lend the money. This behaviour can continue when they are adults. And this is the birth of Parentlink. An amazing service where children come and draw on what seems like an endless supply of financial resources, interest free, with little or no consequences if the money isn’t repaid. I am not saying we should withhold funds if there is a real need.
Additionally, if they come to us and say they’re having problems in the school yard and we turn around and tell them how to manage it. Or worse still, walk up to the school and complain on their behalf. This is the birth of Parentlink’s sister service – Parentthink. If we come up with the solutions to all of our children’s problems how’re they to grow? Although, it’s important to realise real bullying must be addressed. We would be better to ask curious questions and help them to brainstorm some solutions to their problems and then coax them to imagine the outcome of each of their ideas before choosing the best option.
And then there is the adult child who is very untidy and disorganised. Parents turn up, clean the house and do the laundry and the yard to help. This is ParentClean, the third arm of the corporation. If this service comes regularly the adult child does not need to make any attempt at cleaning or adulting. Why would they even try? If your child has mental health issues they may need help to do the most basic of chores.
When we are the “safety net” for our children’s every eventuality we are robbing our children of important life lessons.
When people fail in small ways the consequences are small. And hopefully the lessons are learned –
- I am responsible for the situation I am in
- If I want things to change I have to make decisions and take action to change it
- If I want good relationships with people I must be trustworthy and kind and spend time with them
- If I want something in my life – relationship, career, possessions – I have to put effort in to achieve it
- If I don’t pay my bills I get a bad credit rating
- There are solutions to every problem
This list could go on forever. Basically, the main message is there are consequences to my behaviour.
For each shall have to bear his own load
Gal 6:5Is our behaviour love? Or is it fear? Is our own fear of failure so overwhelming we try to spare our children from it? Or is it a problem letting go of control?
Paul said:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on it’s own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
1Corinthians 13:4-8 ESVAre we insisting on our own way when we are trying to control our children’s lives? Are we desperate to be needed by our children and setting them up to be dependent on us to fulfil this unhealthy desire? Are we trying to be all things for our children?
Are we posing as God in their lives? Leaving no room for them to need Him. If all their needs are met at all times without effort how will they learn resilience and problem solving skills? Will they ever seek God, or develop a prayer life and intimate relationship with Him? Where will they discover their identity in Christ? How will they know the joy of giving rather than just receiving. How will they find their purpose in life?
God loves our children even more than we do. Do we trust God enough to allow our children to experience disappointment, rejection and failure? Knowing that He’s got them and will work all things for good.
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Radical Love: Embracing Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness and Compassion
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In the bible everything seems the opposite to what our culture says. Jesus said:
Blessed are those who are poor … hungry … weep …and are hated for my sake
In our society it seems image, status, power and possessions are prized above kindness, integrity, loyalty and honesty.
Recently, my husband was reading the Bible to me and these verses resonated so strongly in my spirit that my whole being hummed. I can’t move from it:
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:27-31It is so radical, even today. It is not enough to forgive our enemies. We are to bless them and pray for them. This blows my mind. It is the key to understanding our precious Father’s love for us. He holds nothing back. He loves us unreservedly.
I am not perfect. Far from it in fact. And sometimes I have struggled to truly forgive and let go in the past. Typically, it can be quite the journey. But does it have to be? In the natural it is impossible. But with God anything is possible.
If we pray for a complete transformation of our mind, heart, will, imagination and spirit – to be like Jesus. He will release a flow of patience, humility, forgiveness, love, peace, joy and compassion in our lives. And those precious characteristics reveal Jesus to the world.
I hope you enjoyed my blog. If you would like to subscribe or comment, please fill out the section below. God bless you, your family and friends.
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Leaving a Positive Legacy: Impact of Words and Actions on Family and Community
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Tonight, I am babysitting two of my grandchildren. The little one, less than 2 months old, is in a pouch on the front of me as I walk the floors at 10pm at night in an attempt to soothe her.
In my late 50s now, I often think about what sort of legacy I am leaving my children, my grandchildren, my family and my community. Will I leave this world a better place than when I came into it? Will they know I loved them? Will they know God loves them?
Like it or not, our words and behaviour are like ripples on water and have far reaching consequences. The significance of how we act and speak may not be apparent in the moment. We are mentoring those around us without even being aware.
Are we leaving a legacy of anger, judgement and condemnation. This may lead children, grandchildren, spouses, family members and colleagues to feel like they are bad people, insignificant, unloveable and useless. For example, when we have an angry outburst or get drawn into gossip, others are there noticing our words and behaviour. Irritability, whether verbal, physical or non-verbal is likely to distress and offend most people, resulting in them rejecting both us and Christ whom we represent.
Who are we affecting when we behave like this? Sometimes it’s a small child or our colleagues. We need to consider how we are influencing their view of the world. How are we representing Jesus to them?
Sometimes we may think we are alone and unnoticed. But God sees everything, even every thought in our minds:
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence.
Ps 139:1-4 TPTAt these times we may feel a check in the spirit. A sense of concern or discomfort. Instead of rationalising our behaviour and giving ourselves excuses, it’s important to heed Him. Stop and spend time with our creator and sincerely ask forgiveness and a way forward. If we lean in and listen, Holy Spirit will help us change and give us direction and the ability to apologise.
It’s important to apologise to children also when we do wrong. It models integrity, honesty and character, which we hope they are all developing in their lives.
Alternatively, we can leave an inheritance of love, kindness, truth, peace and joy. This may help the people around you to feel safe, lovable, capable and worthwhile. They may be encouraged to seek out their own salvation and intimate relationship with Jesus, because what they are seeing is attractive and valuable.
At the moment I am quite tired and honestly would prefer to be home, tucked up in bed. On the other hand, I also know how much my daughter and son-in-law need some time out and have been looking forward to this night for over two years. Jesus said:
So this is my command: love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for a friends.
John 15:12-13 TPTJesus’ standard is very high. Love one another as I have loved you. He is an incredible role model. I’m not suggesting that having a late night caring for a couple of grandchildren is anywhere close to the sacrifice he made for me. But I am saying that it is a small thing to sacrifice some of my time and forego the comforts of my bed to be a blessing to my children.
What is something you could do today to bless someone in your life?
I hope you found this blog encouraging. If you would like to tell me what you intend to do or have done to bless those around you please leave a comment below. Alternatively, you can contact me directly at admin@jesus4generations.com. You might like to subscribe to my blog below so you don’t miss any posts. Feel free to share this post with family and friends. God bless you and your household.
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My prayer for 2023
Thanks to Carson Arias @carsonarias for making this photo available on Unsplash 🎁 May 2023 usher in a time of energy, vitality, joy, peace and prosperity in each of your lives.
May the God of creation guide you to build lasting memories and relationships with family friends, and colleagues.
May you pass on a legacy of constant support, kindness, love and mercy to the next generation. May you bring His presence wherever you go and change atmospheres.
But most of all, I pray that we would all draw closer to God and be sensitive to his still small voice and be obedient to him.
In Jesus name. Amen
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Transformed Living: Responding in a Kingdom Way
https://unsplash.com/photos/H9t723yPjYI Have you ever had someone reject you and your overtures of friendship. Maybe they are speaking poorly of you or ridiculing you. In a work situation they may be withholding important information from you and excluding you from social activities or conversations. They may appear to be going out of their way to irritate or upset you. What do we do?
In the natural it would seem easy. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. We could plan and plot revenge. We could practice the things we will say to them next time. We could slander them or defame them on social media. We could “cancel” them as this cancel culture would urge. We could return like for like. But to what end?
In the Bible it says we are a chosen people, a people set apart. We are in this world but not of this world:
If you were of the world, the world would love you as it’s own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you
John 15:19ESVAs Christians, we might think we should have a perfect life … if there is such a thing. Never experiencing troubles and everyone behaving themselves exactly the way we want them to. But we are not immune to the vagaries of the natural world. Life happens to everyone.
However, we are called to look at things differently and respond in a kingdom way:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
Romans 12:2 ESVRather than dwelling on these things, I like to pray. I find praying into these situations, for these individuals and groups of people soothes my troubled heart and mind. Initially, it can be difficult to pray when these things happen. However, when you consciously practice making prayer your first response it can eventually become your natural reaction. In my experience it is the best way.
Each day I pray for my family, friends, colleagues, community and country. When I am driving along I pray for the people I notice. Consider filling your day in with conversations with God that bless others.
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
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Miraculous Healing Testimony: A Christmas Miracle for Our Unborn Grandchild
https://unsplash.com/@alice02 As with most people, 2022 has had its ups and its downs for our family. The most distressing of all being the unexpected diagnosis of a serious heart condition in our unborn grandchild. The medical fraternity were recommending termination. However, the mother and father said no.
They were told the baby had to be born by induction, at a tertiary hospital with a team of specialists on hand ready to help. Every month the parents went to this hospital and had scans with the paediatric cardiologist present. The doctors were recommending congenital testing via amniocentesis which has a high likelihood of causing a spontaneous miscarriage. The parents declined to have the testing carried out. They were informed that the baby would have one of three congenital conditions and were encouraged to go home and read about it.
My husband and I, were joined by our church’s pastoral care prayer team, our Christian friends and family and our School of Faith peers and teachers praying for a miracle. As it says in the bible:
For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them
Matt 18:20 NIVWe constantly declared and decreed God’s healing and sovereignty in this area. We said “regardless of what we see or hear in the natural you are a good, gracious and merciful God! You created the entire universe and you can heal this baby!”
At times, we struggled to understand how this had happened to this baby. This is one of the mysteries we will never know the answer to in our human walk on earth. Thankfully, these struggles were momentary. We remained focused on declaring God’s goodness and dominion in this area.
God is so good! We would remind ourselves of all the blessings we have received. Reminiscing about how He has blessed us with each other, our family, our friends, our church and good purposeful work. Talking to each other about how we saw a lady be healed and the metal in her body dissolved (this was later confirmed by an X-ray). How God has healed my gut through prayer, diet and nutritional supplements. God is in the business of healing and miracles. He’s just waiting for us to co-labour with him in faith and prayer. As the bible says:
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can see
Acts 3:16 NIVThis went on for several months until almost two weeks ago when they went for another scan. That afternoon I received a FaceTime call at work from my daughter. I hoarsely whispered “hang up and ring me back on a normal call. I am at work! “ Only to hear “Mum. You’re going to want to hear this!” Surprisingly, I am told by the jubilant parents that the baby’s heart has almost completely healed. It only has a 0.3mm difference to be within normal range. The baby can be born naturally at the local hospital. The specialists do not envisage any problems, but they would like to see the baby once she is born and check out her heart out.
Apparently, the paediatric cardiologist said he had never seen a reversal like this in his career!
Praise God! What a good God He is! This is an amazing miracle! And the best Christmas gift we could ever have!
I hope this testimony grows your faith and fills you with joy this Christmas season.
I would love to hear the blessings you have received over the years. If you leave a comment below I will make sure I reply to you.
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Merry Christmas and blessings and happiness to you and your family!
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Maintaining Spiritual and Mental Health: Lessons from Biblical Wisdom
glenn-carstens-peters-RLw-UC03Gwc-unsplash.jpg Often, we may find ourselves distracted, preoccupied and busy. Work, household chores, supporting other people in our lives and even our ministry can become exhausting. At these times we may forget our priorities, especially spending time with God in our quiet place.
Sometimes, we may feel pressure to push through, or burn the candle at both ends and risk burning out. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a sign of weakness to sleep, rest and eat. To do something just for the joy of it. Or, to put healthy boundaries down with work, friends, family or church commitments.
In Jack Frost’s book “The Fathers Embrace” he states our priorities should be first to God, second to our family and third to our ministry. Which is sound advice. Additionally, Roberts Liairdon in his book “God’s Generals: why they succeeded and why some failed” points out that if we don’t take good care of ourselves – with good nutrition, adequate sleep and rest we are unlikely to stay well physically, mentally, relationally or spiritually.
The bible has a lot to say about rest. I like this one:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 ESVThe following list of priorities helps me remember what and who’s important in my life. It gives me guidance when making decisions about who and what I am dedicating my time to. My priorities:
- My relationship with God
- Caring for my physical and mental health by eating and exercising regularly, having a consistent sleep/wake cycle and scheduling some fun in my life
- My relationship with my husband and family
- My church ministry
Some may be surprised with the order I put my priorities in but it is simple to me. God is first and last. He is the hope of the world and a light in the darkness. Without my relationship with Him I am a ship without a rudder.
My husband is next as he is my helpmate and together we are a far more functional whole. He has a strong faith in God and has always been my greatest supporter and source of encouragement.
Then comes my family. For what would it mean to save the world if my family doesn’t know Jesus? Therefore, I love and support them as best I can. I do my best to model Christ and hope and pray they too will come to know Jesus as their Lord and saviour.
Last comes my ministry – the support I give the church and the way I minister to those around me in my neighbourhood and work.
Remember that when we stick to our values and our priorities and take good care of ourselves, we have the energy to do the little and big things that make people feel loved and cared for. We operate from a place of peace and abundant energy. We act with gentleness and kindness and are courteous and patient.
I hope you have enjoyed my blog. If you have any comments or questions or would like to share your testimony, please fill in the section below. All comments are vetted prior to publishing, so if you would prefer not to have it published please let me know. God bless you and your family.
Jesus 4 Generations
Revealing our loving God to generations
Jesus 4 Generations 