We sung this hymn last Sunday and I really loved the words, so thought I would share it.
My rest is in heaven; my rest is not here
Then why should I tremble when trials are near?
Be calm anxious spirit! The worst that can come
But shortens the journey, and hastens me home
It is not for me to be seeking earth's bliss
Or building my hopes in an age such as this
I look for a city which hands have not built
A country not ruined by sin and by guilt
Afflictions may press me, they cannot destroy
One glimpse of His love turns them all into joy
Let doubt then, and danger, my progress oppose
They only make Heaven more sweet at the close
Come joy, or come sorrow, whatever befall
An hour with my God will make up for them all
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long
I'll walk it by faith, while rejoicing in song.
Monday 30 March 2009
Saturday 21 March 2009
A Quote...
I am reading 'Striving against Satan' by Joel Beeke which I would highly recommend. This is an amusing but valuable quote from the book about the relationship between the law and faith.
'I thought I must obey the law and went to Moses to make terms with him and he at once knocked me down. I knew I deserved it and did not complain. I prepared myself and went again; and, with a severer blow, he brought me to the ground a second time. I was amazed, and entreated him to hear me. But he drove me from Sinai, and gave me no satisfaction. In my despair, I went to Calvary. there I found One who had pity on me, forgave my sins, and filled my heart with his love. I looked at him, and his healing mercy penetrated my whole being, and cured the malady within. Now, I went back to Moses to tell him what had happened. He smiled on me, shook my hand, and greeted me most lovingly; and he has never knocked me down since. I go to Calvary by Sinai, and all its thunders are silent.'
'I thought I must obey the law and went to Moses to make terms with him and he at once knocked me down. I knew I deserved it and did not complain. I prepared myself and went again; and, with a severer blow, he brought me to the ground a second time. I was amazed, and entreated him to hear me. But he drove me from Sinai, and gave me no satisfaction. In my despair, I went to Calvary. there I found One who had pity on me, forgave my sins, and filled my heart with his love. I looked at him, and his healing mercy penetrated my whole being, and cured the malady within. Now, I went back to Moses to tell him what had happened. He smiled on me, shook my hand, and greeted me most lovingly; and he has never knocked me down since. I go to Calvary by Sinai, and all its thunders are silent.'
Sunshine!
It has been such beautiful weather this week - very enjoyable! I am always impressed by how sunshine and blue skies really lifts my mood and noticeably there is a happier mood amongst my patients.
Sunlight is quite incredible how it brightens the earth and can fill your house or room with light. It is a reminder of the Light of the World - Jesus Christ, and His great power. Even the sun has spots on it so is imperfect and yet it can shine so brightly you would not know it!
Saturday 14 March 2009
Urgency and faith
Last night I watched "Deborah 13, Servant of God" on BBCiplayer. Firstly I am so pleased that the BBC broadcast this programme in a fair and balanced manner. It is inspirational to see a young Christian, fervent and full of zeal with a real burden for lost souls. Whilst she puts a strong emphasis on hell she has a real sense of urgency. Hopefully she will soften a little and instead of scaring people to faith help them to see the character of God - his justice and his mercy and the saving work of Jesus Christ and His love for the lost in providing a way to eternity in heaven.
I think many of us as Christians have lost this sense of urgency. There are souls all around us who are perishing and are we concerned? We are often concerned about the decline in standards in our country and will speak openly of these but do we speak openly of the answer to these problems - a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
This also leads me on to something I have been thinking about recently, as highlighted in a previous post. We often pray about things specifically - for people to come to church or people to be healed, safe keeping, etc, and the Lord always answers our prayers with a yes, no or wait usually but how often when we have asked for something and we receive a 'yes' answer we are surprised. I have read about praying expectantly - not sure how this works out exactly because it all becomes a bit of a muddle about everything being according to God's plan - so if we ask for something specifically and believe it is according to God's will we should not be surprised when it happens. Many commentators and books emphasise the need for boldness in prayer and to pray specifically - ask great things of a Great God. I'm sure someone will correct my theology if this is all a bit confusing!
I think many of us as Christians have lost this sense of urgency. There are souls all around us who are perishing and are we concerned? We are often concerned about the decline in standards in our country and will speak openly of these but do we speak openly of the answer to these problems - a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
This also leads me on to something I have been thinking about recently, as highlighted in a previous post. We often pray about things specifically - for people to come to church or people to be healed, safe keeping, etc, and the Lord always answers our prayers with a yes, no or wait usually but how often when we have asked for something and we receive a 'yes' answer we are surprised. I have read about praying expectantly - not sure how this works out exactly because it all becomes a bit of a muddle about everything being according to God's plan - so if we ask for something specifically and believe it is according to God's will we should not be surprised when it happens. Many commentators and books emphasise the need for boldness in prayer and to pray specifically - ask great things of a Great God. I'm sure someone will correct my theology if this is all a bit confusing!
Thursday 12 March 2009
Greater Faith
I have been reading through the pentateuch in my morning quiet times. It has struck me once again how the journeys of the children of Israel and all they go through in coming out of Egypt and reaching the promised land are so closely related to our Christian walk and there are so many lessons that can be learnt from their journeys.
In particular it is striking how many times the Lord provides for them in incredible ways - the ten plagues, the provision of manna, the provision of water and quail, conquering various kings and lands. Yet, even after seeing all of this, they do not trust the Lord enough to take them into the promised land when they see the 'giants' living there. What a picture of us! We so often doubt that the Lord will provide even though He has provided so many times before. With our God nothing is impossible, and if only we had greater faith we would see greater blessings.
In particular it is striking how many times the Lord provides for them in incredible ways - the ten plagues, the provision of manna, the provision of water and quail, conquering various kings and lands. Yet, even after seeing all of this, they do not trust the Lord enough to take them into the promised land when they see the 'giants' living there. What a picture of us! We so often doubt that the Lord will provide even though He has provided so many times before. With our God nothing is impossible, and if only we had greater faith we would see greater blessings.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Cry Baby
One of the things that is really rewarding in my job is when a parent brings a baby who is crying loads or not sleeping and then after treatment they respond really well becoming a happy baby who sleeps nicely. It is fantastic to see the change in the baby and the difference it makes for the parents!
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