David's blog

Who do we aspire to be like? Who would that person be? To find someone fully human. The perfect human. Sure that is someone is worth modelling our lives on. If we ever find that person then do our lives and opinions match up to that? Or are we trying to make that person be molded into our own way of life? Who do we aspire to be like? Who would that person be? To find someone fully human. The perfect human. Sure that is someone is worth modelling our lives on. If we ever find that person then do our lives and opinions match up to that? Or are we trying to make that person be molded into our own way of life? May I recommend looking at the person of Jesus. I believe he is the one to model our lives on, and the perfect man.

In our culture in the Western World, the question is why do we need God? Many people have the luxuries like a house, car, holidays, family, latest gadgets. Why would they need God when they have heaven on earth. That is what I come against and haven’t an answer that convinces them they need God. Arguments do not work and we have given ourselves a bad press by standing up against certain issues of the day. Jesus died for all on the cross for everyone, because God so loved the world. My own story has been one of struggle with depression and self esteem. Where I haven’t had money in my pocket and I have struggled to make ends meet. I have had an encounter with the living God that has left me in no doubt that God exists and wants to have a relationship with me and all people of the world. Jesus did say it is harder for a rich man to enter the heaven. And Jesus did make the statement that he came for the poor, the brokenhearted, those in prison, sight to the blind, and the oppressed. We pray that those around us whether rich or poor or in between would have a real encounter with the living God.

How is our heart before God. When we pray do tell God how good we are and fortunate he has to have us. Do we set an agenda for God to follow. Or are we interpretting the Bible completely wrong to fit our own opinions and ideology? This is the attitude of a Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14. Can we see ourselves in this? If we do then we need to review. Rather the tax collect actually sees the error of his ways. He beats his heart for he knows it is wrong, and all he can do is to ask for mercy for he recognises how wrong his life is. May we come humbly before God, recognising his holiness. That we cannot do anything to be righteous before him in our strength. It is through the sacrifice of his son Jesus, of him shredding his blood that can we be forgiven for our sins and to be righteous before God.

We hope for a change. We want a new hope. Perhaps someone could be born, untouched by this world. To bring a new message. A message that will benefit everyone, to bring justice, mercy, love, peace, and hope. Rather than more of the same.

At Christmas this did happen. Someone was born. Who had a message of hope. Where there was a new way to live, that benefited everyone, from the bottom to the top.

His name was Jesus, saviour of all, God living among us.

‘Sharing our faith’, used to horrify me. As I have always been shy, want to please, and non-confrontational. So, I have always struggled with even starting a conversation

But what I have learned over the years is that God uses us in our own abilities. I have the gift of music, so I have committed to playing many Sundays in church, enabling people to worship God.
I listen and observe and God has used me by helping and encouraging others in their walk in life. This is especially true if we have been through similar experiences.

What are your abilities? Give them to God and he will use them to bring people closer to him.

Sin is a conscience decision to do something we are told not to do or know is not right. Something that breaks a relationship and we pursue a life without that relationship. This sends us in a direction away from the relationship causing us to be separated.