Stop Putting Yourself Down

Image by joaquimb via Flickr

He has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy

Hebrews 10:14

When you disregard your positive qualities by telling yourself, 'I'm too fat, I'm no good, I never do anything right,' you'll always find verification of what you're looking for. Dr. Richard Carlson says: 'Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that's wrong, rather than what's right with you. Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are often seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they'd like to improve, but this doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. Here on earth none of us is ever going to be perfect, but putting yourself down isn't the answer.'

The Bible says God 'has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy.' Max Lucado writes: 'Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn't improve; he perfects. He doesn't enhance; he completes...I realise there's a sense in which we're imperfect. We still err. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don't want to do...that part of us is 'being made holy.' But when it comes to our position before God, we're perfect. When he sees each of us, he sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect - Jesus Christ.' It's okay to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you're 'being made new...becoming like the One who made you' (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Skywatch #67

Boscombe, originally uploaded by duopastorale.

I took this photo on a recent holiday on the south coast of England, near Bournemouth. This shot was taken fairly early in the day; later on it was much more full of people. But 2 weeks after I left 340,000 people descended on these beaches! Look here!

Ask!

Image by loswl via Flickr

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:11-12

I was reminded today by another blogger how amazing it is when God breaks into our lives and speaks. Of course he is always speaking, and I don't think I am being dishonest if I say I hear His voice everyday. A scripture may impress itself, a sense of His Presence may invade, someone may say something that hits the nail on the head. There are also times when I get an impression and I think it's God and it turns out it wasn't. But there are also other times when His voice is more dramatic, clear and undisputable.

A few weeks ago I was out walking and praying and I felt the Lord gently impress upon me that I could ask for something. It struck me that I had become so used to hearing from God in these gentle ways that I had almost taken them for granted. They had become just part of life. Maybe that is good, and part of living with the Spirit. But here was God giving me permission to ask for something so I did. 'Lord, I want a word from You that I can't mistake. Something that will cause me to be amazed'.

A few days later I received a telephone message from a friend who lives abroad. We maybe speak on the phone once or twice a year. In the message he asked me to ring back as he couldn't say on the answerphone what he called me about. Intrigued, I rang back and he explained that the Lord had given him a dream. In the dream he described a difficult situation that I had been through about a week before. It had caused me some distress and had affected me somewhat. So many of the details of the dream were exactly right, and as we talked the Lord confirmed that this had been a spiritual attack. A scripture emerged from our conversation that encouraged me and I was left thinking, 'Wow!'

So there it is. I am left yet again in awe at how God speaks and also encouraged that I should ask for Him for the things I desire because He is 'slow to chide and swift to bless'.

Information Overload!

Image via Wikipedia

Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase

Daniel 12:4

Technology lets us do things we've never been able to do, but it can be addictive. You can become tied to it in ways that are exhausting. One expert notes: 'There's a strong tendency for humans to do everything they're able to. Combine that with constant connectivity, and the workday need never end. It's easy to contact anyone anytime, and with information always available on line you can keep clicking forever.' Paul writes about 'making the most of your time' (Ephesians 5:16 NAS). We say, 'Time is money,' but in actuality time is much more valuable, because it's a nonrenewable resource. Once spent, it's gone forever. Managing information overload means re-establishing boundaries that technology has demolished. So:

• Recognise the signs: if you communicate with people all day yet you're still lonely, chances are, technology is dominating your life.
• Take baby steps: make yourself unavailable for short periods and see what happens. The wheels of industry won't grind to a halt! Remember you have a choice: people who think they should be available 24/7, exaggerate their own importance or the control others have over them.
• Establish boundaries: rein in the emails and instant messages. Do you really need all those 'FYI's' about the same thing?
• Give clear instructions: tell people you answer emails at designated times throughout the day, and let them know who to contact for an immediate response.
• Make a task list: that way if you're interrupted you'll get back on track faster.Stick to a schedule: constantly dipping in and out on the computer is classic self-interruption.
• Do a reality check: after a few minutes of surfing the web ask yourself, 'Should I be doing this now?'

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

I Belong To You

I Belong To You - Kathryn Scott

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us...And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose...in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:18, 28, 37-39

Recently, these verses have become a great strength to me. It is the most wonderful fact that our security is firmly rooted in God's love for us and not in our ability to impress Him or work up enough points to gain His favour. Jesus will conquer all and rescue us from every difficult situation in our lives, and we will emerge victorious and safe in His hands.

I have been reminded of a wonderful story that David Pawson tells about a vicar who came across one of his congregation reading the book of Revelation. This member of the church was not noted for his intelligence or theological expertise, so the vicar questioned him. 'My goodness, that's a really difficult book to read. Do you really understand it?'. 'Of course vicar', came the reply, 'it's simple. Jesus wins!!'.

Nothing can separate us from His love, because He is the winner and we belong to Him.

Skywatch #66

Nendrum, NI, originally uploaded by duopastorale.

Nendrum Monastery, was founded with the blessing of Saint Patrick in the sixth century. The ruins are on a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with dry stone walls, heavenly views and a guide and site display. The remains of this important pre-Norman monastery include three concentric enclosures (stone walls), with ruined church, round tower stump, foundations of other buildings, sundial, cross-slabs.

Still Here

Just to let you know that I'm still here and breathing! Last week I had the most wonderful break with my parents and nephew down on the south coast. I've uploaded a few snaps here. Tomorrow I'm off to Belfast to meet up with friends I've regained contact with after 20 years, which should be interesting! Hopefully I'll be back to some regular blogging soon. Blessings to you all :)

Skywatch #65

Nyman's Gardens, originally uploaded by duopastorale.

July 2009 Retro

July brings a goodbye to Stewart, one of our loved priests. He is greatly missed already.

Lots of lovely walks again... the local Heath is producing all kind of fruit and flowers.

Gifts from friends.. a cross arrives in the post, much to my surprise, all the way from Colorado. A special little crucifix carved in Rwanda, a land where suffering is well known. Thank you so much.

Lunch in a friends garden. I sat here whilst she busied in the kitchen and we prepared ourselves for the last performance of Shrek the Musical!

A fun day with one of my favourite people. An 8 year old who is not afraid to hold my hand and ask important questions. A breath of fresh air.

Prayer Care & Share

Evangelism is simple. Prayer, care & share. Listen to this amazing talk by J John from HTB's Focus week.

When God Ran

When God Ran - Phillips, Craig & Dean

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him
and was filled with compassion for him;
he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20