For Display Purposes Only

 

 

Having a faith is not very dreamy. Not very glamorous. Often challenging. Frequently criticised. Open to physical, social and spiritual opposition.

 

Jesus was quite clear on his instruction:

 

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation".

Some people are born to preach, or become speakers. Travelling the world to feature in conferences with amazing budgets and often televised. Some people are called to minister to a local church with a congregation of fewer than 100 and a tithing issue that means they constantly fight to find money. Some people are called to go into the furthest geographical reaches and work in communities struck by poverty, oppression and even violence.

None of us however are called to sit at home and polish our faith only to keep it behing closed doors in case it gets ruined, challenged or damaged.

If you ask anyone living out a minsitry if they have bad days, down days, hard days or sleepless nights then they will most likely say yes.

The Apostle Paul took some amazing journeys, and lived a life that I imagine he would never have believed he was destined for. Paul lived a life of incredible experiences, driven by his faith. Paul also had a more than a smidgen of hardship and persecution. His accounts of how his faith holds him firm really are incredible.

We might not be a speaker, a minister or a tv evangalist but we have a faith that must go out into the real world and stand the test of being lived out. However our faith is not made of the finest crystal or thin air, it can withstand great pressure and constant wear and tear. Make sure you use your faith, not just mark it 'for display purposes only'.

Jesus quote from Mark 16:15.



Are you Piglet or Pooh?

Piglet wanted to know the details of love; the mechanics of it, what makes it up, the logistics and the science. Break it down, see how it is made up.

Pooh was more emotional, maybe a bit romantic - you just feel it. It isn't about knowing in your head, it is about knowing in your heart.

Loving God needs a bit of Piglet and a bit of Pooh. A strong relationship is based on emotional needs being met, often with passionate emotions. A more powerful relationship is based on understanding and wisdom.

Jesus knew that a powerful relationship with God needed not just your heart and mind, but also your soul - but A A Milne didn't give us a character for the soul interpretation of love.

These words are from the mouth of Jesus -‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'.

Once you have thought about if you love God with a passion and searching to learn more about Him, ask yourself if you love him with your very being. Your very soul. Right down in the core of who you are.

Jesus was probably drawing on these words from Deuteronomy - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength".

So once you know your love for God is true, in your head, heart and soul - add to that all your strength. And did you even know how strong you are?

"Our bones are actually stronger than concrete. A piece of matchbox-sized human bone can support a nine tonne weight. That’s four times more than concrete can support. You’re a superhero and you didn’t even know it."(taken from www.virginmedia.com).

That is some serious strength. A love made of superhero strength, wisdom, soul and passion. That is some love. That is the love God has for you, but do you have it for God?

Bible verses are from Matthew 27:37 & Deuteronomy 6:5 Jesus geeks.