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At the feet of JESUS
31/01/2020 13:53Last year, my lovely backyard was desecrated (in my eyes) when we were forced to cut down the lush green foliage that grew in front of our back fence. It had to be done so our neighbour could redo his fence, and for weeks afterward, I grieved our loss. In fact, I stopped my habit of spending time in our backyard each morning, Bible and cuppa in hand—the sight of that bare ugly fence in place of our green glory was too much to contend with.
It was a happy surprise then that only three months later, one morning, (a day when I sorely needed God’s touch), He wooed me back into our special place. What a precious time it was that day, but … that is a story for another day. Our fence is still patchy in its green attire but more dressed-up than before, (thank you Papa), so I’m now back in our yard each morning cuppa in hand for my precious time with Jesus.
One morning, a few weeks ago, I couldn’t find my pen cap. It wasn’t in my den; it wasn’t on the dining table where I had sat just before I missed it. It wasn’t on the carpet. But … next morning, before I had even looked for it, I found it. The little pen cap lay nestled on the grass in our yard, waiting for me, close to the place where I meet with Jesus. It was only a small pen cap but I was thrilled to find it.
Have you lost something? A dream? A hope? A vision? Something tangible? A relationship? A job? Or something else that’s dear to your heart? Some losses are irreplaceable I know and if that is you, I grieve with you. I’m so very sorry. But there are other losses which can be redeemed by our Master’s touch. I found what I had lost when I did what I always do every morning—
retraced my steps into the presence of Jesus.
I should have known that that’s where I would always find all that I ever need. Love, joy, peace, wholeness, wellness. Shalom. Beauty, truth and goodness. It’s where I find something even as mundane as a pen cap. And of course, for a writer (which I am), a pen is an important implement. Without a pen cap, a pen could well lose its sharp neat point. Without a pen cap, a pen (if it fell), might not write again. So even a little pen cap is important in spite of smallness, in spite of its seemingly mundane existence.
Whatever your hopes that have been fallen by the way, may they be picked up and pursued with passion in 2020. Whatever small forgotten dreams have been shed in 2019, this New Year may be just the right time to ignite them. Whatever your heart is crying out for, retracing your steps to the feet of Jesus may be the answer you need.
In Jesus is salvation. In Jesus we find strength. In Jesus, we find our bearings. In Jesus, all we lost will be replaced or restored if not now, then in eternity. In Jesus, we re-discover the music to our lost songs. In Jesus are blessings such as the world cannot give. In Jesus is life and hope and peace. My own journey into a deeper intimacy with Jesus began years ago, when He allowed cracks and challenges to appear in my ordered existence, so that my closer walk with Jesus was fuelled not by my gains but my losses. The truth is that, I would not know how much I needed Him if I was all sufficient. I wouldn’t know that He was the All sufficient One unless He removed other props that had brought me joy.
So what matters today is that although I cannot change the past, I can change the future. I cannot undo the wrongs I have done, but I can choose right actions, thoughts and words today. I may not forget the pain others caused me, but I can choose to forgive them. I cannot re-write my past but I can choose what my future might look like.
In spending time with Jesus every day, we are rooted and grounded in all He desires for us and of us. In Jesus, we set the pace of our lives—we fret less and we whine less. We even do less, but we also achieve more. We bring joy to our Father’s heart by pleasing Him. We rejoice as we savour His Word. We delight in His presence. We find the tools we need to tackle life’s challenges with. We grow roots which will not get shattered by life’s storms.
So it’s time today to choose what matters—to spend time daily listening to Him, delighting in His Word, worshipping the One who loves us. In placing that cap on my pen, I completed it. In retracing your footsteps towards time with Jesus, you will be completed; settled with the One who came to give you abundant life. And together you will forge a life that is beautiful.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Matthew 6:31
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
I am the vine; you are the branches.
If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
20 Nuggets to take into 2020 starting on 20.01.20.
16/01/2020 15:47The year is 2020. A special year has begun.
We have entered a unique decade as we run forward into the 'TANTALISING TWENTIES'!
What are your aspirations for the New Year? Your hopes and dreams?
On this 20th day of January, here are 20 Nuggets of Wisdom to take with us into 2020:
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God loves you. Very very very very much! More than you can imagine.
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LOVE is what life’s journey is all about. Learn to LOVE well.
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God is God. God is good. God is eternal. Seek Him.
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Make time for Jesus every day. Plan for it.
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The Word of God is a smorgasboard of delicious soul-food! Feast daily.
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There is a lot I don’t know. Be humble. Learn. Daily. Ask God for His wisdom.
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Most people are doing the best they can. Show compassion. Often.
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Life is hard. But life is GOOD! Life is also short - prepare for Eternity!
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One day the jigsaw puzzle pieces of life will fit perfectly and you will be amazed.
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The values of this world are very different to the values of God’s kingdom. Don't forget!
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God has forgiven me. Forgive freely. Shower His grace on others.
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Allow Him to take care of life’s conundrums. He is able. More than able.
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Become a listener. Give others the gift of my ears, time and concern.
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Bless others. The ripples will go far and wide.
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Words are powerful. Speak wisely. Declare His promises boldly.
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Be generous. Give freely. Love lavishly.
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Laughter is good for the soul. Laugh often. Laugh at myself.
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God’s world is filled with wonder. Delight in it.
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Work hard. Play well. Live with purpose. Find rest in Jesus. Be led by His Spirit.
and finally .....
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God is with me. Choose LIFE. Every. Single. Day.
Wishing you an exciting New Year of LIFE -
the abundant LIFE that JESUS came to give us.
May this New Year 2020 be marked by:
His JOY!
"The Joy of the Lord is your strength." Neh 10:8
And may we bring glory to Him who loves us.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
God will take care of You
30/11/2019 23:52I got my driver’s licence nine years ago and at the ripe old age of 52. (Oops! Now you know my age! Actually … I'm okay with that! I’m happy to say that I’ve lived – and loved - for 62 years! After all, the Bible says that long life is a blessing! With perhaps more wisdom acquired along the way and more goodness showered on the world around! What do you think?) Back to the topic at hand - driving and I! Those who know me are well aware that I am not a confident driver. After we moved to our new home last year, I’ve had a concern each time I drive home after a visit to the shops.
I have to pass through a set of traffic lights a short distance before the turn off leading to our street. It means that after I clear the lights, I need to slow down to turn left just as the traffic behind me starts to accelerate to 70 kmph. The car behind me would often be far too close for comfort—so as I’d slow down and then turn my car left, I’d breathe a prayer that the fast moving car behind me wouldn’t hit mine. After a few such prayers, I’ve enjoyed a number of mini miracles. Often, the car behind is a good distance away. And sometimes ... there’s been no car behind me at all. Wow! What a gift! Thank you God. A reminder from my Papa that He’s got my back.
Yes, God’s got my back, so I don’t need to keep peering over my shoulder to ensure I’m safe, not only on the road, but on life’s journey as well. Isn’t that reassuring? A few days ago, as I parked at our local shopping centre, I noticed a large red four-wheel drive car was parked on my right. I knew I’d need to take care when I moved out, because the car completely blocked my vision. However … when I returned to my car twenty minutes later, I was pleased (like a toddler given an ice cream when she least expected it) to find the vehicle had disappeared. I drove out of that parking spot with a perfect view of everything around me. Thank you God. Not only did God have my back—He had every side of me covered too. What a God!
In fact, as I was moved towards the traffic light intersection that day, a car followed, very close to mine - too close. Would it be a risk to reckon with when I turned into our street? I heard God's whisper in my heart that I needn’t worry—the car would soon be moving to the next lane. And yes … it did move over and all was well. Hooray! I zoomed home safely with no car speeding behind me. God had me covered. On every side. God has me covered. All the time. All I need to do is ask!
It’s that busy busy season isn’t it—the season of goodwill and cheer. Sadly, it can be a tough season for many people—a season when people spend too much, eat too much, do too much, wearing stress like a heavy garment, when tempers are frayed and exhaustion mounts. It is a time when lonely people might feel extra lonely. A time when life twirls around like crazy on a treadmill that won't let up.
Are you tired? Are you sick of it all? Are you troubled and worn and weary? If so, this word is especially for you. From God Himself. He knows. He understands. He feels with you and for you. He came to the earth for you. To give you peace with God and peace with your neighbour. To bring you abundant life in the here and now. To bring you hope amidst the bleakness and joy amidst your shattered dreams.
Reach out to Him again this Christmas. He is waiting for you. And He loves you. Oh how He loves you! So very very much. God’s got your back covered. And your sides too. Your future. Your today. Your moments. All of them. Come to Jesus. He is the Saviour of the world. He is your Saviour and mine. No circumstance however bleak is too big for Him to handle or overturn. He is with you.
He will take care of you.
This Christmas, may you look up and re-discover His love and His help in a way you have not experienced before. May He fulfil your heart’s deepest desires. May He walk with you through the fire. May the peace He came to give you be yours every day of the New Year.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Beauty out of Brokenness
13/11/2019 21:46I was heart-broken. No—I hadn’t lost a person I loved. In the big scheme of things, my loss was minute. But … I had lost something precious. When we moved to our new home last year, I had found a dear little place where I’d commune regularly with God. I’d sit there every morning in our backyard, drinking in the scene of lush vegetation that covered our tall backyard fence, delighting in its colour and beauty.
A large expanse of emerald leaves covered the fence. Little purple flowers dotted the rocks below with a burst of petite white flowers that danced around it, completing the picture. It was my special place to meet with my God. And ... it gave me something more. If ever I felt anxious, this little patch of beauty soothed me, so I spent time soaking in its loveliness, tucking the joy I received from it deep in my heart. It soon became medicine for my soul.
Unfortunately, my Quiet Times were rudely disrupted. Our neighbour needed access to his fence, so we had no choice but to cut down our foliage. Oh no? Oh yes. Sigh. A big one! The leaves had only grown in the past two weeks after the winter ended, and I was just beginning to enjoy them again! But now … but now, we had to cut them all down. How sad I was!
That evening I walked into my kitchen to get myself a drink of water. As I peeked out of the kitchen window, I was in for a surprise. An enchanting, colour-splashed rainbow smiled at me. Rainbows are my thing! Love them! After a short while, it disappeared, but God immediately shone more beauty into my kitchen, a pink and grey sunset this time that flashed across the skies, dazzling me with its splendour. And guess what! That wasn’t all. As the sunset faded, a radiant moon arose from beyond the hills—sparkling, shining, silver, serene. It winked at me. I was mesmerised. God whispered into my waiting heart. “I know you’re sad today, Nushi. But see what I can do! Trust Me, dear one.” I smiled. “Yes, Papa,” I said “I will trust You.”
As the weeks passed by, God continued to surprise me. A stunning display of red and yellow roses greeted me from beyond my kitchen window. They clambered into my heart, filling me, like an empty flask being topped with cool refreshing water from a fresh gurgling spring. Whenever I gazed through our dining room windows, I’d view tiny pink roses and small white flowers, set against the lush green foliage left on the fence, creating a magnificent contrast. What thrilled me was that it looked much like the scene I used to enjoy in my special place … only this was better. My cup was full.
And here’s the thing. I didn’t have to go and sit in my garden to be filled with this beauty. I could gaze at it countless times a day—simply as I walked around my house. My heart was soothed, not only during my Quiet Time but all day long. Thank you God!
The story of Job reminds us that when tough times loom, Satan might seem to have the upper hand, but in actual fact it’s God alone who holds the keys of the kingdom. Hallelujah! He is King. He is Lord. All the time. Even when it doesn't look like it. And just as God did for Job, one glorious day He will turn things around for you and me too. For now, we may not understand why God permits our losses and griefs, our tough seasons and our tears. But we know that this, here and now is not all there is. No, there is more.
As I gazed on the chopped trees and foliage, saddened by the sight of their brokenness, I was reminded that life in the here and now comprises of brokenness. But in the midst of the barren chopped foliage, there sprouted exceptional beauty. And that’s exactly what God does. He uses broken things to bring a new beauty and blessedness into our lives. If life was always rosy, we would not even realise much we needed Him. If we did not need deliverance, how would He prove Himself as our Saviour?
Is your heart broken? Have you lost something of value? If so, I feel your pain. I am so very sorry. Last week’s horrendous bush fires here in Australia reminded us that how fleeting life is. We grieve with those who have lost so much, realising afresh how life can change in an instant. My loss was miniscule compared to those who have lost everything. Life will never be the same for them. But even as I view life in the here and now with it's sadness and broken dreams, I also cling to HOPE. I do know with certainty that my life is but a brief moment in time. Eternity on the other hand, will last forever. Our losses will be replaced. Yes, the years the locust has taken from you will be recompensed in full, if not in this life, then in the next.
Be assured that God knows. God cares. He is with you. And ... as you yield to Him,
out of your brokenness and arid places will grow something of beauty that will last forever.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:19
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being
renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal
weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen
but to the things that are unseen. For what is seen are temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:16-18
The Place of deep JOY
17/10/2019 15:14Two years ago, when in quest of our next home, my beloved went for numerous open inspections. His wife however partook of the search mainly from the comfort of her computer chair—call me lazy if you like! One momentous day, as I clicked links on my computer, gazing yet again at more houses for sale, I saw one which I didn’t think was suitable. But then … I felt God’s nudge to look again, so I did! My eyes opened wide and my heart thumped loud. Shan and I went to check it out—and just one inspection was enough. We knew we need look no further.
Finding our Dream Home was heart-warming, but buying it was another matter! Problems abounded, assaulting us every day, like bombs being dropped over unsuspecting victims during war-time. Over the course of the next 75 days, I battled in prayer daily, using the Word of God as my ammunition. This gorgeous house was walking distance from my church, so every Sunday, I’d drive there, park opposite our Dream Home, and sit in an adjacent reserve, praying and seeking God’s heart for us.
A small oval encircled by trees whispered peace and God’s presence. Glowing green hills peeked at me from behind tall houses. I loved spending time there, as the autumn sun shone bright and tall gum trees hummed. It was like a second garden to our desired home, because it was only a stone’s throw away. I was certain I’d spend every morning in this God-breathed sanctuary with an open Bible and a hungry heart. But strangely enough, that did not occur.
Instead, I’ve spent many idyllic hours in our own little backyard, revelling in God’s company and in His creation. You see, when I frequented that little park, I had zero access to our new home, so this reserve was as close to it as I could get. But after we moved into our Dream Home—I had everything I needed right where I was, so there was no reason to look further.
We human beings seek comfort, joy, peace and meaning for our lives. Unfortunately, we often look in the wrong places—in riches or in relationships, in acquisitions or in accolades, in fame or in fortune, in good works or in golden moments. Some of them might deliver what we are seeking but they are often a far cry from what we really long for! The Word of God tells me that Christ within me—is my hope of glory. He alone is all I need.
Here in this beautiful home God gave us, I find countless spaces that give me joy—my little den where I write and pray in and study His Word; our dining area which overlooks a backyard that’s ablaze with pink and purple blooms; the spacious kitchen where God’s peace envelops me as I drink in the sight of verdant hills; our little garden where breezes sing to me all day and a million stars wink at me each night, the cosy patio where we enjoy the company of family and friends over a home-cooked meal, during long lazy summer days.
In the same way, following God’s ways brings me a deep and lasting joy. Spending time with my Father, soaking in the truth of His Word, fellowshipping with other believers, worshipping our awesome God, allowing His Spirit to lead me, caring for others, receiving forgiveness, forgiving others, enjoying the blessings life brings, being thankful no matter what, praising Him often, deepening relationships with loved ones, overcoming adversity, trusting God, being obedient to Him—all of these are like the places in my home that I relish. These are indeed the spaces of my heart where God meets with me and nourishes me and makes me whole.
God is closer than I realise. Like the morning sun which sheds light and new life every day, true joy is found in Him, the Son of God whose radiance illumines the darkest night. The things of the earth rarely satisfy for too long. People are human and one day they will all pass away like riches and fame which too are here today and gone tomorrow.
I linger in the reserve nearby revelling in its loveliness. But my joy, my deepest joy comes not from any place outside, but from within my home where I am deeply content. In the same vein, when I search for a joy that’s found outside of God, it falls far short of all I yearn for. I know then what I have to do—simply turn to JESUS, to re-discover that He, He alone, is my One Secure Place of deep and lasting JOY!
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
I have told you this that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:10-11
While You were Sleeping
12/09/2019 18:54I recently read a book titled ‘While you were sleeping’. The story centred around a young woman who was engaged to be married. Sadly, on the eve of her special day, she was knocked down by a car and fell into a coma. When she woke up, the young lass assumed she’d been out of it for a brief moment. She was horrified to discover that it had not been a matter of days or even months, but that she’d been ‘sleeping’ for six long years.
To make matters worse, her fiancé, after several years of faithful waiting at her bedside, had fallen in love and got married to someone else. What a shock! It was a lovely story and I enjoyed it, but the ending I’d hoped for didn’t happen. I love happy endings so I felt cheated. I’m so glad there is an Author who gets it right every single time—the Author of your story and mine. The Bible tells me that when I place my trust in Jesus as my Saviour and Lord, I can be certain that the end of my life's story will reach its perfect fairytale ending, not because of my own goodness but because of His great love. We are told that Jesus the Bridegroom is coming for His Bride, His people. It will be a glorious end to the story of the world and the remarkable beginning of the story of Eternity.
The other day, errant spring breezes had been up to mischief, stripping young maple leaves from my neighbour’s tree and tossing them all over our driveway. I started to clear them up, realising too that it was time to tackle another job I’d put off all week. I swept the maple leaves through our garage and into our back section. There’d been a large collection of other leaves over there as well, dancing around our patio. But now, as I looked to sweep them … where were they? The paving looked spanking clean.
‘I took care of it while you were sleeping, Nushi’. God’s smile warmed me.
“You did?” I looked around me, incredulous.
There was not even one leaf to be seen!
“I always do. Didn’t you know that sweet daughter?”
“Of course!” I smiled back at my Daddy God.
“Thank you Papa. Thank you so very much.”
Like a cool refreshing breeze, Gods kindness enveloped me. As God’s truth seeped into my being, my spirit soared like an eagle in flight. And no, I wasn’t thanking Him for cleaning up the leaves. God knew that my heartfelt gratitude was for the assurance He gave me (through what He did that day) that He is always working for my good; even while I am ‘sleeping’. I bent down, gathered the leaves I’d collected and tossed them into our green bin.
I’d been praying fervently regarding a tough circumstance I faced. In response, God had assured me through His Word that all I had to do was to keep looking at Jesus. He had also been letting me know that as I focussed on His goodness and greatness, He would fight my battles. What happened now was another poignant reminder. Yes, He does take care of my every need, even something as insignificant as the leaves that littered my patio. What a God we serve!
The Bible gives us numerous examples of how God worked in spite of circumstances. He caused a woman in her nineties have a baby, He delivered a whole nation from slavery, He made the sun and moon to stand still, He breathed fire on Elijah’s water-soaked sacrifice, He cured a man of leprosy as he bathed in the river Jordon, He delivered Shadrack Meshach and Abednego from a fiery furnace, He saved Daniel from a den of lions, He ordered a whale to swallow Jonah so he wouldn’t drown and … I could go on and on. In fact these are but a tiny snapshot of all He did over the ages. As I turn the page over and open the New Testament, I consider all that Jesus did and I am brought to my knees in wonder, awe and praise.
Are you grappling with a tough situation? A difficult person? A chronic illness? A challenging season? Have you been unfairly treated? Has life thrown lemons at you? Let’s you and I look up at the face of Jesus. As we focus our attention on our mighty powerful awesome God with thanksgiving and praise, we will know that as sure as night follows day, our faithful Father will continue to take care of all our needs.
While I was sleeping God was awake.
While you were sleeping God was on your case.
As we rest in Him, He will make all things beautiful ... and in His time!
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14