Thursday 28 April 2011

Wind and Clouds

I was reading Jude recently and you know how it is sometimes, when you read the bible and a certain phrase takes on a life that you have not seen before even though you've read it many times? Yep, that happened. What's more the new life breathed into the words doesn't always link with the original intended meaning, but, nonetheless, you find another 'truth'. Yep, that happened.
There is often a lot of talk and prayer and singing along the lines of God appearing 'like the wind' or as a 'mighty rushing wind' as a reference to the Holy Spirit. There is certainly nothing wrong with this and our church is no exception in either its expression or the desire it represents.
However, as I read Jude 1:12,
..."They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; ..."

I saw something else, an all important factor that is sometimes missed in our desire for 'the wind to blow'.

To put a practical edge to this we often, correctly, imply that we will be 'blown' along by the Holy Spirit as clouds are blown along by the wind and in the process will end up being used by God in the places He wants us.

But if what is actually being blown along are 'clouds without water' - no rain, no refreshing, dry and fluffy then they are of little practical use.

Clouds that hold out the promise of something they just can't deliver?

I want to be a cloud that is totally loaded with rain before I am blown anywhere. I want to deliver what is promised. I want to be changed and empowered by the very same wind that blows,..... and then get caught and carried in the current.

For Christians, in terms of 'working out our salvation' the journey is crucial, however, in terms of our having been given a command and the authority to minister, the delivery is all important.
The lives of other people, both now and in eternity, are dependant upon us delivering the goods that God has called, commanded, empowered and sent us to deliver.

I'm all for getting blown along by the Spirit, provided I am also prepared and ready to deliver the goods He's given?

Sunday 10 April 2011

Listen to the whisper

Some words given after reading Psalm 35:

As you stumble around
and every way seems like the wrong way,
cul de sacs leading to darkness, defeat and despair
Listen,
a whispered promise
deep within your soul
'I am your salvation'

When you heart has been trampled
torn and broken beyond repair
living or dying, you don't really care
Listen,
a whispered promise
deep within your soul
'I am your salvation'

Where fear is your only horizon
vision obscured by pain
hopelessness and failure in front
and behind
Listen,
a whispered promise
deep within your soul
'I am your salvation'

When sin entangles and pollutes
and the highway that once led you into my presence
is as elusive as the wind
Listen,
a whispered promise
deep within your soul
'I am your salvation'

When the wells have been blocked
and the water no longer flows
days of heaven, life and refreshing
no more than distant memories
Listen,
a whispered promise
deep within your soul
'I am your salvation'
'I am light,life,healing and hope'
'I am'

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday 4 April 2011

The Word of Life

The word of life echoes throughout history, bursts into the now and sounds a clear call, signposting our  eternal destiny. Accompanied each step of the way by the living Word, who spoke something out of nothing,whispered order out of chaos and breathed life into an empty universe.
Dancing through the joys, sorrows and complexities of our existence always surprising us. Producing something wonderful from hats full of nothing , whispering the Word of peace and power that catches chaos unawares and leaves order in His trail. He takes our breath away as He breathes life and wholeness into death and brokenness .This is eternity's eternal song, from the heart of the Father, the words of the Son, carried along like a flood, driven by His breath. 
These waters flow deep and His compelling whisper invites us to swim on the leading wave of His presence, bringing life and peace and healing. 
This is life in all its fullness, this is what He intended with that first living breath, when the dust of the earth began the journey to become the children of the King