PARADIGM SHIFT, again?

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, is an easily recognisable verse from scripture, sometimes the application isn't so easy. My problem is I get a little revelation on a subject, then promptly move off onto something else the next day. I'm so glad that in this season God is nailing me, yipeee. The most important thing Daddy wants me to grasp is at least two fold. I say two fold with trepidation, as I know like a diamond it will be multi faceted. The first is centred on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and His resurrection. He did all of it, I can't add a thing to it, and that I shouldn't try; but hey, don't we all subconsciously if nor overtly? Very important in all of this is that Christ's sacrifice is the only offering Daddy will accept. This frees us up to turn away from ourselves and to focus on Jesus alone, and on His performance. The second revelation involves the indwelling presence of Jesus in my spirit. Some people say heart, but I prefer spirit. Let me ask you a question. Why did God want to come and live in us? Yes for relationship to be restored. OK let me rephrase the question. If Jesus, and the Father come to live in us by the Spirit do you think He wants to remain in our spirits doing nothing while we continue to live out our so called 'christian' life?
Is it not so called 'christian humanism' if we live our lives expecting God to strengthen us, or empower us, so we can do what we think we should do for Him. Isn't it more honouring to God to humbly recognise His indwelling presence, and ask Him what He wants to do in and through us? Here is a little word Daddy whispered to me this morning.
'It's not you receiving strength from Me to live on a daily basis, but about you humbling yourself and allowing Me to live through you, with my resources. That is why listening to Me is so important. You listen not so much for what you are to do, but for what I wish to do.'
The paradigm shift is away from me and onto Jesus in every area of my existence here sojourning on planet earth. So in all things He may have the supremacy. This is not to say that the presence of the Holy Spirit is not continually working in us both do will and to do of the Father's will, He just wants us to recognise the right way to live.

Discipline...

Ever since I became a Christian I've always been fascinated by the life of Jesus. The way He lived and did ministry, everything about Him is so awesome. Naturally I began to articulate my hearts desire to be like Him to Father. Twenty eight years in I find my self in a situation of extreme discipline. For the past few months the Lord has emphatically spoken to me about the priority of relationship, and listening to His voice. Jesus explained this to His listeners in John chapter 5, and it's always been part of my desires. But do you know what? I find it extremely difficult to hear His voice when I am talking to other people. I find myself rabbiting on in my usual charming way, but not hearing what Jesus may want to say. Then of course come obedience, now that's another story. I was a bit frustrated yesterday about my difficulties and felt a bit like jacking it in, but Daddy was quite strong with me. He reminded me of how many times Thomas Edison failed to create the electric light bulb, but he never quit. He asked me how long would a concert pianist practise to be perfect, or how many times a baseball pitcher would hone his skills? Perseverance, and determination are not words heard a lot in our culture but they are important to God. I've got to get stuck in and learn some 'stick to it ness.'

It may be small, but it's important.

This morning the Holy Spirit told me he would send someone to me if I went into town. It was pouring with rain as I got on the bus but fortunately it has eased off a bit when I arrived at the bus station. I went to get my daily paper in Smith's and as I left the shop the Spirit began to direct me around the streets. After I while I was directed to stand on a corner where the bridge over the Ogmore river joins the town. So I waited, I soon got bored and told the Spirit. 'Wait a bit more'. Was the reply. This happened twice more so I stayed put. Then without me noticing him a young man with a piece of paper in his hand was on my left side. He was obviously a foreigner and he asked me where the place was that was written on his note. It happened to be our civic offices so I moved around the corner a couple of steps, with him following me, and I pointed across the river to the building. He had his piece of paper out of my hand and was moving off when I asked him where he was from.
'Latvia', he said.
'God bless you, and have a good day'. I replied as he walked away form me.
'Daddy was that it?' I asked.
'That's it.' came the reply.
It may not have be very significant for me but I believe every little encounter is very important to God. Who knows what the Spirit can do with that small sentence of mine in the heart of a young man from Latvia.

Wandering

 I do quite a bit of wandering. Earlier in my life I spent a lot of time loitering for Jesus, a habit I learnt a long time ago when I first came home on leave from the Army. Then I just loitered around town waiting for some one to talk to. I needed a couple of things in town so I grabbed the bus. Having the bus pass is such a great blessing, it's the best thing WAG has come up with in my opinion. I wandered over to ASDA where I am always given a warm welcome by my ex colleagues, and where Jesus always gives me opportunities to minister. G. was there on her electric scooter. She goes to a local pentecostal church and is always such a blessing. Being able to encourage her is a real tonic. Then there was a lady in George, the clothing department. Conversations are often quick but today I had time to tell her that Jesus loved her, and that she is real special to God. Just saying Hi to the girls on the till is such a fillip for them in their daily, often tedious routines. I never underestimate a smile and a wave. L. whose marriage broke up recently was feeling much better than the last time I spoke with her, and I just stood by her and let the Glory of God influence her. There was a young girl on the check outs in Wilkinsons that I was able to interact with. Jesus was very good at making relationships, and I want to be like Him. I always address staff by their name if I can read it on their name badge.
Going to the bus station I managed a quick God loves to to H. a lady I often see in town but today she was too busy to stop. Nothing is ever wasted by the Holy Spirit, it may not seem like a super duper spiritual day but for me I never underestimate the small relational bridges in my life. Friends are the highest placed people to influence the world for Christ.

Catholic Adoption charity fails in it's argument...

Reading a piece in the Daily Telegraph I came upon this startling piece of information. catholic Adoption agency to close due to gay rights law This is about the last Catholic Adoption agency, Catholic Care. They were attempting to get around  Labours Equality laws. I quote from the article :- 'Catholic Care had argued that a clause of Labours Sexual Orientation Regulations inserted to ensure gay organisations could not be sued for discrimination, entitled it to change it's "charitable objects". Their defence failed. Were you aware that Labour had inserted this clause to protect homosexuals?  So much for New Labours equality, it has been proven under our governments rule some people are more equal than others.

Omniscient

That's a nice old word, omniscient, rolls off the tongue beautifully. I am so glad God is, and He knows what He is doing and He is in charge. Sorry Nick if you think you can pull a few flankers while wee Dave is emmetting in Cornwall, God's got it covered. No matter what is happening in our fallen world Big Daddy has it all under control, and He is laughing at satan's plans to dethrone Him.
As the Holy Spirit leads me back to John chapter 5; verses 19, and 30 have been and are continuing to be so important for me. Minute by minute Jesus only did what He heard, and saw the Father do. That was very specific for His life and ministry, but I wondered what was on the Fathers mind. Although Jesus's ministry involved many sings and wonders, remarkable teaching, and lots of good works it all pointed not only to Jesus as Messiah, but something we dare not forget.
 God's plan was to restore His created human beings back into relationship with Him, and that required Jesus dying on the cross, and being raised from the dead. To receive reconciliation we must receive salvation. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 2v4 that He desires all men to be saved.
You can be assured that every person you come in contact with is on God's heart because He desires their salvation. Jesus wants to continue His ministry through us and it is to save people from their present hopeless situation, and to be reconciled to God who is love. So no matter what God calls you to do someone's salvation is at the bottom of it.

I'm a Blessed man.........

I had an appointment with the top dermatologist at 9am this morning. I was in and out by one minute after nine, with the all clear. Popping up to Audiology I asked if they could check my ears for wax, as we have to queue in our Dr's. surgery. No problem the young lady remarked as she poked the instrument in my earnie. All clear she said after a little look see. Driving home then I thought as it was such a lovely day that we ought to go to the National Botanic Garden as we planned last Thursday. Memsahib was up for it and so after hanging out the washing, and packing lunch we set off. The garden was beautiful in the summer sunshine. I was pleased to see quite a few people there as well as some foreign tourists, that will help with the income. All of the garden has matured really well now since the garden was planted, and there is such a difference going in the summer, as opposed to the winter or spring. It was very pleasant sitting in the fresh air eating our lunch picnic style. Salad as usual for me, and a bottle of water that came free with my daily newspaper today. I noticed the water was French, I only took it as it was free. Why are we importing, and why are people buying French water in Wales? When I was last in town I went to Boots for a bottle of water and two French brands were virtually on eye level and I had to search for Welsh water, it was on the bottom of the display to the right. As a plus it was cheaper too. Is there a reason why French water is being marketed so heavily in Wales? I need answers.

Another Day.

Life is getting better by the minute. After my walk this morning, and lunch I've just painted the bathroom ceiling when I said I would, take note boys, valuable free tip there. Yesterday in town I visited ASDA and bought a lap top mouse, which has made the note book operation much smoother. I was also able to bless some of my ex colleagues in the store. I had given a New Testament to a lady by divine appointment yesterday her till was vacant long enough for me to speak lots of truth into her life, and pray for her. One other lady has just seen her husband go back to his ex girlfriend after 6 months of marriage. I know a little about her back ground so I was able to minister encouragement to her in a loving way. That's one thing about keeping good relations with your ex colleagues you always have an entrance into their lives if God allows.

Day 9

I thought I had blogged a post yesterday via my note pad, but it looks like a technology glitch has occurred. Anyway yesterday we had a trip into Swansea, where I bought some more nuts. Boring? Well I still think salad is but I'm pressing on. I got on the scales yesterday am and found the needle had dropped by 5 ks. Now I'm not saying 5 ks. of fat has disappeared, I'm only reporting what the needle says. Getting back to the salad, I bought a take away one in town today on my way round today, and it was lousy. I'm being spoilt by our own tomatoes, and lettuce. So my taste buds can tell the difference between the quality of the salad crops, but can't kick in yet to make me fall in love with the stuff.
On a more spiritual note I'm actually doing what God told me to do in 1993. There is more than a second chance with our Daddy, I'm glad to report. Maybe I'll elaborate on this later. On a very positive note I popped down to visit Adrian this evening he came out of hospital today after intensive surgery. He is weak, but he will make a full recovery under the loving care of his fantastic wife.

On Course

Yesterday I had a great visit with my pal John in Cardiff. It was such a pity it rained heavily, and right up until I arrived back into Bridgend. I bought a coffee for John and a bottle of water for me in Wetherspoons and we had a good old natter. Then we plucked up strength and nipped over to an arcade off St. Mary's Street, where I was able to buy my apple cider vinegar in a health food shop. We also strolled around a deli. and made a visit to the indoor market where I bought a fresh salad take away, and John picked up a roll. I had told John about my move to healthy eating and he was very supportive. He had been doing a little experimenting himself because of health issues in his family, and he wants to protect himself. I got home just after 3pm and was pleased that I had made the effort to see him.
I had the vinegar for lunch today on my salad, and it was very tasty. I also juiced some carrots that Chris got in our veg. box  which we get from our local smallholder. It tasted OK and I put the remainder in the fridge for tomorrow. I've been sticking with the water and find I am getting a liking for it now, which is a bonus.
Tomorrow is weighing day, it will be interesting to see how I have got on.

Onwards and Upwards

I knew that Saturday would be a challenge as I had to get up early for the Breakfast Run with no time for my barley powder [instead of breakfast], and I had to face the night shift on Street Pastors. Well the morning was successful. I didn't find it too difficult as the bacon and sausages were being cooked for the rough sleepers, nor did I help myself to a spare bacon roll at the end of the ministry. The night proved to be more problematic and I was hungry after eating a banana at the first 'tea break' so I admit to having two slices white toast, not good; and a pot noodle as well. The pot noodle is probably less harmful than you may think as most of the ingredients are natural, and there are no additives.
I admit to finding the salads a bit boring and not very tasty at the moment, so I must experiment with ways of firing up the taste. That's the trouble with meat and processed foods, they are design to be enjoyable as there is plenty of money involved to make sure they are. I wait with anticipation for my taste buds to return to enjoying good wholesome foods.
I'm having a day out with a friend of mine in Cardiff tomorrow. I have yet to tell him about my lifestyle change, and I look forward to his reaction. I'm looking forward to poking around in the Deli's as I want to buy some apple cider vinegar if I can find some, and anything else that I might find interesting. I'm sure I can find some veggie shops in the City. I have been encouraged by both Liz, and Jonathan, when I told them about my choice to switch to healthy eating. They email me very complimentary responses and some tips too.
So it's onwards and upwards. Only 5 days in and my water intake is increasing well, oh and I went for a walk this morning for the first time in ages and found my hip less troublesome. Good to be out in the fresh air even if it was raining.

The Journey starts with One Step.

I found having Liz and Jonathan, both minimalist eaters, I don't know if they would be comfortable with the term vegan; with me in Germany quite challenging. I took a look at Jon's. website when I can home. Honestly I haven't really looked after my body living in the arrogance that having a good constitution was enough. Well Hallelujah Acres in N. Carolina took my eye, and one of their books, the Hallelujah Diet, was available on Amazon so I ordered it. I didn't take much convincing to see that I had really been abusing my body by the things that I ate and drank. I also knew that my excess weight, and lack of discipline, had to be addressed. I had been praying about some addictive traits in my lifestyle for some time expecting God to 'deliver' me as He had done over my nicotine addiction 27yrs. ago, but nothing had changed. I am more convinced now that God used the trip to Germany as a catalyst to front me up to take responsibility for my own health and well being.
So I took the plunge last Wed. and began a whole new lifestyle. I am experiencing some mild detox symptoms but will press through because I know benefits will come. Already I am amazed with the fact that I don't feel hungry, and my desire for alcohol has abated. I'll keep you updated.   Hallelujah Acres

Fun Day Wildmill Park 4 8 2010

Psalm 23

Jesus said that he came to heal the broken hearted. I am so glad about that aren't you? Much of our hurts and pain is rooted in lies that we chose to believe, particularly when we were younger. Jesus also said we were to know the truth and the truth would set us free. Is there a link between the truth of scripture, and having healed hearts? I think so. Fear also operates through deception, and fear has no place in love, as perfected love casts out fear. The core issue is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Not to think as the world thinks, and not to continue thinking and agreeing with the lies we grew up with, hence Psalm 23.

The fear of lack, spawned by the orphan 'spirit' causes anxiety and jealousy, and covetousness. The fear that I will never have enough, makes me jealous of others who have more than me, and will promote the urge to offset the anxiety by working to attain 'things'. This is a familiar worldly mindset, which is part of the Babylon system we all grew up in. But it is totally un Godly. The Babylon system of the world seeks to prosper apart from God, to live apart from God, and is totally self centred. I must repent. Turn from that way of thinking and choose by faith to agree with the truth.  THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT LACK.............If I continue to sow truth then I shall reap a harvest. There is truth in God's word for whatever is ailing us.