The Importance of Waiting

The importance of Waiting
‘Let Patience have her perfect work…’ James 1:4

Have you been asking God, ‘Why do I have to wait so long?’ If so, here are four important things you need to know:
1)Waiting trains you. Time spent waiting can be time spent learning. And if you’re learning, you’re not losing. God will train you for battle because He’s a good general. ‘Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle’ (Psalm 144:1) NIV).
2) Waiting corrects you. The Psalmist wrote: ‘Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. (Psalm 119:67 NKJV). Pain can be profitable. Adversity can lead to spiritual advancement if you’re willing to glean from it. Pain forces you to look to God for answers, to lean on Him instead of others, to learn where you went astray, to hunger for His presence and His healing touch, to listen for His instructions and be sensitive to the changes He wants to bring about in your life. Yes, you can turn your pain into progress.
3) Waiting reveals those around you. Motives are not easily discerned. Trust God but test people. That’s scriptural. …’the Lord your God led you…forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart’ (Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV). People can keep their intentions and motives covered for a long time, but waiting generally forces the truth to the surface.
4) Waiting gives God time to solve the problem. He’s a miracle-working God, so don’t get ahead of Him and rob Him of the opportunity to demonstrate His power in your life.

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF

How to be Married & Happy (4)

How to be Married and Happy (4)

‘…Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day…’ Ecclesiastes 9:9 TM

Marital happiness requires an environment of unselfishness. Two people deciding to live out what Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount will find happiness together. Each beatitude (what our attitude should be) begins with the work ‘blessed’, which means ‘happy’. True happiness is found in humility, a readiness to repent, gentleness, patience, being unassuming, loving what’s right and just, pure heartedness, and peacemaking. These are the qualities that make a marriage go the distance. And notice, they’re the opposite of selfishness! An un-crucified self is the worst possible marriage material. The wedding ring symbolises unending commitment, but unless it is superimposed over the cross, the symbol of death to self, there can be no lasting marital happiness. Self will put an end to love; love will put an end to self. Marriage is the ultimate invitation to growth in unselfishness. Living with another imperfect person pushes us to mature, mellow and master the art of relationship-enhancing self-denial. Paul writes ‘…Love deeply; practise playing second fiddle’ (Romans 12:10 TM). The test of a loving relationship lies in putting our partner’s needs before our own. Asking ‘Whose good am I seeking in my handling of this situation?’ reveals our real heart attitude, prompting us to put our partner first. Deliberately deferring to them applies the cross to self and the flesh, and promotes our marriage. The more self dies, the more our relationship lives! ‘…a grain if wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed’ (John 12:24 NCV)

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk

How to be Married & Happy (3)

How to be Married and Happy (3)

‘…Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day…’ Ecclesiastes 9:9 TM

Marital happiness requires an environment of unselfishness. Two people deciding to live out what Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount will find happiness together. Each beatitude (what our attitude should be) begins with the work ‘blessed’, which means ‘happy’. True happiness is found in humility, a readiness to repent, gentleness, patience, being unassuming, loving what’s right and just, pure heartedness, and peacemaking. These are the qualities that make a marriage go the distance. And notice, they’re the opposite of selfishness! An un-crucified self is the worst possible marriage material. The wedding ring symbolises unending commitment, but unless it is superimposed over the cross, the symbol of death to self, there can be no lasting marital happiness. Self will put an end to love; love will put an end to self. Marriage is the ultimate invitation to growth in unselfishness. Living with another imperfect person pushes us to mature, mellow and master the art of relationship-enhancing self-denial. Paul writes ‘…Love deeply; practise playing second fiddle’ (Romans 12:10 TM). The test of a loving relationship lies in putting our partner’s needs before our own. Asking ‘Whose good am I seeking in my handling of this situation?’ reveals our real heart attitude, prompting us to put our partner first. Deliberately deferring to them applies the cross to self and the flesh, and promotes our marriage. The more self dies, the more our relationship lives! ‘…a grain if wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed’ (John 12:24 NCV)

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk

How to be Married and Happy (2)

How to be Married and Happy! (2)

‘…relish life with the spouse you love each and every day…’ Ecclesiastes 9:9 TM

To be married and happy you must understand that love is a choice, not a sensation. The old Righteous Brothers’ song ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ may make your toes tap but it won’t make your marriage work. ‘Feeling’ is the fruit, ‘doing’ is the root. Your will is where the solution begins. God wouldn’t have commanded, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church…’ (Ephesians 5:25NKJV) or ‘…teach the young women…to love their husbands…’ (Titus2:4 NCV) if love was a feeling and not an act of your will. When the will leads, the feelings follow. So let’s correct four misconceptions about love. First, its foundation is not emotion, personality, beauty or sex – in other words, sources of pleasure. These things don’t bring lasting happiness. What’s needed is commitment, character and a Christ-like disposition. Second, think you can’t love your partner? Check with God. ‘We love because He first loved us’ (1John 4:19 NIV). If you’re loved by God, you’ve got love to give, because ‘…love comes from God…’ (1John 4:7 NIV). You don’t have to initiate it; just give what has been given to you! Third, think you’ve ‘fun out’ of love? No, you’ve just abandoned the source: ‘God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us’ (Romans 5:5 NIV). Tank up on the Spirit’s supply and you’ll have lots of love to give! Finally, investing yourself in your partner causes even a dead love to live again. ‘…where your treasure is (invested), is the place you will most want to be…’ (Matthew 6:21 TM)

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk

THE SCOTS KIRK, PARIS

A Visit to The Scots Kirk in Paris

 The Scots Kirk is situated in Rue Bayard, just off the Champs-Elysee. The congregation is flourishing, but by its very nature, many of the worshippers are passing through or staying in Paris for a relatively short time.

 The Paris congregation was established in 1858. In 1885, the congregation moved its place of worship to the former American Episcopal church in rue Bayard.
Some famous people have worshipped here. They include American President Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, and Eric Liddell the famous Scottish Olympic athlete (who preferred to preach in the Scots Kirk rather than race on a Sunday in the 1924 Paris Games). His life, missionary work and tragic death, are recounted in the book and film “Chariots of Fire”.

 After WW2, it was discovered that there had been damage to the structure of the building and a new church was built. However, this gave serious structural problems and in the 1990s the decision was made to do a deal with a property developer, luxury flats being built on the site but with premises for the church on the ground floor and basement.

At the entrance is a beautiful metal screen depicting a Celtic cross and inlaid with stones from Scotland. Inside there is office accommodation, a small hall, a pleasant outside courtyard and the church itself. Although simple in its interior design, it is a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary.

 No visit to the Scots Kirk would be complete without a mention of their former minister, Dr Donald Caskie, the ‘Tartan Pimpernel’. In 1940, following the forced closure of the church due to the German occupation of Paris, Donald Caskie moved to Marseille where he held services in the Seamen’s Mission. He became a member of the French Resistance and a vital link in helping allied soldiers and airmen to safety in neutral Spain. Betrayed, arrested and sentenced to death by the Gestapo, his life was saved by a German pastor. His fascinating story is told in the book The Tartan Pimpernel, and this link is one of which the Kirk is particularly proud.

For more information about The Scots Kirk, visit their website www.scotskirkparis.com

The interior of the present-day Scots KirkThe Scots Kirk Session Clerk, Mme Dorothy Mure, pictured beside the entrance.

How to be Married and Happy (1)

How to be Married and Happy (1)

‘…Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day…’ Ecclesiastes 9:9 TM

Counsellors reckon that less than 25 per cent of marriages today are truly happy. What does it take to be one of them? Thinking about marriage in God’s terms, not selfish terms. From God’s perspective, happiness in marriage depends on distinguishing fact from fiction. The world of movie magic creates unrealistic expectations. To ‘relish life with the spouse you love each and every day’ you must re-examine your thinking. Every marriage is made up of two flawed people: ‘For all have sinned and fall short…’ (Romans 3:23 NIV). That includes you and your partner. It’s not that we don’t know this, it’s that we keep forgetting it, or hoping we’re the exception to the rule. Expecting perfection is naïve and will keep undermining your relationship. Happiness in marriage depends on coming to terms with your mutual defects and dealing with them realistically. Recognise fiction; deal with facts – especially in certain vulnerable areas. For example, finances. Practice tithing, generosity, delayed gratification, and fiscal discipline. Second, personal appearance. Always try to look your best, but accept unchangeable features – both yours and your partner’s. Ageing is God’s idea, so accept it with dignity and become wiser with it. Third, lifestyle. Happiness is about comfort and contentment, not materialism and pride that lead to crushing indebtedness. Then, courtesy. Small kindnesses, considerate acts and words are low-cost, high yield investments. Finally, physical satisfaction. The greatest satisfaction results from providing satisfaction for your partner. Self-focus, manipulation and demanding your way can never match God’s unfailing system: ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you..’ (Luke 6:38 KJV)

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk

In Spite of the Odds and the Opposition

In Spite of the Odds and the Opposition

‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

If you are going through a difficult time right now, read these words: ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life’ (vv.5-6 NKJV) Underline the word ‘surely’. It’s God’s guarantee! When does God cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome? When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your enemies! The odds and the opposition can’t stop God from blessing you. ‘But I’m really struggling,’ you say. Struggle is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and that you’re growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He will work on your behalf. He will send His Spirit to guide you, His Word to illuminate your mind, and keep friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle. If you’re teachable, you’re reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to God, keep obeying Him and you will see that your problem is just a platform for Him to ‘show himself strong on your behalf’ (2 Chronicles 16:9). You’ll also discover that His strength comes when you’re at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Finally, you’ll be able to thank God for your enemies because He’s promised to bless you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don’t decide your future, God does – so look to Him.

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF

Spiritual Growth

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ Romans 12:2 NKJV

Are you wrestling with a personal problem, thinking, ‘if I can just overcome this I’ll be all right? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that by God’s grace you can overcome it. The bad news is that when you’ve overcome this particular problem, another one is waiting to take its place. You’re always going to be working on something. Spiritual growth is a work in progress. And it doesn’t come through human effort, self-condemnation, or the white-knuckling works of the flesh. It comes as a result of spending time in prayer and having your mind renewed daily by His Word. As you agree with God, believing what He says is true, change automatically happens. You start to think differently, talk differently, and act differently. Be patient with yourself; it’s a process that develops in stages. Would you think there was something wrong with your child because they couldn’t walk perfectly on the first few tries? No, you’re delighted each time they take a step. When they fall you pick them up. When they mess up, you clean them up and encourage them to try again. You never stop working with them! And God does the same with us. He’s not angry because you haven’t ‘arrived’, He’s pleased that you’re pressing on, endeavouring to stay on the path. It’s God’s job to …’cause (you to) be governed by the Holy Spirit…’ (2 Corinthians 3:8 AMP). If you could do it by yourself you wouldn’t need Him. So instead of driving yourself harder and harder, start leaning on God more and more and you’ll …’go from strength to strength…’ (Psalm 84:7 NIV)

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
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Learn to say ‘No!’

‘…Let… your no be (a simple) no…’ James 5:12 AMP

Often we have difficulty saying no because we’re afraid people won’t like us. Or we believe that to be ‘a good Christian’ we must always say yes. People who never learn to say no end up disliking themselves – as well as the people they’re trying to please. The Bible says, ‘…let… your no be (a simple) no, so that you may not sin…’ Only when you find the courage to say no, do you stop lying about your real needs and start respecting yourself. In time, others will too. If you’re having trouble in this area, here are some pointers:

1. Resist the pressure to give an immediate response! Develop a policy of not making commitments without consulting your calendar and praying about them first. The Bible says, …’if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask Him, and He will gladly tell you…’ (James 1:5 NLT). Its simple – pause and ask God!

2. Limit what you say yes to, then stick with it! If you’re already over-committed, don’t take on more because you feel pressured, guilty, or indispensable. You’ll discover you’re only indispensable until you say no (or die)!

3. Go with your gifts! God has given each of us unique abilities and talents. If you’ve to choose between singing in the choir or sitting on the finance committee, go where your talents will best be utilised. Is this easy? No! But unless you learn to do it, you’ll end up investing too much in what seems important, while neglecting what God’s truly called you to do.

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk

Don’t Lose Hope

Don’t Lose Hope

‘You will have courage because you will have hope…’ Job 11:18 NLT

There’s a mental condition that’s essential to the life Gob wants you to live. It’s the fuel your heart runs on. It’s the single biggest difference between those who persevere and those who give up. It’s called – hope. It’s a powerful force that arouses your mind to explore every possibility and overcome every obstacle.
Hope is what makes couples say ‘I do’, without any guarantees, and later after all the broken promises, makes them pick up the pieces and try again. It’s why composers agonize over a score and artists over a canvas, believing some glimmer of beauty will emerge from the struggle.
As an old man, the painter Henri Matisse was crippled with agonising arthritis. When asked why he continue to wrap his swollen fingers around a paintbrush every day, he replied, ‘the pain goes away; the beauty endures’. That’s hope! Labouring to paint the ceiling of the Sistine chapel, Michelangelo grew so discouraged that he wanted to quit, but every morning hope pushed him up the ladder to fulfil his magnificent vision. Hope made Abraham leave home without knowing where God was taking him. It’s what made Paul defy the system. It’s what fuelled the Old Testament prophets to keep taking on the authorities! David said, ‘For You have been my hope….my confidence since my youth’ (Psalm 71:5 NIV).
Don’t lose hope! You can survive many losses, but lost hope paralyses your spirit. Listen: ‘You will have courage because you will have hope’ (Job 11:18 NLT); so regardless of your circumstances, keep your hope alive today by staying focused on God.

This is reproduced with kind permission from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Word for Today. Copies can be obtained from them at UCB Operations Centre, Westport Road, Stoke on Trent, ST6 4JF.
They can be reached on 0845 6040401 or at www.ucb.co.uk