Category: thank

God awakes

Ruth Kirk

Here is a video of today’s blog: God awakes

Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens
(Psalm 68:33; NLT). 

God awakes the ancient heavens:
Time begins in endless space.
All creation flows within him:
Earth, light, water; life, peace, grace.
Then, he makes both men and women,
Each reflecting his dear face.

Disobedience; selfishness:
Oh, how the lust for power grows!
Watching; waiting; weeping; raging:
Still, the God of mercy shows
Unfailing love. He sends his Son:
Most precious gift, although he knows

Exactly what will happen next.
They spurned his Way, and all he said,
Scorned him; beat him; jeered, and spat,
As, hanging on the cross, he bled
And died that day, for all our sins.
Since then, his Spirit comes, instead,

To those who trust his holy name.
Shun selfishness! Take up your cross.
Put others first. Accept what comes
With thanks, and see the rest as dross.
Then, follow Christ through life’s dark vale,
Clinging to him in pain and loss.

Cling to your faith in Christ (1 Timothy 1:19; NLT).

His body [lamenting its decay] grieves in pain over it, and his soul mourns over [the loss of] himself (Job 14:22; AMP).

References

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1; NLT). 

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27; NLT).

The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved – spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power] (Genesis 6:11; AMP).

The Lord your God is a raging fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; GW).

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16; NLT).

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; NLT). 

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12; NIV). 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? (Mark 8:36; DBY). 

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21; CFSB).

Redemptive suffering: a personal perspective

Ruth Kirk

You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him (Philippians 1:29; GNT).  

Introduction
In common with many other people, I have experienced physical, mental and spiritual suffering over the course of my life. I also live with chronic illness every day.

My response to suffering has changed considerably over the years. Thus, I slowly moved from very negative attitudes, such as fear, self-pity and depression, through resignation, to a more comfortable acceptance.

Then, after being diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, I discovered and adopted the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). At the time, I didn’t realise what a key step this would be in the process of developing a more positive attitude to suffering.

More recently, just a few weeks ago, I stumbled on the idea of using my symptoms as cues which would remind me to intercede for others. This practice has already begun to give a new purpose and value to the suffering which is a daily feature of my life.

Soon afterwards, I discovered the term redemptive suffering, and realised, to my surprise and pleasure, that I am not alone on this path.

Redemptive suffering
My current, very limited, understanding of redemptive suffering is that it means:

  1. Willingly accepting and embracing uncomfortable symptoms.
  2. Giving thanks for them.
  3. Offering them as a sacrifice on behalf of others who are suffering.
  4. Praying for other people who are suffering.

It will be interesting to see how this definition changes in the light of further personal experience and insight.

Christ’s life and death are the perfect example of redemptive suffering in operation. Even as he hung on the cross, Jesus was praying for his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34; NLT). 

The privilege of suffering for Christ
St. Paul grasped that if we are to share Christ’s glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17). This led him to the astonishing realisation that we, too, can offer our suffering on behalf of others, just as Jesus did. As he states: “You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him” (Philippians 1:29; GNT).

With self-awareness, willing acceptance and frequent practice, every adverse symptom, sensation, emotion and experience can become a sacrificial offering to God. Our suffering then functions as a series of cues, or reminders, to intercede for others.

Our prayers can be for people we know personally, those we hear or read about, and for everyone experiencing physical and mental illness, pain, privation, danger and death all around the world.

Conclusion
I believe that we can grow more like Christ, and become more deeply united with him, by welcoming the suffering God sends, and using it for the good of others. Redemptive suffering is, indeed, a privilege. Furthermore, my experience is that it can bring a sense of purpose, joy and fulfilment even though my life is very limited by suffering.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

References

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV). 

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies (Hebrews 13:3; NLT).

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too (1 Peter 4:1; NLT).

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you (Isaiah 30:20; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT). 

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT). 

Prayer on waking

Ruth Kirk

When I wake up, you are still with me (Psalm 139:18; NLT). 

Lord,
My Father:
Thank you for my sleep.

Lord,
My Teacher:
Guide me through today.

Lord,
My Comfort,
Hold me when I weep.

Lord,
My Saviour,
Keep me on your way.

Lead me in your eternal way (Psalm 139:24; ABPE).

References 

Verse 1:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9; RSV).
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet (Proverbs 3:24; NKJV).

Verse 2:
You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am (John 13:13; NLT).
Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast (Psalm 139:10; NIV).

Verses 3:
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may be with you always (John 14:16; GNT).
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close (Psalm 27:10; NLT).
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1; NLT).
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4; NLT).

Verse 4:
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:5; NIV).
You are my helper and my savior (Psalm 40:17; NLT).
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:21; NLT).

Give us faith

Ruth Kirk

Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13; NLT). 

Father,
Give us faith in Jesus.
Give us hope, Lord, too.

Give us love
For everyone
In all we say and do.

Please give us joy
As we say, “Yes”,
To everything you send.

May we give thanks,  Lord,
Come what may,
Until our lives here end.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

References 

By grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8; NIV).

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NIV).

Then Mary said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38; CPDV).

I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).

Hate and love

Ruth Kirk

Do not nurse hatred in your heart (Leviticus 19:17; NLT ).

Introduction
Hating others is common nowadays. Hateful speech and actions are present in our streets, schools and workplaces, in newspapers and online, and wherever there is disagreement, conflict and war. Some countries are even having to introduce detailed legislation about who we should not hate.

Sadly, such legislation can generate bitter arguments about who has been included, and who has been left off the list. So how can we deal with this issue in such a way that everyone can understand it, follow best practice, and help to make the world a better place?

A simple answer
The answer is very simple: Don’t hate anyone. Don’t even judge anyone. Instead, love everyone, just as the Bible teaches.

Three steps
This might sound like a huge challenge, so how can we learn to do it? I’ve broken the process down into three steps, which take only a few seconds to follow. The three sages can be summarised as: STOP, SORRY, and LOVE.

Step 1: STOP
The moment we notice ourselves having a judgemental or hateful thought (or feeling, or impulse), towards someone, whether in the flesh, on TV, in a newspaper, or online, etc, we need to say, “STOP”, to ourselves immediately. As Saint Paul writes: “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).

Step 2: SORRY
Next, we can say, “Sorry, Lord”, before replacing our judgement with thanks to God for the person concerned, then asking God to bless them. With regular practice, this process becomes an inbuilt reflex the moment we catch a judgemental thought entering our mind.

Step 3: LOVE
The final step is to make a conscious choice to love the person. If circumstances allow, we can smile at them, or say, “Hello”. If appropriate, we can make a pleasant remark to them, or, if needed, offer our help in some simple way. Let’s make their day a little better for having crossed our path. Remember that if the person isn’t physically present, we can still pray for them.

Developing a new habit
To begin with, we might not become fully aware of a judgemental or hateful thought until some time after the moment has passed. We don’t need to beat ourselves up about this. Instead, we can still recognise what we have done, say we are sorry, ask God to bless the person, then pray for them.

With practice, the conscious recognition of unwanted thoughts will come more quickly after each event, until eventually we are able to deal with our judgemental thoughts and feelings on the spot, whilst the person concerned is still in sight.

Exactly the same approach applies when we have critical or hateful thoughts about someone we read about, or see on TV, or who simply passes through our minds unbidden.

With practice, this method of noticing and correcting our judgemental and hateful thoughts gradually becomes an established habit. Critical attitudes and impulses towards others wither away, unrewarded by our attention and indulgence.

What the Bible says
Here are some references to remind us of what the Bible says about who to love. Remember that the answer is very simple: Love everyone:

– May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NIV).
– Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).
– Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).
– Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).
– Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

Conclusion: becoming like Christ
In conclusion, let’s begin a world-wide movement against judging and hating others, beginning with changing ourselves. Instead of hating, we can move towards loving everyone, because: “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12; NIV). In this way, we can become just a little more like Christ.

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13; NLT).

References
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things (Romans 2:1; NIV).

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:1-2; NLT). 

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

A reading from 2 Peter 1, 5-8; TIB.
Make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, familial love; and to familial love, truly unselfish love. For if these qualities are yours and they are growing in you, they will protect you from becoming ineffective and unfruitful; and they will bring you to a true knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Migraine: with thanks to K.B.

Ruth Kirk

Today I was hoping to go to Mass, which I don’t manage very often, but instead I have a migraine…

So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations (2 Corinthians 12:7; TM).  

Migraine is my Mass today,
And codeine is my bread.
All my hopes and plans are gone:
A quiet day, instead.

Migraine is my liturgy,
And water is my wine;
So, Lord, I accept this cross
As a part of your design.

Migraine is my service,
And I know it’s not in vain,
Because I can embrace this chance
To plead for those in pain.

Migraine is my crown of thorns;
It gives me time to pray.
Thank you, Lord, that I can share
Your suffering today. 

Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

References 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT). 

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).

My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42; NLT). 

The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head (John 19:2; NLT). 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church (Colossians 1:24; NLT).

Redemptive suffering: #2

Ruth Kirk

This is part two of a short series on redemptive suffering, which began yesterday. If you missed the first, introductory blog, and would like to read it, here is a link: https://wp.me/p45bCr-gsV.

Unusually, today’s prayer includes a space for the names of people you would like to pray for individually, whilst also interceding for all those suffering around the world.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV). 

Lord,

Thank you for this suffering.
I willingly accept it
From your hands.

I offer it as a sacrifice
For the forgiveness, healing
And redemption of [names],

And of all
Who need your help
Around the world.

I ask this
In your own dear name,
Amen.

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21; AMP).

References

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion (Psalm 103:2-4; NLT).

Instability (with thanks to E.S.)

Ruth Kirk

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV). 

Lord,
My situation is unstable.
May I accept this gladly,
Giving thanks.

I’m facing the unknown
Without a route-map,
But want to greet my future
Without dread.

You are my Good Shepherd,
And my Teacher;
My way, my truth, my life,
My guide, my peace.

So, Lord, I don’t ask
For this uncertainty to end:
I simply put my trust in you,
Instead.

My future is in your hands (Psalm 31:15; NLT). 

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).

References 

No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future (Ecclesiastes 10:14; NLT). 

Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish (Isaiah 46:10; NLT). 

I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29: 1; NLT).

We believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us (Romans 8:23; NLT). 

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future (Ephesians 4:4; NLT). 

If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God (Isaiah 50:10; NLT).

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42; NLT). 

I’m listening

Ruth Kirk

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him” (Mark 9:7; NLT). 

I’m listening, Lord,
And loving you;
I’m worshipping
Your splendour, too. 

I’m following,
And trusting you,
Rejoicing that
Your words are true.

I’m saying, “Yes”,
And thanking you,
Because you always
Help me through.

By your help I have made a way through the wall which was shutting me in: by the help of my God I have gone over a wall (2 Samuel 22:30; BBE). 

References 

Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening'” (1 Samuel 3:9; NIV).

Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT). 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT). 

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

All your words are true (Psalm 119:160; NIV). 

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matthew 26:42; NIV). 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV). 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NKJV).

Wait

Ruth Kirk

I will wait for the Lord (Isaiah 8:17; NLT). 

Wait for the Lord,
And if he comes,
Hurry to his warm embrace.

Wait for the Lord,
And if he comes,
Gaze into his shining face.

Wait for the Lord,
And if he comes,
Listen to his still, small voice.

But, even if he does not come,
Have faith, give thanks,
And then: rejoice! 

Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!” (John 20:29; CEV).

References 

Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation (Psalm 62:1; NKJV). 

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20; NLT).

His face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2; NLT).

After the fire came a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12; BSB). 

My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning (Psalm 130:6; RSV).

Have faith in God (Mark 11:22; RSV).

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Rejoice at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:16; ABPE).