Have you ever read what Jesus said in John 14:14?
“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Wow! That sounds like a divine blank cheque, doesn’t it?

How’s this: “Father, I could do with a few million bucks, please, in Jesus Name, amen!”
Or
“Father, may Richo kick the winning goal at the Big Game, amen!  …er.. I mean, in Jesus Name, amen.”

Can you imagine all the weird stuff that could happen if all our weirdest prayers (with His Name tacked on the end, of course) were answered? Did Jesus really mean what He said?
Most of us who have a reasonably wide knowledge of the scriptures will understand that this verse has to be balanced with other scriptures to get what Jesus was saying. Even the context of John 14:14 is all about Jesus handing over His task and His power and authority to His disciples and glorifying the Father.
(Also, I’m not sure that winning Tattslotto or divine intervention on behalf of Richmond FC will necessarily glorify the Father – but I may be wrong! 😊)
There is also John 15:7.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
That certainly sobers me up a bit. I need to get the power of God’s truth working on me a bit more, purifying my motives, before I start filling out that divine blank cheque!

But still, the idea that Jesus is giving us His authority and power is rather mind-blowing when you think about it.
It occurred to me this morning that the authority of His Name that He has given us is similar to the enforcement of the Law.
There was a time when soldiers were pursuing a fugitive of the law, and they would cry “Surrender, in the King’s name!”
When the police come to make an arrest, they often cry out “Open, in the name of the Law!” Though today, it’s sufficient just to say “Police!”
Why does it strike fear in the heart of the bad guys? It’s just a word!
One officer can stand in the middle of busy traffic with big trucks coming through, and hold up their hand. Even the big trucks have to stop. Why? The officer has their uniform and their badge on denoting their civil authority.

But that officer, before they get their uniform and badge, and start holding up traffic, has to be:

1. Fit enough and committed enough to be accepted into the Force,
2. properly and constantly trained,
3. sent out on assignment – often with a more senior officer until they have sufficient experience
4. Make reports on every incident or assignment they are given.

But they can’t just go out whenever it suits them and randomly hold up traffic, just for the thrill of wielding that power. Is that “in the name of the Law”? No way! They haven’t got the authority to do that.
It can be very frustrating for a good cop, I’d imagine. There is still so much injustice and crime out there. So many bad guys get away with it, while so many good guys suffer. But even if they made an arrest or tried to right any wrongs from an honest zeal for justice, without being specifically authorised to do so, they would be disciplined! Often they would also get hurt in the process.

Same thing in an army sent to defend their country or support their allies. A soldier can only be effective according to orders from above, even if he bears the uniform of his country.

We are God’s Enforcers!
He has given us authority to go forth and arrest the powers of darkness, to destroy the works of the evil one, to rescue those who are oppressed by the enemy – all in the Name of the King!

Like the Police Force, or an Army of Liberation, we have to be disciplined officers. We can’t just race in without a specific assignment from Jesus our Commander.
Yes, there is so much evil in the world, because the hearts of people are rebellious and self-centred. It can be frustrating. But aren’t we rebellious and self-centred at times?
But no matter how sincere and zealous we are, if we race ahead of His timing, we will do untold damage, and usually get ourselves hurt.

Unlike the civil and military forces, we have:

• A much wider, less restrictive mandate.
  We are called to spread the light, not just arrest and drive back the darkness.
• A Commander Who has the best perspective on each situation (i.e. reality!)
• A far more efficient communication system – the Holy Spirit within us.
• Unlimited resources!
• The power of God, with signs and wonders following the Word we proclaim.
• The confidence that ultimately, God’s Kingdom will triumph and will rule.
  Justice and truth will prevail!

Once we’ve got that all working in our lives, we can ask anything in His Name, and He will do it!
It’s all part of the responsibility and tremendous privilege of bearing His Name.
So much more could be said about this.

Any thoughts?

“Blessed are….” Matthew 5:3-12

Jesus says quite a few “hard sayings” in this passage.

Yeah, being a nice guy, keeping the peace etc I can understand.
I get that.
But Jesus also said we gotta take on a lot of not-so-nice things.
We are, at first glance at the passage, expected to suffer – and really feel good about it??
He’s obviously not talking about masochism here.

All this sounds very religious, Christian and self-sacrificing.
But I gotta be brutally honest.
I mean, if anyone but the Lord Jesus had said it, I would have looked at them and said
“Are you for real?? What do I get out of all this? Do we have to go through all this stuff?”

Like …being spiritually poor?
…mourning? Do I get out the sackcloth & ashes?
…and how do I get hungry & thirsty for this righteousness?
….being insulted, persecuted, evil spoken of?

Let’s read it in the Amplified Version.

3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
5 “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
7 “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
9 “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favour] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.
10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
11 “Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. 
12 Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

That sounds a lot better, doesn’t it? And Paul adds this:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

Wow!
But does knowing all about these heavenly benefits really help us – in practical terms – when we’re actually going through persecution and all the other hard times?

I’ve come to these conclusions, out of what I’ve learnt so far:

• We are not expected to jump up and down with glee when it’s all coming down on us, but we are called to bear it patiently at the time.
  “….we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,” (2 Thess 1:4)
  
  
• This patience is born out of the hope (that’s expectation, not wishful thinking) that all the above promises will come good eventually – in this life or the next.
  
  
• When we’ve been through a period of persecution, then we can look back with joy that God has considered us strong enough to take it. That’s what the apostles thought after fronting the Sanhedrin:
  “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41)
  Consider Jesus Himself “….  the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
  
  
• I like to look on it as an investment in the future, for the kingdom of God, for those in my sphere of influence, and for my benefit as well.
  The comparatively few times that I’ve suffered injustice and scorn for being a Christ-follower (although it's NOTHING compared to all the martyrs of history, and those suffering and dying for Him today!) has made me a better man.
  I know the expression “character-building” makes us groan, but I can appreciate this a lot more now, and it will help me take it better in the future as well.
  ​
  
• But really, it’s not really about the Great Almighty Me at all. It’s all about Jesus and His Kingdom. It’s getting an eternal perspective.
  Whenever I get things out of perspective and hold a “pity-me party”, I need to give myself a shake, and realize I’m part of something Huge, whatever my feelings shout at me.
  
  Whenever I’ve done that, I can look back with joy, and feel blessed.

Here's another award-winning story from published author Arthur D Bardswell.
It's called "Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition." 
(Yes, it's a spiritualized parody of the TV Reality show)
​

Lady Katrina opened her eyes.
‘Good Heavens! I have never seen a hospital ward as splendid as this!’

Magnificently sculptured pillars and walls surrounded her, made of translucent marble. 
‘Actually, “Good Heavens” is closer to the truth than “Hospital Ward”, Katrina.’

Startled, Katrina turned toward the voice. The speaker was a large and beautiful person whose clothing shone a dazzling white. 

Memories flooded back to Katrina’s mind. The horrible pain in her chest as she walked up the stairs. Her collapse. Her desperate heartfelt cry. Darkness consuming her, dragging her downward. Then a great voice dispelling the darkness.
Now she knew where she was -- and it wasn’t in hospital.

‘Oh my G…..!’ She stopped herself just in time. 

‘You’ve come home!’ said the angel reassuringly. ‘In fact, you’re in the King’s palace! You are about to come before His presence. I’m here to prepare you for the event. You could say that I am your wardrobe manager.’

This, at least, was familiar territory to Katrina. She had appeared before royalty many times. Refreshed, she leapt to her feet, feeling none of the aches or weariness that had dogged her for months.

Then she noticed the long, drab white gown that covered her from her neck to her toes.
‘WONDERFUL, darling! Clothes have been my obsession – my life! But do, DO take this ugly thing away! Even a hospital nightgown looks better than this, this sack! Let me see my wardrobe, if you please. I hope it’s worthy of my figure, for I have been dieting HORRIBLY for months. So, let me see. I shall need….’

‘Sorry, Katrina. Protocol works very differently here. You shall be assigned your raiment according to your status.’

‘Marvelous! As duchess of the realm? Oh, but I left my tiara back home … on earth, that is.’

‘None of that counts here, I’m afraid.’

‘Oh dear! And makeup?’

In answer, the angel indicated a charmingly ornate mirror on the wall nearby. 
Staring at her image, Katrina could see that all the wrinkles and blemishes she had struggled with for years had gone. She gasped. She looked her stunning twenty year-old self again.

She had no time to indulge in vanity, however. 
A trumpet sounded. A procession of cheering crowds passed outside her door.

Looking out onto the golden streets, she saw crowds of gorgeously dressed saints and shining white angels. They were waving and bowing before a glorious and exquisitely-dressed knight (or maybe a nobleman?) passing on a glowing white horse.
‘Hail, Saint Harold!’ they cried. ‘Warrior and martyr! Greatly honoured by the King!’

He was dressed far more tastefully and magnificently than any male model she had ever seen on earth. But there was nothing pretentious or arrogant about him at all. He waved genially as he passed.
It appeared that he was made for his glorious apparel. Handsome beyond words, yet somehow he looked familiar.

‘Who IS he?’

‘Look in the Mirror of Truth and it will show you.’

The angel waved her hand over the mirror, and the image of the room and Katrina’s face faded. It was replaced by an ugly and toothless face of a middle-aged man, sitting outside the rear door of Katrina’s fashion studio. His clothes were indescribably filthy.
The face grinned.
‘Gawd bless ‘ee, Lady Kat! Oi’m prayin’ for ‘ee!’

Katrina recoiled with revulsion.
‘Eeuw! It’s dirty Harry! How many times I’ve had him removed, but he kept returning! Surely it can’t be him!’

‘He was once a homeless drunk.’ explained the angel. ‘He was gloriously saved and became a street evangelist to his former fellow-drunks and drug-addicts. He became a mighty prayer-warrior, too. He was so effective, in fact, the drug cartels killed him. His prayers helped you more than you know. Outside you see his real self.’

‘But… what about me? I’ve tried to be good! I’ve given generously! Attended church regularly! Doesn’t that count?’

In answer, the mirror showed her as a wrinkled and calculating old woman, dressed in Harry’s filthy rags. Katrina screamed.

‘No Katrina.’ the angel said. ‘The mirror shows you your heart – your real self. It was your final prayer that brought you here. You cried out for God’s mercy, and He heard you.’

Looking in the mirror again, Katrina saw her younger self, now dressed in a plain but shining white robe. 

She sighed with relief. She bowed her head. 
How could she have been so blind all these years? 

‘Now you are ready to go to the King.’

Here's what could be called a Prophetic Story, called "To Destination, or to Despair."

I saw a great harbour with a lighthouse standing on the outermost rocks.

There were many ships being built, rigged and prepared for sea-faring to that distant and desirable destination – the Heavenly Harbour.

Some ships were built on a large scale, looking magnificent, trendy, fitted out with many comforts and attractive features. These drew admiration from spectators on the shore, and many bought tickets for its maiden voyage.

What many didn’t know was that sometimes these ship-builders sacrificed functionality and stability for aesthetics. Great sails were used because they were considered more romantic and spectacular, although some included a small motor just in case.
They carried a cheap compass, more from tradition than for navigation. The inexperienced crew weren’t really trained properly to use it, mainly because they couldn’t see any real purpose for it. They preferred to use their own plans and charts and the “new navigational theory”.

The captains on many of these ships were often more interested in the number of paying passengers, giving them an enjoyable voyage, than they were in the destination itself.
They were motivated by a desire for fame or fortune.

Some of these were well-meaning, trying to be as inclusive as possible to bring as many as possible to their destination. So, these were built really big, but a bit flimsy, due to the rush in getting it done.

A few other ships – though not as many – were planned and built by seasoned, dedicated mariners and experienced ship-builders, following the pattern set out by a well-worn manual.
They concentrated on good craftsmanship, using strong and good-quality materials that didn’t necessarily look as good. It was costlier to build these boats, so their size had to be reduced. A strong, efficient and reliable motor was installed along with serviceable sails on removable masts. They resembled big lifeboats than ships. They even carried large storm-lamps up in their rigging.

The crew and passengers of the big, showy ships looked down on the smaller, seaworthy ships and criticised them for being so comparatively small. Some even laughed at, and despised them for putting so much effort into strength and safety.
They called them “aquaphobes” or “marinaphobes”, “worrying about storms that won’t ever happen”.
They called them Stick-in-the-muds because they stuck to “that outdated old manual”, rather than using “up-to-date methods and theory invented by well-informed Sailor-school graduates”.
They also criticised them for only taking on board those that were either experienced sailors, were willing to be trained, or at least preferred seaworthiness over size.
The passengers of the big ships derided them. “You are so exclusive! You are such losers!”

The big, showy ships soon took to sea with a nice, balmy wind in their sails, laughing at the smaller ones still completing their rigging and training.
The experienced sailors waved goodbye, however, warning them to prepare for the storms that were forecast out in the deeper part of the ocean. The inexperienced crews mocked them for this, calling them paranoid. They hadn’t had storms in the harbour for years.
As a further act of defiance, many of them threw their compass overboard.
The experienced sailors watched this in dismay.

The big ships sailed well for a while, although the winds didn’t always blow the right way, slowing them down at times.

Then they saw the smaller, well-built boats were catching up to them, because they were more streamlined and designed, if not for speed, at least for efficiency.
The experienced and well-trained crew knew how to handle the winds well, especially the wind that blew in the direction of the Heavenly Harbour.

This was intolerable to the trendy, ambitious captains, so they put up more sails to build up more speed.

However, they didn’t notice the skies getting darker until it was too late.
The seaworthy craft were prepared for the approaching storm. They quickly wrapped up their sails, starting up their motors.

The storm was a huge one, and the big ships were battered and tossed while the crews tried desperately to get the sails down.

Annoyingly, the powered and seaworthy boats kept going until they were out of sight.

Jealousy turned to dismay as the showy big ships saw huge waves rising with the wild winds, almost engulfing them. The passengers panicked, wailing to get off, crying “Why didn’t you listen to them?”
The few ships that did have motors, started them up, but as many didn’t have compasses, they had to guess which way the seaworthy boats went. Some thought it was better to go back to the harbour, being closer. None of them knew how to use the compasses anyway, because they had thrown away the old manual. That was the only book that explained how to use them.

One or two of the motorized ships that roughly guessed the general direction returned to land. But they were still too far away from the lighthouse to see it, and were tragically wrecked on unseen rocks.

Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet was in deep trouble.
The “New Navigation theory” hadn’t worked, so many of them were helplessly tossed about, taking in water. The ships were already low in the water due to the number of passengers.
They started leaking. Some of the flimsier craft began to break up under the stresses and strains of the heaving waves, not being designed to withstand them.
Some began sinking, forcing the terrified passengers and crew to jump overboard and cling to whatever wreckage they could find, battling the relentless waves.

Finally, some captains of the remaining ships realised their folly and cried out to the Lord of the Heavenly Harbour in repentance, beseeching Him to save them.
Suddenly they saw lights approaching from a distance, with a rumbling sound of motors, just audible amongst the howl of the storm.
It was, of course, the smaller seaworthy craft coming to rescue them, their storm-lamps shining like beacons of hope in their rigging.
They had made it all the way to their destination.

However, after their passengers had disembarked, the ships had been sent back by the Lord of the Heavenly Harbour. He knew of the other ships’ predicament of course.

Ropes were thrown from the sturdy vessels to the distressed craft that were still intact.

These were towed back to their home harbour. There they were pulled apart and thoroughly rebuilt according to the pattern of the old manual.

Meanwhile, the souls that were swimming, adrift in the waves, could not be rescued until the storm abated a little, otherwise they would have been dashed against the sides of the boats and maybe killed.
But the experienced and well-equipped crews threw them life-jackets and floats. Some even jumped into the water to assist those who were nearly drowning.

Eventually, they were all rescued and taken back to the home harbour to recover.

Some of those were so traumatised, they never put to sea again. Others were still keen, and they waited, even assisted in the rebuilding of the boats.

​In the following year, a large fleet of strongly-built, seaworthy ships set forth from the home harbour. They were filled with humbled, chastened, well-trained, well-equipped crews and passengers who had learned a harsh lesson.
They sailed across the great sea, enduring the storms, finally reaching the Heavenly Harbour without mishap.

Guest blogger Arthur D Bardswell has written a poetic piece, which may inspire or encourage some of you creative people out there. It's called :A Bard's Prayer".
A modern bard is a poet, story-teller, singer of songs etc. Have a read and comment.

Creator God, I would draw near
Your stories and your songs to hear.
For like a child my soul would bide
And sit by Father’s fire-side.
O Lord of Stories, King of song,
Bring counsel, courage. Make me strong.

Before all time Your tale begins
Before rebellious man, he sins,
Your Word established Earth’s foundation
Angels sang in celebration.
But joy then changed to deep lament
As evil from your presence went.

But e’en when Adam made his choice,
Your sorrow did not still Your voice.
Your story of redemption speaks
From deepest seas to highest peaks.
With awe we see, as daylight dies,
Your glowing letters in the skies;
The new song of the rising sun:
The world reborn when dark is done.
Then forth from many a feathered throat
Come songs of joy You skillf’ly wrote. 

Yet few will stop, Your voice to hear
In nature’s clarion-call so clear,
Nor hearken to the Laws of life
That keep us safe and free from strife.

The greatest hist’ries ever told
Recorded now from days of old,
True tales and songs of by-gone ages
Are writ now in bible pages;
Telling me that Story True
And how we may turn back to You;

And how you sent our Saviour bold
Who many a telling story told,
Your Heav’nly Kingdom to proclaim
And find salvation in His Name.
The greatest Bard of all was He,
Who died and rose to set us free.

He sent Your Spirit to inspire
Your faithful folk with Holy fire.
Upon our hearts, Your sov’reign will
You write with Your Great Spirit’s quill;
To tell and sing redemtion’s song,
To light the darkness, right the wrong.

So, on this pilgrim’s path I tread,
Pass through this vale of dark and dread,
I write, I rhyme, I sing my lays
That some may hear, and give You praise.
My message many laugh to scorn.
I leave, disheartened, tired, forlorn.
For who, alone, can cast aside
Self-serving Self, self-centred pride?

Yet I return to see seed sown
Unwittingly, and how they’ve grown!
Encouraged, then I take the road,
Though rough the way and hard the load.
But when You’re with me, by Your might
The yolk is easy, burden’s light.
O help us, Lord, to tell Your tale!
All lies expose, let Truth prevail!
Your truth speak with the Lion’s roar,
And being gen’rous to the poor;
Yet gently, with compassion’s tear,
Speak graciously to those who hear;

Creator God, create in me
Your kind of creativity.
O give me words that heal the soul,
That brings new hope, that makes men whole;
And words of heav’nly wisdom speak
(Not somethin’ that’s way up the creek!)
In vain is that creative flame
That does not magnify Your Name.
So now, Creator God, I pray
come talk with me along the way.


Copyright © Arthur D Bardswell

Well, so far we’ve seen the evils that arise from living reactively rather than proactively:
Broken relationships, broken marriages, broken heads, broken hearts… all that fun stuff.

The question we should now ask is:
HOW do we change from being that irritable walking-H-bomb loser into the pleasant, unflappable *Mr Competent manager of any and every situation you come across? (*Place appropriate title at asterisk)
I mean in practical terms, in everyday life. How do we achieve that?

I wish I had a simple answer.

You see, it’s all very well saying “you shouldn’t do this” and “shouldn’t react that way”, or “just count to 10” or “the bible says: be slow to wrath” etc.

Yeah, we already know that!
But when you’re already stressed and under pressure, and your spouse not-so-gently reminds you that “the dishes need doing, darl!” when you’d already planned to do them once that stupid leaky tap stops blasting streams of freezing cold water in your face and screws on right.
You turn around and spit angry words at her, and she wonder why “you’re so grouchy today” and they react and you react back…ad nauseum..ad divorci-um.

…or the stressed-out Mum who’s had kids screaming in her ear all day, and spouse comes home demanding “Why isn’t dinner ready yet? Don’t you know it’s been a hard day at the office?”

And by the way, anger is not always a bad thing. (Ephesians 4:26)
God Himself has been pushed too far at times. Not often, but enough to know we don’t mess with Him!
I’m talking about just plain ol’ Bad Temper.

It’s quite easy for us to shrug and say it’s all the fault of our lamentable circumstances or our lamentable spouse or lamentable friend etc etc and say “I can’t help it if I’ve got a bad temper!”
The trouble is: Are we sure we can’t help it?

I heard once about a psychiatrist who asked a bad-tempered man (who claimed he “couldn’t help it”) if he blew up at his boss in the same way he blew up at his wife?
“Of course I wouldn’t! I’d lose my job!”
The psych made the point that in that case he could help it. His wife took his outbursts because she had no other choice (except maybe remove herself from him for good!)
He restrained himself if the boss did/said something unjust or irritable.

So now we know that we can help it – if we decide to do so.
It’s merely the fact that we’re naturally self-centred, sinful people that God loves and wants to change.
I know, because I’m a bit irritable myself at times.

Once we realize that (without being fatalistic about it) –  it’s a good start.
It’s called “walking in the light” i.e. honesty. (1 John 1:7)
Then we at least have to be willing to change.

But now that we’re motivated to change, it still doesn’t help us find out HOW to change, does it?
Well, besides the powerful regenerative work of the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit working on us from the inside, there are things we need to do to cooperate with the process.
We must decide to be pro-active.

There are many strategies we can put in place.
I’ve seen many couples or friends that have succeeded in this.
The main key is communication.
It takes hard work and often many failures, but perseverance in this has ETERNAL results!

• One thing my wife tries to do (and sometimes I have the grace to do it too) is to sit down and talk it through at a time when there’s no conflict or tension in the air.
  We discuss the lessons we've learned, forgive (that's vital) and look for ways to avoid it in future.
  ...and avoid pointing the finger!

(Someday we should talk about the "I" message, where we take responsibility for our feelings.)

• If you don’t have a wonderful and gracious spouse like I do, try finding a friend who won’t lecture you or judge you. Our pastoral team at MCF is an excellent choice if there’s no one else.
• Then discuss strategies which can help you either handle your reactions, or maybe avoid a typical conflict situation arising in the future (which is not always possible I know – but every bit helps.)
• Then pray together. That can’t be emphasised enough!
  ​Doing battle against the dark forces that encourage you to react negatively, and invoking the power of God is far better than trying to change on our own.

But what if that doesn’t work for you, the way I’ve suggested?

That’s where I need the help of you experienced Christian readers out there.
Is there anyone who has their own story, their own journey and their own strategy that has worked?

I’d be keen to know myself. We never stop learning.
Or even if you want to share your struggles online, why not start in this blog?
You don’t have to be identified and exposed to the scorn and condemnation of the whole world.
Keep it anonymous.

​Just click in “Comments” below…

It's been a while since the last post, for various reasons. Sorry about that.

Since the topic at present is about being reactive vs responsive, I thought I'd use another Bardswell short story to illustrate this. I should really wait until Mother's Day for this, but I felt it was appropriate for this theme.
It's called "Does the Wheel Turn!"

Dorothy looked dazedly at her five year old and shook her head in despair. Was she really such a hopeless mother? She just couldn’t get anything right. 

“MUM! Don’t want vej-ables. I want Maccas!”

“MUM! Don’t wanna go on the swings at the park. It’s scary!” 

“MUM! I wanna swing! How come all my friends at school got swings and I don’t?”

Harry patted his wilting wife on the shoulder comfortingly.

“Don’t worry, Doss-love. She’ll grow up in no time, and things’ll be a lot easier. You’ll see.”

“MUM! Why do I hafta go to church? It’s boring.”

“MUM! I’ll be late for Youth if you don’t hurry up!”

“MUM! You just, like, NEVER iron a crease into jeans. How uncool is that?”

“MUM! You didn’t iron my dress right. Don’t you know I’m going to a formal?”

“MUM! I’m way overweight. Why do you, like, feed us so much junk food? It’s unhealthy!”

“MUM! Get off my case! I’ll get onto my homework when I’ve finished this level of the game.”

“MUM! Why didn’t you remind me that the Maths assignment’s due tomorrow. I’m so stressed out!”

Harry noticed that Dorothy was developing some premature grey hairs.
“Darl, how come you’re losing your looks already? What you need is a full time job -- then you’ll know what real worry is.”

One look at his wife’s face, and he stepped back a few paces, bewildered.
“What’d I do? What’d I say?”

Finally, the knight in shining armor arrived on the scene, and rode off into the sunset with the girl on his white … Mustang convertible. Dorothy felt like she was in heaven, only dealing with two troublesome teenagers. In time, both of them were married off too. 
She fell into her armchair to enjoy a quiet afternoon nap. Then the phone rang.

“MUM! I can’t get Billy to eat his veggies. He only wants Maccas! He’s the most difficult kid ever.
Why didn’t you warn me that parenting was such a headache?”

Copright © 2008

I thought I'd put up David's thoughts that he shared at communion -- with his permission of course.

So what do we think of when we talk about the Kingdom of God?

​Most Jews of Jesus’ time viewed “the Kingdom” as an impressive, visible, lavishly adorned system of government, similar to the secular kingdoms that ruled at that time.
It would be ruled by the “Messiah”, the “anointed one”, promised throughout the Old Testament scriptures.
He would kick out all the Romans, heal all their diseases, everyone would be rich & happy and they would rule the whole earth!

They were rather disappointed with their latest Messiah-figure. He didn't fit their preconceived ideas at all!
True, He healed their diseases and fed them miraculously, but He also said a lot of politically incorrect stuff which certainly got up the nose of the religious leaders, at least.
So, they gave Him the flick -- or so they thought.

Even after Jesus had risen, his disciples still had this mindset of a political solution when they asked Him if He was restoring the kingdom to Israel. His reply was very interesting!

The kingdom that Jesus described was totally different to what they expected.
​Have a look at what He said:

Luke 17:20
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation;
21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’  For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The word for “Within” (Gk entos) = Within, inside

1. In the midst of you
2. Within you i.e. your soul

Luke 8:10
And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We need to look beyond the natural, with regenerated eyes, before we can understand what the Kingdom of God is really like. Most people can only see groups of wierd Christians jumping up and down, singing the Songs of Zion.
That's their perception, at least.

But in the spirit realm, there's a massive  gathering of the armies of God, ready to follow even the youngest believing child, to take over and restore this battered world to the paradise it was meant to be.
Even now, it's so much more powerful and far-reaching than any other government that has ever existed!

Throughout history, all governments and charismatic figures that start off with a fanfare of promises, usually end up being a disappointment. Then they get voted out or overturned in a coup in favour of the next marvellous government.

• So often we look to a change of government to improve our situation,
  whereas Jesus is calling us to a Change of Heart to improve our destiny.

When Jesus had His last meal before His crucifixion, He alluded to the Kingdom of the future.
​
Matthew 26:29
“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

That’s when the invisible kingdom becomes visible.
What an awesome communion service that would be!

When we take communion, let’s eat & drink with that Kingdom reality inside of us, allowing Jesus to be King in our hearts.
​That may mean some repentance, or at least a new revelation of what God’s Kingdom is really like.

Let's look at the way this powerful principal applies to us as Christ-followers.
And it's way more than just a principle. It's the most powerful force behind a successful Christian life!

​The Apostle Paul took up this theme:
 “Moreover, if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

It’s also about our daily relationship with God.
It’s not only coming alive again after we physically die, it’s coming alive now!

I merely existed before I encountered Him. But when I realized how much of a mess I was, (a painful experience, that realisation – I felt like I was dying!) I cried out to him, and He came through with a radically new life – a new me!

​It wasn’t a new religion (I’d already tried that) it was an experience of a kind of death, followed by a resurrected life.
We speak metaphorically of “kneeling at the foot of the cross.”
That’s how it was with me: Acknowledgement of my need for a saviour, “dying” to my own pride and pitiful efforts at self-improvement, crying out to Jesus to take what’s left of me – for what it’s worth.

That’s why Jesus said to Nicodemus “You must be born again.”
BTW: It’s not reincarnation, it’s total transformation.

Then He (Jesus) said to them all,
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
(Luke 9:23-24 NKJV)

Losing our life – to save it??
It’s one of those amazing paradoxes that empowers the Christian life.

Taking up our cross daily?
No, I don’t believe He’s talking about putting up with a nagging, annoying mother-in-law or anything like that.

What’s some everyday examples of this principle, this experience?

• Giving up on trying to please God by our own efforts, and accepting the realisation that it’s not only impossible, it’s unnecessary. God already accepts us anyway.
• Approaching our “ministry” as service to God and to people, rather than fulfilling an ambition.
• Giving up a bit of our precious spare time to do what God’s asking us to do. (There’s balance in this, of course.)
• “Taking it on the chin” when we get abused and misunderstood, especially when there’s no chance to redress it.
• Giving away that money we put aside for our second pleasure cruise to bless a struggling third-world family.
• Deciding not to road-rage on that stupid driver who cut in front of you, choosing to pray for him instead.

…to name just a few.

Here’s something else that Paul said about this experience:
“……Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection…..” (Romans 6:5,6 NKJV)

No, we’re not talking disrespectfully about your dad here!
I believe Paul is referring to the old habits and attitudes that still hang on to us, much like the leaves of a poisoned weed in our garden. The root is dead, but (unlike weeds) we still must decide to shed those harmful old things, whether we are motivated to do so or not. And sometimes it’s hard!

 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. (Romans 12:1 Amp Version)

If you think about it, it’s a logical sequence, a natural progression. Jesus sacrificed Himself for my sake, so I sacrifice myself for His sake. That’s my destiny, my privilege. Makes sense.
Not that I’m really hanging out for martyrdom, but if it ever comes to that, I hope I’m ready.

Meanwhile, there are many other ways in the here-and-now where I need to “die”, so to speak, and watch those areas being transformed to something supernatural by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.

The Apostle Peter had his own “cross experience” when he realized he had denied Jesus three times. 
If he hadn’t been through that experience, he would not have risen to be one of the greatest heroes of faith in history.
He was given the privilege of publicly preaching the gospel for the first time ever. No longer the bombastic, over-confident, shoot-from-the-lip disciple that he was when Jesus first called him.
He was totally transformed, equipped to use the keys of the kingdom on the day of Pentecost.
He knew what he was talking about when he wrote in his letter:
"Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time…"
(1 Peter:5,6 NKJV)

There is no crown without a Cross.