Author: Carol Purves

Yesterday

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An African proverbs says,’ Yesterday is another country. I no longer live there.’

Our worries and sins of the future can blight our present and future. But the past is past, dead and gone. Any sins of the past can’t be rectified, only learned from. Dwelling on the past will not change a thing. God says,’ See I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it.’ Is 43:19. God doesn’t want us to dwell in the past, He wants us to see beyond those things.

We are not the same people we were in the past. Circumstances are not the same. Through the birth of Jesus we see there is a new way. He is a new beginning. Nothing was ever the same again after His birth. Time turned on it’s axis. The old order of the law had passed away, the new had begun through Jesus Christ. No wonder the angels sang, the shepherds worshipped and the wise men travelled all to celebrate this momentous event.

Our worship at Christmas is just the continuation of their worship. The story has never dulled, the trust never diminished. ‘Glory to the new born King.’

Everlasting Justice

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The governments of this world so often only offer hollow promises, power games, deceit or corruption. By contrast God’s government offers sustainability, justice, and righteousness. Isaiah 9:7 tells us ‘He will reign on David’s throne and on His kingdom and over His kingdom establishing and uplifting it with with justice and righteousness from that time and for ever.’

It seems round the world at the moment some countries have dictators, some have evil wars and some have weak leaders. Faith in government seems to be at an all time low. We long for God’s justice to come where the vulnerable will not be exploited, the handicapped will not be overlooked and the poor will no longer be in need.

This is something that we can pray for. ‘Thy kingdom come,’ we pray in the Lord’s Prayer. We can be horrified at the injustices in the world that we see, but do not let us concentrate but concentrate of God of Everlasting Justice. In His time, not ours, justice will be done and seen to be done.

Prince of Peace

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‘He will be called the Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6

I’ve just been reading the brilliant book by C.S. Lewis ‘The Screwtape Letters.’ It takes the form of a series of letters by the devil Screwtape to his nephew, and protege Wormwood. Both were intent on thwarting God’s plans and designs. It is fascinating and worrying to see how easily humans can be led astray. The devil wants war, confusion and control of mankind. God wants love and peace. Looking at history it’s plain to see how this tussle has continued throughout the generations. We think of the many wars round the world today and weep for those killed, maimed, bereaved, with millions of livelihoods shattered. People tell me that it is religion that brings war. Actually religions do bring war, but Christianity brings peace. Religion is the outward signs, Christianity is from the heart. Our God is the Prince of Peace.

But let’s not look at the world, let’s look at ourselves. As we are made in God’s image we should be bringers of peace. Are we friendly and generous towards our neighbours? Many of them are in need if only we look. What about our relations? Do we get on well with them in spite of our differences? Do we spread gossip and malice? The beatitudes call on us to be peace-makers.

A Mighty God

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‘My God is a mighty God and He holds me in His hand.’ Jo & Nigel Hemmings. This quote from a popular old song is probably based on Isaiah 9:6

At Christmastime we can imagine Jesus as the helpless baby lying in the manger of straw. But in fact He is so powerful that a star in the sky heralds His birth, the shepherds left their jobs to admire Him, many baby boys were killed and the very way we count time has been changed for ever. Our God is a Mighty God!

He was a helpless baby yet with all the power of heaven. When He was crucified, earthquakes tore through the air, the tombs gave up their dead and as He died the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom. Of the baby it was later said at His death, ‘Surely He was the Son of God.’ The birth of Jesus was the turning point of history. Our God is a Mighty God!

The Jewish people couldn’t even say His name, they used the word ‘Yahweh instead. Yes, He is our Friend but we can’t find the words to describe his splendour. Our hymn-makers have tried to find the words, ‘Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes.’ by Walter C. Smith. Our God is a Mighty God!

Everlasting Father

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Some of us have not been blessed by having good fathers to be our role models. Some have grown up without having fathers in their lives at all. It is therefore difficult to know how to be good fathers themselves. Also these upbringings can affect our attitude to God in His role of being a good father. Our perfect Father is there to help us and to guide us, though at times His discipline will not be welcome. But God always wants the best for us so we need His directing.

In the same way we are meant to be role-models for others whether we be male or female, whether we are fathers, mothers, aunts or uncles. If we have no youngsters of our own we can be teachers, Sunday School teachers or leaders of the youth. With guidance from God, this is something we all can do.

We can learn something about our Everlasting Father from the story of the Prodigal Son. The younger son did not deserve the love of his father in any way. He had disgraced and torn apart the family. He had forfeited his rights yet his father forgave him absolutely and welcomed him. With our heavenly Father his love is unconditional and everlasting, surviving through time and eternity. Nothing can break that union.

Wonderful Counsellor

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‘He will be called ‘mighty Counsellor. Isaiah 9:6

All through our lives we need counsellors, someone or a company to advise us, whether in our personal lives or in our business lives. These people will be specialists in their own sphere but not of much help on other matters.

Our Wonderful Counsellor is proficient in everything, reliable and without fault, as we read in Isaiah 9. He loves us and also cares for us. Jesus didn’t come to this earth to make us feel better about ourselves, but to make us better citizens fit for the kingdom of God. On occasions we will be let down by these people whose job it is to help us. What we all need is someone to help or guide us always.

we won’t always like His counsel, it will sometimes be demanding but it will point us in the right direction. We need His counselling and so does the world. Wars could be over, poverty eliminated and the sick receive compassion, if people would only listen to His voice. Wisdom was the one thing King Solomon asked for. He knew that God was the Wonderful Counsellor. The voice of wisdom was the thing that the early disciples desperately needed as they told the world about Jesus.

A Light in the Darkness.

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‘Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light.’ Isaiah 9:2

There is no need for us to continue stumbling round in the dark. We know life can be worrying and confusing , but we have been given everlasting light, light for the future and light for now. Jesus is our light; He was sent into the world to help and guide us.

At times we can find life frightening, but we are yoked with Him to bear the heavy end of our loads. We only need to listen to the news or read the papers and worry can set in. What is the way out? With imminent disease, famine and sickness which can be just round the corner we need to remember that God is in every situation . There is hope now and ultimately good will triumph over evil. The designs of the devil have been thwarted, God is triumphant.

This is the season that reminds us of God’s sacrifice in sending His son to die in our place for our sins. Because of this we can walk in the light in hope with a bright future. ‘On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Abundance

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‘The one who gathers much did not have too much and the one who gathers little did not have too little.’ Exodus 16:18

Our God is a God of abundance. He has promised to give us all we need and He has gifted us over and above our need. It was the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land who were promised they would be provided with manna and quail. It was something they could be thankful for and they were to gather just the amount they needed and a double portion on the sixth day, so they didn’t need to collect on the Sabbath. When they abused this instruction and took more than necessary they found that it went mouldy.

We have been given sufficient. We have all been given gifts and talents, but they must not be mis-used or ignored. If we have been given the gift of compassion, we must be compassionate and not gossip the trust we have been shown. Many have been given the gift of time. This is to be used for Him and not frittered away. We may have been given the gift of money, it is not to be spent just as we wish but in His service.

The using of our talents will bless others, extend God’s kingdom and serve our purpose here on earth.

Light

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‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.’ Isaiah 9:2

The nation of Israel was stumbling along in the darkness. They had the law of Moses which they seemed unable to keep. In spite of being a people of God, they would rise and fall. Just trying to keep the law was not sufficient. God needed to send His son to redeem them and this same Jesus is also the solution to our problems and sin and the bringer of light to us. .

Maybe at this time of year we appreciate the light because it is limited. When I used to go to work I lamented the fact that I only saw my house in daylight at the weekend; it was dark when I left in the morning and darkness had fallen again by the time I arrived home at night.

God is light, God is our light, spiritually and physically as is often pointed out in the Bible. When trying to explain hell to non-believers I describe it as utter darkness for ever and ever, because God will not be there. On this earth we can shine by reflecting God’s light in us.

‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, this little light of mine I’m going to let it shine, shine, shine.’

The Sunflower Seeds

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She discovered the seed packet at the bottom of the drawer. The date made her wince, what good would they be now? She couldn’t read from the packet what they were as she shook them into the hole she’d made. Half-heartedly she watered them and then forgot all about them.

Months later little green shoots appeared, but still there was no indication of what they were. In faith she now watered them and removed any diseased leaves. It wasn’t until July that she realised her mysterious seeds had grown into sunflowers. And not just any sunflowers but the largest and tallest she had ever seen, bright yellow and a beautiful rust colour.

Neighbours began to notice and those who had never spoken before congregated on the pavement and started swapping stories about their families. The street outside her house became a regular meeting place. Invitations for coffee were exchanged, some neighbours even shared outings together. Baby minding groups were formed and long after the sunflowers had died friendships continued. It all started by an old packet of seeds and the beginning of a dream.

Are we like old dried-up seeds? Can God galvanise us to share His word and make a difference? That is what happened to the disciples after Pentecost. Their tiny beginnings grew into a movement of millions and millions throughout the centuries. May we all be apart of it!