Thursday, June 08, 2006

I've recently been reading a book that i would reccomend to both Christians and Non Christians. A book that is so challenging and radiates Gods Truth. "I've kissed dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, offers an alternative way to dating and really is a powerful book.

In his book, Joshua Harris recounts a dream he had once had that demonstrates the love of God, and it was so powerful that i had to publish it here on this blog.
(I hope im not breaking any copyright Laws)

This dream is found on Page 104
THE ROOM
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for one wall covered with small index-cards files.
They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to attract my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with uit's small files was a crude catalogue system for my life. Here were wiritten the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to the one marked "Friends I have betrayed."
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright wierd: "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled At My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done In Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath At My Parents." I never ceased to be suprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes there were fewer than I hoped.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had time in my twenty years to write each of these thousands, possibly millions, of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadnt found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew the file represented.
When I came to the file marked "Lustful thoughts." I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, cand drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed contents. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
Suddenly I felt an almost animal rage. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didnt matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel whenever I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared The Gospel With," The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained in one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away from the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open up the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go for all the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face in my hands, and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
"NO!" I shouted, rushing over to Him.All I could find to say was "No, no," as i pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and continued to sign the cards. I don't think i'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

WORSHIP
verb: (1) to show profound religious devotion and respect to; to adore or venerate (God or any person or thing considered divine)
(2) to be devoted to and full of admiration for.
(3) To have or to express feelings of profound adoration.
I serve a God who justs loves to be worshiped, and too be perfectly honest, I love to worship my God. And I have every reason to do so. Whether Im sick, have sinned, feeling far away from God or really stressed from the week, I know I have no excuse or reason not to go and worship the King of Kings, because at the end of the day, it's not about me, its about HIM.
There are so many ways you can express your feelings for the almighty God, but it's important to note that your WHOLE LIFE should be an act of worship. The way we act around others, the way we act in certain situations, and our attitudes.
If you're acting like an angel on a sunday morning or in front of your church buddies, yet act like a demon when no ones around - arn't we missing something?
Worshipping God is a 24/7 job.
Infact, on my job application forms im so tempted to write in the "Employment" section "Full time worshipper of God"
It is through worship that I can draw close to my Dad, My Father who sits on the throne of heaven. The Father who knows all.
  • If im sick, I go to the person who made my body, no better doctor than Him above.
  • If im sad or upset i go to the one who has promised to be my comforter.
  • If i've sinned against God, I go to the one who can forgive me and redeem me.
  • If im unsure about my future, or which decision to make, I go the one who knows all my plans and has mapped out my entire life.

WHATEVER MY CIRCUMSTANCE, MY GOD CAN SHINE THROUGH. WHEN I PUT HIM FIRST IN MY LIFE, ALL THINGS FALL INTO PERSPECTIVE.

Who is this God i worship?

Jesus

Thursday, June 01, 2006

The return of the risen, majestic, so very highly exalted Jesus Christ
Today there's a buzz in St Austell. The reason? Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is in town, and I have to admit, I was amongst the crowds of people waiting by the side of the road hoping to catch her glimpse of her. Call me sad, but I was there, more to the point, I was proud to be there lol.
Everywhere you looked you could see both St George's and the United Kingdom flag being waved high. I would like at this point to say that as far as I could see, I was the ONLY person to be waving the precious and somewhat holy flag of St Piran. (Forgive me if i'm being sacrilage)
Sure enough.. after nearly an hour of waving my flag, possibly the most famous and powerful person in the world was driven past, just after she had arrived on her royal train, the local band playing.. and i waved to her.. and she waved to me. and for a moment i thought that she may beckon me to her royal carriage and that she would.. touch me... and say:
"and who is this most handsome person? One gets bored of the London folk. Come live with me in my palace..."
Ok Ok, I'm being slightly satirical (and please note I AM) lol, but i guess you're wondering why Im writing this.. the truth is, It made me think....
If all this rumpus is being caused just because the queen of the country is in town, what will it be like when the King of Kings, Jesus Christ is in town?
Everyone was really excited when she arrived on her royal train (which may I add wasnt very luxiurous.. and was at least 20 carriages long.. made you wonder if she wanted a stretch.. or was it that she would walk her dog on the journy down.. back and forth on the train.. or pehaps Prince Philip was having a nice round of golf on the train?) Mmm.. makes you wonder....but anyway! back to my point! - If all this excitement is from this little old lady in her train.. can you possibly imagine the awe, the excitement when Jesus Christ comes down to earth riding on a cloud?! The mind can't really take it in.. talk about returning in style!
Or perhaps try to think about this. the local town band playing to the queen.. im sure she was delighted.. yet get this.. when the trumpets sound when the King of King's arrives, people will actually RISE FROM THEIR GRAVES.
Wow...
The crowds of people were nice to see for queen Lizzie, but I cant wait for the King of King's return, because every knee, from all nations WILL bow their knee. Both believers and non believers.. when the lion roars, your knee'll hit the floor.
Every tongue will confess that Christ is King.
Today's trip really made me think about the awesomeness of my God. (Im not being satirical here) The day will come when I will be beckoined closer to my King, he will take my hand and say.. come live in my palace..
With Jesus, there are no tears, no more suffering, no more hunger or thirst. In Jesus there is eternal life...
So if all this buzz is when an earthly queen is in town..
My God, I look forward to your return.
Hope everyone has a great day, and may you grow closer to the God who created you, provides for you, and loves you always
Jamie
xxx