Welcome to Abiding - Part 2

In Revelation 3:20 Jesus reminds us that He is standing at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to invite Him in, so we can abide with Him and He with us.

"Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal as friends." Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

For me, maybe because I love my food, sharing a meal is one of the most intimate things I like to do with my best friend - my husband. I can imagine that doing the same with Jesus would be wonderful. You see, after my operation I not only have a scar on my face, but one side of my mouth doesn't work very well. So at the moment, I am quite a messy eater. Still, I know my husband accepts me and loves me just the same. I know the same is true with my friend Jesus.

My friend Jesus also wants be to abide in Him so I can produce fruit. In vineyard terms: "Abiding happens at the place where the branch connects to he vine".* The interesting thing I have found though, is that sometimes taking time to abide with Jesus, means there is less time to do things for Him. Yet, you may still produce a greater harvest. I have experienced this, but I am still amazed by this miracle.

You see, when you abide in Christ and His word, His desires become your desires. The same thing you did before may yield greater results, or He may ask you to bear fruit somewhere else.

Just after I married Mark, and became an Army wife, the Lord said to me: "I want you to be my seed planter'. Fine! But I also discovered this meant giving up my acting job. As an actor with `Covenant Players' I had felt I had touched many lives. What was I going to do now? I wasn't a good housewife, and it seemed I was never in one place long enough to see any fruit grow, but the opportunities I had to plant those seeds were endless -as a volunteer in schools, as a Foster mother and as I met with other Army wives. There were other times I was unable to `do' anything as such, but God gave me lots of time to pray and read His word.

'I was in hospital, feeling quite sorry for myself. After three miscarriages, I had been told that if I ever got pregnant again, I would need to spend the duration in hospital. So here I was, awaiting the birth of my child, being fussed over by doctors and nurses and hating the fact that I had little control over the situation.

Before going into hospital I had been teaching my Scripture class about Paul. I had decided I didn’t like him very much. He seemed so confident and capable, it made me sick. He had been shipwrecked, in jail, let down by His friends and in fear of his life from his enemies. Yet, he always gave thanks! How could he do this?

Next to my bed I had placed my Bible. I decided it was time to take another look at this character of Paul, and why he was able to do this. I discovered that Paul never sat around dwelling on his circumstances. When he felt afraid and alone, or helpless, he would go straight to the Father, and `nip those feelings in the bud’. He never sat for long feeling sorry for himself, but would look around to find a need somewhere that he could meet.

Across the corridor, I heard a lady crying. Her tears were for a beautiful, healthy baby boy, who she was having difficulty in loving. Her husband had walked out on her when he discovered she was pregnant, and this baby was a reminder of him. I asked the Lord for courage, then asked the woman if I could pray for her. This was a new experience for me, and I was quite surprised when she said `yes’.

I can’t remember the words I spoke, but I do know they brought comfort to this mother. Later our prayer was answered, as the last time I saw her, she was leaving the hospital cuddling her little baby, and holding on to the hand of her husband.' **

Lets take a quick look at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said: "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

But the Lord said to her: "My dear Martha. You are upset over all these details. There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and I won't take it away from her."

1. Abiding Requires Our Focused Attention.

There are many things that distract us from spending time with God, but we are reminded in this story that `abiding' is the `one thing that is needed'.

2. Abiding is for Every Believer Regardless of Age or Level of Maturity.

Jesus wanted activity minded Martha to choose abiding. But it was hard for her to stop `doing'.

I was overwhelmed and challenged last Sunday when our Youth Pastor told us how the young people had given up their `sleeping hours' to take part in our 24hrs of prayer. Oh, Mark and I gave our hour, but this was in between our other activities.

Like Martha there are times I get bogged down with the `doing' and forget to take time for the `abiding'.

3. Abiding is Available to Every Believer at any Time or Place.

Jesus challenged Martha about her priorities, not her activities. Regular time set aside to wholly focus on God is where abiding begins, but it can continue during the day - while you work, folding laundry or mowing the lawn. Brother Lawrence calls this: "practicing the presence of God".***

I like to listen to my worship music while I work, helping me to know I am always in God's presence. I used to get up early and go for a walk in the bush. It was so easy to focus on God with His creation all around me. Now, my mornings are spent reading God's Word, journalling and praying - and my praying and worshipping continues during the day.

4. Abiding is With a Person.

Notice how Mary's desire was to be with Jesus, to experience His presence and listen to His teaching. This is the desire we too need to have in our hearts.

"The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes to all who call on Him sincerely." Psalm 145:18

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8.

*Secrets if the Vine" - Bruce Wilkinson, 2002, Multnomah Publishers

** "In the Palm of His Hand" - Ruth Cheater.

*** "Practicing the Presence of God" - 1958, Brother Lawrence, Spire Books.

Welcome to Abiding - Part 1

"Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the Vine and you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in Him bears much fruit." John 15:4&5

As it gets closer to Easter, one of the passages I love to read is John 15. This is the last main teaching that Jesus gave His disciples before He went to the cross. Although it is only mentioned in one gospel, I still believe it must have been pretty important.

With so many other things on His mind and wanting to get to the garden to pray, Jesus still took this time to walk with His disciples and to encourage them. It's not surprising that John was the disciple that recorded this teaching on `abiding'. John was known as `the disciple that Jesus loved', and this confidence in His love was born from deep abiding.

In most Bibles this passage is entitled `Jesus - the True Vine'. Now I am not much of a gardener, so I don't know why I like this passage so much. I think it is the idea of `abiding with Jesus' that really gets me in.

To `ABIDE' means to `remain intimately connected'. As I watch my husband tend his garden and taste the wonderful vegetables it produces, I can see how connecting with Jesus in this way helps me to `tap into his power and presence'*. ABIDE also means to `remain' or `stay'. To me, this believe this means that it is our responsibility to remain in His presence.

God wants to be intimate with us, but we need to make the choice to be intimate with Him. In John 15, we discover 3 ways be can choose to abide.

1) WE ABIDE IN CHRIST.

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in Me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

I can still remember how I felt the day I accepted Jesus as my Saviour. This feeling, I might add, has never left me. It was this wondrous experience of being wrapped in the arms of my Father, the knowing that Jesus was now my special friend and that He would not only be with me, but in me, as the Holy Spirit.

"I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counsellor who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads you in all truth." John 14:16

2) WE ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.

When we abide in Jesus' love, we begin to have his love in us. There is a song we used to sing back in the 70's, based on the passage in Matthew 25. When I think about loving as Jesus loved, this song comes to mind.

"When I needed a neighbour, were you there, were you there?

When I needed a neighbour, were you there?

And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter, were you there?" **

3) WE ABIDE IN HIS WORD.

"But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted." John 15:7

By reading God's word everyday we learn more and more about how Christ wants us to live like Him and in Him. We discover anew how we can be `tapped into His power and presence'. *

* "Secrets of the Vine" - Bruce Willkinson, 2002, Multnomah Publishers.

** "You Were There" - Sydney Carter, 1971, Steiner & Bell.

ENGAGE! ENGAGE! (this is written with permission from my friends)

Think for a minute about people you know - truly happy, wholehearted, engaged people. They are usually happy in their marriage - giving all to their relationship. They are usually great parents because they just love being with their kids. They are often `successful' in their work because they get up each morning, ready to push themselves to be better than they were the day before. They are not afraid to move out of their comfort zone to try something new. Most of all, they are ALIVE! They are wonderful Christian people, living their faith and serving God with wholehearted devotion.

"Acknowledge the God of your father. Serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts." 1 Chronicles 28:9

Mark and I have some special friends. When I first met them 25 years ago, just after moving to Brisbane, Rob was a very shy, internal person. Paulinne just loved life and loved being a mum to her three little boys. I had only one son and because I felt so imcompetent as a mother, I loved spending time with my new friend. Her vibrancy and joy was catchy., but most of all she just made you feel like a wonderful special person. Being a quiet and internal person himself, Mark always enjoyed his time with Rob. As far as I know they didn't talk much, but Mark would always come away feeling good about himself too.

We moved away - that's what Army families do. We made new friends, but when things got a little tough, our thoughts and hearts would always go back to our special friends.

When we moved back to Brisbane many years later, we couldn't wait to have a visit with Paulinne and Rob. They had changed a lot - Rob was now a confident businessman and Paulinne a career woman. But one thing hadn't changed - their vibrancy and love for life, for each other and now their four boys. It was again catchy. Mark and I came away knowing we could face whatever life had in store for us. Even Aaron couldn't wait to be back with Uncle Rob and Aunty Paulinne.

We don't spend as much time visiting our friends anymore. Their lives are busy. Their children have grown up and they cherish their time with their family. But we do write and they are still fully engaged in marriage and parenthood. Each day they are still looking for new challenges to help them grow. And, they are still fully engaged in living their faith and being Christ's devoted witnesses.

"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do...................... Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and

spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts. Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:15-20.

POSITIVE THINKING - IT COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE BIBLE.

"Every single day happy people are thinking thoughts that help them feel better. Unhappy people do the opposite." Dr Henry.

Over the years I have done a lot of failing and have had to deal with what is known as `rejection syndrome.' To stay on top of it, I have had to develop some positive thought patterns.

* I am God's child and nothing can separate me from His love.

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from GOD'S LOVE. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from GOD'S LOVE." Romans 8:38

* I can do all things through Christ who gives me STRENGTH." Philippians 4:13

* There is certainly a future hope for me. "We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. This HOPE will not lead to disappointment, for we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Romans 5:3-5

"I pray that God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the HOPE we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

As you can see the Bible affirms all the research that "happy people are not overcome by their circumstances" (Dr Henry) Instead, we can overcome them by thinking in ways God has shown us to think - ways that breed faith and hope.

"Do not conform any long to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

I know, I make it sound easy. For some people, yes, the transformation can happen overnight. But for most of us, it takes a lot of hard work. It has taken me years to put behind me words and thoughts that have been imbedded in me by the world.

"You are hopeless - a failure."

"Why can't you be like................."

"You never do anything right."

As I discovered in my last BLOG, I still struggle, especially with that second one. But I am learning more and more each day that with God in my life, I can control my thoughts. I need to no longer fear rejection or anything else that may be in my future.

I've said it before, I know, but I have to say it again: "I know the Lord is ALWAYS WITH ME. I will not be shaken, for He is RIGHT BESIDE ME." Psalm 16:8

The reality of life is that we live in an imperfect world. We will always face trials or negative experiences. But GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE NEGATIVE, and He can control how much we allow negative thoughts to control us. Remember His promise:

"We know IN ALL THINGS, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I AM WONDERFULLY MADE - WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Happy people don't compare themselves with others. This has always been one of my downfalls. It could be a symptom of `middle child syndrome' or just my insecurities.

In childhood and adulthood I was always comparing myself to my sisters and sister-in-laws. As a Learning Support teacher, moving from school to school, it usually took about 3 years before you stopped hearing, `The previous teacher did it this way'. Even in ministry - the Church leaders expected Youth Group and Kids Club to be run `just like Trixie did it'.

I have always known the truth of the Bible: "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to someone else'

Gal 6:4&5

But I still found this one of the hardest things to do. Consequently my stress levels would rise whenever one of my sisters or in laws did something I knew I could never do. If a colleague had a book published or produced a learning program I had been working on too. Whenever a family left the Church to follow `Trixie'.

I know - God made me unique with my own gifts and abilities. I know I have faced challenges and overcome them to become who God wants me to be. I know God `created me to be one person and not to judge myself in relation to others'. (Dr Henry)

I KNOW it all, so why do I keep comparing myself with others. I guess KNOWING is not enough, you have to BELIEVE it too. Believe that you are wonderfully made, in the image of God, and that He wants to use you - your lives and your talents - to serve Him to the fullest. I'll have to keep working on that one!

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things God planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

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Computer Physio

As I am a little stiff and sore, I have decided it's time I did some computer physio. Before I go on though - please forgive any spelling or grammar mistakes. The latest week has been spent on a journey through Psalms 30-34. I had hoped to have gone further, but have had a really sore eye and reading has been difficult. But I have still been blessed with some wonderful promises: "I will exalt you, O Lord for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me." Psalm 30:1 "O Lord, I cried to you for help and you restored my heath." Psalm 30:2 "Weeping may last for the morning, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b For those who don't know, my recovery, according to doctors and nurses has been amazing. But we know why, don't we. As I say to them all, it can't be anything else with people praying from Bundaberg to Melbourne, and even in Canada. Here are some of His miracles already: * First of all I didn't have to have the planned surgery - taking a graph from my leg. Although it was still long - 8.30-5.00 - I don't have as much scaring. I was a naughty girl when I went under anaesthetic, and had a little fit, then again, I believe when I came out of it. But it shouldn't effect my driving record - I don't think I will every be driving under aneasthetic. * Only one day and night was spent in ICU, mainly because I refuse to breath properly. But it hurt!! * Mark was able to rest well after the surgery - thanks to you wonderful friends and `bossy' nurses who were able to convince him to go home. * I had lots of surprise visitors in hospital, and this was helpful I am sure to my recovery. Not having Aaron and Emily there (except on skpe), it could have been easy to fall into depression. Had one bad night when I realized I hadn't been able to smile at my visitors. But the ENT Specialist were able to save all the other nerves in my cheek, so I can sleep and eat. Wasn't sure about the eating, but finally today, my system has decided it is time I started enjoying my food again. I don't think I will eat in public yet though. * My early release on Day 5 was a witness to a number of people I think, especially to the ladies on my ward. One of which, Daria, asked me if I'd put her on my prayer list. I was a little upset when they placed me in a larger ward. I thought I had been a little spoilt with the Private Room. The patients were a group of complainers and started to drive me a bit batty - very unselfish of me I know. Then I realized they were a lot worst off than me, and I couldn't do a lot of witnessing and praying for patients in a private room. Was a but uneasy about early release - not feeling well enough. But I probably have been able to sleep and recover better at home. I thought it was just because I had been such a good girl, then I discovered the truth. Just before I left, their last words to me were: "When is Mark coming, we need your bed." Oh well!! It was nice to be loved for a while. "I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me for you are a faithful God." Psalm 31:5 "Be strong and courageous, all you that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. "For you are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory." Psalm 32:7 On Thursday I had my stitches out. I am now covered in sticky plaster, which needs to stay on for 6 weeks. But it definetely isn't as bad as we all thought it would be. Was feeling very tired when I got home and a little depressed - still in a lot of pain. Received a care package from a very special friend. We have been friends for years - not always close, but the kind of friend you know will always be there for you, even when you are not always there for them. Pauline collects `Teddy Bears' so it shouldn't have been surprising to find a gorgeous Teddy Bear named Sherwood, and the words: "A TRUE FRIEND IS ALWAYS THERE". It was just what I needed to give me that lift. "For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything He does is worthy of our trust." Psalm 33:4 "I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me. He set me free from my all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him and He rescues them." Psalm 34:6&7 "The righteous face many troubles but the Lord rescues them from each and every one." Psalm 34:19 Today has truly been a day of healing. I woke up with no pain in my throat, my eye is only now just starting to get a little watery, and my stomach is so much better - thanks to the Lord and I have to confess, taking some drugs, and I believe going off others. I have stopped taking the painkillers. The panadol is making the pain bearable, but today I have not been afraid to eat. But the biggest healing of all is an emotional/spiritual thing that has been binding me for a number of years. On Thursday it was my son Aaron's Graduation. Mark was afraid to show me the photos on Facebook, because he knew how much we wanted to be there. I looked at a photo of Aaron and his mother in law, and instead of feeling the `jealousy' I sometimes feel when I see how much fun Aaron has with his `new' family, I just felt so happy that Aaron is happy. As Ros said, `Her son in law is now a Batchelor'. I also joked, that I can also do some photo shop on the photo, but I am sure he wouldn't have wanted a photo with his mum the way she looks at the moment. I have been practicing, but I still can't seem to smile. We rang Aaron and Emily that afternoon and they were enjoying their time together over their graduation celebrity lunch - and they said they wished we were there. This is just the beginning of my healing journey, and I know it will continue for I know how God works in all circumstances for good. "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes. " Romans 12:28

"A Push and a Prayer"

The other day I was watching an episode of the T.V Detective show, "Monk". One of the characters, a young policeman called Randy, was always being teased by his partner and colleagues.

Monk asked him, "How do you do it? How do you stay so happy?"

Randy answered: "It isn't always easy. But one day, after coming away from a gruesome murder scene, I noticed a sign on a car, `Don't Worry, Be Happy'. I made a decision that day that no matter what happened or what people said to me, I would always BE HAPPY."

I believe, like Randy, that even when depressed you can still pursue life to the fullest if you are seeking happiness. As my psychologist told me over and over again, "Never stay at home - get out there".

* Build relationships.

* Pursue goals.

* Serve others.

* Exercise and stay healthy.

* Resolve pain and conflicts.

* Pursue activities you love.

And top of my list, which wasn't on hers:

* Nurture a spiritual life. Devote time to prayer and Bible Study.

It isn't easy. It is a step by step process. But it is up to you to make the decision to make others happy and yourself happy.

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

I have a feeling over the next few months I may need a lot of encouragement to stay happy. Yes, I have the internal aptitude and the faith, but I also know how easy it is to fall into depression. As I go into my cancer surgery tomorrow, then look ahead to my recovery. I have given my friends and prayer partners the permission to `push me' (not literally). A `PUSH AND A PRAYER' - that is my new motto.

I am hoping with their help and that of the Lord, I will find the courage to stop worrying and to BE HAPPY. If Randy and Monk can do it, so can I.