Blessed Insurance

The other day I had reason to make use of an insurance policy I had taken out on a purchase I had made earlier this year. It was with some trepidation that I went back to the shop fully expecting to have to argue my case. Too often insurance policies appear to promise the everything but actually deliver very little. This time I was pleasantly surprised when my claim was dealt with efficiently and without question.

It is often said that people just use Christianity as an insurance policy for Heaven. For the true Christian is not a matter of insurance but assurance. We know with full certainty and absolute confidence that the promise of God holds true for our lives because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Blowing in the wind

It always amazes me how easily our joy can be robbed from us. I guess too often our joy is only based on the prevailing circumstances of our lives.

Joy is listed as the fruit of the Spirit and yet it is probably one of the parts least talked about. True joy goes far deeper than mere human happiness, it transcends our day-to-day experiences.

That doesn't mean we have to walk around with an inane grin our faces, pretending everything is ok. We are called to weep with those who weep. What it does mean is, as we trust and have our security in God, there can be a lightness in our spirit in even the most difficult of circumstances.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11

Beautiful feet

I was inspired by the talk at church last week that was all about mission.

The idea of 'beautiful feet' can be found in Isaiah 52:7 and Paul makes reference to it in Romans 10:15. In doing a bit of reading later that day I was particularly struck by the previous verse in Romans.


But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? Romans 10:14

As I read those words I had tears in my eyes and a stirring in my heart. My reaction completely took me by surprise yet at the same time it felt like I was being reminded of something I had known for a very long time. Perhaps my time inside the whale is coming to an end and I could be about to find myself on a beach heading for Nineveh!

Identity

Last year I had a season ticket for my rugby team, Harlequins. I bought a replica match top and wore it proudly to every game. It was a great feeling walking towards the stadium with so many people all wearing the same colours.

On the train back from Paris last week I saw a guy with a Harlequins bag and we chatted for for a few seconds because we knew we shared a common interest. It was great to see a fellow Quins fan and remember that sense of belonging.

There's definitely something to be said for having a symbol or colour that identifies you with a particular group. Sadly the clergy in the UK are being advised against wearing their dog collar in public for fear of being attacked.

I've never been one for wearing a cross or a fish symbol, but I can certainly see how a fellow believer might find it encouraging to see someone else who loves Jesus. I'm not suggesting that we all rush out and buy tops that say "I'm a Christian" on it, but it does make me think about how I can make my faith more obvious to those around me.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Money talks (and sings)

A couple of weeks ago Abby came home from Sunday School singing "Jesus' love is very wonderful". She had picked up the tune very quickly and was happily singing to herself as she played.

It wasn't long, however, before Abby had decided to make up some words of her own. "Jesus' love is very wonderful" had turned into "Thank you Lord for golden coins".

I can't help but wonder if she knew I was listening and was dropping me a hint!

Bon anniversaire

Last Friday was my birthday and I have reached the grand old age of thirty five.

I'm not normally one for celebrating my birthday but this year was different.

The morning of my birthday was celebrated with balloons, banners and a Spongebob Squarepants birthday cake for breakfast. This was for the benefit of my four year old daughter, Abby, of course.

I then spent the weekend in Paris with my brother and his fiancee. We enjoyed watching England beat Tonga 36-20 in the Rugby World Cup followed by some top notch sight-seeing!

This year I have also done amazingly well for presents. The generosity of my friends and family has been incredible. Two very good friends even took the time to drop off a present for me while they were on their way to a funeral.

I am so thankful for everything I have received and so much more thankful to God for the people who gave the gifts.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11