Living Faith

"[T]here is enough loveliness, enough beauty, enough love in this world — enough food in this world —- if we would just share...

[T]he problem of evil in the world isn’t a problem for proof of God —- but a problem of our own turned-in hearts...when we turn our heart outward — we in turn bear testimony to the loving existence of God, of the body of Christ right here…"
~Ann Voskamp

I'm studying the book of James at the minute and have just worked through Chapter 2.  The above quote taken from Ann Voskamp's recent post spoke to me especially because of what I had been meditating on in God's Word.

James speaks of that love in action.  The fruit of faith.  I ought not love anyone for what they can do for me, but simply because God loves them and so I must love.  To care for the poor and brethren who are not able to meet their own needs.  To show mercy because I serve a merciful God.  To have a faith, not of mere intellectual assent ('for even the demons believe') but a living faith in Christ.

It is our living faith that shows the world we serve a living God.  He most certainly exists and He most certainly cares.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
~ Philippians 3:17-21

Distressing times

Hillsborough Memorial, Flickr

I do cry easily, if I see someone else crying I cry.  If I watch a programme where people are distressed I cry.

The Hillsborough Disaster occurred on 15th April 1989, 96 Liverpool Football Club fans were crushed to death at the Leppings Lane end of Sheffield Wednesday's Football club's ground (Hillsborough).

I remember watching the images on TV, where I couldn't breathe for distress at those poor people, many of them were children, being crushed behind those big metal fences that football grounds used to have.

Hubs was going to go to that match with a friend and his dad, but his mom said no at the last minute and so he didn't.  The one time a young lad is glad his mother said no.

Today thousands of government papers are being released and an independent inquiry's report into those documents will be revealed.  The families of the victims are still unhappy with the accidental death verdict. As yet, no organisation has been held to account, though reports have shown that the disaster was at least in part caused by a lack of police control...and those awful metal fences penning people in like animals.

So painful for those families who cannot find peace.  And that's my prayer, that justice be done (whatever that may be, for God knows all), and that these families are able to find peace and resolution at long last.

9/11 Memorial

Yesterday it was 9/11.  This is another human disaster that sticks in my memory so clearly.  I was at my mum's, with my tiny baby Chatterbox, when the breaking news came.  Even now when I watch programmes about it I can barely breathe.  The human cost both to the victims and their family and friends.  So distressing.  I've been praying for those families and friends of the victims - and those who escaped from the falling towers but still suffer physical and psychological sickness as a result.

Oh, a day is coming...

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
(Revelation 21:1-4)

Come Lord Jesus!

(Scriptures from NIV)

God's Rest

“God never asked us to meet life's pressures and demands on our own terms or by relying upon our own strength. Nor did He demand that we win His favor by assembling an impressive portfolio of good deeds. Instead, He invites us to enter His rest.” ― Charles R. Swindoll

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” ― Augustine of Hippo, The Confessions of Saint Augustine

Think on the good things of God.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

Someone read this out in church today and it really spoke to me, particularly the part that I have highlighted.

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!