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Listening to stories

During COVID-19 our business slowed down, so Ken and I took the opportunity to learn some new skills, specifically in relation to video recording. A week ago Ken told me about a one month challenge he was going to do with a group Live Streaming Pros, about telling stories and listening to stories.

The 31 Day Challenge

The challenge, 31 Days to being Youniquely you on camera, involves doing a live stream to a private Facebook group, speaking to a question/topic provided by Live Streaming Pros. For example, ‘What is holding you back?’

One of the important aspects of the group is the giving and receiving of encouragement to other group members, of which there is 543 globally. It is a fascinating environment with plenty of stories to listen to. There are lots of Christians in the group, learning how to tell their stories in a more effective way. Actually that’s why I decided to join Ken in this challenge, to improve my communication skills on video so I can more effectively share stories about Jesus.

However the other morning after I had completed a live stream, I was doing the dishes (because the mundane activities of life have to be done!) and was thinking about how interesting it was listening to people learning how to share their faith and their dreams etc in this group. And I felt God say to me, “I want you to listen to the other stories too and learn from them.”

Listen to the other stories

By ‘Other stories’ I knew God was referring to the people in the group who were obviously from other cultures and religions – remember this group has 543 people from all over the world who want to tell their stories more effectively, mostly with the goal of helping others.

This instruction from God about listening to the stories and learning from them, reminded me of recent messages I had heard at church in relation to The Stolen Generation (Donna Meehan) and Gender-related issues. How easy is it to only listen to the things that make us feel comfortable, rather than the stories that challenge our thinking and hopefully our actions.

So my response to God was, “Okay God, I will listen to the other stories too. Give me insight to hear what is being said and understand more about people. Please help me to listen with my heart.“

Of course this ‘listening’ doesn’t only apply to the videos in the lifestreaming group, it applies to all areas of our lives.

Listening to my children

As a mum I haven’t always been a good listener, either because I have been too busy to listen, or I have already made assumptions about what I would hear from the mouth of my child, or about the scenario that has played out.

Over the years though I have learned that when I hear the words, ‘Mum’ it is best to stop and completely shift my attention to the person. Even if sometimes only to say, ‘I will just finish this job and then I can speak with you.’ Of course I am not perfect at this and sometimes its a couple of hours until I ‘finish the job!’ But most times I do try to respond with that initial acknowledgement.

Stopping making assumptions has been a little bit more challenging for me, especially as the children grow and change. Sometimes after my ‘assumption response’ they have had had to say to me, ‘Mum, I’m not like that anymore. I don’t do that now.’ And I’ve had to say sorry, and make a mental note to myself that they have changed. We can all be better listeners, especially with those closest to us.

But who is going to listen to me?

On the flipside, have you ever felt like, ‘Who is listening to me? I am listening to my husband, my children, etc, but who is taking time to listen to me?’

There is One who is always available to listen to us, and doesn’t make assumptions about what we are going to say. Yes, He knows us completely, but He listens graciously and loves us unconditionally.

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
And you know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
Psalm 139:1-4 TPT

How wonderful is it to know that. Before I go to sleep I can chat with Him, leave my concerns with Him …

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT

When I wake up I can ask Him for direction for the day …

Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5 NKJV

And then the onus is on me again – to listen to God’s teaching and instructions.

God, please help us to listen well

I wonder how much have we missed about life and people because we haven’t listened properly? At home? At school? At work? At church? In social settings? Are we listening to stories people want or need to tell us?

Let’s ask God today to help us to listen well, listen with our heart (bypassing all the assumptions), and listen for the actions God wants us to take in response to what we hear.

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

If you have struggling to trust God with something or someone in your life, my latest ebook may be of help to you, Choosing to trust God. It’s a short summary (only 18 pages!) of what God has been teaching me over the past 10 years about moving from a place of fear to faith. It is now available on Amazon for only $4.64.

Being Content

In these interesting days, how are you going with ‘being content’ when things keep changing? Restrictions tighten and restrictions ease. We are unsure what tomorrow will look like.

Memories and grief surfacing

When the Coronavirus started impacting on Australia there was a few days where I struggled as grief surfaced from our daughter’s cancer journey. The continual hand santising was the trigger, a familiar practice during her 15 months of receiving chemotherapy.

And now when we are again on ‘high alert’ and restrictions are tightening, I am reminded of when we as a family were on ‘high alert’ or hypervigilant in relation to Victoria getting a high temperature (over 38 degrees) and having to go to hospital for at least three days. These emergency hospital visits happened many times and caused much anxiety and turmoil for each member of our family.

Warning: unashamed promo – if you want to read more about this part of our story, and God’s faithfulness throughout it, my book is available at wendyrobinson.com.au

What does it take to be content?

The current situation and memories of the past had me thinking about contentedness. How does one get to that state of contentedness regardless of what is going on in their lives or around them?

The Apostle Paul seemed to have found that place, as he explains to the Philippians…

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV

There is so much to meditate on in this passage of scripture. Let’s not forget where Paul was when he wrote this letter – prison, with the exact location unknown. He himself was undergoing hardship, however he was still able to maintain his focus on Christ and on others.

Keep focussed on the goal

Paul was focussed on a goal, regardless of his circumstances. He explains this to Philippians earlier in his letter.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

Remember, Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter. Plenty of restrictions and unknowns in his life at that time! But he keeps his focus on Christ and his mission.

John Maxwell says,

This letter proves that even while the apostle Paul sat in a foul Roman prison, he never lost his passion, his sense of mission, his sense of direction, or his command of the situation. While Paul remained an inmate of Rome, he couldn’t plant new churches as he felt called to do. Instead, he sat in chains, attached to a Praetorian guard, awaiting a trial that he thought could end his life (1:21). Yet even in the midst of all of this, he never abandoned his role of leadership. NKJV Maxwell Leadership Bible Page 1470)

Rejoice in the Lord

Not only is Paul focussed on the mission despite the apparent hindrances, he is encouraging others to maintain their joy.

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near.Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 GW

A supernatural joy that only comes from knowing the Lord and trusting that He is in control. Remember the scripture, Nehemiah 8:10

The joy of the Lord will be your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Why was Paul content?

So how is it that Paul could experience that joy and continue to exhort others, in the midst of this trial?

Perhaps it had something to do with his first meeting with Jesus, which we read about in Acts 9.

During those days, Saul, full of angry threats and rage, wanted to murder the disciples of the Lord Jesus. So he went to ask the high priestand requested a letter of authorization he could take to the Jewish leaders in Damascus, requesting their cooperation in finding and arresting any who were followers of the Way. Saul wanted to capture all of the believers he found, both men and women, and drag them as prisoners back to Jerusalem. So he obtained the authorization and left for Damascus.

Just outside the city, a brilliant light flashing from heaven suddenly exploded all around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a booming voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

The men accompanying Saul were stunned and speechless, for they heard a heavenly voice but could see no one.

Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, the Victorious, the one you are persecuting. Now, get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you are to do.”

Saul stood to his feet, and even though his eyes were open he could see nothing—he was blind. So the men had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. For three days he didn’t eat or drink and couldn’t see a thing. Acts 9:1-9 TPT

Well Jesus certainly got Saul’s attention. One moment Saul was on a mission to persecute the followers of Jesus. Then suddenly he has an interaction with Jesus and finds himself completely blind and having to be led by the men with him. Saul was in a very vulnerable position, and yet that encounter with Jesus was so powerful, he did exactly what Jesus told him to do.

God the Mastermind

Around this same time Jesus was preparing the way for Saul, to become one of his ‘chosen vessels’. This preparation involved a disciple, Ananais. For completeness, and because it is a wonderful example of how God brings restoration, purpose (and perhaps contentment?) into our lives, we will read Acts 9:10-19.

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:10-19 NKJV

Knowing Christ

We know from the Bible that Saul, now Paul, went on to spread the Gospel throughout the known world at that time, experiencing many hardships including prison and shipwreck, but always staying focussed on the goal.

Paul had met Jesus and experienced the power of forgiveness. He had been transformed by Jesus and knew His power and authority. Paul had been filled with the Holy Spirit and he knew what his mission was. These Christ centred experiences enabled Paul to be content, no matter what. He knew Jesus intimately and trusted Him completely.

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:12-13 The Message

So how about us? Are we content?

Is our relationship with Jesus so intimate that we are content regardless of what is happening around us? This is a challenging question. And the answer probably involves a journey, some movement from where we are today, to a closer relationship with Jesus.

How to do we do that?

There are many ways, but perhaps the first step is talking to Jesus, asking Him to show you what your next step is. So why not ask Him now.

Drawing closer to God

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts, podcasts and Youtube channel, Drawing Closer to God.

Are you a praying person?

Are you a praying person? If not, perhaps today is a great day to start. Keep reading and hopefully, if I’ve communicated well, you will learn a little about prayer.

If yes, then I really want to encourage you that prayer matters. But remember, the ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’ of prayer doesn’t matter. Any-way, any-where and any-time is suitable for praying. Even the ‘why’ doesn’t really matter, as God sees our heart. He knows our motives and will respond accordingly. God is gracious. But the ‘who’ does matter. Who are you praying to? John 14:6 tells us that we are to connect with God the Father, through Jesus Christ, his Son.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

Hence we pray, ‘In Jesus Name.’

So a few thoughts on prayer …

Praying for our nation

Now is the time to pray for our country, if you haven’t been already. There is so much need, and so many hurting people, what do we pray for? Protection? Provision? Forgiveness?

Yes, all of those things, and perhaps a prayer for everyone in this nation to have greater revelation of God’s great love for them, because remember the Bible says,

Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 1 John 4:19 TPT

Imagine what our country would be like if we all loved each other as God loves us.

To help me pray for our nation, I have set up a music playlist ‘City and Country’. It includes

God of this city (Chris Tomlin)
Good Grace (Hillsong United)
Revival’s in the air (Bethel Music & Melissa Helser)
Here is as in Heaven (Elevation Worship)
The Blessing Australia (Churches UNITE to sing the blessing over Australia)

Pray for our Governments

A little story… since March 2020 when COVID-19 started to impact more and more on our life in Australia, I began my day with praying for our Prime Minister. Praying for things like wisdom, protection and rest. Then one morning God said to me, ‘Why aren’t you praying like that for your husband?’ So now, I pray those things for Ken, and then our Prime Minister and State Premiers.

But back to God’s word and what it says about praying for our governments…

1 Timothy 2:1, in the NIV says,

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1 NIV

The following verse then tells us that it is pleasing to God when we pray for people in authority. Here is The Passion Translation …

Most of all, I’m writing to encourage you to pray with gratitude to God. Pray for all men with all forms of prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion. And pray for every political leader and representative, so that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts. It is pleasing to our Saviour-God to pray for them. He longs for everyone to embrace his life and return to the full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 TPT

Yes, God wants hearts to return to Him and His truth.

Praying for our Christian brothers and sisters

We can also be praying for our Christian brothers and sisters. The Apostle Paul is a great example of praying regularly for those who love Jesus. We know this by what he writes in his letters. Here are a couple of examples.

God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. Romans 1:9 NLT

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called – his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. Ephesians 1:15-19 NLT

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! If the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray for someone and you don’t know where to begin, perhaps Paul’s prayer is a good starting place!

With some churches still unable to practically meet for ‘normal’ Sunday services due to COVID-19, it is important that we pray for each other, encourage each other and keep finding ways to stay connected, just as Ephesians 6:18 reminds us.

In the same way, prayer is essential in the ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:18 The Message

Another little story … when our lifegroup (homegroup) meetings had to transition to online due to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the Holy Spirit prompted me to invite a friend from church, who wasn’t currently in a lifegroup, to join us. She doesn’t live close to us, and it was too far for her to come to our home each fortnight for the meeting. However, the establishment of the online lifegroup provided an opportunity for her to join and connect regularly with other women from church. Now as the social distancing restrictions have eased we are using a hybird approach with both face to face and zoom meetings (as I am sure many other groups are too) so she, and others who are unable to physically attend, can be at the meeting. That’s our God – always working things out for good.

So let’s be asking God to show us ways to keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out, especially in these interesting times!

Praying for yourself

There comes a time in life when we realise we can’t do this life well alone. We need help, someone bigger than ourselves and our world. I recently watched the movies of the true story of Louis Zamperini in Unbroken and Unbroken – the path to redemption. They were a great reminder of this truth.

I remember the day when I had that revelation, almost 24 years ago. And most days since, probably at least once a day, these words have come from my lips, ‘God I need your help’ for many different reasons, including relationships, finances, health and peace.

We need to be honest in our prayers and ask God for His help. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to God, our Heavenly Father. Hebrews 4:16 says,

Let us therefore come boldy to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in the time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKVJ

The Psalms are full of examples of David telling God how he feels, oscilating between fear and faith, and acknowledging where his help comes from. Here is one of my favourites, Psalm 121:1-2

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength come from GOD, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1-2 The Message.

So if you are wondering if God really understands how you are feeling, I suggest that you take some quiet time to read through the Psalms. There will be at least one Psalm that will reasonates with you. If you are wondering where to start, here is a helpful resource from Jennifer Rothschild, Four Psalms to pray when you need God’s help.

And remember, Jesus is praying for you!

Always remember, just as we are praying for others, there are people who are praying for us! And that includes Jesus. Romans 8:34 tells us,

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 ESV

Yes, Jesus is interceding for you and me. The Passion Translation says it this way,

“Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph? Romans 8:34 TPT

What a glorious thought, Jesus is praying for our triumph!

The Holy Spirit is also praying for us, as The Passion Translation’s footnote for Romans 8:34 reminds us …

Not only does the Holy Spirit pray for us, so does Jesus Christ. Two divine intercessors are praying for you each day. Two-thirds of the Trinity are actively engaged in intercession for us. This is typified by the incident of Moses interceding on the mountain for Israel’s victory with one hand held high by Aaron (the high priest, a type of Jesus, our High Priest) and Hur (or “light,” a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, who prays with divine illumination for our good). See Ex. 17:9-13; Heb. 7:25; 9:24.

Are you feeling encouraged? I sure am.

Are you a praying person?

So I’ll ask again, ‘Are you a praying person?’

If not, perhaps today is a great day to start. Begin by saying hello to Jesus and telling Him how you are feeling, and asking for His help.

If yes, you know that there is no shortage of situations and people to pray for, so let’s continue to pray feverently and be expectant that our God will answer.

Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 The Voice

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

I am not alone

Have you experienced a time when you thought to yourself, “I wish Jesus was here with me.” I remember a friend, who was having radiation treatment for cancer, saying to me, “Before I go into the treatment room, I stand at the door and say, ‘Okay Jesus, in we go together.'” She was declaring that Jesus was going with her into that room, acknowledging that she was not going alone. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that “I am not alone.”

Jesus walks with me

That story reminds me of a song, “He walks with me” from Merle Haggard. The lyrics are simple but beautiful …

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses

And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of his voice is so sweet
The birds hush their singing
And the melody that he gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

You know that feeling you have after spending time with someone who loves you. You feel heard, encouraged, safe and secure. Well that is how we can feel after spending time with Jesus.

But first we have to recognise that He is with us and acknowledge Him.

Recognising Jesus

Let’s take a look at a couple of stories where Jesus wasn’t immediately recognised.

At the empty tomb

Firstly, at the empty tomb after Jesus’ resurrection …

But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”

“They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognise him.

Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”

She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”

Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!” John 20:11-16 The Message

But she didn’t recognise Him

In regards to Mary not recognising Jesus, let’s look at the way other translations say verse 14,

The Passion Translation – Then she turned around to leave, and there was Jesus standing in front of her, but she didn’t realise that it was him!

The New King James Version – Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

Recognise, realise and know

According to the NIV Study Bible, we don’t know why Mary didn’t recognise Jesus,

“He may have looked different or he may intentionally have prevented recognition.” NIV Study Bible, Luke 20:14 Commentary, page 1633.

What about us?

I wonder how many times things have happened in our lives and Jesus has been there and we haven’t recognised, realised or known.

Or why we sometimes don’t recognise Jesus, or realise what He is doing in our lives? Perhaps this is the moment to ask Him.

Jesus calls us by name

An aside, or maybe one of the main points … notice that it is when Jesus calls Mary by her name that she recognises him. In the TV series about Jesus, The Chosen (available at the App Store or Google Play), there is a beautiful scene in Episode 1, when Jesus calls Mary by her name and she is redeemed.

The road to Emmaus

Let’s have a look at another interaction on that same day, when Jesus was not recognised. He is walking with two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

And behold, that very day two of [the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, [which is] about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking about all these things that had occurred. And while they were conversing and discussing this together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them. But their eyes were held, so that they did not recognise Him. Luke 24:13-16 AMPC

In this story it is clear that the disciples did not recognise Jesus because of divine intervention. The Passion Translation says it this way …

They were unaware that it was Jesus walking alongside them, for God prevented them from recognising him. Luke 24:16 TPT

Jesus is recognised when He broke the bread

In fact, the disciples didn’t recognise Jesus until that evening at supper…

Joining them at the table for supper, he took bread and blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. All at once their eyes were opened and they realised it was Jesus! Then suddenly, in a flash, Jesus vanished before from their eyes! Luke 24:30-31 TPT

Oh my, there certainly was a lot of mysterious things going on at the time, and I don’t pretend to understand any of them. But it is good to ask God what He wants to show us through these stories.

Current events – what’s going on?

An interesting aside about the conversation on the road to Emmaus, the disciples were discussing the current events of the day …

And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened in there in these days?

And He said to them, “What things?”

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…….

….Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ have suffered these things to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:17-27 NKJV

Jesus explains the bigger picture

In our world today, there are certainly many interesting current events to discuss. But notice what happens in this conversation on the road to Emmaus, who brings the wisdom and explains what is going on? Jesus.

John Maxwell comments on this conversation,

“As two grieving men conversed about Jesus’ crucifixion, they struggled to understand what it all meant. Jesus saw their confusion and could tell they needed someone to guide them. So He joined them and began to explain His resurrection in light of Scripture (Luke 24:27,45). By the end of their time together, it all made sense.” John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Page 1299.

Listen to how The Passion Translation explains the disciples’ response when they realised they had been walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus,

Stunned, they looked at each other and said, “Why didn’t we recognise it was him? Didn’t our hearts burn with the flames of holy passion while we walked beside him? He unveiled for us such profound revelation from the Scriptures!” Luke 24:32 TPT

What is God showing us?

So what profound revelation does God want to give us today through these stories from Scriptures?

Possibly some of these things, and probably a whole lot more!

Jesus will reveal himself when He chooses.
When Jesus asks us questions, we need to search our heart and give an honest answer.
If we spend time with Jesus and learn to know His voice as Mary did, we will recognise Him when He speaks to us.
Jesus knows when we are struggling and will walk alongside us and help us, if we let Him.
Sometimes Jesus will do the unexpected, like vanishing at the supper. We won’t always understand what He does and that’s okay. We have to trust that His plan is good.
Only Jesus has the complete picture, understanding how each part of the puzzle fits together, so we need to listen when He speaks.

Jesus walks and talks with us today

To finish today, let’s just revisit the words of that song again, knowing that Jesus is with us and we are not alone.

And he walks with me and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

The blindness

Have you had the experience of crying out to God for many years, and then as the busy-ness of life takes over, the cry is still there, but not so loud? Then one day you have this moment, where the Holy Spirit nudges you and says, ‘Look.’ You look and see that God is answering that prayer. A smile comes over your face, and your heart feels full. The blindness of busy-ness is lifted.

The blindness of busy-ness

When this recently happened to me, I started thinking about how we often get so focused on other things, that we miss what God is doing. Proverbs 29:18 in The Message Bible says …

If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 The Message

When I obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and looked and saw what God was doing, I did indeed feel and know that I was most blessed.

The Amplified Bible says Proverbs 29:18 this way,

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. Proverbs 29:18 AMP

Ummm … No revelation of God and His word … the people are unrestrained…

The blindness in our thinking

Let’s look at this scripture for a moment in the context of our thought-life. That is, when our thoughts are not focused on God’s truth they can wander wherever they desire. This happens when we are not actively taking our thoughts captive, as God says to do in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

This is another blindness, not towards what God is doing, but in relation to what we are thinking!

Negative thoughts causing blindness

I experienced this type of blindness recently when I let negative thoughts overwhelm me. They caused me to lose sight of God’s word. I couldn’t see the good. I couldn’t see a positive path forward.

The story

Over the past month our daughter has had nine medical appointments in relation to her left leg, and there are two more this coming week. Attending all these appointments brought back the memories of the multiple hospital visits from her time of having chemotherapy treatment. Late last week, both my daughter and I were at the point of sighing, crying and thinking, ‘No, not another appointment,’ and ‘Will it always be like this?’ So strong is the emotional pull of old memories and feelings of despair – grief.

For our daughter during recent years the negative experiences around these ongoing appointments have been offset by the joy and excitement of swimming training and competing at sporting events. But due to COVID-19 restrictions and other factors beyond our control, those activities are currently not happening. So, the question she now often asks is, ‘What is there to look forward to?’

What is there to look forward to?

What is there to look forward to? Yes, blindness can stop us looking forward and it can stop us looking to Jesus.

The blind beggar

These thoughts about blindness led me to reading the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar Bartimaeus, recounted in Mark 10 and Luke 18.

Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, a son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have pity and mercy on me [now]! And many severely censured and reproved him, telling him to keep still, but he kept on shouting out all the more, You Son of David, have pity and mercy on me [now]!”

And Jesus stopped and said, Call him. And they called the blind man, telling him, Take courage! Get up! He is calling you.

And throwing off his outer garment, he leaped up and and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, What do you want Me to do for you? And the blind man said to Him, Master, let me receive my sight.

And Jesus said to him, Go your way; your faith has healed you. And at once he receive his sight and accompanied Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:46-52 AMPC

What did God speak to you about as we read that story? For me, there were four things which I share below. But first, lets give thanks for the revelation God brings to us through His word. Remember Proverbs 29:18 that we read earlier,

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. Proverbs 29:18 AMP

Keep asking. Don’t give up

Firstly, Bartimaeus called out to Jesus not once, but twice. He didn’t give up. Interestingly when this story is recounted in Luke, earlier in Chapter 18, Jesus is teaching the disciples about prayer, saying,

Don’t you know that God, the true judge, will grant justice to all of his chosen ones who cry out to him night and day? He will pour out his Spirit upon them. He will not delay to answer you and give you what you ask for. God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, just like the widow was with the judge. Luke 18:7-8a TPT

Jesus finishes this teaching about prayer with this question, a challenge to me and you …

Yet when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of persistent faithfulness in his people? Luke 18:8b TPT

Revelation (or reminder)

Keep calling out to Jesus. Let’s be people of persistent faith.

Courage to respond

Secondly, when Jesus responded to the blind beggar’s call, it appears from the disciple’s words that Bartimaeus was a little hesitant to go to Jesus.

So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” Mark 10:49 TPT

As we know Bartimaeus did muster the courage, get up and go to Jesus. Imagine if he hadn’t. He would have missed that opportunity to receive healing.

The Message Bible says,

They called him. “It’s your lucky day! Get up! He’s calling you to come!” Mark 10:49 The Message

His lucky day indeed!

Revelation (or reminder)

Sometimes it takes courage to respond to what Jesus asks us to do, but that is part of the faith adventure.

Note: there is a great song that reminds me to take courage: Take Courage by Kristine DiMarco.

Throw off the old cloak

Thirdly, look what Bartimeaus did when he responded to Jesus …

And throwing off his outer garment, he leaped up and came to Jesus. Luke 10:50 AMPC

It seems like, that to get up, Bartimeaus had to throw off something – his outer garment. The Passion Translation says,

So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus. Luke 10:50 TPT

He had to throw off the cloak that represented his old life, before he could receive the new life Jesus had for him.

Revelation (or reminder)

This was one of the main points of the story God wanted me to understand. I had to throw off the old memories of years of medical appointments. I had to take those thoughts captive and remind myself that we are in a new season now. This is not the past. God is doing a new thing. Some serious talk to self, declaring God’s truth and promises was required. For both me, but for our daughter.

Confidence in Jesus’ power

Finally, Bartimaeus had confidence that Jesus could make him well.

Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road. Mark 10:52 AMP

So a question for us, “Who or what are we putting our confidence in today?”

Revelation (or reminder)

There is only one answer -> Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6 NKJV

The Blindness and Jesus

So just remember to keep a look out for blindness in your life. The blindness of busy-ness can cause us to miss seeing what God is doing in our lives. The blindness of negative thinking can stop us looking to Jesus, the One we need to have our confidence in.

The importance of confidence in Jesus

Three final thoughts on the importance of confidence in Jesus, and accompanying scripture, because remember what the Amplified Bible says in Proverbs 29:18.

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. Proverbs 29:18 AMP

1. We need to have confidence that with Jesus we can do all things.

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfil His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13 AMP

2. We need to have confidence that with Jesus we can more than overcome.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV

3. And when we can’t find that confidence, we need to remember.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 NIV

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

Obedience will bring blessing

What has God put on your heart to do today? Is it something you regularly do, or is it a little ‘out-of-the-box’? This is a story about having the courage to do what God says, no matter how ‘weird’ it seems, and then witnessing how God blesses others through that obedience. I pray this simple story encourages you to follow through on promptings from the Holy Spirit, trusting that your obedience will bring blessing to yourself and others.

Walking and praying

One of my weekly activities is twice a week walking and praying around the school grounds, normally with a couple of other mothers from school. Most of the time we have no idea how God uses our prayers. We just walk and pray in faith that He is at work in the supernatural. We may never know the outcomes of those prayers, but we trust that in this season it is what God has asked us to do.

Plans change

The presence of COVID-19 put a stop to the walking around the school grounds. But it did not stop us praying together, as we like many others around the world quickly worked out how to pray together online.

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

And, again, as I’m sure many people found during this time, the stretching and having to do things a little differently, actually became a blessing.

In our school prayer example, praying online enabled more mums to pray than could usually be present at school, which led to more conversation and deeper relationships.

It’s a bit like, the enemy had a plan, and God used it for good, sound familiar …

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

More changes

Now as the restrictions from COVID-19 are slowly reducing, we can walk and pray at school again, albeit in a specified area, the school oval, and with a maximum of three prayers. We are just so grateful to be allowed to pray on school grounds again.

Normally we commence our prayer walk by going around the boundary of the school. Our starting place is the oval. For the past couple of years we have done this on Friday afternoons when sport is on, so the children and teachers were used to seeing us walking and praying.

Last Friday was my first time returning to pray at school, and I was by myself. When I completed my first lap of the oval I thought, “How silly is this going to look, when I walk around the oval again?” As I couldn’t go on our normal route around the school due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

It’s not about me!

But then, with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I remembered that it wasn’t about me! But rather it was about what God wanted to do in that moment. And I had no idea what that was, so I asked Him, “God, why is it that we are allowed only here, on the oval? I know from a COVID-19 safety perspective why we are here, but why have You got us only here? What is it that You want me to do?”

Pause for a moment and picture this – a sports oval filled 7 classes of children and their teachers, and one woman walking around the perimeter of the oval praying. What do you think God wanted me to do?

We have all been impacted by COVID-19 in different ways, especially teachers who had to completely re-think the way they deliver education very quickly, and implement new strategies effectively and efficiently.

Pray for the teachers

So God’s answer to me was simply, “Pray for the teachers on the oval.“

So I started on my second prayer lap of the oval. As I walked past each teacher, God gave me a word of encouragement, very specific, which I madly scribbled on a piece of paper. As much as I wanted to, I knew it wasn’t appropriate to walk up to them in the middle of their sports activities and say, ‘Hi, I felt God wanted to say to you …. ‘

Previously I had received specific words of encouragement for teachers, normally one or two, but never seven during one prayer walk. This was a little unusual. What was God doing?

What next God?

As I drove home from school I asked God about those words of encouragement, and how specific they were, and what to with them. Do I email each teacher individually, or send a group email including everyone’s word of encouragement?

You may think, what does it matter how you deliver the words of encouragement? But more and more I am learning that God is interested in the details. It mattered to Him how they were delivered, because, as He was about to tell me, He had another message to deliver to these teachers.

God’s response to my question about the specificity was something like, “This is My body – each one with a role to play and a gift to bring.”

The diversity of the body of Christ

I got it! God was wanting to not only deliver a word of encouragement to each teacher, but He wanted to send a message about the wonderful diversity of His body.

It is the same Holy Spirit who continues to distribute many different varieties of gifts.

The Lord Yahweh is one, and he is the one who apportions to believers different varieties of ministries.

The same God distributes different kinds of miracles that accomplish different results through each believer’s gift and ministry as he energises and activates them.

Each believer is given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just himself but all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 TPT

God’s response to the ‘How’ question was ‘send as a group email‘ to illustrate the diversity of the body.

Later in the afternoon I sent that group email with the words of encouragement and supporting scriptures. The responses I received confirmed that God’s message had been delivered and understood. All glory to God, He knows what we need and when we need it.

The ‘takeaways’ from this story

So there are plenty of ‘takeaways’ from this simple story. I’ve listed them below with the supporting example.

Make space in your life for God to speak to you (e.g. purposefully set aside time to pray and listen to God)
Trust that God is at work in the unseen (e.g. praying for people, students and families, that we don’t know)
When seemingly barriers arise, be expectant that God will use it for God (e.g. temporary move to praying online)
Take your eyes off yourself and put them on Jesus (e.g. worrying about what others will think about repeatedly walking around the oval).
When plans change, ask God what He wants to bring from the change (e.g. What were God’s plans for us praying only on the oval?)
Be ready for God to do things differently (e.g. God’s words of encouragement for each of the seven teachers on the oval)
Keep asking God for the next step (e.g. how to deliver the words of encouragement to the teachers)
God has a bigger plan (e.g. this was about more than words of encouragement, it was about giving a picture of Christ’s body – unity through diversity)
Obeying leads to blessing others (e.g. obeying God’s call to take time to pray lead to His word of encouragement for others).

Obedience will bring blessing

This is a very simple story of how when we obey what God asks us to do, we can be a blessing to others. Just as God wanted to encourage these teachers that they all have gifts and are part of one body, it is the same for us. We all have gifts, gifts to bless others with, however sometimes we just need a little bit of encouragement to get out there and use them!

So I pray that this story encourages you to do what God has put on your heart, and know that He has gifted you for a purpose, far greater than you could have imagined. And whatsmore, you may never know how far the blessing ripples will travel from your step of obedience.

But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be any body at all! So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 TPT

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

Dreams and messages

Do you remember your most recent dream? What was it about? What did it mean? I only remember a few of my dreams, mainly because they were delivering very clear messages from God. Messages that helped me to re-focus rather quickly! Dreams and messages – don’t ignore them.

One of my dreams that I remember most clearly came soon after Ken and I were married. One night we had an argument. Ken went for a wa