I've been doing a bit of thinking about the post I wrote a couple of days ago based on the poem by Annie Johnson Flint about God's promises, and how God doesn't promise us many things that we may assume should be ours by right. And that was the thing that's been striking me during some of my quiet times lately, what do we think are our rights? What do we assume is ours by right? So, what do we really have rights to?
In my quiet times, I've been meditating in Acts 16:16-40 - Paul and Silas' encounter with the fortune-telling slave girl (posessed by an evil spirit) and their subsequent flogging and being thrown into prison. Several questions came to my mind. Was this unexpected? What rights did they think they had when they were free, and in prison? Did they think their rights were being violated? So this got me thinking about what our true rights are as Christians, as inherited sons and daughters of the living God, called to live for him in a world that hates his light.
In the light of us being called to serve God in this world, as Paul and Silas were, we have a right to endure whatever the world throws at us for the glory of God, to bear it as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23-24,). It is an immense priviledge to serve God, wherever he puts us. Were Paul and Silas surprised that they got thrown into prison? I highly doubt it. They'd been on the road for God for quite a while, living out the the gospel reality that suffering and persecution (in their various forms) are things we should expect when we take the gospel to people. This should serve as a stark reminder that the world we're called to live and speak the gospel in hates the light that it offers.
Another question that came to my mind was that of justice. What did Paul and Silas think was going on with God when he let them be thrown into prison? Did they wonder where his justice was there and then? Do we have a right to justice? And the answer to that is a resounding yes! We have a right to a just ruling from God; one that will be carried out when he returns. In the mean time, do we have a right to justice here on earth when we're unfairly treated or downtrod by those around us? Being called to be a Christian is not a call to be a doormat to the world, it's being called to a supporting joist for the kingdom of God.
The greatest thing of importance to us in any situation should be of staying true to God, of standing up for the gospel, then for our friends and those around us, and then for ourselves - in the same way that we're called to think of God first in all things, then those around us, and then ourselves. Does this mean we neglect ourselves? Not at all, it means humbling ourselves, not worrying for our own needs, and trusting that God will provide for everything he knows we need. Make no mistake, when Paul and Silas went on the road for God they knew the risks of walking the line for him. But they chose to put the furthering of the gospel and the glory of God in front of their own comfort and rights that the world insists we should have - like security and physical safety.
I think about my life and how much more tempting it is to choose the easier option - avoid a conversation that would challenge me, choose not to confront a friend about something for the sake of your friendship (when in fact a true friend would challenge, rather than stand by), steer away from the conversation that would mean you stand up for your faith. And Paul and Silas had the same opportunity - walking away from the situation with the slave girl with the fortune-telling evil spirit, being broken in prison, taking the easy conversations with the Greeks and avoiding the zealous Jews. But they chose the that a) glorified God above themselves, putting them often in harm's way, and b) acknowledged God's sovreignty over their lives, trusting him with their futures - on a day to day basis. They took the rights the world said they should have and endured cultural and social shame, knowing that their real worth and glory would be found in God, when he reveals himself.
Are we so easily tempted to steer away from the decision that glorifies God at the expense of our own comfort? Or are we willing to claim the right God offers us; his justice in his time. Do we trust that he'll provide what we need, and lay our cares at his feet? Are we willing to put his glory first, and humble ourselves so we can serve him better? Big challenges, but one patient God who can help us make it happen
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Murder y'say? And exams too?!
Yep it's true, murder reared its ugly head yesterday evening! To be more precise, 11 of us tried to work out who murdered the famous and handsome Jed Manhattan at a party, dressed as our characters. The only downside really, was ending up being Ivy Fields, a chat show hostess - not my own choice I hasten to add! I blame the lack of male characters in the pack. But that aside, the evening was a resounding success, special mentions go to Ben as the mystic 'Zane', and Lizzie's Sterling performance as Jed's long-forgotten mother, 'Zena Zinopolis' - Greek to the core.
Pics will be posted once I get around to getting the pics off my camera!
In the mean time, the dreaded exam week is nearly on us all here at Hebron! Scary biscuits for my poor standard 7 maths pupils (no less because of me teaching them!) but also for many music students as they start working towards their exams for near term. Things to definitely keep in mind for prayer, both for my students and for my teaching as this really is the last week of revision before the week of exams.
Yet despite the busy times that are happening here, Lizzie and I are starting to finalise our travel plans for after the term ends in June. Dead exciting! North India, South India and Sri Lanka are all on the list of places we'll be going. We're also coming back 4 days earlier now, so if you happen to be in the neighbourhood (Swindon) or near Heathrow airport on the 9th, you might well bump into me! Though 7am is far too unholy a time to get back into the country at ;)
Righty, time is short (much like me) and I've got to be off to buy baby corn. Yes, I know it's a fairly random thing to suddenly feel like doing, but then again, this is me we're talking about :)
Until anon, a new newsletter will be written soon!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Pics will be posted once I get around to getting the pics off my camera!
In the mean time, the dreaded exam week is nearly on us all here at Hebron! Scary biscuits for my poor standard 7 maths pupils (no less because of me teaching them!) but also for many music students as they start working towards their exams for near term. Things to definitely keep in mind for prayer, both for my students and for my teaching as this really is the last week of revision before the week of exams.
Yet despite the busy times that are happening here, Lizzie and I are starting to finalise our travel plans for after the term ends in June. Dead exciting! North India, South India and Sri Lanka are all on the list of places we'll be going. We're also coming back 4 days earlier now, so if you happen to be in the neighbourhood (Swindon) or near Heathrow airport on the 9th, you might well bump into me! Though 7am is far too unholy a time to get back into the country at ;)
Righty, time is short (much like me) and I've got to be off to buy baby corn. Yes, I know it's a fairly random thing to suddenly feel like doing, but then again, this is me we're talking about :)
Until anon, a new newsletter will be written soon!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Friday, April 27, 2007
God has promised
Hey all, I just managed to trick blogger into allowing me to log in (a bit of a long drawn-out tricksy process, but then again, this is a computer we're talking about!) so i can post something that was in our staff bulletin this week.
Good food for thought, reminds us of God's character, his real promises, and who he is to us.
God hath not promised
skies always blue
flower strewn pathways
all our lives through
God hath not promised
sun without rain
joy without sorrow
peace without pain
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for labours
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love
-- Annie Johnson Flint --
Just looking back over that list reminded me how we can so easily stand up and take up a beef with God about why he hasn't given us more sunshine in our lives, an easier path, kinder surroundings, and yet each day take for granted the things that he gives us; his grace, love, help, strength and peace (that transcends our understanding whenever we take the time to think about it).
Can we really ask for a life where our paths are strewn with flowers, when Jesus took a crown of thorns on his head? Where skies are always blue, when his sky clouded over when the father turned his face away? Where joy comes without pain, when the one who created us exactly to his design in our mothers' wombs was forced to turn his face from the one he had been in constant inseperable intimate communion with since eternity?
We can't call for these things, but if we think about what God has promised us; strength, rest, light for our path, grace for our trials, and help from his very hand. Do we really need to ask for a life like the one mentioned in the first verse? And if we do, why are we asking for it? Have we forgotten God's total provision for us? If we have, the loving arms of God await us, his depthless love is ready for our fresh dive, his guiding light ready to show us the path, his steady hand ready to help us takes the tumbles of life as they come.
God has promised, yes. God has promised us what we truly need; his help, strength and love in all we do.
Since I've been out here in India, God's been showing me each day how much I truly need to rely on his strength, wisdom, love (for the kids and staff alike). How I really can't teach Maths and music well if it's not for his patience with the kids and the preparation, how I can't be a real brother to my boys in the year 8 dorm if I don't have love for those others around me, how my thoughts being set on God turn a pants day into one that has a direction, guided by a hand that never fails to guide me in good ways.
The question is ever posed before us, who's promises are we relying on? Let's make his the one we rely on!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Good food for thought, reminds us of God's character, his real promises, and who he is to us.
God hath not promised
skies always blue
flower strewn pathways
all our lives through
God hath not promised
sun without rain
joy without sorrow
peace without pain
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for labours
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love
-- Annie Johnson Flint --
Just looking back over that list reminded me how we can so easily stand up and take up a beef with God about why he hasn't given us more sunshine in our lives, an easier path, kinder surroundings, and yet each day take for granted the things that he gives us; his grace, love, help, strength and peace (that transcends our understanding whenever we take the time to think about it).
Can we really ask for a life where our paths are strewn with flowers, when Jesus took a crown of thorns on his head? Where skies are always blue, when his sky clouded over when the father turned his face away? Where joy comes without pain, when the one who created us exactly to his design in our mothers' wombs was forced to turn his face from the one he had been in constant inseperable intimate communion with since eternity?
We can't call for these things, but if we think about what God has promised us; strength, rest, light for our path, grace for our trials, and help from his very hand. Do we really need to ask for a life like the one mentioned in the first verse? And if we do, why are we asking for it? Have we forgotten God's total provision for us? If we have, the loving arms of God await us, his depthless love is ready for our fresh dive, his guiding light ready to show us the path, his steady hand ready to help us takes the tumbles of life as they come.
God has promised, yes. God has promised us what we truly need; his help, strength and love in all we do.
Since I've been out here in India, God's been showing me each day how much I truly need to rely on his strength, wisdom, love (for the kids and staff alike). How I really can't teach Maths and music well if it's not for his patience with the kids and the preparation, how I can't be a real brother to my boys in the year 8 dorm if I don't have love for those others around me, how my thoughts being set on God turn a pants day into one that has a direction, guided by a hand that never fails to guide me in good ways.
The question is ever posed before us, who's promises are we relying on? Let's make his the one we rely on!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Sunday, April 08, 2007
I'm here!
Well, actually, I've been here a while now, but there you go.
Yes indeedy, out here in South india in the region of Tamil Nadu, at Hebron School in a town called Ooty. And it's just fantastic. I'm loving being able to teach year 7 maths to a class of my own (quite scary at first), teach clarinet, piano and alto saxophone, and look after a year 8 dorm of 16(ish) boys - some aren't quite all there some of the time :P
Outside of that I'm enjoying playing clarinet in the concert band, singing in the choir, playing Need for Speed: Most wanted on the IT guy's conputer (what a legend!) and helping out with worship in church and 6:14ers bible club every other Sunday afternoon. In short, I'm doing a normal 'Tim Caird' and getting stuck in left, right and centre. But do you know what's really cool? Knowing that this is where God wants me here and now. Knowing that what I'm doing here is his will for me. And my quiet times just keep concreting that with God challenging me to give my whole heart to him in my academic, musical, bible club and dorm work. And I really want to be giving my whole heart! I mean, that's what I'm here for - that's what we're all here for! Suffice to say, God continues to rock my socks; daily.
Sadlt my time's up now, but I'll hopefully be online to blog again in the near future. If you'd like to keep up to date with my escapades, I'm writing a newsletter (sometimes with pictures!) every 3-4 weeks or so. Just contact me via my email address or if you're not sure what it is, leave a note on this post.
TTFN peeps, I'll be back in 3 months. MWAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Yes indeedy, out here in South india in the region of Tamil Nadu, at Hebron School in a town called Ooty. And it's just fantastic. I'm loving being able to teach year 7 maths to a class of my own (quite scary at first), teach clarinet, piano and alto saxophone, and look after a year 8 dorm of 16(ish) boys - some aren't quite all there some of the time :P
Outside of that I'm enjoying playing clarinet in the concert band, singing in the choir, playing Need for Speed: Most wanted on the IT guy's conputer (what a legend!) and helping out with worship in church and 6:14ers bible club every other Sunday afternoon. In short, I'm doing a normal 'Tim Caird' and getting stuck in left, right and centre. But do you know what's really cool? Knowing that this is where God wants me here and now. Knowing that what I'm doing here is his will for me. And my quiet times just keep concreting that with God challenging me to give my whole heart to him in my academic, musical, bible club and dorm work. And I really want to be giving my whole heart! I mean, that's what I'm here for - that's what we're all here for! Suffice to say, God continues to rock my socks; daily.
Sadlt my time's up now, but I'll hopefully be online to blog again in the near future. If you'd like to keep up to date with my escapades, I'm writing a newsletter (sometimes with pictures!) every 3-4 weeks or so. Just contact me via my email address or if you're not sure what it is, leave a note on this post.
TTFN peeps, I'll be back in 3 months. MWAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!
TheWeeScottie
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weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Sunday, January 07, 2007
One week to go! (and other stuff)
The realisation is finally starting to creep up on me now, that I'm going out to India in a week! The excitement has been playing hide-and-seek with my mind for the past 2 months, but chatting with Lizzie (one of the peeps I'm going out there with) last night about meeting up, getting Visas in London, and hotels in Mumbai has coaxed my excitement out of its hiding place.
Woo!
My last day at work went by yesterday, and was sad to say goodbye to my bunch of ardent George'ers at Asda. 3 months is enough to knit you together with any team, but they've been fab and I'll be sad to see them go. But that doesn't stop me sending postcards ;)
On another sad note, Lucy (my motorbike) has been given an ultamatum; have a heart/brain transplant or be sold for parts :( she broke down last week and it turns out the previous owner didn't treat her well, because the entire front end of the engine needs rebuilding as it's dry and cracked and dead (and stuff). So if you see any nice little 125/100cc bikes around, do let me know in time for August!
Righty, the day calls, so I'll leave it at that and see to some breakfast before heading off to church. How AWEsome though, seriousely! Just think about the concept of church; God's worldwide family, uniting all colours, creeds, races and people groups under the banner of salvation in Jesus! That just blows my mind and makes me burst into a wide grin, KNOWING beyond a shadow of a doubt that one day I, Tim Caird, short person to the masses, will be standing in the presence of the Lord of eternity. What an awe-inspiring, humbling, and inspiring thought.
Why do we go to church? Because of love after God, because of the sweetness of fellowship, because of the crazy love of God for us and our desire to know him better and follow him more closely.
Bring it on :)
TheWeeScottie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
weird is just your own personal brand of normal
Woo!
My last day at work went by yesterday, and was sad to say goodbye to my bunch of ardent George'ers at Asda. 3 months is enough to knit you together with any team, but they've been fab and I'll be sad to see them go. But that doesn't stop me sending postcards ;)
On another sad note, Lucy (my motorbike) has been given an ultamatum; have a heart/brain transplant or be sold for parts :( she broke down last week and it turns out the previous owner didn't treat her well, because the entire front end of the engine needs rebuilding as it's dry and cracked and dead (and stuff). So if you see any nice little 125/100cc bikes around, do let me know in time for August!
Righty, the day calls, so I'll leave it at that and see to some breakfast before heading off to church. How AWEsome though, seriousely! Just think about the concept of church; God's worldwide family, uniting all colours, creeds, races and people groups under the banner of salvation in Jesus! That just blows my mind and makes me burst into a wide grin, KNOWING beyond a shadow of a doubt that one day I, Tim Caird, short person to the masses, will be standing in the presence of the Lord of eternity. What an awe-inspiring, humbling, and inspiring thought.
Why do we go to church? Because of love after God, because of the sweetness of fellowship, because of the crazy love of God for us and our desire to know him better and follow him more closely.
Bring it on :)
TheWeeScottie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
weird is just your own personal brand of normal
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