Before I Sleep ©

The night shrouds the cold sky in starry splendour.
As the shadows fall.
The Lords sweet angels singing oh so tender.
With the masters call.

I close my eyes as I calm my troubled mind.
Yet I shed no tear.
For in the darkness it is you that I find.
I can feel you near.

Before I drift to sleep to you I will pray.
My humble request.
Between now and the breaking of a new day.
My sleep is blessed.

I will dream of that distant celestial shore.
A place of wonder.
Where I will live in delight for evermore.
With Christ my Saviour.

MJ Flack

The Good Earth

Scriptural Reference:
3 "Listen! Once there was a man who went out to sow corn(?). 4 As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there is little soil. The seeds soon sprouted,because the soil wasn't deep. 6 Then when the sun came up, it burnt the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up. 7 Some of the seed among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants and they didn't produce any corn(?). 8 But some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants sprouted, grew, and produced corn(?): some had thirty grains, others sixty, and others a hundred." 9 And Jesus concluded "Listen, then if you have ears!".
Mark 4:3-9

Reflection:
In the Parable of the Sower we may learn a valuable lesson as Christians. Essentially there are four personality types described based on the life's they each live. So we can consider the sort of soil or inner garden that our new faith has been planted. Than we may think about the sort of environment and condition the inner garden has developed. As well as what sort of fertiliser we feed our newly founded faith.

These may be viewed as;

The Path:
That path we walk where faith is open for attack. When we see the truth and recognise our need for a real relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ we begin to set ourselves apart from the world. The world will not change and suddenly became a bed of roses. In fact many new believers soon lose heart and their faith dies off when they realise that life is not easy but a constant challenge. It is in the 'path' times of life there is little soil or nutrients to keep faith alive long enough to thrive that we can see some never go past the initial seed stages of their faith.

The Rocky Ground:
Where faith begins but due to a shallow mind and heart there is nothing to nurture it. For some they may have the intention and the shallow soil to begin their growth in the faith. Yet amongst the soil is 'rocky ground' a sort of metaphor for a mixture of good intentions and hard feelings. Some who take hold of the faith can fail to thrive when their hard emotional baggage is too much to let go of. They show the promise of growth only to let their rocky feelings kill off any chance for true faith to blossom.

The Thorns:
When we linger among those who cling to cardinal ways we can become poisoned and choked of our faith. Thorns in this case may be seen as another metaphor. The thorns represent people and attitudes that existed prior to the coming of faith. How often we ourselves can look back on those friends who scoffed at us when we shared that we had accepted Jesus as our Saviour and planned on changing our ways. The sarcastic jokes and back stapping tricks to pull us back into the worldly ways begin to choke us. So often those who have just accepted the Gospel message are pulled back into sin and separation from God. Those are the thorny friends who will try and kill young faith.

The Good Soil:
With a strong heart and a resolute mind we can nurture the Word of God in us and grow steadily each day. When someone has their eyes opened and they see the truth of the Gospel they have every chance to grow and develop a deeper and personal relationship with God trough his Son Jesus Christ. Yet it takes time and effort for the young Christian to be able to grow. Much as it is with a garden there needs to be time spent removing the rocks or emotional baggage that only drags us down. Then there is the tricky bit of weeding the garden of those thorns or negative people who have not seen the truth and will try and choke our faith and hope. With daily study of the Bible we can do these things as we prepare and nurture the soil of our soul to be able to grow our faith and our relationship with Jesus. It is true that the path of life will always have both good and bad days and there will be times we feel at our lowest emotionally. It is thankfully in these times that with a healthy growing faith we can find our strength to continue.

Prayer:

Nurture in me Lord Jesus faith in you,
Under your care I will find rest and joy,
Remove from me that which distracts,
Teaching me your Gospel Truths,
Use me as an instrument of your love,
Remember me in my times of trial,
Each time the world tries to deceive me.

I pray these things in your blessed name.

Amen

Grace

God's perfect pure love
Reaches out to you
As His gentle arms
Caressing your soul
Embraces your heart

MJ Flack

An adaptation of a traditional English recipe.

Choices

Quotes:
"Two Wolves are inside us fighting. Which one wins? The one we feed"
American Cherokee Parable

"The choices we make make us who we are"
MJ Flack

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
Nelson Mandela

Scriptural Reference:
" So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31 31

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"
James 1:15 15

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 15

Reflection:

In a world full of choices we can quickly find ourselves both swamped for options and numb from the sheer number of choices available. All of which are bright and shiny, promoted by celebrities and culture icons. With a range of added optional add-ons that can be easily included with our first selection. Yet how many are really good and reliable.

"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"
Philippians 4:8
We are encouraged to stay focused on those things that are pleasing to God. Those things that are "true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" we are to focus and think on them. So how many choices offered up can match up to this short list?

"Choice We Make Make Us who we are". Yes, every choice we make in a very small subtle way carves deeply into us and creates the person people see and experience. As startling as it might seem, even small mediocre choices can affect us. They all add up over time. This is how so many youth in Germany in the last days of WW2 became killing machines. They were trained in small stages. From the early days in the Hitler Youth where they experienced fresh air and exercise to the later to join the Wehrmacht. They began with free will and free choice only to end up completely indoctrinated into the Socialist mindset. Unable to choose anything contrary to that of Hitler and those in charge of them.

"How do we make choices in life?" A reasonable question as we search for the best and scriptural way to navigate the choices we face in life. As mentioned we need to keep focused on these things that are pleasing to God. Measuring many of the choices we are faced with against this ruler will help us make the right choice. Though to be honest, not all choice are difficult. If we are to drink coffee or tea is needlessly a little choice. One that is more one of health or diet. It's the big choices that we face that will need to be worked with. An example might be an invitation to go see the latest movie with a group of friends. You've been promised the movie is epic in every way. Plenty of drama, sex, violence, nudity, profanity and even a half decent script. So what do you do? Do any of those attributes match up with the short list mentioned? What sort of impact would watching the film really have on your subconscious? Sadly, I know a Christian who likes to play Sims a realistic life simulation game. The game is okay but the way he plays it isn't. He likes to play characters who have such goals as to have the highest number of pregnant women to his character. So essentially he's living vicariously through this make believe character. And his subconscious is slowly altered in ways he doesn't even recognise.

Okay so these were somewhat stark and heavy choices made. What about the smaller choices we make that can also have an impact on us. Let's reflect on Martha and Mary. The Lord is visiting and the entourage is sitting in the main room. While Martha is doing what is culturally expected of her. The good little Jewish woman in the kitchen preparing food and drink. Making ready a suitable meal for her guests. Hyperactive would be an understatement for Martha. While Mary is sitting near the feet of Jesus listening intently to every word he says. Not really a cultural thing as women had their place. This was not thought to be it.

Martha in moral outrage demands that Jesus sets things back in order by telling Mary to get up and do her fair share of preparation and work. Yet Jesus doesn't correct Mary as one might have thought. Instead he corrects Martha.

41 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about
many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:38-42

So for all those at Church rushing around madly trying to get every little thing in order and every small detail correct by the time morning tea has begun; stop and check yourself. Are you really focused on what is important? Or are you trying to be perfect and be seen as perfect for all your wonderful work? Shouldn't you step back and ask others to become involved? Maybe stepping back once in awhile to enjoy the fellowship instead. The choice of work over fellowship is one that sadly many Christians struggle with.

In closing, we are faced with choices everyday. Some are little but can add up over time. While others are huge and can hit us like a brick wall. We need to at times take a breath and take stock of what we are really choosing between. As well as how well the choice we have matches up with God's list of criteria. Never forget that the choices you make create who you become.


Prayer:
Lord, I am flesh,
In my humble body and mind,
I'm faced with many choices.

May I remember each time,
To return to your teachings,
To feel the Holy Spirits guidance,
And to always seek those things,
That you teach are worthy of you,
And worthy of my attention.

I pray this in your divine name,
My Lord and my saviour king,
Jesus the Christ.

Amen

I'll Honour You ©

I'll honour you in my special way.
Remembering the times we shared.
And the special ways you showed you cared.
With memories I'll honour you.

I'll keep you alive and real in my heart.
Like the secret dreams that we kept.
Or the bonds of love that never slept.
With fond memories I'll honour you.

MJ Flack

Divergent ©

You are not of this cold dark world.
So you should stand out as unique.
Indifferent to sarcasm.
Set yourself apart from others.
you are on a sacred journey.
Towards a promised paradise.

There will be others in your life.
Who you will meet and connect with.
Some will accept you as you are.
While some will sadly turn away.
Just be true to saviour king.
And true friends will always be near.

The world is a fading nightmare.
Images entangled in fear.
Filled with enchanting deceptions.
Your difference will be a light.
A beacon of the gospels grace,
So bravely let it shine for all.

MJ Flack

The Armour of God

Scriptural Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-17

Contemplation:
6: 11 Put you on the Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

Sad to say, many people have lost touch with the reality that The devil or Satan does exist. In our Post Modern World where rationality rules, people tend to sarcastically brush off anything they cant see.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

There is and has been and always will be a division of Light and Dark. Of two very powerful Principalities. The constant battle between these two takes in the whole World. Dragging down one half while uplifting and redeeming the other. We need to be careful of this and decide quickly which side we will stand on. As there will be no room for spectators when the climax of battle comes.

13 Therefore, take unto you the Armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

Paul uses the analogy of the Roman Armour to good advantage. Each piece has a specific purpose. As with the Armour that the Roman Soldier relied on to maintain and save his life in battle; so to is the Armour that we can claim as our from God.


14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the Breastplate of Justice:

The Roman Belt was more than just something to hold ones leggings or lower garments in place. It held a variety of items. Such as Darts, Food and Coins. In this analogy Paul refers to it as the Belt of truth. Perhaps as with Truth we are prepared for the journey into battle.

He then refers to the Breastplate. This item covered the Roman Soldiers most vital organs. It was also a sign of respect and heritage as many of the more seasoned Officers would have their Breastplate made to size and adorned with images fitting their Military Status. The Breastplate Paul mentions is one of Justice. One that sets the believer apart from the World where strength was all that matters. Justice is to be our closest Armour to our heart.

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Roman Soldiers had a special Sandal. It was laced up to the calf. Had a firm and solid soul. And was both sturdy yet flexible to be manoeuvrable in battle. When a Roman Soldier entered battle it was said that he marched with the whole of the Roman Government with him. In other words, he went forth with the power of Rome's Political Might. What Paul tells us is to see our feet as being shod with the Gospel of Peace. A totally reversed view of the Roman Sandal. Our Sandals are made to bring Peace and Salvation. Not Blood and Dominance.

16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

There were several Shields used by the Roman Soldiers. These were generally used for Parades and Celebrations. Rather light weight and highly decorated. Long Sojourns into enemy territory. These were medium weighted and either over or a similar shape. Then the standard Roman Shield which was rectangle and was heavily used in such field manoeuvres as what was called the Tortoise. A grouping of Roman Soldiers with their shields forming a wall and roofing over them.

Paul gives up the idea that our shield will not only protect us from a range of human attacks. But it will also afford us protection from the enemies Fiery Darts. I imagine these are invisible darts. Yet being invisible they are even the more deadly. As they are burning with the adversaries hatred for us. The enemy would throw such darts to diminish our witness.

As a note, Roman Soldiers used Darts made with lead points. The concept was to throw the dart at an enemy shield. It would become lodged in the shield. Bending slightly under the weight of the softer lead. And becoming heavy and difficult to remove.

17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

We get two analogies here. The first being the Helmet of Salvation. The Roman Soldiers Helmet was designed after many years of combat and conflict with a wide range of adversaries. So the design was very specific. Though there were two basic Helmets. Similar to the Shield. These were the Ceremonial Helmet which had plumes of horse hair and was colourful. And the standard battle helmet. Which was light weight and afforded the highest level of protection. While giving good visibility.

The Helmet of Salvation is one that fulfils a similar purpose to that of the Battle Helmet. We are protected by our Salvation, yet we are not blinded from the dangers that are present around us. We should not be wearing a fancy or ceremonial helmet. As our Salvation is won by the Lord Jesus Christ and not by our own merits. We have no reason to become weighed down with false pride.

The Sword of the Spirit is our strongest weapon and defence. The Word of truth cuts through any lie and deception. It defeats the enemy with the full force of the Gospel message. The Roman Soldier used primarily what was called a Roman Short Sword. Great for close battle. As it had a double sided blade. Could cut through the toughest of enemy Armour. And could be easily wielded with one hand. While the shield was held in the other hand.

Paul was a pragmatist in many ways. Using every day situations and examples to highlight his messages. We are grateful in these examples he has left us. As they develop for us and idea of the intensity of the battle that rages around us. It identifies the resources and forms of protection we have available for us. As it gives us an idea of how best to use these resources in battle.

How many useful analogies can you find in your day to day life? If Paul lived today, what do you think he might make use of to highlight his message? A Mobile Phone perhaps? Or some other form of Modern Technology we take for granted.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

We recognise the battle raging around us.
Please forgive us for becoming distracted.
For becoming tired and lazy in prayer.
For looking away and not seeing the enemy.

Help prepare us for each day,
Each battle with temptation,
Each confrontation with adversity,
And give us the strength to soldier on.

We trust in you alone as our Strength,
As our source of focus and courage,
As our spiritual sustenance,
And pray to be ever vigilant.

We pray this in your precious name,
Jesus Christ.

Amen

Q&A:

When is a Church an Echo Chamber?

When it doesn't have an active outreach?