Well I know I'm not the most prolific of bloggers, but I'm back for another instalment. It's been a good time for the Hammers. We have seen a win and a draw since our horrible run of 4-0's, that's 4 points out of 6 and in all fairness we could have won the game at Everton. We've seen two new superstars start their careers with the first team in Freddie Sears and James Tomkins. There has actually been no negative press surrounding the club, so all seems very well with the Claret and Blue!!
On the down side England lost to France, not a surprise I guess, but I'm like every other football patriot - I have high expectations and am disappointed every time!!! However the cricket team have done well to come home with a series win at last. Maybe I should support cricket instead!!! Na!
Badminton has been a mixed bag - since winning twice in a row, I have held on to champion status by default as I have been one of the guys who have drawn for the lead. However this wednesday I actually had to hand in champion status - mine for 6 weeks!!! I came outside the drawing guys at the top. Still I shall endeavour to win it back next week seeing as it belongs to no one at the moment.
However throughout all this competitive nonsense (which, as you can tell, I really quite enjoy) I know that God has been at work within me. I know that I am growing in trusting him. Reading through Leviticus, I have been reminded again that God is interested in all of me and he has something to say into each area of my life. When going through the accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection over the Easter period I could not help but be stirred again to the fact that I am saved and that Jesus paid that enormous price for me. To know that there is someone that loves me this much is so comforting, but to know that he loves me enough to want to speak into my life, to bring me encouragemnet, to bring me rebuke, to teach me - I truely find incredible.
With the psalmist I can think, 'what is man that you are mindful of him' and yet he is. Laying hands on people to be healed or filled with the Spirit and seeing God work is fantastic, but knowing him - by knowing I mean having an intimacy with him - that's special, that's precious, that's amazing.
I need my competitive streak to be tempered by this knowledge, because my competitiveness relies on what I can do, whereas I want to be reliant on what God wants to do in me and through me.
Friday, 28 March 2008
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Cole or Ronaldo
West Ham 0... all other teams 4!!! Well that's the summation of the current form of the Hammers. Who knows what has gone wrong with them, but as a die hard supporter I am hoping for better things on Saturday against Blackburn. One of the big problems isn't so much the defence, it is the attack not taking the chances that are presented to them.
I find that this is so true in our everyday lives. As Christians we are often presented with goal scoring opportunities but are too busy or too fearful to take them. I did have an opportunity yesterday and it's one, I thank Jesus, that I took. A random caller to the church office looking for another Christian agency lead to the name of Jesus being proclaimed as the one who changes lives. I bought him sandwiches and some crisps: he thanked me: I pointed to Jesus as the one who changed my life which is why I was in a positon to buy him sandwiches and why I was willing to do so.
He didn't give his life to the Lord there and then, but he did know that my motivation for helping him was not my own goodness, but love that was given me by Christ.
One example where I got it right, but how many have I missed. Carlton Cole has scored three times this year for the Hammers, great! But how many has he missed? I want to be more prolific, the evangelistic version of Ronaldo, that whenever a half chance in front of goal is presented, I will be on hand to shoot on target and will take that opportunity.
I find that this is so true in our everyday lives. As Christians we are often presented with goal scoring opportunities but are too busy or too fearful to take them. I did have an opportunity yesterday and it's one, I thank Jesus, that I took. A random caller to the church office looking for another Christian agency lead to the name of Jesus being proclaimed as the one who changes lives. I bought him sandwiches and some crisps: he thanked me: I pointed to Jesus as the one who changed my life which is why I was in a positon to buy him sandwiches and why I was willing to do so.
He didn't give his life to the Lord there and then, but he did know that my motivation for helping him was not my own goodness, but love that was given me by Christ.
One example where I got it right, but how many have I missed. Carlton Cole has scored three times this year for the Hammers, great! But how many has he missed? I want to be more prolific, the evangelistic version of Ronaldo, that whenever a half chance in front of goal is presented, I will be on hand to shoot on target and will take that opportunity.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Life!
West Ham beating Fulham, me being champion of badminton a week ago, going and seeing my parents on Friday and Saturday last week - all of these things are great, but all of them pail into insignificance when I think of the greatness of our God and the wonder of Jesus Christ.
Preparing and speaking at Freedom In Christ last night has once again opened my eyes to the magnitude of what Christ acheived on our behalf in dieing on the cross. Looking at the fact that Adam and Eve were both physically and spiritually alive and then seeing a fresh that when they sinned they became spiritually dead and that is our condition when we are born into the world is terrifying. The fact that Adam had all significance, all security and total acceptance and threw it away for a piece of fruit!!! In turn losing that significance, that security and that acceptance, leaving mankind to long after these things from that time onwards. Looking at the fear and anxiety and the worry and the pain and the depression and the guilt and the shame and the weakness and the powerlessness and the anger that every man will experience at some point in their life, is horrible.
However then focussing on Jesus and what he came to do. Yes he came to take away the sins of those who would believe in him and give us hope for a future in eternity with him. Yet he also came to give life. That which was lost at the fall restored to us again through the death of Jesus Christ. He came to give us back significance, security and acceptance - no longer chasing the wind to try and find an answer to the despair that we feel - but now found in Christ.
9 years on and I feel that I am more amazed and in awe of Jesus than I ever have been. When I hear what he did and what he achieved it strengthens my resolve to be more like him and to seek after him, because surely only he knows best. I don't want to be a person who chases what the world has to offer, all the stuff that Solomon said was 'meaningless, utterly meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2) in order to find my purpose, my hope , and my acceptance - I want to chase after the Author and Perfector of my faith, the Beginning and the End, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords - Jesus Christ!! The one who bought me new life by his blood.
Preparing and speaking at Freedom In Christ last night has once again opened my eyes to the magnitude of what Christ acheived on our behalf in dieing on the cross. Looking at the fact that Adam and Eve were both physically and spiritually alive and then seeing a fresh that when they sinned they became spiritually dead and that is our condition when we are born into the world is terrifying. The fact that Adam had all significance, all security and total acceptance and threw it away for a piece of fruit!!! In turn losing that significance, that security and that acceptance, leaving mankind to long after these things from that time onwards. Looking at the fear and anxiety and the worry and the pain and the depression and the guilt and the shame and the weakness and the powerlessness and the anger that every man will experience at some point in their life, is horrible.
However then focussing on Jesus and what he came to do. Yes he came to take away the sins of those who would believe in him and give us hope for a future in eternity with him. Yet he also came to give life. That which was lost at the fall restored to us again through the death of Jesus Christ. He came to give us back significance, security and acceptance - no longer chasing the wind to try and find an answer to the despair that we feel - but now found in Christ.
9 years on and I feel that I am more amazed and in awe of Jesus than I ever have been. When I hear what he did and what he achieved it strengthens my resolve to be more like him and to seek after him, because surely only he knows best. I don't want to be a person who chases what the world has to offer, all the stuff that Solomon said was 'meaningless, utterly meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2) in order to find my purpose, my hope , and my acceptance - I want to chase after the Author and Perfector of my faith, the Beginning and the End, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords - Jesus Christ!! The one who bought me new life by his blood.
Friday, 15 February 2008
All things are possible with Him - even fitting a shower!!!
Just fitted a new shower!!! It's so funny how manly that makes me feel. I've provided for my wife and she has just delivered a heart shaped mini cheesecake. What else could a man want!!!
Only a short post tonight, but after thinking that putting up a new shower would be impossible, I am once again reminded that I am able to do more than I think I can - all I need to do is step out and give it a go. This is true in all areas of life - after all we read in Ephesians 3:20:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
We cannot imagine what we can do or the places to which he will take us or the tasks to which we can put our hand to because we limit ourselves by our own experience and the gifts we think we have. The Lord however often has other plans. As we step out into something or somewhere new, he works, for his glory, through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. What an encouragement to us all!!!
Only a short post tonight, but after thinking that putting up a new shower would be impossible, I am once again reminded that I am able to do more than I think I can - all I need to do is step out and give it a go. This is true in all areas of life - after all we read in Ephesians 3:20:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
We cannot imagine what we can do or the places to which he will take us or the tasks to which we can put our hand to because we limit ourselves by our own experience and the gifts we think we have. The Lord however often has other plans. As we step out into something or somewhere new, he works, for his glory, through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. What an encouragement to us all!!!
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
11 days gone by!
11 days ago I was really pleased with myself because I had managed to have only three days in between blogs. Funny how things go eh!!! Lots has happened though in those 11 days. West Ham have lost and drawn which is very disappointing; and I at last feel that I am improving at playing badminton again after feeling that I had stood still for a while.
Prayer and fasting was a great time with the team and with God. Being wonderfully filled with the Spirit once again and then ministering out of encounter with Him was fantastic. Also feeling a real sense of contentment in God whilst there just knowing the race that he has set out for me is the one that I want follow - whatever that may turn out to be.
This was followed by Ben Davies with whom many of us at the church spent valuable time. It's so good to learn from people that are so far ahead of me in experience as they have insights that I don't even see.
Last night was the highlight though. Being back in Bar Breeze on Bulmershe University Campus here in Reading, DJing for the first time in 10 years in that place. It was part of a CU evening where I was also given the opportunity to tell my personal story of how Jesus changed my life. It was a great evening with some really interesting conversations. As well as good music from a three piece guitar band, a young lady called Lisa Francis - who should be signed by some record label by the way because she is excellent- and a jazz band that got the crowd moving!!!
It was a reminder to me that it's good to have fun as Christians and not hidden away in a corner somewhere. Hiring the second most prominent venue at Bulmershe and putting on an evening of entertainment, paying for three security staff (because that's all part of the package), all so that bridges can be built with friends who may otherwise think that Christianity is boring irrelevant and untrue.
A quality night, with quality people all for a God that is worthy of our best.
Prayer and fasting was a great time with the team and with God. Being wonderfully filled with the Spirit once again and then ministering out of encounter with Him was fantastic. Also feeling a real sense of contentment in God whilst there just knowing the race that he has set out for me is the one that I want follow - whatever that may turn out to be.
This was followed by Ben Davies with whom many of us at the church spent valuable time. It's so good to learn from people that are so far ahead of me in experience as they have insights that I don't even see.
Last night was the highlight though. Being back in Bar Breeze on Bulmershe University Campus here in Reading, DJing for the first time in 10 years in that place. It was part of a CU evening where I was also given the opportunity to tell my personal story of how Jesus changed my life. It was a great evening with some really interesting conversations. As well as good music from a three piece guitar band, a young lady called Lisa Francis - who should be signed by some record label by the way because she is excellent- and a jazz band that got the crowd moving!!!
It was a reminder to me that it's good to have fun as Christians and not hidden away in a corner somewhere. Hiring the second most prominent venue at Bulmershe and putting on an evening of entertainment, paying for three security staff (because that's all part of the package), all so that bridges can be built with friends who may otherwise think that Christianity is boring irrelevant and untrue.
A quality night, with quality people all for a God that is worthy of our best.
Friday, 1 February 2008
Big names and teams
Only a 3 days since I last blogged and back already. Thought I would leave a little time to see if West Ham signed anyone in the transfer market so I could comment on that, but they didn't.. so I can't! Other than to say well done Alan Curbishley for keeping faith with the team you have got. Also after Wednesday night and beating the superstars of Anfield at our place, we didn't really need to sign anyone anyway!!!
It's funny though I still spent yesterday (amongst many other things you understand!!!) wondering, just maybe, if we would sign a big name to add to our steadfast squad. I guess it's easy to get carried away with big names and miss the talent that's already there.
Having big named players in your team is fine as long as they play in the team and for the team, but having a steadfast team that plays to its strengths - and out of them when needed - is just as strong if not stronger. There will always be bright stars among us whether we play football, lead churches or excel in their field of work or study or homemaking, but a team that pulls together is a team that moves forward.
I know that I can want to be a bright star or a 'big name' for God - through a mixture of pride and wanting to do all I can for Him and He has given me certain gifts and talents which enable me to do what I can for Him - but I cannotand hould not mistake what I do for God for who I am in God. I am his son, chosen by Him since before the beginning of time, I am free, I am seen as righteous, no longer a sinner but now a saint, justified and set apart.
Who I am in God is not determined by what I do for him, but what I do for Him is determined by who I am in Him.
It's funny though I still spent yesterday (amongst many other things you understand!!!) wondering, just maybe, if we would sign a big name to add to our steadfast squad. I guess it's easy to get carried away with big names and miss the talent that's already there.
Having big named players in your team is fine as long as they play in the team and for the team, but having a steadfast team that plays to its strengths - and out of them when needed - is just as strong if not stronger. There will always be bright stars among us whether we play football, lead churches or excel in their field of work or study or homemaking, but a team that pulls together is a team that moves forward.
I know that I can want to be a bright star or a 'big name' for God - through a mixture of pride and wanting to do all I can for Him and He has given me certain gifts and talents which enable me to do what I can for Him - but I cannotand hould not mistake what I do for God for who I am in God. I am his son, chosen by Him since before the beginning of time, I am free, I am seen as righteous, no longer a sinner but now a saint, justified and set apart.
Who I am in God is not determined by what I do for him, but what I do for Him is determined by who I am in Him.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Amazed at God and loving it!
Well no West Ham result to reminisce on this week - however I am still top of the fantasy league football that I play in, by some 170 points. Once again a week has flown past. I had intended on writing again sooner but preparing to preach takes all the writing abilities that I possess.
Preaching on Jonah really opens your eyes to how great God is and how much we need him. When you think about it, there's always something that we are running away from God with and we all need to turn to him and seek his forgiveness. The great thing for Christians being that he will not let us go and he will pursue us because of his love. As I have reflected on these things I am once again amazed by his grace and mercy which he has lavished upon me.
To that end I watched The Passion of the Christ again yesterday. It's not that I desperately wanted to watch it again, but I once again wanted to endure (if that is the right word) in some miniscule way what he did on my behalf. As I wept through most of the film I knew that there was nothing better to give my life to than the pursuit of knowing him more and serving his Kingom as best I can until he returns or death catches up with me.
It is only 4 days away until my 9th birthday as a Christian. The Lord has brought me so far since that time. I thank him so much for all he has done. If there is anyone reading this that does not know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour do not hesitate in finding out more about Him. It will change your life and it wont necessarily be easier - Jesus isn't a fix all cure for every problem, we still have to face them - but we face them knowing that the creator of the universe is in control and that ultimately we wll be with him. If you want to know more then leave someway of contact in the comments section of this post.
Preaching on Jonah really opens your eyes to how great God is and how much we need him. When you think about it, there's always something that we are running away from God with and we all need to turn to him and seek his forgiveness. The great thing for Christians being that he will not let us go and he will pursue us because of his love. As I have reflected on these things I am once again amazed by his grace and mercy which he has lavished upon me.
To that end I watched The Passion of the Christ again yesterday. It's not that I desperately wanted to watch it again, but I once again wanted to endure (if that is the right word) in some miniscule way what he did on my behalf. As I wept through most of the film I knew that there was nothing better to give my life to than the pursuit of knowing him more and serving his Kingom as best I can until he returns or death catches up with me.
It is only 4 days away until my 9th birthday as a Christian. The Lord has brought me so far since that time. I thank him so much for all he has done. If there is anyone reading this that does not know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour do not hesitate in finding out more about Him. It will change your life and it wont necessarily be easier - Jesus isn't a fix all cure for every problem, we still have to face them - but we face them knowing that the creator of the universe is in control and that ultimately we wll be with him. If you want to know more then leave someway of contact in the comments section of this post.
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