The Goldmine

From Allan

2008-08-07T14:09:00.003+12:00

A friend from Arizona sent this:

The man whispered, 'God, speak to me' and a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, 'God, speak to me' and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, 'God let me see you.'

And a star shined brightly.

But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted, 'God show me a miracle.'

And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, 'Touch me God, and let me know you are here.'

Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.

But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted ... even in our electronic age.

So I would like to add one more:

The man cried, 'God, I need your help!'

And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement.

But, the man deleted it and continued crying.

Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

Sunday's sermon

2008-07-13T14:52:00.003+12:00

I'm writing from Wellington on a strange computer! But yesterday we went to the 70th birthday "party" I mentioned. I was impressed (you know how this happens!) by a song the Liedertafel Choir sang in the programme to entertain the guests:

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

It's not a particularly "spiritual" song, but it spoke to me of what God can do with a person who relies on Him for perspective on life, to deal with the things that come my way in life, and the strength to handle the issues I need to face. I can only be what God wants me to be as He gives me strength. All i need to do is keep looking to Him to help me live each day under His control, relying on Him to show me (help me hear) the flutters of the Kingdom life around me, and relying on Jesus Who could walk on stormy seas to rescue me.

Today, in church, Ken,a visiting preacher, asked a great question: "Why would God help anyone like me - who is part of the 'mob' He created, and who has already messed up pretty badly?" it's because He has promised to give me an inheritance. Not just heaven when I pass from this mortal coil, but His presence with me. And, I interpret, He will make me "more than I can be".

Join the club.

Saturday's Summary

2008-07-12T09:45:00.002+12:00

My wife and I go to be with our daughter and her husband in Wellington late this afternoon. It's a break while Maureen is not involved with Spoken English class at Opawa. School holidays are great! But at lunch time we will be celebrating a 70th birthday with a long-time friend. So I need to pack my case. But before I do, let me say...

I'm more convinced than ever that, while God is interested in our environment, He is also more interested in the people who live in that environment. I read in the Bible this morning: "...God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12). It's people who will populate heaven. People like you and me and the people next door to wherever we live. Then Paul writes, at the end of the same chapter (verse 19): "For what is our hope, our joy, ... in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?" People make people glad, and people make people sad. Who makes you glad or sad?

Maureen and I had lunch on Thursday with a distant relly who is also a kingdom-dweller. It was great to hear how God is at work building his kingdom through her. We had an e-mail from an Asian couple who want to keep in touch with us (they are in Christchurch) and it will be interesting to see if there is a "flutter" of the Holy Spirit at work in them. Maureen has another Asian lady who wants to join her Bible study. Maybe another "flutter"?

By the way, I made two trips to the city yesterday - both on the bus. What a great way to help our environment! Our car will probably rust out! It sure does not use much petrol while it is parked in the garage!

Thanks to those folk who have encouraged me by posted and unposted comments. God bless you and keep you working for his kingdom. Look for the flutters in people around you, and follow the leads you get. Who knows what you will end up accomplishing!

Wednesday's wonderings

2008-07-09T17:14:00.002+12:00

Today is almost done. But not quite. I do enjoy having dinner with Maureen. And the last three nights we have had our son (who lives in Auckland) with us. We have had good talks together, prayed together, and rejoiced together. God has been evident in his time in Christchurch, and two families have been able to be thankful for answers to prayer. I think I mentioned that yesterday. A school friend of our son's joined us for the drive into the city this morning. They have not seen each other for 35 years. A great reunion.

Then I got together with my friend to do some Bible study. He, too, had an answer to prayer to 'report'. It's so encouraging to hear these things. Maureen and I enjoyed a walk in the park - and in the sun - this afternoon. We prayed for our family, our pastor, the people we meet with. It always lifts our hearts to know that the King of this Kingdom is listening - and we are merely His subjects. May we be willing to be involved in making disciples for Jesus so that the Kingdom can be seen to be being built. And that's God's job!

Tuesday's thoughts

2008-07-08T17:14:00.002+12:00

I really don't know about this blog stuff. Maybe if someone told me that five hundred and seventy-three people read your blog for every comment that is noted, I might be more inclined to share my thoughts. But I really don't think that is the case. Besides, I will be ceasing "publication" at the end of this week, with or without a summary.

The weekend was what is commonly called foul weather. We had a couple of centimetres of snow (a bit less than an inch) on our property, and it was cold. The snow was preceded by a southerly storm. I wonder whether it was similar to what Elijah experienced? He heard the voice of God - but not in the storm.

My Friday friend and I have almost completed arrangements to meet in ten days' time or so. That's the Kingdom of God at work. Our son has been in Christchurch on business and a long-standing issue has been solved. Strange that. We prayed together this morning that it would be resolved - and it was. Can I say (again?) that it is so strange that these co-incidences seem to happen when people pray. Pressure off all round, and that is such a relief. Praise God - the Almighty One who is King of his Kingdom.

We had a wonderful walk with our Ten O'Clockers' group this morning - around Ferrymead. Places I had never seen. And the sun was shining. A new man joined the group, so that makes two of us among the lovely ladies. What is God's plan for this encounter? He is a musician, so appreciates music. That's obvious. The sounds of music (concords, not discords) speak to me of a very mathematical and physical God. Is that so strange?

It's Friday

2008-07-04T15:16:00.003+12:00

It is several days since I 'posted' though I intended to do so. My interest is in people and how God is at work in their lives building His Kingdom - you may have observed that! For it really is - and must be - God who is at work, since Jesus said, "I will build my Kingdom." His command to us was to make disciples - help people learn how to follow Jesus in and out of the doorways of life, up and down the streets of life, and just do what Jesus did.

I was interested to observe in 1 John 2:6 that the apostle wrote: "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (NIV). Or, "those who say that they remain in union with God should live as Jesus Christ did." (Good News). I've been considering how Jesus lived his life. Surely it was in union with his Father? How can I do that - better?

People - back to the topic. Three appointments on Wednesday. We took a grand-daughter to lunch. She is studying at Canterbury University and doing well. But growing in her appreciation of how life is lived following Jesus. Study with two men (separately) later in the day. It's so encouraging to observe and learn how men cope with life - both good times and tough. Some things I may never experience. Other things I can maybe give a perspective on. Thursday an old friend visited to discuss some material destined for the archives. Stuff we have used in our ministries for years. Then the topic turned to the present. How, as we grow older, can we cope with the changes life brings? We both have a 'strong' faith in Christ, but there are the changes, the pressures. C'est la vie. Today I had a great (Indian) lunch with a new friend and mainly listened. God, how can I help him? Rather, how can you use me to help him? Sometimes we get into deep water and we don't know where the bottom is. If only we could get our feet on it, we might survive.

Keep looking for evidences of God building his Kingdom, Allan.

Tuesday's thoughts

2008-07-01T21:30:00.002+12:00

This morning I walked (with a small group of people) from McCormack's Bay to Redcliffs and back. While it was cold, it was also sunny and that made a difference. My observation: God made a really beautiful world, and it was great to be out and enjoying it and the fresh air. One day he will re-make this world into a new heavens and a new earth. We are so fortunate to have the freedom to wander along an estuary and enjoy watching seagulls perching, waiting for someone to feed them. Have you ever watched them flying or soaring? I'm not much into art, but that is art - divinely created art. I also enjoyed the clean lines of the yachts moored in the estuary. Again, evidence of a designer, just as the seagull (and I) are evidences of a Divine Designer - God.

We met several folk in the library - some from church or friends who had been at Opawa. One is struggling emotionally with loss. May God heal them and ensure them of His love and care.

Otherwise, that was Tuesday.

Monday's message

2008-06-30T19:20:00.005+12:00

Well, the week has begun. I know that Sunday is the first day of the week, but today we all get back to work. We began by picking up an out-of-town grand-daughter and cooking her some porridge for breakfast. And some toast. Signs of the Kingdom? It's a thrill to see them in one's own family. God at work changing and developing our children and grandchildren. Helping the new generation with studies at university and deciding on steps to be taken in the future. Stories of other family members' struggles and joys. Praise the Lord for joy and gladness.

This evening we are sitting with more family in a nice warm room, having had a nice dinner together. God is preparing our family for future work which will contribute in one way or another to His Kingdom. We older ones sometimes have to observe rather than be involved. Or, it may be more correct to say that we have different ways to be involved in the Kingdom, like praying which seems to take more and more time these days. This is not a complaint, you will realise.

The rest of Monday I spent finding my way around my database - which still is not finished. But it will contribute to the Kingdom. I marvel at the names on the file all of which represent a person. I pray that all these people will be part of the Kingdom of God, and that I can encourage them all at some time.

Sunday's summary

2008-06-29T17:23:00.002+12:00

I've just reviewed the series of questions Steve suggested for a week's "review". I confess I'm not sure I'm walking the same road!

My observations of the Kingdom have had to do with people. God at work in human hearts and minds to bring about a more Christlike life. People depending on God for direction, for blessing others' lives, for peace of mind in the middle of depression. When Jesus walked this earth with his disciples, they would never know what a day would have in store for them. What we would call 'major' signs like a resurrection or a healing of a man blind from birth - or 'minor' signs like healing a deaf person or a wise answer to his critics. So as I enter each day I can never be sure what God has in store for me to see of his Kingdom. And that's an exciting and stimulating attitude to life that I want him to continue to develop.

Last week has gone. God, what do you have for me this week?

Friday's fun

2008-06-27T21:05:00.004+12:00

I had an appointment this morning, but my friend was unable to come. I found this out when I was looking for our contact spot in a local mall. So I had a coffee and re-wrote my Do-List. What has that got to do with the Kingdom? What I saw was that most of the things on my list were connected with people. People in whose lives I expect(ed) to see God at work. So it is with a sense of "fun" that I look forward to making contact with them to see what, in fact, God is doing.

What followed was a frustrating incident with an ATM machine that swallowed my cash. I had to go to my bank to report what had happened and had a conversation with the staff person who I knows attends another Baptist Church in Christchurch. We talked about days off and what we would do, and the imminence of retirement (for her, not me!). God is at work in her and she is a part of the Kingdom in that bank.

Trevor is taking over organising the computer program for Sunday services. He, too, is, to me, a symbol of God at work. I observe his attention to detail while he helps people worship on Sundays, and he does it because he has some skills he can use in the church. He is an encouragement to me.

In my Bible reading this morning (Philippians chapter 1) I noted three things about life:

1. Live as though everything that happens to me will spread the Good News.
2. Live so as to bring honour to God
3. Live as a citizen of heaven.

Remember - we are in this struugle together.

Thursday's topics

2008-06-26T20:53:00.004+12:00

I met a long-time friend over lunch today. He told me that he is using memorised Bible passages to help him overcome depression. God's Word is obviously speaking into his life and bringing healing. This man has had ministry training but has been out of ministry for several years. Now he is investigating a possible opening for him to return. That is exciting. He used to attend Opawa and a number of people have had helpful input into his life over the years. Here is God at work again, defeating the work of the enemy and building his Kingdom.

Tonight we had dinner at Yummy Chinese at Church Corner with a university student who will return to her home in the US on Sunday. She has been here for six months. While here she has done all the touristy things (including Rarotonga and the Great Barrier Reef!) thanks to Eunice who looks after the international students so well. Our friend found a church and linked up with a Christian group on the campus. We could see - and hear - the growth that this young woman has made. Again, God is building his Kingdom.

Wednesday's whisperings

2008-06-25T21:37:00.003+12:00

This morning we heard from our Chinese friends who are back in Christchurch. They want to keep in touch. Great!! God, what are you doing in their lives? They have had contact with the Kingdom in the past. What now?

It's been a bitterly cold day, so I've stayed in and almost finished the admin job that's bugged me for nine months. Then the internret failed me and I was not able to finish it. Maybe it will work for me tomorrow? But tonight has been very encouraging. We went to the session of "How to Read the New Testament" led by Pastor Craig. In spite of the difficulties Christians experienced living in the first century, John wrote the book of Revelation to encourage them - and me. We have read the last chapter - and we do win. At least Jesus wins, and we enjoy the victory experience with him.

And I received a message from a friend in Auckland whose wife has cancer. Did I mention him a day or so ago? He appreciated my thoughts, but I wonder if God will heal his wife? I read this morning about the man whose servant was ill, and Jesus healed him at a distance, impressed by the faith that this non-Jew had. Faith which Jesus remarked he had not seen in his own people. God can heal. I've no doubt about that at all. My problem is that I don't know if it is his will to heal or not.

I've seen God at work in Maureen preparing to share a devotional at Crafts tomorrow. She will tell how she observed God causing us to be at an intersection just as friends who were new to our church were about to walk the wrong way along the river. By the time they found the right way, they would have been frustrated - and late! Was this another coincidence?

That's Wednesday. Two men who I usually meet for Bible study today were not able to come, but a phone call from one was really encouraging. He said that he would have some time during the day to get ahead with working on his study. God is at work in this man's life. Thank you, God.

Tuesday's thinking

2008-06-24T15:36:00.001+12:00

So two days have passed since my first entry. Where did they go?

On Sunday I expected to connect with a friend at church, but he was not there. But he called and we were able to arrange coffee later in the week. I wonder what he will tell me?

Then yesterday I was praying for a young Chinese couple (friends of a friend) who had left Christchurch before we could sense if there was a flutter of the Kingdom there! I asked God to bring them back to the city if he had something to say to them. This morning they e-mailed that they were here. Why do these coincidences seem to happen when we pray? What next, God?

In my Bible reading I've been looking at generosity. I talked to Maureen about giving (yes, money!) to three needy causes. We agreed and I've actioned two of them. The Kingdom needs money and we have control of it, so we need to listen to the King when he wants some of it sent in various directions. The Kingdom needs people, too. I wonder about you, reader. Are you a member of God's Kingdom? Serving King Jesus?

Today I finished reading an old pamphlet called Unique in God's Universe. I was encouraged. There are three sections: You are Unique, Your Experience is Unique, and What You do is Unique. You see, God has a place and a job for me in his Kingdom - a place and a job that only I can fill and do. Thank God that after he made me, he threw away the mould.

So that's Tuesday's thinking.

Allan writes:

2008-06-22T17:21:00.000+12:00

Last Sunday Steve suggested we join him in keeping track of the ways God shows us what he is doing in building his Kingdom. I was thinking about this afterwards, over a cup of coffee that Jane made for me, when a younger man approached me and said something like: "I need some help in my Christian faith journey. I understand you might be able to do that for me." I was blown away, but remembered that often God answers our prayers even before we ask them.

So I've been thinking about this all week. And here's another Sunday. So here goes.

I want to encourage heaps of people to seek God's Kingdom, because God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. No ifs or buts! When I see someone maturing in their faith, I'm excited. But it does not happen by osmosis, or photosynthesis. Generally it happens because someone takes an interest in another person and walks beside them on the journey.

So what have I observed this last week? I had a rather quiet week, actually. I've been able to give myself to finishing an admin job that has been hanging over my head for nearly nine months. But I had a Skype chat to an acquaintance in Rotorua who is coming out of retirement to do a 10-month stint on the mission field in a support capacity. We heard from our son and daughter-in-law who returned from overseas. God has blessed them in a time of adjustment and now they are asking him, "What of the future?" We were able to help a family that was 'stricken' with a flu bug. I helped a friend get into a new task (for him) in the church. I walked around the streets in Queenspark to prepare for a trip that might not happen this week because of the weather! I talked to an Indian young woman who is studying at the College of Education. I smiled at some people and said "Hello." I read the Bible and prayed - including for a friend who sent an SOS call on Wednesday. I called on a business friend to drop off some magazines. And there's probably other stuff that's slipped my memory.

So what was God doing? I may not know. But he does.

Keep praying. Keep reading. Keep asking God for Kingdom signs. Is he at work? Jesus said so.