That Friday feeling

God said 'Yes'!

People pray a lot. They pray about all kinds of things. Some people pray and they don't really believe that it will work but they just want to feel like they are doing something. Others pray believing in the all-consuming power of God.

God always answers prayers, always.  Some times He says no, other times he says wait, these times are a blessing from God. When His will is done all is right with the world - even when it doesn't feel like it. Then there are those other times when God says 'Yes' and your whole world changes as a result.  It's like the 'man from del monte' moment but infinitely better.

No matter what it is, big or small. And no matter how long you have prayed for it, whether it was months or years or if it was was an emergency prayer in the midst of a crisis; when God says 'yes' there is such relief and joy that we can do nothing else than praise the God who can change things.

So what is it you have to praise God for today?  A new job, release from illness, a pay rise, your wife, family unity, new life, the salvation of your soul, the bright new day, a phone call from a long-lost brother, justice, a bill paid, safe return of a parent, food...  The list is literally endless.  When God says 'yes' it's time to celebrate. Let's not forget to be thankful, to give the glory to God and to praise Him with all we've got.

What has God said yes to in your life lately?

And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Exodus 33:19

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Feedback Friday

Sometime ago I asked you to 'describe your experience of God'.

I have no idea how you felt that went, whether you thought it was beneficial or not but I really got a lot out of it.  Sharing with each other about God is what true fellowship is and it is always useful and always edifying.

Now I'm not one for simply duplicating something, I like to revamp, to improve, to add value to an idea.  So whereas before we had 'Feedback Friday', on a Friday, today it's on a Thursday - radical dude.

I'd really appreciate you commenting on this post, not so I could indulge in self-congratulation but so that I, and I hope you, could benefit from the wisdom of others.  Let's pool our observations, let's embrace to our collective experience, let's grow a little.

So the topic, it's simple really but do try to share if you can.  I have further simplified the comment making experience and I trust you'll not have any problems with it.

How has God's love been demonstrated in you life?

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Hmm...

Today, inexplicably, the well has run dry.

I have nothing to share, no suedo-insights or pop psycology to deliver, no wisdom or learning to impart. I am empty.

So in light of this and with a hint of mild desparation I turn to you, my beloved readers, all three of you.  I am asking you to inspire, enlighten and generally provoke thought in one another and me.  It doesn't have to be smart or funny or deep and meaningful, just something - anything.

I look forward to contemplating your musings and replenishing my stores of inspiration over the coming weekend. 

Be blessed.

Childish Things

A bit of midweek music for you today.  Below is a video of the fantastic Brian Houston (no relation) playing in Cambridge a couple of years ago.



This song is called 'Childish things' and it's got me thinking.  What childish thing do you wish you'd never had to 'put away', or maybe there's something you're hanging on to that keeps you feeling young and fresh.  Or maybe you actually are young and fresh, what do you never want to have to give up?

Leave a wee comment, share your guilty pleasures with the class!

Feedback Friday

Today we're going to do a wee experiment.  It is always beneficial to share with each other about God,  no matter what your view or where you are in your walk with Him.   I have been sharing with you some of my thoughts and experiences of my Lord but I need to hear some from you as well.  This is the basis of what Christians call fellowship.

Now this is a bit risky for me.  I am a sensitive soul and if no-one participates I'll be deeply upset so please at least one person....

Here's the thing.  I'll set the topic and you guys respond, if you want to, in the comments.  That way everyone gets the benefit.  You can say whatever you like however I would ask that you keep it short. We wouldn't want those who aren't used to this sort of thing to be put off by other long-winded types!  Feel free to comment anonymously too if that is what you would prefer.

Descibe your experience of God in a few words.