Christian Culture Justification

On Sunday past I was preaching about "How to grow as a christian". Discipleship and seeing people grow to there potential in Jesus is what I'm passionate about. I was getting across that our growth albiet supernatural through the holy spirit, is a choice we make every day in our walk with Jesus. We have to choose every day what we want to stand for. An example I gave was about using God's name in vain. Most (if not all) people who don't have a relationship with Jesus do this all the time without thinking. What amazes me is that someone with a relationship with Jesus would do this.
Is it a greater or lesser sin than a lie or a murder? It's a sin! Now I have to be honest and say that for quite some time sin has not been something I've focused on. For the last couple of "seasons" my focus has been the kingdom, Jesus' lifestyle, church, Gods will etc. A focus on sin just hasn't been on my agenda. It has amazed me how some Christians justify this particular "sin". Most seem to think that because they have a relationship with God that it's ok to use his name in vain. I've given this as an example to my daughter (who's been hearing this alot in the school yard!) Imagine you phone someone you love and when they answer you hang up. Its a prank call! When we use God's name in vain it's like that. We're calling God but not wanting to talk to him. We don't like it when someone does it to us, why would God? Just because we've relationship with Jesus, it doesn't give us licence to abuse his beautiful name or his fathers! I've never liked it when people use God's name in vain but I sort of accept it when it's by those that don't have relationship with him. Those of us that do have relationship with God it's not acceptable.

Church Being Church...

This weekend past has been great. Ru and I still have to remind ourselves that we've only been in Wicklow less than 3months. On Saturday night we'd a Youth Games Night. Went really well and already relationships are forming in a positive way. The teens are a great bunch and I'm excited to see what Gods wanting to do with them.
On Sunday morning Roly (the pastor) was preaching. This month we're doing a "How To " series. Yesterday's title was "How To Heal in Jesus Name". I was looking forward to this one to see how it'd go down and the response it would get. I wasn't disappointed. Now I remember very little of what was said but as to what happened....that I remember. Roly talked and reminded us that we are called to heal and do great things in Jesus name. That being said we need to ACT on FAITH in doing this. Then Roly called for someone who had a sore right shoulder (as that's what God told him to ask for early that morning!) Sure enough a man (who is the spitting image of Capt.Picard from Star Trek!) stepped forward. He told us his name and story of his shoulder, it'd been in ruins for a while and had very little movement. Roly then used Frank as an example as to how we should pray for healing for those around us in Jesus name.
After the explaining and the praying...Frank was healed. That simple...but the mind can be cynical. So, Roly called for anyone who was ill or who needed healing to stand up. Many did (including myself) Then he asked for those that were sitting to get involved and pray has then had just learnt.
Now the thing I loved about this is that they was no awkward silence, shuffling of feet or blank expression on peoples faces. Straight from the word go people moved to those that needed prayer. People prayed, people got healed! After the praying came the testimonies. It's a wonderful thing seeing the church be the church.
That afternoon we were invited to a couples home as they had felt called by God to be baptised. Right by their home is a river. Roly was going to baptise them and about 15 of us were there to witness it. It was a genuinely beautiful time. Seeing a couple obedient to God's call and wanting to share it with His family. There really was a sense of Gods presence. It's a wonderful thing seeing the church be the church.
Once a month Redcross a Sunday evening service called "Going Deeper". Last night was that time. I felt we should do a "Prayer Concert". I (with help) had set up the room to be focused on certain areas (Personal, Redcross, Ireland, World) and to be a place were people could be intimate with Jesus. Again, God and his people connected and it was sweet. God's presence was so tangible you could smell His holiness. It was humbling seeing people just submit themselves to God in prayer. I'm a believer in Jesus and I believe him too! I'm also a believer in the church. The Church that God so desperately wants to see alive and effective for Him and his purposes.

It's a Wonderful thing Seeing the Church be the Church...

Schools Around The Corner...

Been awhile, been a busy few weeks. We moved into our new home a little over 2wks ago. We've loved every moment of it so far (even the leak in the kitchen ceiling!) We had great friends who helped with the move (no joke, started at 9.30am and had everything in our new home by 2.15pm). No looking back, it's been great. We've settled well and getting to know our neighbours too. Really excited as to how Gods gonna use us and our/his home. We feel so blessed as to what He's done for us.

Above is a photo taken last saturday of my daughter in Glendalough. She loves it there as she has her "very own" secret path and gets to visit Rapunzels tower. Anyway, tomoro is a huge day in her little life...She starts school. I can't believe this day has come. She's well ready for it, I'm just not sure that mom and dad are! She's so so excited about it and we are too. Its amazing to watch her grow, learn and appreciate many things around her. Her heart is massive for people and shes got a special merciful spirit about her too.

I'm looking forward to see the impact she'll have on her classmates and teacher.

House To A Home

This week we leave our "home" to move to our new "home". Now when I say leave our "home" I really should say house, as that's what it's been over the last 6 months. There's a saying "Home is where the heart is" well our heart has not been in this place for the last number of months. That being said, our current house has many great memories. We've been living here all 8yrs of our wonderful married life. We've seen our children born and have such fun here. We've had many special times here with many special people. But now this place is just a house. It's like God has prepared our hearts to leave this place.

We're moving to our new home this week. God has brought this place into our lives in the most remarkable way. At the beginning of April we saw the house that we knew God had for us. Ru and I had talked as to how we'd know....well we just knew. Ru was so convinced, she wanted us to claim it straight out! Faith or What!?! So often when we look back on our journey we can see the moments of faith that define the future. We saw the house on Sunday and got an offer accepted on the Monday. Very Quick. I wasn't working for 2 months (no wage) and we got the keys for the house a week in to my new job starting. God continues to Rock (in a very good way!) our world.

We are so ready and so excited to move into our new home. We're looking forward to seeing how God will use it and us in the future. Naomi has already made friends with the girls next door. In fact while I was dropping some stuff off at the house yesterday the girls came in to me and talked to me for 20mins. Very cool, funny and sweet. We all feel very good about this place and the seasons ahead!I need to remind myself of this as we pack up and sort stuff out this week.

Blessings...

U2's Second Homecoming Gig

On Saturday night Ru and I and Ferg and Jane went to see and experience U2 all over again (Ferg and I were there on the Friday night too!). It's an amazing show and the crowd were loving it. Saturday was great as the four of us being there together was special. Last time Ru had seen U2 with me was "Pop" back in 1997. I must be honest though and say that there was something lacking on the Saturday night in comparsion to Friday night. Don't know what it was.

On the Friday night Ferg and I got into the pit. That experience was fantastic. Being so close to the band and other fans was great. Standing in the stands on Saturday night was also great as we got to experience and see the whole show, lights and all.
In the pit you couldn't take in all the effects, but you were up close with the band. On Saturday you saw all the show-effects and over 80,000 people bouncing and singing away with 4 guys on a stage.
Now in the past I'd stand up for anything U2 but I've toned that down a bit. Not because my love for the band has diminished but I just needed to back down a little. One of the good things about U2 is people can take them on whatever level they want too. Some just want songs, (like the guy who kept singing "we don't need no education" when Bono would talk. He did need education!) others want a "U2 at home" experience, (many people at both gigs where from all over the world) and others want the spirituality in the band.

For me over the last many years of following U2, I see the depth of their lyrics and love identifying with that. On the Friday night I had I very definite worship experience. Not of the Band but of Jesus. At every U2 gig I've been to I've had friends come and say that they now "get it". Friends who have a relationship with Jesus. They get that U2 have a relationship with Jesus and it shows through what they do (not all that they do but alot of what they do). Many of U2's songs are worship songs. Every album has some theme in relation to Jesus, The Kingdom, Love, Life, Death and what we do with such moments.
Being able to sing with passion in the knowledge of where the lyrics have come from is freeing. Like when you hear the story behind some of the old hymns people sing in church. It gives more meaning to the song.

Great Gigs. Friday beats Saturdays setlist hands down, but Saturday was awesome being able to experience U2 live with Ru, Jane and Ferg.


Below is the Setlist From Saturday


Breathe
No Line On The Horizon
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Beautiful Day / Here Comes The Sun (Snippet)
Mysterious Ways
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / Stand By Me (Snippet)
Angel Of Harlem / Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Snippet)
In A Little While
Unknown Caller
Unforgettable Fire
City of Blinding Lights / Rain (Snippet)
Vertigo / Thunderstruck (Snippet)
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Remix) / Come All Ye Faithful (Snippet)
Sunday Bloody Sunday / Rock The Casbah (Snippet)
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
MLK
Walk On / You'll Never Walk Alone (Snippet)
Where The Streets Have No Name
One

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Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
With Or Without You
Moment of Surrender

U2 Homecoming Gig

Not going to say much now except Wow. The gig tonight was incredible... My mind is still buzzing and all in all it was a fantastic night. U2 were on form and I'm really looking forward to going again with my wonderful wife, brother and sister-in-law!

Good times...

Below is the set-list from tonight...

Breathe

No Line on the Horizon

Get On Your Boots

Magnificent

Beautiful Day/Blackbird (snippet)

Elevation

Desire

Stuck In A Moment

The Old Canal (cover)

One

Until The End of the World

The Unforgettable Fire

City of Blinding Lights

Vertigo

Crazy remix

Sunday Bloody Sunday / Rocking the Casbah (snippet)

Pride (In the Name of Love)

MLK

Walk On/ You'll Never Walk Alone (snippet)

Where the Streets Have No Name / All You Need Is Love (snippet)

40 (snippet)/ Bad / 40 (snippet)

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Ultraviolet (Light My Way)

With or Without You

Moment of Surrender

Dream Set List

This Friday and Saturday I get to go to see U2 in Croke Park. I'm very excited about these gigs. I love U2 and I love live music so combine both and I've bolted over the edge. When you get to go see an artist(s) preform live you always have a few songs you want to hear live. Last week when I got to see Springsteen, he delivered quite possibly the best gig I've ever been too! Seriously, but one personal disappointment was that he didn't sing 2 songs I was hoping for... 1) Queen Of The Supermarket and 2) The Wrestler

It's never the end of the world but there's always that "if only" feeling. So, U2. This most recent tour I've been pretty bold/impatient and I've read up on each of there gigs so far (in fact as I write this I'm listening to their latest gig from Berlin!!!) Last night my bro told me I had to write up my "Dream Set-list" for this coming weekend.

So here it is...(in no particular order)

• Magnificent
• Beautiful Day
• Elevation
• Vertigo
• Bad
• Staring At the Sun
• The Fly
• City Of Blinding Lights
• Unknown Caller
• Grace
• The Ground Beneath My Feet
• Where The Streets Have No Name
• Running To Stand Still
• Mofo
• Wake Up Dead Man
• Breathe
• All Because Of You
• Grace
• Yahweh
• Original Of The Species
• The First Time
• Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
• Stay (Faraway So Close)-Favourite U2 Song!
• One
• 40
  

So there it is.

You know, this was a bad idea cause as I read over this set-list my excitement has intensified!!!

Chasing the Spirit

On Monday night past a lady named Jackie Pullinger came to "speak" in Redcross. I really had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that she was a missionary in Hong Kong and worked with drug addicts. I thought she'd be some sweet lady with a "nice" message for us to hear and she'd leave us with a little thought-provoker.
Man I couldn't of been more wrong. This woman was not some sweet lady. She was a dangerous servant of Jesus. She spoke in a way that I'd not heard in a long time. She had a fire that she was wanting to impact those around her with. She spoke truth in all she said and pointed everything to Jesus. She took no crap and her relationship with Jesus was so tangible. The place was packed (300+) and people were eager. Eager for something. The worship was from the heart and free which was a blessing to start with. She had a team of 10-15 people with her that took part also. They spoke and interpreted tongues and prophesied with people and prayed for healing for a number of folk too. This was the Kingdom in action and it was beautiful. I was overwhelmed. I really believe that God is stirring his people to be ready. For what? I don't know, but he's wanting us to be ready for what he's wanting to do!
I want to be ready. I want to be part of whatever is on his heart. There's enough rubbish going on around all of us, that we should want more of God's heart revealed. We/I need to be getting more intimate with the Father. That happens through Jesus with the power of the Spirit. God is wanting his people to pursue him with everything! Again I experienced someone speaking truth into my life in things that they'd no clue about which meant it could only be from God. He knows my heart and He loves me beyond my imagination. It's humbling and empowering. Lets not hide the most sacred relationship we have. Lets show those around us the beauty of Jesus so they can see Him too.

Live it...

Gig of the year?

So on Sunday I went with a good friend to see Springsteen play in the RDS in Dublin. It was superb!!! We got into the pit and Bruce was on form (which seems to be consistent with him these days!) He was on stage at 8.02pm and off stage at 11.17. Over 3hrs of amazing tunes. Highlights were Outlaw Pete, Working On A Dream, Darkness On The Edge Of Town, American Skin, Born To Run, The Rising, Jungle Land and Glory Days. If you want to give Bruce a shot I'd really recommend his most recent album (Working On A Dream)
This was an awesome gig.



Setlist

No Surrender
Badlands
Night
My Lucky Day
Outlaw Pete
Hungry Heart
Working On A Dream
Seeds
Johnny 99
Youngstown
Darkness On The Edge of Town
Spirit In The Night
Sherry Darling
Proud Mary
Prove It All Night
Trapped
Waiting On A Sunny Day
Promised Land
Radio Nowhere
American Skin (41 Shots)
Lonesome Day
The Rising
Born To Run

Jungleland
American Land
Rosalita
Glory Days
Dancing In The Dark
Twist & Shout

Working Out The Dream

If I ever write a book, I'd entitle it "Life after the Miracle". So many people when touched by God or when they have an experience with Him, don't know how to move forward. Let me give you an example of the "what if". In John 5v1-8 we read about the man who was healed at the pool. He'd been an invalid (ever thought about that word; invalid!?!) for 38yrs. He has an encounter with Jesus, and BAM he's healed. I love the fact that Jesus doesn't want him to know who healed him (would people put it then down to the "miracle of the pool"?) Anyway, picture it, this healed man walks home to his parents as they'd probably been looking after him. He gets home, his parents are stunned and overwhelmed at their sons transformation. Two maybe three days later after all the celebrations have calmed down his mum or dad sit him down and ask if he's gonna go look for a job.... Now there's a reality check! This guy has the most remarkable encounter with Jesus and, well, life goes on.
Life after the miracle...

Ever been there?
Had an experience with Jesus and life goes on.
A dream comes true and life goes on.
The day you've been longing for was yesterday.
Got the dream job and it's the following week.
Had the greatest time away and now you're home again.

How do we cope with this?
We cope with Jesus and people who get it. We keep moving forward. We don't stop, we keep moving forward. In Ephesians 6 we read about the armour of God. The examples and equipment mentioned are all for moving forward. The world we live in hits us so hard it can be difficult to breathe sometimes but God created us with His Breath so we can keep moving forward. I write this cause I'm now in my new job (loving it) and already I'm beginning to see the task ahead. It fires me up but also freaks me out. Also my best friend and his wife have just come home from the most amazing time away and my heart is with them as they re-adjust.
The wake-up call can seem so intrusive but it's necessary. All we experience can be shared, treasured, laughed about, wept over but always remains Jesus'.

This is Kingdom living. Walking with others, sharing our stories, reminding each other of what Jesus has done and is continuing to do.

We can live life after the miracle with either Fear or Love...

Easier said than done but the same could be said for our dreams...

Breathe

Every day I die again, and again I’m reborn
Every day I have to find the courage
To walk out into the street
With arms out
Got a love you can’t defeat
Neither down nor out
There’s nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now

Breathe - U2

Fathers Day

Yesterday was Fathers day. Everyday is Fathers day when I'm around my kids. Not just yesterday, but everyday since they've been born. I love them and how they make me feel. Yes there are times they drive me crazy (Naomi substitutes breathing with talking sometimes and Andrew has found the joy of throwing stuff) but I love them beyond belief! The relationship between a Father and their child should always be special and significant. Unfortunately we live in a world were many don't experience this.

That breaks my heart...

God's Father heart for me was revealed through His son Jesus. If you want to understand the Father, just look at his son and experience Him. When I was a teen God the Father used to freak me out. I looked on Him like an angry God. That was it. My view of the trinity was that God was the angry Father that you very wanted to meet, Jesus was the cool brother, and the Holy Spirit was the weird crazy aunt. Safe to say that my view has changed alot since then.
I love my heavenly Father and I know He loves me. I experience it every day. I see it all around me and I hear Him tell me everyday. Since becoming a Dad I think I got a better glimpse of the Father's heart. Now I always said that before becoming a Dad I wouldn't go all ga-ga and talk like this. But the fact is, I can't help it. There is something about being a Father. Knowing you've brought a child (or two) into the world, you feel responsible for them and want nothing but the best for them. You want you're kids to know the love you have for them but also for them to grow well and strong and be the best they can be.
Knowing what the Father has done for me (and everyone else!) it's humbling and yet liberating! He wants us to be free to live the way we're meant to be, and not chained up by our failings and Satan's view of us. His heart is for me/us to live the way it was before the Fall. I have a Father who is the greatest of them all and I need to live that way.

A Fathers love is very precious and child's response to that love completes it. (1 John 4v12)

More Than Meets The Eye...

So at Midnight on Thursday I went to see the new Transformers Movie. I love movies (most movies, not all!) I really enjoyed this one. So far (as summers go) there have been some cracking movies. Star Trek, Terminator, and Wolverine I've really enjoyed. These are your typical "Summer Blockbusters". Bar Star Trek all have gotten mixed reviews. I'm not one to read to much into a review as it's only ones opinion (unless it's someone I know and respect) but I've noticed a slight change in some of these movies.

God very often uses movies and music to speak to me. It's been like this for years and I love it because I love movies and music! God knows this and I know that's why He does it. God usually uses the things we are passionate about to speak to us. We need to be aware of this and look for it and train our mind to be that way inclined. I love the way God does this.

Anyway, what I've noticed over the last while in a lot of these movies has been the theme in them. If you look at the top 5 money-making movies in 2008 you've got (not in order) Iron Man, The Dark Knight, Hancock, Indiana Jones, Wall-E and so far in 2009 you have Watchmen, Star Trek, Wolverine, Gran Torino (odds are high that Transformers will be in this list too). The theme of "new beginnings"/origins and heroes is quite obvious and strong in these films. Now most Directors are smart in tapping into what will be popular with an audience or the human spirit. The movies mentioned have made the most money because people are going to see them (probably more than once). Whats the attraction? Why now are movies of pure fantasy doing so well. I believe this shows a hunger in people that they what a hero. A hero that they can relate too because they know the background to this hero. They know the struggle it is to be(come) this hero. People like the idea of being protected, looked out for, someone fighting for them.

The greatest (fiction)hero of the last 70yrs to be spawned from the human mind has been Superman. (I know my brother would disagree but Batman would come a close second). Now I'm not going to write a parrell between Superman and Jesus now but trust me it's uncanny! (I'll write it some other time) Why do people love hearing about other heroes and not Jesus. Is it because they don't know the full story? We (christians) are so quick to tell people about his death that we forget to tell them about his life. We know why he died but why did he live? Why did he come? Why show up when he did?

If people were to know the complete picture as to who Jesus is and what he's all about, would it make a difference?

I think it would...

On The Road To Beautiful

Yesterday I went off on my own for a time of prayer, thought and solitude. It was great. First part of my journey was in Dun Laoghaire. Just thanking God for the blessing I/We have received while living here. Then I whipped down to Wicklow town to pray for our future and the Journey God has in store for us. Really excited and nervous about it all. Needed to do this to still my heart and mind as they've been a tad stressed over the last while (still waiting for paperwork to be done!) So after all of this I had a meeting in Redcross which I headed off too. On my way I passed a car that had pulled over at the side of the road. I'd a real urge to stop and check it out. I did. After reversing back down the N11 (scary fun!) I got out of the car and there was a woman (Mary)in her 50's sitting at the side of the car. Her left front wheel had a blow-out and she didn't know what to do. She had phoned her son to see if he could get some help for her.

Now Mary seemed well stressed at the situation if not a little over reactive to it all. I asked if she had a spare (she did) and I told her that I could change it for her. At that she broke down in tears. Mary then proceeded to tell me that she was on her way home from the hospital. Her husband (Liam) was meant to have an operation that day but it'd got cancelled (4th time in 10 days!) She talked about how she felt so alone and how hard it had been over the last while. She was tired of driving back and forth to the Dublin Hospital. How could this happen!?! I felt such compassion for her. She was in such a state and so broken-hearted. Amidst our conversation she used Jesus' name in vain in a way that Quentin Tarantino would be proud of. I told her that I'd change the wheel, and while doing this another van stopped to help. Out popped 2 Itinerants (Father and son) and they just got stuck in to help. I stepped back a little as the Dad was showing his son how to change a tire. I found it a little funny, however, Mary was sent over the edge! After we'd finished she asked what she could give us. The Dad said "Don't worry love it was nothing". I interjected and told him what he had done was very cool and to look at all the traffic just passing by and no-one else stopping. He paused and was like "huh, yeah I guess". We put everything away in the boot, I shook his hand and he and his son were on their way.

Mary broke down again I couldn't believe what had just happened. Her words were " Jesus, I'm so alone this was awful". I asked her to pop the boot as I wanted to show her the huge rip in the wheel. She stated "Jesus save us I could of been killed". I said to her " Yes you could of and yes he did!" She just looked at me. There on the side of the road I got to share the kingdom with Mary. I asked if I could pray with her, she was totally up for it. I prayed, she wept. It was awesome. I left her without telling her my name but knowing that our meeting would leave her confused but full of peace. As I drove away I couldn't but love what had just happened. I was late for my meeting but I didn't care. I had just experienced a Kingdom moment.

I wish I was this obedient all the time and see what God is doing around me. I get blinded at times by my own situations that this was a great reminder of who God is and his heart for his people

Gods Voice

On Friday past was my sons birthday. He's now 2 and continues to warm my heart every day. He is such fun and has a great mischievous way about him. Both my kids make me laugh every day. Really laugh, not the "someones told a feeble joke so I better laugh" laugh, but real heartfelt laughter. I love it! We'd a great day on Friday just hanging and playing as a family. That night we'd a BBQ due to the wonderful weather. No joke 8 days with no rain and pure sun is always welcome in Ireland. We'd friends over with us for the BBQ. Awesome friends.

On Saturday I'd an invite to meet up with some people who'd come over from a church in the states called Bethal. The pastor is a guy called Bill Johnson who is a man after Gods warrior heart. Anyways, I was asked if I'd like to meet the team for some prayer and encouragement. Rarely would I turn down such an offer. I'm not going to write down what was said to me but, God spoke. I knew none of these people and they knew nothing about me and yet God used them all to speak truth, love and boldness into my life!

I love when God speaks. Too often we wonder what it sounds like. Over the years it has sounded very differently in many different contexts, but you do recognise it when you hear it. Hard to explain. Let me put it another way. In a room full of loud children, I always know when mine are talking or making there own particular noise. Why? Because my ear knows their sounds. It's used to them. My ear hears them all the time. It's the same way with Jesus. Spend enough time with Him and you'll know his sounds!

Saturday was a wonderful time were God spoke truth that I needed to hear and reminded me of things I'd forgotten about. He focused my heart and mind. It was recorded and I recieved it on Sunday night. I listened to it again with Ru and it was just great to listen to it with someone who really knows me! Someone who's honest enough to say that was real or not. All that was said was for the here and now, which was great considering the season we're find ourselves in. All the change going on and God's voice is still loud and clear.

Ru's bro (Simon) came down on the saturday and stayed overnight (always good to see and spend time with him) and my parents came over to see us (really the kids-but thats always cool). Great to see what God is doing in there lives too!

On Sunday Ru, the kids and I went down to Glendalough. I/We love it down there. It's beautiful, historic and refreshing. Always great fun with kids who just want out and to splash in muck and climb everywhere. Good times!

Forgiveness

There's a great scene in Schindlers List were Oskar Schlindler is talking to Amon Goth (an SS Officer) about the power of forgiveness. Oskar is trying to convince Amon that there's more power in forgiveness than just killing someone because they've disappointed you (something Amon did on a regular basis) He convinces Amon for a time and it's a fascinating watch. He's not convinced completely though and resorts to killing (for him, the easy thing to do!)

I've been thinking about this issue for some time now. Why we love to be forgiven and yet struggle to forgive. In every relationship that we ever experience there is always a time for forgiveness. Weather the forgiveness is received or given it should be a great thing, but we seem to struggle with it. I've been thinking about how forgiveness is not a one-off thing but an ongoing lifestyle. Jesus was asked about forgiveness. How many times? was the question and his answer is almost silly but seriously challenging! 70 times 7. You see his followers were looking for a limit to it, and Jesus' response was :- Limit? There is no Limit!
Forgiveness is meant to be part of our lifestyle, but its so difficult. I know I find it difficult at times and it'd be easier "to kill than forgive" But who does it kill? Over the last number of months I've found myself in situations/relationships were I ask myself ; Forgive Or Kill? I try to define the right and/or moral thing to do. Where forgiveness doesn't happen, death (the kill!) occurs. Death of conversation, trust, love, healing, relationship. Of course it has to be a two way thing and that can sometimes be the reason why we (I) don't forgive. If I think I know the outcome do I really want to play my part? It's difficult but is it meant to be or should it get easier if we truly understood what Forgiveness is.
Matt 6 v 12 "Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors"

Forgive As God Has Forgiven Or You'll Not Be Forgiven.

Challenging...

Bank Holiday Weekend

So, this weekend past was a bank holiday. Normally these weekends come and go with no real notice as either Ru and I are usually working over a weekend. (Ru was working Sun-Mon has it happened). Anyway, on Friday we all went over to the Phoenix Park in Dublin to hire out some bikes and go for a cycle and picnic. We had a blast! For 4hrs we cycled, played, picniced, cycled, played etc. We had so much fun. All for €10!!! The weather these last couple of days have been fantastic! Been along time coming. I love Ireland (always have!) and when the weather is good Ireland is even more beautiful. The rain doesn't normally bother me that much but since being free from work this last month (can't believe a month has gone by so fast!) it sort of has. Wanting to get out and about is good but better when the weather is good. Ru and the kids (and I-most of the time) love being outdoors. In fact both Naomi and Andrews first few words were "out, out!" Being free to cycle on Friday past was exactly that-Free! When I was younger I used to cycle everywhere and I loved it (too much!), and that feeling of freedom on Friday was very refreshing. Really thinking and praying about getting a bike now!

On the Saturday, I put up 2man tent up in the back garden as Naomi has been wanting to "camp" for some time now. That night, we both slept outdoors for the first (and definitly not the last) time. Naomi was so excited. We told each other stories and sang and laughed alot! It was fun, until 6am came and Naomi wanted to play games cause it was "so bright and exciting to be camping". I was being sent over the edge but this is what memories are made of. Simple things that mean so much. Good times!

Champions League

Felt it'd be only right to write congrats for Barca on there Champions League Cup win last night. We were outclassed and outplayed by the better team on the night. I love Utd but we were awful last night.

Faith V Fear

The last couple of days have been a battle. I love prayer and I love being specific with it. Paul says in 1 Thess 5v17 "pray contuinally". That for me is enough! No matter where you are or what you're doing, there's always time for prayer. Too often though we rely on prayer because we can't do anything or we want a "Jim'll'Fixit" solution. The last number of months have brought radical change and I've seen God provide in ways like never before. One of the changes has been looking finding and buying a new home. God has blown us away as to how quick things have moved in this area. No joke, in the space of 2 days we saw a house we loved and got our offer accepted. Everything has been going so quick with getting a new Job, a school for Naomi and a house that we've been so humbled and in awe of what God has done. So here's the thing, Over the last 2 weeks things have stalled (paperwork etc) and its been driving me crazy. I think because all things have gone so quick over these number of months this seems so slow. In this "stalling phase" (which I know will end and all will work out!) I've started to allow "fear" in my thoughts and heart which is not usual for me but very real right now. Springsteen has a song called "Devils and Dust" which God was using to very clearly speak to me. I listened to the song on repeat for an age on tuesday due to the lyrics.

I got God on my side
I'm just trying to survive
What if what you do to survive
Kills the things you love
Fear's a powerful thing
It can turn your heart black you can trust
It'll take your God filled soul
And fill it with devils and dust

My Joy in my relationship with God (and with others!) was being impacted badly. God is with me constantly yet I was fearing loniness and failure. My desire is to be filled with God's spirit 24/7 and I have to work so hard at that. Yesterday I was praying and fasting over a number of issuses and it refocused my mind and heart. The peace was incredible. There is a battle for our hearts between Faith and Fear.
Hebrews 11v1 says
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 12v1-2 says
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My eyes need to be fixed on Jesus more

God's Grace

So I felt this should be mentioned. Utd won the Premiership yesterday.Well happy about this. This year was one of the closest races for the title for years. Liverpool played some superb football and pushed Utd (nearly) all the way. I love sport, in particular football and this past season was a very exciting one. It's great when you see your team who have worked/played so hard and see the fruit of their labour. It's amazing to see what Alex Ferguson has done with Utd. He has to be one of the greatest football managers of all time and I'm obviously hoping that we win the Champions League at the end of May. Three Cups in one season is great, but the possibility of Four....Wow.

Today is Sunday and usually a day for church etc. I've been working full time for "the church" for close to 16yrs and I just finished up with a church I've been with for over 12yrs. I was told back in November that my contract wasn't going to be renewed and no reasons were given for this discission. Total shock! Very weird to be in this position. Came home to my wonderful/beautiful/gracious wife to tell her, and after the initial shock she was calm and at peace. Since then we have been on the most incredible journey were we have seen, experienced and been blown away as too what God has done in and around us. We didn't see this coming and we've been humbled as to what has gone on in the last couple of months. God has held on to us in the most obvious of ways since November. I love the church (Gods not mans) and I believe that the church can make a difference no matter where it is once it is submissive to God and not the Fear of Man. These last few months have made me question my love for the church. I've come to the realisation that its not the church that I love but the true head of the church. This thought deserves a different post!

Leaving our old church didn't happen as a result of a desire I had but this came about due to God's grace, provision and magnificence.

I must add before I head that in July I take up a new post in a different church. I/We are so excited by this and really believe that God has amazing things in store for us and our new home.

Peace.

New Beginnings...

So here it is,
I've been meaning to do this for a long time but kept putting it off. I think now's the time to start! Random words on the internet I think I can do. I've been keeping track of what Gods been doing in my life and the life of my Family. Recently (the last 5mts) God has been pulling it out of the bag for Ru and I and the kids. I've been in total awe and also humbled by what God has been doing in and around us that at times I feel overwhelmed by his love and the love of Jesus. In time I'll share my thoughts as to what God has brought us through but for now, I'll post this and sort out my settings etc.
Peace