Category: Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

All who are saved by Jesus are to be as his bride when he returns. Let’s get ready!

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

We always have a choice

We always have a choice

What we think or how we act upon our thoughts is up to us. We do not have to be a victim to our emotions or our judgments. Rather, what we choose to put our attention to is our way forward…

Emotion is powerful, and sometimes deceptive. When we recognise a pattern in our behaviour, where our emotional reaction to powerful feelings of anger, fear or annoyance tipping into judgementalism — either against ourselves or someone else which brings about chaos, we need to break the cycle. We need to address the emotion; but we do so with consideration and care. It is not by reacting or even responding (which tends to be a more gentle way of taking action than a knee-jerk reaction), but by making a conscious choice to pray, contemplate, meditate, reflect… anything but react to our emotions. For whatever circumstances may come our way, it is our emotional response which is of our own making and of our own choice. Never do we have no choice, never.

How can I say “never”?

I am coming on pretty strongly… How can I say “never respond by feeling”? What about love, passion, enthusiasm? Ah, I am not saying we must avoid all feeling but I am saying it is important we are not driven by our feelings. Feelings are intense and momentary. We can enjoy feeling. But they are often lacking in the fruit of the Spirit — acting in competition to it in fact.

We always have a choice

Choice comes when we allow our Father Yehovah to renew our minds.

This morning I was thinking about my husband who died just four months ago. I was going down a line of “What if we’d made different medical choices?” and I realised quickly the futility of that line of thought.

I am not avoiding reality by doing so, but rather choosing what I allow my mind to dwell on. I can catch myself thinking life-giving thoughts or catch myself thinking hopelessness and despair. I catch and release by conscious choice, not by the power of emotion.

When I dwell on the Lord, and dwell on his presence, my spirit soars and I am able to handle whatever circumstances may come. This is how I got through my husband’s illness and death; I will not abandon a good and proven strategy to be overtaken by negativity, futility and frustration.

I can choose how I spend my day, my life. I can choose joy and peace — and I do. I allow the Lord to draw me to His truths, and as I do, He shows me the pathway of clarity, peace and discovery. Sometimes these discoveries will be exciting and sometimes they will be painful. But when I dwell in His presence, and choose to abide in thoughts of hope and life, those areas which are painful will come in due course, but with the covering of His timing and the presence of His Spirit.

That is choosing life. And it is the Way I encourage us all to take.

Scriptures to dwell upon


Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

When we think about Jesus, our minds are taken to a wide open place full of goodness and away from the narrow view of ourselves.

Jesus brings reality and he brings life, all the more abundantly when we abide in Him and allow our thoughts to reflect the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faith, patience and self control…. “Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Finally, we can make our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and tear down that death-inciting force which attempts to poison our lives by poisoning our thoughts. In principle, we can take any thought, pinpoint it and literally peg it down, tell it to stay and turn our backs on it, leaving it forever.

Of course the bedrock of all of this comment is Romans 12:1-2. We must be surrendered and allow the LORD to renew our minds if we are to overcome, to grow, and to be the persons GOD has created us to be. How we think leads to how we behave. Let us be filled with the Spirit, with renewed minds of Jesus.

Let us all walk on water

Dwell, abide, be still… These words surround us, draw us toward the presence of GOD. His presence allows us to be above the storm and to walk on water rather than be swamped by it. It is our choice. It is our responsibility. It is our hope.

…. forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [we] press on… (Philippians 3:13) This is perhaps my favourite scripture, because it allows me to move forward in Him, regardless of what has already gone before.

Amen.

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Words Matter: they define our thinking

What matters is matter

In physics, matter is that which is concrete, tangible, evident.

Although our words seem intangible, yet words matter — and are matter. In reality, our words make truth, create truth. That which is spoken can all the more become reality, simply in the speaking. 

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD.” John 1:1 and “In the beginning GOD created…” Genesis 1:1

Imagine this: The Word spoke and the earth, the universe, all points in between and surrounding, came into being. That is powerful. The intangible became tangible, simply by being spoken into reality.

And so I come to my first point which is this: What we say — and even that which we think whether we speak it or not — matters. Jesus said if we even lust after a woman we have committed sin in our hearts…

Align our thoughts and our words to GOD

Our thinking needs to be aligned with GOD or we create a reality that is less than optimal. 

The first step to aligning our thinking with GOD is to recognise we have a choice in what we think; there is fleshly thinking and there is surrendered thinking. This is what Paul was referring to when he wrote about the renewing of our minds in Romans chapter 12:2

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” 

Where we stumble in our thoughts and words

To begin then, let’s recognise — let’s agree — that we always have a choice. We do not have to be victim to our thoughts or our words. That is negative emotion creeping in, blocking our peace, our submission to the Father and our relationship to the Holy Spirit. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 4:30)

Choice

What we choose to think, what we choose to say, can be GOD-given and GOD-centred, or me-centred and flesh-centred. 

Choose life… and that more abundantly. Let’s begin with our words and our thoughts.

Proposed action

Meditate on this principle and if you “get it” great! If not, keep meditating until you do. Try going to the scriptures, using Bible Gateway online to look up “thoughts”, “word”, “speaking” and the like. What does GOD say to you, directly and/or through His Word, to bring you to a fuller understanding of the power of our words and our thoughts in our lives?

“Be perfect as our father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

These aren’t just instructions or commands. Rather, these are promises that are possible when we trust the Word, lean not on our own understanding, but allow our minds to be renewed by the Lord Jesus so that we catch all his meaning…. and our lives are transformed into his likeness.

Amen.

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Recovery from Loss and Facing Times Ahead

Green shoots of Recovery from Loss

When you have completed a typical task that requires concentration and mental agility, when you’ve done it to your usual standard and you look over it and say, “Oh, that’s alright!” you then might realise you didn’t think of your lost loved one, or feel any weight of distraction in the doing of the task. You recognise, “Ah, I must be recovering.”

That’s what happened to me in May and I’ve been doing alright since. I’d say I”m in recovery mode.

Recovery

Just as recovery from illness can take time, even when the the actual illness is behind you, so too can recovery from grief take time.

“To every thing there is a season and a time to everything under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Facing times ahead

Now my workload is increasing and I’m finding it requires an energy and mental agility I didn’t know I had it… and I don’t quite. But that is the LORD nudging me forward. That is all part of His goodness.

The LORD always knows what’s in store in our lives, even though we may not. Paul says in 2 Timothy that there will always be persecution. And so, as many of our societies today are celebrating evil and denigrating good, it is logical to think persecution is coming our way. 

What about Persecution

Any believer may be hit by persecution without much warning. This can be a direct blow to us, or to a loved one. We pray for protection — may the glory of the LORD be our rear guard — but we also acknowledge the reality of attack and seek the strengthening of our faith.

I believe we all need to be ready for changing circumstances, some of which may cause us grief: loss of status, loss of employment, or even loss of a loved one.

Know this: with Persecution comes help

“You will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

Whatever may come, He prepares us. Whatever may come, we will recover. If our life is taken, those left behind will recover. Just as persecution is part of the believer’s walk, so too is recovery. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name. Hallelujah! Such is the best way forward: praise!

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Power of GOD in Ephesians

How closely have you looked at Ephesians lately?

The power of God is encapsulated in Ephesians. Have you had a taste lately?

I was reading it through recently and paused after chapter 3, so overwhelmed and amazed at the promises therein….

“that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body,” and “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” (Ephesians 3:6a, 16)

Yes, it is the letter that winds up in chapter 6 teaching us about spiritual warfare. But even before that chapter, it is rich in the promises of the power of GOD to all who believe and are children, followers of Jesus. All the power of the promises to Israel, all of the power of the resurrection of Jesus, all of the power of those who believe are expressed in Ephesians, open to gentiles as well as Jews.

I urge you

Study it. Digest it. Allow it to cover your soul and capture your spirit. Trust it. The Word of the Lord is rich and powerful… Allow it to embrace you and you will grow exponentially. This is what each of us needs — to grow into the likeness of our saviour and lord, Jesus, Yeshua Messiah. Today, why not begin with Ephesians…..

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Shaking off the Dust of Condemnation

No Condemnation

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

This verse is key to our ministry. How? Without the condemnation of those who despise the Jesus in us, we are free to express our faith without looking over our shoulders, thwarting the evil expressed through others. This is vital.

Jesus said of those who do not accept the gospel, we are to shake the dust off our feet. Why? Because that dust is condemnation which seeks — and often does — weaken us.

We are not to carry a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) but how can we do that when we are battling the rejection and sorrow of those who reject us, reject Jesus in us, reject and condemn us? It is impossible to placate a spirit of condemnation. We must walk away, walk toward freedom, and accept that some will not accept us as we are and so we must leave them to their own opinion and sadly, to their own condemnation. 

Victory for Christ lies in leaving behind all that is not Christ. It may be family, it may be hopes and dreams. But the promise of freedom is sure. 

Freedom

Freedom is walking toward Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Freedom is not doing, having or getting what we want. It is not our will but GOD’s will in us that brings us freedom, for there is no gain in receiving merely what we want, but there is much freedom and victory in yielding our will to GOD’s and receiving His deliverance from self. Free will is not my will; it is freedom from my will. Hallelujah!

Salvation is not only for eternity in heaven. It is freedom from fear, in the here and now, freedom from the condemnation and rejection of others. Walk away. It’s alright in God’s eyes that we “give up and leave to Him” the salvation of others. In fact, it is His command. 

In Matthew 10:14, speaking to his disciples Jesus says, “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.”

He knew rejection hurts, and to that he said, just shake it off!

Love but Leave

Love others. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek: Yes. But shake off the dust from those who will not accept the gospel in you. Love from a distance. Your ministry will survive. In fact, it will thrive without the condemnation that often brings with it self-doubt and a deterioration of the confidence so needed to walk the walk of GOD. 

Trust GOD in all circumstances

Release those who reject you. Walk away. Test and see what the LORD will bring instead.

In Jesus’ name, I pray we all are able to do this. Amen.

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Equality in Marriage – from Hosea

A verse reveals GOD’s equality in marriage

There are so many verses that create controversy between man and woman over equality, submission and the like.

I’m going to dwell at Hosea 2:16 today, just for a moment. This is for your reflection and consideration.

Hosea 2:16 says, ““And it shall be, in that day,” says the LORD, “that you will call Me My Husband and no longer call Me My Master.””

We know that we are the bride of Christ, called so because of the references Jesus uses toward us as his bride. In Matthew 25, with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus provides this familiar point of reference.

But in Hosea, we are spoken of as the bride of Almighty GOD. 

Of course, Hosea was the prophet called to marry a prostitute as a prophetic gesture to point to the compromise and prostitution of Israel against the LORD. Hosea suffered, to mark the LORD’s rejection by His chosen people.

But in this verse, we see how dearly He longs for relationship and that we do not need to fear Him in the sense of a slave to his master, but to embrace him as a wife does her husband.

This verse speaks to me of mutual love and devotion, not about submission, obedience or suppression.

Those husbands who love their wives as they do themselves (Ephesians 5:25; Mark 12:31) with respect, value and appreciation, do so in the way the Father loves us all. The marriage relationship should not be about who reigns, but about how love rains down upon us and nurtures us.

In that day we shall all call him My Husband. Oh for that day on earth to give such glimpses of peace and glory. Amen.

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Why does a Bible teacher teach?

My husband was a teacher of the Word of GOD. My son has a godparent who is also a teacher of the Word. What makes teachers tick? Why does a Bible teacher teach?

Background

When I met my husband Alan, he was 34. 

The LORD had told him when we first met to “take care of this woman” as I was newly arrived in England to study. As our friendship developed, Alan shared with me some things about his calling to teach. He had devoured Bible resources as well as the Word itself during undergraduate university days, often ignoring his courses of academic study (engineering) preferring to study GOD’s Word.

He wasn’t particularly diplomatic with people when I first met him, because the Word was his priority. But he loved the LORD and knew he was called to teach His Word. He met with opposition, and I suppose as a trained barrister, didn’t mind a good conversational scrap! I thought it was because he wasn’t great with people. But it would prove not his imperfect social skills — which GOD in him would later come to perfect — that held him back. What prevented his teaching from advancing at a relatively young age was his “unorthodox” perspective. He did not teach wrongly, for the call of a teacher is very strict and woe to any who misstep. 

James writes, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1)

No compromise

No, Alan’s teaching has proved to be rock solid, though his thinking was often unconventional rather than neatly fitting into the Evangelical box. He looked at scripture: not at what was taught by others as convention but what was actually there. He made no common assumption, but rather challenged assumption to see what the Word said, no more no less. That attitude has always reminded me of the texts about maintaining the accuracy of the Bible text.

In Revelation 22:18-19, John writes, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

What a Bible teacher teaches

Alan and other teachers may not always go with the flow of common interpretation of scripture or rely on Sunday School perspective. What Alan and others who are called to teach (which is not the same as preaching) is revelation of the Word of GOD, no more, no less. Their motivation is to make the Word more accessible to others and never to compromise. 

Something palatable can be dangerously close to something untrue; a called forth teacher will devote time and attention to every thought before sharing. Just as there were false prophets in times of the Jewish Covenant as we read in the Old Testament, so were there also false teachers in the New. 

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,” (2 Timothy 2:1)

Look for simple but deeply profound truths

A teacher of GOD’s Word will challenge, encourage, and convict those who have listening ears to hear. The teacher wants his audience to discover for themselves what mysteries are within the Word.

Never underestimate the depth of GOD’s Word or doubt the unveiling of new thought to our old minds. As Jesus said, “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:21-22)

We need to be open to what GOD’s Word actually says, rather than what we think it says based upon sermons or Sunday School. We need to study to show ourselves approved and a good, godly teacher will enable us to do that.

Challenge yourself to read the Word

What is really there? Concepts exist in the Bible that are not actually stated. And some belief systems are built upon misconception and false assumption.

For example, did you know the word “Trinity” is not in the Bible? And nowhere does it say “God the son”? Did you know that the animals in the ark were not a single pair each of every animal type? There were 7 pairs of some and not of all. Why not all the same?

Did you know the single verse “wives submit to your own husbands” is followed by “husbands love your wives” followed by eight more verses outlining how men are to do that?

Do you know that every significant marker in Jesus’ calendar was preceded by Old Testament law and feasts?

Look for yourself… 

It is possible to learn, simply by reading the Bible. If you listen enough to how Alan teaches, you’ll catch how to read for profound truths and relationship for yourself. You can hear some teachings here: 

https://tmc-church.org.uk/preacher/tun-alan/

Or go to www.revelationtv.com and look up old Bible Study programmes where Alan is part of a group of three men, looking deeply into the Word of our God.

So all, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

What is Worry?

What is Worry?

Worry is simply looking to the outcome rather than trusting in GOD.

Worry changes nothing but strives to give us a false sense of control. It is pointless and it is harmful, robbing us of the profound testimony of our faith in Jesus and those around us, of GOD’s assurance and of His peace. But we can overcome.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”

Worry not. Fret not. We are looking in the wrong direction when we worry.  Look up, look out! Let us not look forward to the future as though we have an influence over it. Rather let us look up to GOD, look out to those we love, look into the Word of GOD which takes us to Him, then we shall continue to move forward in faith. 

“And the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) 

May this be so. Amen. Hallelujah!

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Widows, Orphans and Psalm 35

Why GOD emphasises protection of Widows and Orphans

In His word, GOD emphasises protection of widows and orphans. Why?
Because they have lost their covering and they are more vulnerable in society as a result.

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

Covering

The concept of covering goes back centuries. Covering is that protection from harm that comes to children through their parents, particularly their fathers. Western society has lost this sense of covering and we witness much damage. Women without their father’s covering so often languish in bad relationships or promiscuity, because they have freedom without the wisdom that comes from a father’s care. Statistics reflect that boys without fathers have a significantly higher risk of engaging in criminal activity and generally score more poorly at school than those with fathers.

Virgins have their father’s covering. Children and wives have the father/husband. But only GOD covers those lacking husbands and fathers. And throughout his letters, Paul in particular draws attention to this.

“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is GOD in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)

Fatherless

The loss of a father is profound. GOD knows this and offers provision today through His Church. It is also ingrained in Jewish culture, which goes back to Biblical times.

When vulnerable

Recently, I was reading Psalm 35. I tend to dwell inside the Psalms each morning to start my day. Psalm 35 is packed with protection and defence, asking GOD’s help and protection from those whom we have loved but who have turned against us:

“Fierce witnesses rise up; They ask me things that I do not know.

They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul.

But as for me, when they were sick,

My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting;

And my prayer would return to my own heart.

I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.” (Psalm 35:11-14)

I realise that before I was widowed, with those who didn’t accept me, my husband covered me. Now, I must allow GOD to guide, protect and cover me against those who may wish to contend with me.

“Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; 

Fight against those who fight against me…. And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness

And of Your praise all the day long.” (Psalm 35:1, 28)

I’m choosing my battles more carefully than ever. Some battles arise that are not worth the effort, whilst others are essential to GOD’s witness.

Moving forward

Sadly, we will always encounter challenging circumstances and those who do not accept us. Nevertheless, GOD gives us the ability to be full of His grace toward all, without becoming victims. Prayer and the LORD cover us, though we may be fatherless or spouseless; we are never powerless, never without protection.

Offer help and comfort 

“They also opened their mouth wide against me, and said, “Aha, aha!

Our eyes have seen it.”

This You have seen, O LORD; do not keep silence.

O Lord, do not be far from me.

Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication,

To my cause, my GOD and my Lord.” (Psalm 35:21-23)

As we read scripture, we see others have come before us who have suffered unrighteous treatment and condemnation. We are not defenceless and have the LORD at our side. As we draw attention to GOD’s Word we find He has given us the words and thoughts to pray which will cover and deliver us.

Victory

“Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoiced at my hurt; Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour…” (Psalm 35:26)

However, “Let the should for joy and be glad, who saviour my righteous cause” (Psalm 27a)

We pray for protection from enemy attack and for confusion over those forces which would seek our destruction. We celebrate those who give us support and praise GOD for them in our lives.

Resolution

“And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; it shall rejoice in His salvation.

All my bones shall say, “LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?” (Psalm 35:9-10)

The LORD offers us divine protection, covering, and delivers us from evil. Challenge and attack may come, to strengthen our faith and relationship with GOD. But in facing the challenges and trusting in the LORD, we grow stronger.

We can “trust in the shelter of Your wings” (Psalm 61:4) but for those times when we must persevere in a spiritual battle, He covers us and gives us the strength needed, whether we are fatherless, widowed, or simply walking our faith journey on our own.

“….Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18)

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Manifesting the Miraculous

Never give up. Never give in. Believe. Ask of the Lord, the Healer.

As we trust in Him unconditionally, He will manifest His healing and deliverance.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

And

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20)

We do not know how the LORD will respond to our prayers but He will always respond to our prayers. Deliverance will come. Trust it is the best deliverance, be it life or death, because it is the LORD’s deliverance.

The miraculous is not impossible and not incredible. It is spiritual. The Spirit is without limit. Let us not put limits upon the Holy Spirit, but may we surrender our will, our body, our mind to the Holy Spirit and entrust Him to work through us. Then the miraculous may be manifested.

Hallelujah!

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Growth v Joy: the Christian walk. Must we choose?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Paul wrote this while he was in prison.

Joy

We who love Jesus and walk with him are called to rejoice in all circumstances. We wear an attitude of peace, knowing that, although weeping may come at night, joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Growth

We grow in adversity; even the secular world recognises this. It is through adversity that we become the best athletes, scientists, philanthropists. Adversity builds us stronger and better as individuals and societies.

Trust

As believers, we trust in our LORD GOD Yehovah. Our walk is in the direction of Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, who for our sake, took the cross, died and was resurrected for our eternal salvation (Hebrews 12:2). He suffered adversity, and so must we. But we don’t have to look for it. And we are allowed to enjoy life too.

Sometimes you and I just want to laugh, have fun, be happy. That is part of our make-up as human beings. 

We do not have to choose

Our Father wants us to grow. But He loves us, and like any parent, He wants us to enjoy this life. We do not have to choose between walking with Him and enjoying life. And we do not have to do mental and spiritual gymnastics either, ‘to accept our painful lot and put a smile on our face in spite of our suffering’. No!

Rather, as we trust GOD — and this is the key — as we trust GOD He will bring joy as well as sorrow, laughter as well as tears, peace as well as warfare. He will supply all our needs for this life and the preparation for the next. When we trust in His sovereignty and accept both the joy and the trials, we maintain that peace which passes all understanding and we can “rejoice in all circumstances”.

Spiritual battle is not always all that spiritual

The flesh can be just as involved in spiritual battle as it can be in the expression of self-will. We can be very self-determined and call it spiritual warfare, trying to get our way, claiming it is GOD’s way in the process. But truly taking on a mantle of warfare means having no agenda. We do not seek a particular outcome but GOD’s outcome for every situation. In every situation, when we are truly surrendered to the Father, we experience peace and joy, knowing we are in His will. The battle comes to us, when there is one, just as much as the joy comes when adversity flees.

The sweet spot of GOD’s will

We don’t have to manufacture joy. We don’t have to look for adversity. We simply follow Jesus and that which will prepare us for each chapter, in this life and the next, will come to pass.

I pray this for all of us, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Making the Most with the Time God gives us

Making the most with the time GOD has given to us

Time in 1920’s

I recently watched the film, “Wings of Eagles” starring Joseph Fiennes as Eric Liddle, the Olympic gold medal runner for Great Britain who refused to run on a Sunday, gave up his 100 metre race as a result, ran a 400 metre race instead and won! 1924 was a time when athletes in the Olympics were true amateurs with day jobs, where running, jumping or playing was a hobby or passion which came beside work. Eric Liddle became a Christian missionary after running in the Olympics, and died in February of 1945, in China, during the Japanese Occupation.

Time in 2020’s

In 2021 what are we doing with the time our Father has given us? Are we making the most with the time we have? We must make the most of it, while we have it, and run the race set before us with zeal, hope, determination.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Grief, loss, death and the future

When others go before us to be with Jesus and the Father, when we are left behind, we must make the most of our lives and demonstrate they did not die in vain. We were not left, but remain — and not in vain. Hope is not in death but in the life which has moved to heaven (Matthew 22:32), and in the life on earth remaining. We must strive to become ALL God has created us for and all God has called us to be. 

For example, we see in 1 Corinthians 7 much discussion over singleness and marriage. “But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. (verses 32-33). Though it is tragic to loose one’s spouse, once again single, we have freedom, less distraction, to serve the LORD.

The death of a loved one only makes sense if we make more of our lives than when they were with us.Mourning has its place. Love never dies. But for the Believer, we must press on (Philippians 3:13), and allow Jesus to be the author and finisher of our lives. Let us not think How will we manage without our partner, friend, family member? but What are we here to do which could not be done while the other was with us? That makes sense out of the death of our loved one. Not only have they gone on to better fruitfulness, but we may also continue to bear fruit. This puts the power and sovereign will of GOD in the picture. It enables us to see purpose in all that has preceded and to focus on all which lies ahead.

Why I write to you

I do not write to you for myself. It is not catharsis or a working out of an issue. It is my training for you, using all that I know, all that I have at my disposal, to train up others who may have less experience, a different calling, or simply feel a need to supplement their study of the Word with other readings.

I am not equal to the Word of GOD. No writing is significant beyond the Word of GOD. But He made some to be Apostles, some prophet, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). He made me to be a writer, so readers could benefit from my experience if they so choose.

Direction

Run your race. Trust in the LORD. Run for that is what GOD has given you. Trust in all circumstances, and rejoice, for He has given us life and breath to use for His glory. Choose life and choose to live it to the full, not in adventure, experimentation, or self-fulfilment for these are vanity (see Ecclesiastes!), but in discovering and fulfilling your GOD-given purpose while you are here. We do not know how much time we have. Let us each make the most of it, making sense of our lives: every encounter and relationship, each moment. All this is to the glory of Yehovah, God our Father and Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, through the power of His Holy Spirit in us.

That is my prayer for us all who remain.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Acts 17:28a

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Faith is a Delicate Thing: both a choice and a gift

“Praise the LORD, O my soul!

While I live I will praise the LORD;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:1)

Faith is delicate: both a choice and a gift

As I embrace this psalm I am aware of how my attitude is instrumental to my faith. Yes, faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but my attitude is my own. By the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2) we can have the mind of Christ, but this depends upon the choice we make daily, whether to embrace the LORD or to embrace the world. 

Gratitude is a way forward

When we face all circumstances, we can rejoice. But how? One recent Shabbat morning, I began to list all the good things in my life. Though life is fleeting and both joys and sorrows come in like measure, we can choose which events, conditions, or circumstances we dwell on. Choose life! Choose Jesus. Choose abundant life because he came to give us life and that more abundantly. (John 10:10)

More Faith

When our hearts are downcast, when situations are full of strife rather than life, what do we do? We are human beings, made of flesh with blood coursing through our veins. What if we feel overwhelmed by our external circumstances or our internal frustrations? Then we ask the LORD for more faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith is the evidence of what is unseen, intangible. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith carries us when what we experience is bleak. Faith enables us to endure. Faith is not what we drum up by our will, but rather it is a gift from GOD. GOD is a giver of good gifts; when we ask, He is able to deliver.

Trust Faith

When we feel at the end of our tether, we look to faith which endures. Our feelings are fleeting. They are robust and passionate and all-encompassing at times, but they are only based on our thoughts and attitudes. Faith endures beyond ourselves. Trust faith, that which we know in our hearts and have built through life experience, that which is in the word of GOD which never fails us.

Emotions are temporary, but faith endures.

Trust faith. Choose faith. Ask for more. And allow endurance in our faith to carry us through any challenge, surprise or obstacle. 

When the Hebrews were in the most desperate situation, trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptians, all looked bleak. But Moses took faith and proved the salvation of the LORD. We each face our Red Seas and our Egyptians from time to time, but we have our LORD, who is mightier than any sea of affliction or man of war. Trust faith: “stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD”. (Exodus 14:13) Be still, wait upon the LORD, allowing Him to renew your strength and deliver you from all fear, affliction, entrapment or snare of the enemy. 


Hallelujah, Jesus conquered and through him we also are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) Trust GOD, ask for faith, and he will deliver.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Crises produce Miraculous Discoveries

Lessons out of Crises

I learned while Alan was sick how miracles are manifested, healings are fulfilled: We watch and we pray until it is agreed in heaven. Then, we leave it to GOD. And we see how crises produce miraculous discoveries.

I learned how to ignore sentiments of others which are a deterrent. Yes, people love and care and want to help. But sometimes they have needs and when you are called to focus upon the healing of your spouse, attention cannot be diverted.

I experienced significant and practical application for “the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5); a spouse can literally stand in the place of the other: to breathe, eat, pray when the other cannot.

I learned to embrace the fear of the LORD rather than to shrink from it; GOD can be scary, only because He is all-powerful. He is also all-loving, so we do not need to shrink from Him.

I learned to appreciate the input of others but not to respect any of it above the wisdom that comes directly to me from GOD. Doctors, nurses, well-meaning experts and friends: we can hear their opinions but we do not have to accept them. In fact, in great measure, I learned to reject opinion of others in favour of Truth.

Why Covid?

One purpose behind this Covid… has been to encourage people to look up! and to pray to GOD. He has all the insight and all the answers. It may require more patience (also called long-suffering) on our part, to wait upon Him and to wait for the manifestation of His answers. But that is a gift from GOD (Galatians 5:22) for which we can easily ask. Remember, “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:6) And so, as we surround ourselves with others (Psalm 133:1) who know how to pray, we learn and grow. And GOD shares with us His pathway to the miraculous.

Amongst believers — illness, pandemic, world panic (however it is veiled as progressive science) can draw us to rely more upon Him, to look more to Him, to grow more like Him. That has been and continues to be my aim.

Word of Warning

There is no need for weakness in this battle, the battle which belongs to the LORD. “For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

If you believe GOD, believe that, and if you believe that, live it!

Some might suggest I am denying the difficult path I am now on, that of one who has lost her husband and best friend. But rather, may I encourage readers that I am taking the word of GOD for what it is: living and powerful, and that gives me comfort and courage.

Hallelujah, the LORD reigns in us.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

The Life is in the Blood: beginnings of a manuscript

How a perfectly healthy man died of Covid

On 10th March 2021, Alan Tun went to be with the LORD. This is not a euphemism for he died. Isaiah 44:6 says he is not dead but is alive.

Alan was my lovely husband. This is the story of how he battled, how we battled for him, and how we lost but he won! Death has no victory for the one who trusts in Jesus, but oh, there is a sting for those who remain behind.

For those who do not know Alan Tun, he was a Bible teacher, as called in Ephesians 4. He was a modest yet confident man, never promoting himself but always willing to teach anyone who would listen, how to look inside of scripture for the kernels of life that bring us to a deeper understanding of the truths in Biblical scripture. We had excellent discussions together, and the LORD made us totally compatible theologically. No matter how annoyed we might get with one another, no matter how we might misunderstand one another on a human level as married couples often do, we always saw theological things from the same perspective. God gave us that gift. And so I think I can tell this story from our perspective, even though Alan and I had relatively few words from the time he first took sick.

On 19th December, Alan began to feel unwell, with a headache, general weakness and loss of appetite. This is the place where the story begins…. of how a perfectly healthy man died, not directly of Covid-19, but from other issues which arose as a result, even to include the valiant medical attempts to save his life.

This is a spiritual look at why Alan’s home address has changed, and how those of us who remain on earth have a choice as to how we recognise God in the story, or don’t. Those who knew Alan will know that to him, choice is man’s most important freedom. As a barrister and Bible teacher, he simply would present the facts and allow others to decide: do we want to believe the Bible and live by it, do we want to be s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d? Or do we want to live within our own limited but safe mental framework, religious teaching, or anti-God perspective? The choice is ours and the consequences are ours. 

Now Alan has no limitations. That is exciting. And that is how I choose to accept his death — and his new life — apart and yet together with me.

(It is quite possible this book may be presented partially in serial form on a weekly basis… but I shall take one week at a time)

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Mourning: the Key is Perspective

When we keep our eyes on Jesus

One of the deep lessons I learned in the weeks praying vehemently for Alan’s recovery was to keep my eyes on Jesus, and to ignore the storm that was raging.

Now as Alan has passed away, I am learning the importance of applying the same lessons as I work through the process of grieving.

Romans 12:2 says, “Be thou transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

How we think and perceive is at the very core of how we live, minister and overcome.

I had two really lousy days this week, then I remembered to focus my eyes, my attention on Jesus. In so doing, my soul is revived.

I cannot articulate all that is going on with me, as the wife of a lovely man who went “too soon” — from our perspective. 

Gazing into the world

From my window earlier this week, I watched as an elderly man mowed the lawn of his even older relative. I thought, There he is, and Alan was only 62. I do not begrudge the longer life of another man. But it was hard at that moment not to wonder why Alan had to go so soon.

And yet, I come full circle, realising that Alan was ready. The LORD was ready. I was not ready but I must catch up.

I feel much of my married life, in so many ways, was catching up to Alan. 


Focus

When we mourn, we keep our eyes on the Master. He will not leave, he will not forsake, and in time, he will even answer many of our questions. Some answers we will not receive until we meet him face to face. But in the meantime, we can watch, listen, read the Word, and actively wait for the answers to some of our questions. I find music really helpful; it lifts and carries me through.

And always we can hope that what seems dim now will become much clearer, in time. “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

God bless

Alan’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Monday 29th March. For those who want to view it as is it livestreamed: https://tmc-church.org.uk/ No password or permission required to view.

For those who want to view it later: https://tmc-church.org.uk/preacher/tun-alan/

I will post a link to the Order of Service on my Facebook page and also on this website.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Alan Tun: total freedom in Christ

My darling husband is totally free.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

These words of Paul refer to the Jewish law of circumcision, but also relate to this life on earth. We are aware of the trappings of this life, although we are aware we are meant to live an abundant life.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The earth is in war. There is evil and sorrow, there is goodness and joy; yes, there is much joy in life. There is beauty in earth, sea, sky, relationships and so much more. And yet… heaven has even more.

With Alan’s inverted thinking, then taking the Gospel for exactly what it says and with no assumptions, leads us to the logical conclusion that death is not to be mourned, not for the person who has died. He has moved to an address which offers so much more.

I am not a robot. I am not dead. So I mourn. I have a 16 year old son who will now grow like is father but without him. It is tragic, but only remains a tragedy if we refuse to look beyond our limited vision.

Why did this happen?

Since we know that GOD is good and rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), and since I’ve already established in my mind, as well as in my experience with Alan in his last hours, that Alan was ready to go to be with him, then on what basis did the LORD think of me? Did He abandon me or my son? Not at all.

My logical conclusion to what has occurred is that he trusts me to be able to handle this life without my husband. He trusts our son to grow up in the knowledge of the LORD even without his father. We trust in the LORD with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5) and so when we look to that scripture, to actually implement it, we can choose to trust it.

Alan’s perspective

Alan always looked at scripture afresh. He looked deeply, rather than at an obvious understanding. We need the obvious when we are young, but as we age in faith (Alan came to the LORD as a teen), we see through the glass more clearly.

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Now that Alan has left us, he sees it all. His perspective will not be limited to his logical, truthful, consistent approach to scripture, but will be limitless, inspired and full of all truth.

All glory to GOD!

Be transformed

What would most honour Alan’s life other than a look at the Word of GOD?

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Are we going to allow ourselves the freedom to walk in this truth?

The logic of prayer is that if you pray and receive, then you walk in the change. As hundreds of people prayed for Alan’s recovery, though he died, now they are praying for his family who are alive. And so I have the peace and sometimes even a bit of joy, as I work through the natural changes that come with my husband’s passing.

The world is a complex place, full of both joy and sorrow. We mourn the dead for ourselves much more than for what they lose in departing. Although there is much in life, when a life is moved to heaven to the man who loves His LORD, why mourn? He no longer suffers frustration, injustice, heartache, or imperfection.

My understanding of Alan

Alan had transformed to be near to the person GOD created him to be as possible. So it was time for his mission in Heaven.

To my mind, Alan has passed away because:

He was refined to the image GOD had of him

He was ready to go

He had more to learn that was only available in Heaven

And so…

I miss my dear Alan, but I am confident that the tasks each of us has are to be carried out in different places. I wish it were not so, and yet, Thy will be done, LORD. 

“The Joy of the LORD is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

When we meet tragedy, we must allow ourselves to live in it, but also allow ourselves to overcome it. We who know Jesus are different from the world, and so we must walk differently.

Alan is well worth listening to. If you’d like to do so,

For Alan’s bible study audios and visuals you can go to: 

https://tmc-church.org.uk/preacher/tun-alan/

For Bible studies with other presenters, go to: https://www.revelationtv.com and look up the huge supply of Bible Studies.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

A Testimony of Grace

“My grace is sufficient” He reminded me, as I prayed before going to visit my husband in hospital…. Here is a testimony of grace, which followed after.

I had asked the LORD, “Is there anything in particular you want me to say”, asking in advance because it is so hard to sense GOD’s presence in a hospital. “My grace is sufficient” was His response. And I knew also, I must pray for His presence to be with us as I visited.

The visit was short, because my hubby was weak and tired, partly because the doctors had given him a medicine that historically drains his blood pressure, medicine they think he needs (therefore they keep trying), which I can see he does not (because I and others like me have prayed the Lord’s protection against medicine he does not need).

I left the meeting and was full of emotion, primarily frustration at the blindness of the well-meaning, well-trained doctors. What precipitated was a 24 hour period without GOD’s grace, though it would take me overnight to even realise the grace had gone.

The despair I was experiencing in the day that followed the visit to hospital was new in this journey of my husband’s recovery. By nature an emotive person, for the last 2 months, I’d been filled with calm detachment, resolve, and determination. Some of these descriptions come from others who have observed me, some of my own recognition. But suffice to say, I gradually realised my patience, a gift from GOD (Galatians 5:22), had been spent and I was needing His grace so that I would not become hardened toward this situation nor to anyone.

I was tested. 

Half way through the next day, a doctor rang to tell me they were lifting the medication that so badly reduces the blood pressure (Praise the LORD) and were taking a test of an internal organ — one the LORD had confirmed was healed.

After the phone call, the oppression which had hounded me since the night before began to lift. At the 24 hour mark, I realised His grace had returned and I’d been on a journey of discovery: discovery of what it is like without His grace; what it is like for those who lack relationship with the Creator of the Universe; what it is like when I am not bathed in His anointing; the distance from my past, when I didn’t know as much of His grace as I do now — how hard hearted or judgmental I can become when I am not in His grace. 


Yes, I was under attack from the enemy. But I was also being tested: how would I behave without the grace of GOD? Would I fall back into old habits or had my character changed? Was I tempted by my emotions or was I grounded in love for Him and others?

I think I passed the test, although of course that is for the LORD to decide. There were moments in that 24 hours when I had options: I could do what I deemed best, or wait; I could follow my will, or give way to the LORD. 

Hallelujah! I think I did not fail. Even without His evident presence, I think I had sufficient grace. I did not lose my temper or give way to despair. Truly, His grace is all any of us needs.

So, when His grace is present, trust Him; and if His grace has lifted, trust Him even more, for it will return. His grace is sufficient to carry us through. Truly, we can “do all things through Christ who gives [us] strength”. (Philippians 4:13) 

Categories
Examining Biblical Scripture Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Spirit v Flesh

When all is said and done, the Spirit brings life and the flesh does not. 

We have a choice in this life as to how to be guided: spirit v flesh — which will we choose?

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Spiritual Walk

For those of us who know Jesus, every road we walk, every journey we take, is an opportunity to grow spiritually. As we surrender, so we grow into maturity and into freedom. It is so vital to embrace whatever comes our way, if we want to walk the Jesus Way.

There are no coincidences, no mistakes, and no surprises for GOD. He is sovereign and as we embrace that reality, we find great peace. Yes, we make mistakes, but Our God has room for our mistakes. It is better to walk in peace than to fuss about mistakes. 

Our mistakes are part of the roadmap — markers taking us closer to our destination: dwelling in the unity of the Spirit with our Saviour. As we yield to the Lord, surrendering our time, efforts and hearts, we grow closer to him and we become more like him.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

Fleshly Walk

On the other hand, when we seek our own will, or fret or fear our circumstances, we feed into the flesh, where there is no real power or revelation. We might get what we think we want, but it will not be fulfilling.

“… those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed….” 2 Peter 2:10

Though we may be most capable, yet, His capabilities far outweigh our own.

Surrender, Pray, Praise

May I encourage us all, myself included, to walk the walk of faith, focusing on what the Word of GOD speaks into our situations, and yield not to the flesh. 

How do we do that? 

We take time: We stand still and see the salvation of our God (Exodus 14:13).  We wait upon the LORD to renew our strength. (Isaiah 40:31) We worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:2). We trust and obey (Isaiah 50:10).


The fruit of the Spirit

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident,which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:16-26)

As we yield to the Lord, we see His provision and His wisdom. So, let us trust in Him and lean not on our own mental processes (Proverbs 3:5). 

Acknowledging Him enables us to walk by faith and see His salvation in all our circumstances. The outcome is as the LORD chooses, but when we rest in that throughout any situation, we have that peace of GOD which truly does pass all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Hallelujah! The Lord reigns.