On the way…

Sue’s Views

Today’s movies and tv shows reflect a facination for the Supernatural. From zombies and werewolves to superheroes and avatars ….. there is no limit to the possibilities. The definition of ‘supernatural’ is ‘attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.’ To me ….. living a supernatural life means living above the standards and limitations of our natural tendencies. Jesus ….. the greatest super hero of all times ….. was the perfect example. He taught his disciples to ‘love their enemies’ ….. ‘to do good to those who persecuted them’ ….. ‘to go the second mile’ ….. ‘to give sacrificially’. Not exactly hit movie material ….. but things that require power beyond our selves. He gave us that power by sending the Holy Spirit to be our helper ….. guide ….. strength ….. and everything we need to overcome our enemy. In His own words: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,

that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,

and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Sue’s Views

What do you see when you look in the mirror? The image we have of ourselves is often distorted by low self esteem. It’s like looking through a filter that highlights all our imperfections and flaws. We are drawn to the lines on our face ….. the blemishes on our skin ….. and the extra weight we are carrying.  Next time ….. try to look past all that and see someone who is doing their best to live a good life ….. working hard ….. and giving to others. God’s idea of beauty is very different to ours. He is more concerned with your heart than your outward appearance!

Sue’s Views

 After a recent visit to our city of Auckland ….. I was interested to see some of the iconic buildings that still exist but are now dwarfed by the more modern structures. These historic buildings represent Auckland city to me! They have been there all my life …..are established ….. and (let’s face it) there’s no comparison between the old and new architecture! It reminds me of how ideas have changed. Beliefs we have grown up with are being challenged and questioned by concepts that overshadow and obliterate what we’ve always known as truth. We need to be forward thinking and progress is good ….. but truth is truth and ….. when it is changed ….. it becomes a lie. 

“Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

—  Jeremiah 6:16

Sue’s Views

I love the way this very ordinary plant suddenly produces these beautiful flowers! We can sometimes feel ‘ugly’ and unproductive. We tell ourselves ‘This is as good as it gets for me’. But ….. little do we know ….. that through our struggles and disappointment ….. something wonderful is being produced within us! It might seem a long time coming. It might seem like everyone else is blooming but not you. But your ‘suddenly’ is coming! Then it will all make sense!

Sue’s Views

So much of the Christian journey is about perseverance ….. endurance ….. and determination. That’s because we are facing so much opposition! We are going against the flow ….. pushing back the forces of darkness ….. and resisting the devil’s attempts to make us conform! Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” If you are struggling ….. don’t give up! This is not the time to rest ….. but it’s coming! For now ….. we must:

 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

Sue’s Views

Nature is a wonderful example of how there can be unity in diversity. We don’t have to look alike ….. think alike ….. or act alike to be able to live together. We are each a reflection of our Creator. Together ….. we give the world a better understanding of what He is like. Be the best ‘you’ you can be!

Sue’s Views

I hope you have been able to enjoy some quality time with your family this summer. It won’t be long before the school year starts ….. and other commitments begin to fill the calendar. But it’s important to prioritise family times throughout the year. When our children were younger we had ‘Family Time’ after dinner every night. We would ask them to choose songs ….. share about their day ….. and join in the prayer time. It can be as long and creative as you like. Occasionally we would go out for ice cream! Make it fun ….. not something to be endured! The important thing is to connect and make memories. Of course ….. as they get older it’s not always practical. But if the foundation has been laid ….. they will hopefully want to continue the habit with their own families.

Sue’s Views

Pride has two faces. It can make us feel superior so that we look down on others. But it can also make us feel so inferior that we pull others down to make us feel better. The Cross of Jesus Christ is the greatest leveller! No matter where you were born ….. how much money you have ….. what gender you are ….. how well educated you are ….. or how much you’ve achieved ….. we are all the same in Gods eyes. Sinners in need of a Saviour! Sin is the greatest pandemic the world has ever known because it affects every single one of us! But there is a cure ….. and it’s the Cross! Jesus paid our penalty by dying in our place and rising again. When we repent and put our trust in Him we are saved from our sins. There is no more need for comparison ….. no need to compete ….. we are all on the same page!

Sue’s Views

When I look at the variety of beautiful things God has made ….. it reminds me that nothing is impossible for Him! It doesn’t matter that I cannot fathom how God could possibly answer my prayer. He’s not limited by my tiny little mind! He’s a creator ….. so even if there’s nothing to work with ….. He just creates new material! “No eye has seen ….. no ear has heard ….. no mind has imagined ….. the things God has prepared for those who love Him!”

Sue’s Views

Our children are a gift from God. They belong to Him first ….. and He cares for them even more than we do. We all started out as an innocent child ….. simple ….. trusting ….. adventurous. Children have no sense of danger. A parent’s role is to protect while at the same time helping them to learn how to live in a world that is full of opportunities. The enemy is out to harm our children in all sorts of ways. Apart from being vigilant ….. the best way to protect our kids is to pray for them. Obviously we can’t be watching them every second ….. but God is! They are the ‘apple of His eye’. It’s the most sensitive part ….. and if something touches it ….. you know about it