On the way…

Sue’s Views

I heard these tuis before I saw them! Their unique and distinct song drew my attention. I learned that a group of tuis is called an ‘ecstasy’! It seems appropriate as ecstasy means ‘an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.’ Some may associate it with a drug by the same name. It’s sad that so many have turned to artificial means to find this kind of happiness ….. which is temporary and leads to addiction and all the complications that go with it. This world can overwhelm us at times but Jesus has overcome the world. He came to give us abundant life. In Him we have everything we need ….. including joy!

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Jn 15:10-11

Sue’s Views

A few months ago ….. we planted some mixed bulbs that looked like dried up onions! We put them deep in the soil ….. covered them up ….. and forgot about them through winter. But sure enough ….. we’ve enjoyed a variety of daffodils ….. crocuses ….. and now tulips! The Bible talks about giving being like planting a seed. There will always be a return! But the giving must come first. That’s because God is more interested in our faith than our money. When we give we are investing in His Kingdom ….. so we should expect a harvest. 

‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you’ (Luke 6:38)

Sue’s Views

Are you living an abundant life! Are you living life to the full? That doesn’t mean you have no problems ….. it means you are in a continual relationship with the One who has all the solutions. It doesn’t mean you are wealthy ….. it means you are acquainted with the One who provides all your needs. It doesn’t mean you’ve reached the top of the ladder ….. it means you are walking each day with the One who gives wisdom ….. guidance ….. and strength. Jesus came to give us abundant life! It’s not about our circumstances …..it’s about who is living in us!

Sue’s Views

One of the most encouraging words in the Bible is the word ‘through’. God doesn’t always take us out of difficult situations but He does promise to be with us through them. ‘I will be with you ‘through the storm’ ….. ‘through the valley’ ….. ‘through the battles’ ….. ‘through the night seasons’. Next time you face a challenge know this ….. God has never been closer than He is right now! He won’t abandon you! He is taking you through to take you somewhere!

Sues Views

As I was writing in my journal this morning ….. I decided to take a look at this time last year. We were in lockdown ….. lots of anxiety ….. unable to see our family. It almost seems like a blur now! But reading about it helps me realise how far I’ve come ….. and it’s a reminder of what God has brought me through. Some days ….. it seems there’s hardly anything to write about. The same old routine ….. what we had for dinner etc. But reading a year later ….. it stirs memories and emotions I’d completely forgotten about. Did you know God keeps a journal a out you as well?

In Psalm 139:16 it says:

“You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!”

Sue’s Views

Another faithful servant of the Lord has gone home! As very young Christians ….. Frank and I read the book God’s Smuggler. It’s the story of how this man ….. known as Brother Andrew ….. smuggled Bibles into Communist countries. He would roll up to the border with a boot full of Bibles and pray, ‘Lord, I know You can make blind eyes see ….. but I ask you now to make seeing eyes blind!’ The guards would open the boot and rummage through without seeing the Bibles! Through his faith and dedication ….. thousands were able to own and read the Word of God! They valued it so much that they would rip out pages to share with others! It inspired us to get involved with the Open Doors Ministry. I’m sure there will be multitudes in Heaven who will welcome him and say, ‘I’m here because of you!’ Well done, good and faithful servant!

Sue’s Views

I had a great time with these guys last night! Lots of activity ….. creativity ….. cuteness ….. and laughter. Of course there were a few squabbles as well! During our prayer time before bed ….. I asked them ‘What does Jesus say about how we should treat other people?’ They all shared their answers ….. ‘be kind’ ….. ‘be loving’ ….. ‘be helpful’ etc. Then I asked them ‘Have you said or done anything today that Jesus wouldn’t be happy about?’ That lead us (yes me included!) into a prayer time of confession ….. repentance ….. and forgiveness! It really is that simple! Imagine if everyone in the world was to ask that question and followed through on what they hear. All God requires is that we acknowledge what we’ve done ….. confess it ….. ask for forgiveness ….. and do a u turn! Even a child can understand that!

Sue’s Views

I remember my parents ….. as they approached their 80s ….. saying ‘ We don’t feel like we belong in this world anymore!’ This is a couple who lived through WWII and the Great Depression ….. and yet they felt like strangers in a world of increasing technology and declining morality.

We can all feel like that at times. As though the world has turned upside down and is unrecognisable. But you may be the only one that is the right way up in someone else’s ‘upside down’ world! Don’t lose heart ….. and don’t feel like you have to change to suit what feels like the majority. This world needs people who are founded and rooted in truth. Who have stood firm through the challenges life brings. Hold fast to what you know to be true without wavering!

Sue’s Views 

Today has been declared a public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II in NZ. Her ledger stone is very simple ….. with just her name and the names of her parents and husband. Just one week since her funeral ….. for most people ….. life goes on. The fact is ….. our time here on earth is short. Once we are gone ….. life will go on. It’s how we live the time allotted to us that counts. It’s not about how famous ….. wealthy ….. or charismatic we are. It’s about the investment we make into the lives of others. Queen Elizabeth knew that she couldn’t take her jewels ….. palaces ….. or gowns with her. But she has swapped her crown for the crown of life which will last for all eternity! 

“But we must each be careful how we build, because Christ is the only foundation. Whatever we build on this foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw.” 1 Cor 3:10-13