As we enter into this New Year it is very easy to start formulating plans to help bring about God’s kingdom. However we will never be able to succeed at this because the Kingdom of God – His role and reign – is not something we can create.
Instead it is that which we are called to demonstrate in our lives and in the life of the church and community, even though we cannot bring it about in our own strength. Yet nor do we have to.
Psalm 23 – He guides me in paths of righteousness.
I remember reading a newspaper article about a young man who collapsed at a disco. On examining the man, a medic found him to be wearing fifteen T-shirts, which had caused him to overheat. The young man had put on layers and layers of clothing to achieve look that made him feel better about himself. Ultimately it was this thinking that brought about his suffering, and embarrassment.
Swim while you’re Winning
A 61-year-old woman has set off on a 103 mile swim from Cuba to Florida in shark-infested waters.
US swimmer Diana Nyad is hopeful to claim a world record more than 30 years after her first attempt was compromised by dangerously heavy waves.
Though the same swim was completed by Australian Susan Maroney in May 1997, Nyad will attempt the swim without a shark cage.
Before setting off, she said: “I’m standing here in the prime of my life. Now I look out at dead, flat calm waters, so I think this is my day.”
Imagine seeing two people working in the grounds of a large Mansion. At a distance they both look the same, but internally – where Jesus reveals life is lived first and foremost (Matt 5:28) – there is a massive difference. In many ways they may be alike, yet there is one little difference that makes a very big difference: attitude.
One of the workers appreciates having a job in a day and age when there are not many jobs available. He’s thankful for what he gets, no matter how hard he works. The other worker is not like this. He always moans about work, goes on about how bored he is, and constantly complains about rich people who live in mansions. Which of the two is really free?