Faith: How We See

Seeing With the Eyes of Our Heart
 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

This is likely the best known Bible verse describing faith; the different English translations use different words in their effort to be true to the original Greek New Testament. I like the NIV because of its clarity, and also the Amplified because it speaks, then speaks again.
 
In essence, faith can be said to be our ability to truly believe. When a person has faith we say he or she believes.
 
"While all believers exercise faith to some extent, the 'gift of faith', (1 Corinthians 12:9a) is distinct: it is a special empowerment by the Holy Spirit enabling a person to believe that God will act, often in extraordinary ways" (Biblehub.com).
 
Some say that Peter spoke from a "gift of faith" (Acts 3:6) when he told the lame man to "get up and walk"; certainly, we see that a miracle occurred.

 
In my Christian walk I have been hugely blessed with experiences and testimonies. I have seen faith in action, both from my own prayer, and from others'.
 
Trish and I were present when a man was restored to life after he had a heart attack during a Christian conference in our state capital. A doctor, present with us, told us that the man had died. Our conference leader declared how wrong it was that a life should be taken as we were together worshipping our God of all Creation, praying, singing and learning. When we prayed together, the man came back to life. We were thrilled to see God's hand working amongst us.
 
Was this an instance of our combined faith bringing a miracle? Or, was it a "gift of faith" to our conference teacher (or an unknown "other") for the man's life? I do not know. (Neither do I know how to distinguish between Christian’s saving faith and Holy Spirit gifts of faith). Or, did God arrange this as a present-day demonstration of His love, power and might (John 9:3), for us who were asking God by faith (John 14:14; 1 John 5:14)?
 

Jesus' Purposes

Praise Jesus that He leads us to pray as He wills, for His purposes. Faith is complicated, it seems to me. We can "know" faith from time to time, but I find it difficult to understand and explain - another of God's mysteries. God’s fullness is found in Jesus, and through Him, in us. Many times our theology teacher assured us: "the answer to every question is 'Jesus'".

"To the Lord's people, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
 
"And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. [Jesus] is the head over every power and authority" (Colossians 2:10).
 
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3). By faith we see our God working this out in our lives
 
My prayer: "Dear Jesus, I pray that what you and I are writing here is clear to others and helps them in their walk of faith with you. Amen"
 
Faith is about belief, our faith shows our ability to believe, it is about what we "know" in our inner person to be true, then we "see" in our heart and in our spirit, and therefore, in our worldview.

 
"We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
 
We grow trust: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8)
 

Heart Truths

My heart truths have their foundation in what I know to be true. I can trust our God whom I know as my Savior and Lord Jesus (John 1:16; Colossians 1:16-17) because of what I have seen and learned of Him and of His Creation in which I rejoice every day (1 John 1:1-3).
 
Jesus is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). When we are with a brother or sister, or spouse, or dear friend, we tend to communicate more-or-less continuously. It is no different with Jesus and us. Intimacy and friendship with Jesus (John 15:15) are part of our salvation and our "full life" (John 10:10) in Him under the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Relationships like this grow trust, and from that, faith.
 
(Intimacy with Jesus - see PsalmsOfJohn.com post "Greatest Gift" 

• Permalink https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/05/t-01-greatest-gift.html
• Podcast link https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vKKkxPKv0you75hmF6zj4 )
 

At Bible college we encountered lots of new words, including "extant" which means "existing or remaining" (Oxford Dictionary). I know God to be eternally "extant". He calls Himself "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).
 

Foundation

For me, this is the very foundation of faith. This God who is there is eternal and without measure, nothing is beyond Him. My Bible College studies included "systematic theology" with lots of big words which, all together, try to describe the love and vastness and kindness and completeness and complexity of our God. Our teachers showed us that even all the big words were insufficient; the concepts are outside our human experience:

Infinite (without any limit). Immutable (never changing). Omnipotent (all powerful). Omniscient (all-knowing). Omnipresent (always everywhere).
Also: loving, wise, creative, faithful, glorious and more.
 
God's bigness is a mystery (Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:12) we will only grasp when we go and live with Jesus in Heaven (John 14:2).
 
When I think about faith I ponder the Creation and God's attributes. I completely believe the Bible account of those first seven days, and also the biblical history of all humankind. My eyes can see the work of God's hands, my mind assures me that the world and all life must have been made by an all powerful, loving, purposeful, pre-existing intelligence. It all makes sense.
 
Jesus was all the light that was needed for the first three days (Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:10) - and will be all the light for the new heaven and new earth He will create after this one is "rolled up like an old garment" (Isaiah 51:6; Revelation 21:1).
 
Then, on the fourth day, God created the galaxies, the constellations (Job 9:9), the billions of stars (Isaiah 45:12); He reached out His hand and placed each one where He wanted it (Psalm 8:3), and gave them all names (Psalm 147:4) Then He created our sun and moon, so that they would be there for us (Genesis 1:14-17).
 
Big. Creative. Capable. Forward thinking. Love in action. God made the Creation so we would have a glorious place to live, then He made us. (I'm writing this at a favourite camp-site by the sea in our South-west, I am "close to nature" here, so lovely - with every breath I know that I am in God's Creation).
 
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). I hear His declaration and His proclamation; I know that our God knows all things and can do all things, I can trust Him.
 

God Is Saying And Doing

Because we see and acknowledge what God has done in the past, our spiritual eyes are able to see and our ears are able to hear what God is saying and doing now; we can have "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 ESV), the "evidence" (KJV) of a certain faith.
 
Jesus asks us to be available (Matthew 16:24). When I was still a "young" Christian we were in a fellowship where one person could begin singing a song and the whole congregation would join in and sing it through - sometimes I would start "Here am I, Send me!" (a hymn from Isaiah 6:8 and Luke 1:38). I was available to Jesus' prompting in my heart, at the same time, obedient (Matthew 7:21) to the passion He had given me. The entire congregation happily joined in; as one in the Spirit.
 
Our obedience comes from Jesus' call: "follow me" (Matthew 4:19; John 21:22). God's great plan includes us, each one: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). (See also Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15).
 
Jesus acknowledges our works: "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first" (Revelation 2:19). Our hearts can know our Lord's approval. Our faith grows.
 
Seeing With Our Awakened Spirit
 
The new thing I've found in Hebrews 11:1 is "see". The writer is talking about us not seeing. But, truly, faith is seeing - seeing in our spirit what we "do not see" with our physical self.
 
Jesus said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand'" (Luke 8:10).
 
Our spirit "wakes up" when Jesus takes hold of us, and makes us "born again" (1 Peter 1:23), and "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We begin to learn to "see" spiritual things (Ephesians 1:18-19).
 
For me, the mystery is: how do I discern God's plans at any time? How do I align with His will? How do I bring my faith into line with God's moving, here and now?

By faith - this is what our Bible is telling us - "Jesus said, 'only believe'" (Mark 5:36). I have known teaching along these lines, it is clear and fully supported in our Bible. But I am able only sometimes to "believe". I struggle, perhaps that is why Jesus has had me pondering "faith". It is good to remember Mark 9:24: "help my unbelief!"
 
It seems to me that we almost never talk in terms of things being spiritual. We mostly talk and behave as though our "reality" is the physical world around us, our health, work, intellectual and physical abilities, social circle, the political situation in our country, what is in the news or on social media. You know, what we all see and experience of life.
 
Truth is, the highest part of us is our spirit; the spiritual is greater than our body, our soul and our mind, always. God is Spirit (John 4:24); He spoke and His Word created the Universe, our world and all life.

Pray - Read Your Bible
 
So many times I have sought God's help in prayer. I look to my faith so that I can stand on the promises of God and can see the truth of His Word, Jesus. Reading my Bible always helps, it affirms that we are God's people. Jesus is always with us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5), and always for us (Romans 8:28). There are so many accounts of Him saving, rescuing, healing and setting free when people are in need (Psalm 107:1-2).
 

When my heart's desire for a person or situation is not met, when my faith seems to be insufficient, Jesus does give me peace when I pray. I love to pray with Trish; we will spend time together, some of it praising our Lord, some in silent prayer, some in conversational prayer and some pouring out our hearts.

We have carried some prayer burdens for years; we continue in faith; we "persevere" (Hebrews 10:36). Always we find a deep sense of shalom; "the kingdom of God has come near" (Mark 1:15).

A miracle is a "supernatural" event, meaning "something greater than natural laws would allow", it will have a spiritual source. I have seen hundreds of miracles; that I am alive today is the result of miracles - praise Jesus. All those miracles were stronger than accident or disease or death.
 
God has a plan, we read about it from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. "God is spirit" (John 4:24); by His Spirit He is ultimately over everything that is, and everything that happens, the precious, the beautiful, even the ugly and hurtful things which come as a result of sin (2 Chronicles 7:13).
 
Paul's words: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know [1] the hope to which he has called you, [2] the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and [3] his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19). Father God wants us to see who we are in Jesus by His Spirit.
 
When faced with a problem, we men, (I believe this is a very "man" thing), jump right in to find solutions; logic demands and our flesh cries out "show me, I can help". But by Holy Spirit and our spirit, we can see deeper. Then we will have the "assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 WEB). When we seek the will of God, we align our self with Him - we look to see what He sees, His reality.
 
Gifts to Help People
 
Jesus gives us spiritual gifts to help people: "gifts of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:1-13). These enable us to do more than ever we could by our self with our own strength, thoughts, skills and resources.
 
Jesus told His disciples what to expect: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
 
John Baptist foretold this blessing in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7-8, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33. Baptism in Holy Spirit is for all Christians and enables us to do what is explained in Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". This is true today, we are "God's handiwork", just as were young Timothy and John Mark in Bible times.
 
My testimony is that spiritual gifts are widespread in Jesus' church today. Trish and I have been blessed by Jesus' spiritual gifts for decades; some givings are long-lasting and others especially for a person or event.
 
The spiritual gifts I see most often are gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and discerning of spirits.
 
Gifts of "speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10) are also widespread. Some people feel uncomfortable with this. I have heard people say that the Christian is losing control. "Tongues" are "spiritual languages". My experience and observation is the opposite of loss and confusion; we are able to pray and sing in harmony with our Lord Jesus and the heavenly host. For myself, this gift helps me to "fix my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2); later I will be aware that things I have been pondering are now clearer; my spiritual conversation in "tongues" will bear much fruit. Please consider this: Would Jesus, in His Word, tell us to seek something which is not of Himself?
 
"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).
 

Seeing Through God's Prophetic Word
 
My testimony is that Jesus often gives me a prophetic understanding, (also Trish and others we know). He speaks and I will be able to see something, a Bible phrase, an idea or thought or picture, at other times Jesus will instruct me, simply and clearly in my mind. Sometimes Jesus’ word will be for another; Trish and I have been truly blessed to hear God’s thoughts toward us expressed by a Christian brother or sister.
 
We can be ready for Jesus to give a practical "word" or spiritual "glimpse" of what He is doing or planning to do. This will be His doing; Jesus is "truth" (John 1:17, 14:6, 18:37); He will always reveal truth. We can ask Holy Spirit to help us; He always reveals Jesus (Psalm 19:1; Daniel 2:28; Amos 3:7; Amos 4:13; John 14:17).
 
I have vivid dreams. Sometimes Trish will interpret them; they are clearly Jesus speaking by His Holy Spirit. Her interpretations enrich our life together; they are "seen" by her spirit.
 
After I began work on this piece I awoke one morning and Jesus told me: "Get your hot drink John, pray, then review what we have written. After that, focus on your taxes", (our tax returns were due the next week); Jesus wanted me to work to his priorities. My testimony is that Jesus leads and encourages in all the work of PsalmsOfJohn. Last night I awoke briefly and "saw" a sentence which truly completed a paragraph I had written the previous day.
 
Many times I have been interrupted with His conversation about family and household things, always with love, I know He is smiling as He speaks, He is always gentle, I know I am safe with Him. This grows my faith. Because Jesus is a man and human, just as I am, I can easily relate to Him. I know He is God. I find this very encouraging. Old Testament people like Abraham and Elijah heard Him as a distant and un-seeable Lord.
 
For me, words of knowledge are less frequent; I will be praying and "know" to pray in a certain way, with a particular emphasis. After my prayer I'll experience a deep satisfaction; there will be an answer to that prayer: "the substance of things hoped for" (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
 
"Yet Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:20-21).
 
Every day I "press on" with what I know to do, with my life and work (Philippians 3:12). Mostly we do not need constant guidance because we have been taught and trained (Hebrews 12:11), other times Jesus' leading is minute-by-minute.
 
A week or two ago I was walking for exercise in our community pool, two women shared my lane. I heard one say "This problem is so big, I'm glad that I can talk every night to God about it. I know that we can't know if God is real but I certainly feel better".
 
I apologised for overhearing and asked if I could say something; my spirit believed that Jesus wanted me to speak. I shared the truth that we can know that God is real and that He is approachable in Jesus, the same Jesus who is the centre of Christmas, the One who came to set us free and Who is always ready to help people who look to him. The woman was thrilled and thanked me, grinning, understanding, relieved. Her friend was amazed, her expression said "Really? I did not know". Our God is the God who reveals Himself (Psalm 19:1; Daniel 2:28; Amos 3:7; John 14:17). Our lovely Jesus brings comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and help (Matthew 11:28). "He is not far from any one of us" (Acts 17:27).
 
I spoke what I know by faith to be true; I am shy and often stumble over words, but at these times I and am so grateful when Holy Spirit gives me words and puts them into clear sentences. Those words were for the two women. Jesus wanted the praying woman to know that her prayers are being heard in love.  Holy Spirit gave me what Jesus wanted them to hear. Holy Spirit always reveals Jesus (John 15:26; 1 John 4:2).
 

Eyes to See – The Prophetic in Scripture
 
The word "prophesy" describes our being able to hear God's voice, and then to share His thoughts with others, (regardless if it is Father God speaking, or Jesus the Son, Saviour and Lord, or Holy Spirit, our teacher, counselor, comforter and guide).
 
Jesus spoke about "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" (Mark 8:18). In 1st Corinthians 14 Paul tells us about God's prophetic gifting; he says "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy .. the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort ... the one who prophesies edifies the church ... I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1,3,5).
 
Trish and I were blessed to meet a couple who were led to start a school of Christian prophecy, (Holy Spirit's prophetic gifting). Wonderful. At first I found it scary, but soon saw that throughout the Bible, God speaks to people all the time. Then I truly wanted to learn.

 
(The phrase: "the word of the Lord came" is more than 100 times in the Old Testament).
 
"Behold", we are in the family of God, God's children (1 John 3:1), we are able to call our Father "Abba", just as Jesus does; that intimate Hebrew name for a loving father one fully trusts, (Romans 8:15). It is natural that our Father wants to talk to us and guide us.
 
When Jesus told His disciples that they were His friends, He was teaching all of us, all His disciples through all time (John 15:12-17). The Bible is alive, it is Jesus, the living Word of God (John 1:1), in written form. This truth is for us, each one. As Jesus' "friends" (John 15:15) we can expect to communicate freely, just as we do with our family and friends in the world.
 
Like many aspects of Christian life, some find the idea of us receiving, and being empowered by ministry gifts from Holy Spirit easier to accept than others.
 
(Some believe that the giving of spiritual gifts ended when the Holy Bible was completed. Perhaps you have been taught this? I ask that you examine this teaching in the light of what you know of our God, and what you see in your Bible study. I see nothing in Scripture to support this belief, and so much which tells us that Jesus' ministry work in the world is still needed, and we are being equipped and led to participate and continue with Him as He leads us and empowers us by His Holy Spirit from His place in Heaven, and that this will continue until Jesus returns. Hallelujah).
 
My testimony is that I often talk with Jesus and gladly receive His gifts. Others say that they communicate with Holy Spirit. (I believe that such distinction is unimportant and comes from our individual growing knowledge of who God is, and our self in relation to Him, Father, Son and Spirit). At Bible College we learned that where our Father is, there are Jesus and Holy Spirit too, and what Jesus is doing, Father God and Holy Spirit are also doing - the Holy Trinity is always united in all things).
 
I see that many Christian people are conforming into their "born again-ness" (Galatians 5:22-23) and showing more fruit from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), particularly in their ability to hear what God is saying through Jesus and by His Spirit (Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13). This can be called "hearing God's prophetic voice" and, Scripture tells us, is a normal part of the life Jesus wants for us. This is good, it helps us, individually and as the body of Christ, to "stand" (Ephesians 6:11,13,14) and to "do" (James 1:22) "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves".
 
Some years ago when I was a struggling Christian, Jesus gave me a series of visions to show me how sure and "faith filled" He was of how He was growing me. I wrote about it and called the piece "Jesus’ Faith in Me", It seems to me that today I am saying much the same thing with different words:

• Permalink to web page
https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/06/jesus-faith-in-me.html
"Jesus’ Faith in Me" is now a podcast on Spotify under PsalmsOfJohn
• Public link to podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6o9LlqVi6RRzfNtaok0EM5
 

Some Conclusions
 
Jesus is our source: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Let us stay close to Him.

I have come to believe that we can grow our faith only by drawing near to Jesus (Matthew 11:28). He has given us so much teaching on how to grow as Christians, in "devotion" (Matthew 22:37; 1Co 7:35), in "following Him" (John 21:22), in "humility" (Luke 18:14) and "service" (John 12:26), in "caring" (Matthew 10:8), in "generosity" (Luke 12:22-32) and one-anothering "one another" (Romans 12:10).

As we grow in Jesus, so we will grow in "seeing God" (Ephesians 1:17) in all His love, beauty, foresight, justice, wisdom and power. We will also learn to see and hear God, what He is doing and what He is saying. Thus our faith also grows.

We cannot make miracles happen, but it is the glorious grace of God that we can participate with Jesus as He works our Father's will in this very troubled world. Many testimonies show that our Father God often waits until we pray prayers of faith before He implements what He has already planned. So pray often (Ephesians 6:18). We do see miracles. Hallelujah!

I know that I have faith. Jesus leads me, He asks me to participate with Him in His work, and I love to do this. How does my faith compare with that of Abraham, Elijah or Elisha or George Muller or John Lake? There is no comparing - I am uniquely me. You are uniquely you. This is one of the blessings of being human, and especially of being Christian; we are each hand-made by God, intentionally for His purposes and His glory.

I am not perfect in my seeing, my availability or my obedience, but I know that my Lord Jesus loves me completely and is happy with my growing towards "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). This is good!

"Our God who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). I am so grateful.

And grateful too, that Jesus "helps me with my unbelief" (Mark 9:24), and, praise His name, He has enough faith for both of us (Mark 11:22)

God's is the power,
Ours is the prayer,
Without Him we can not,
Without us He will not.
(Quoted by Stuart Robinson in "Prayer Power").
 
And I remember - the answer is always "Jesus".

Amen.

I love to quietly sing this lovely old song:

"I Know Whom I Have Believed"

by Daniel Whittle, 1883 - From 2 Timothy 1:12 and Jude 1:24:

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
 
Refrain:
But "I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day".
 
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
 
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
 
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
 
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
  
"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]" (Hebrews 11:1 Amplified).
 
Praise Jesus. Amen.
 

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https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2025/12/faith-how-we-see.html

Witnesses

"O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!" (Psalm 105:1 - David's words). 

We are Jesus' witnesses; we walk in His footsteps. 

Whilst here on Earth, Jesus ministered, He suffered, died, rose and ascended to Heaven - He witnessed about our Father, about love, and about the Kingdom of God. He taught, He loved, He performed miracles. He said: "follow me".
 
At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gave us "The Great Commission", which is well known among Christians.
 
commission: (noun) the act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a task or duty; the authority so granted; the matter or task so authorized. (American Heritage Dictionary).
 
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20 - Jesus words).
 
Today we are Jesus followers, this commission is for us, each one, and for all Christians everywhere. I find this to be daunting but am encouraged by Paul’s words: "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11). The broad scope of the Commission does not mean that I must be an evangelist and a missionary. Rather, I discern (after all my years following Jesus), that my rôle is to help to disciple Christians (of all spiritual ages), sharing and teaching something of the beauty, love and strength of the Lord which He has shown to me.
 
(Though sometimes Jesus does enable me as an evangelist, He prompts me for a particular person; we call this a "divine encounter").
 
I am a "what? why? where? when? how?" kind of person, a seeker after truth. It is natural for me to want to share what I have learned, and to help others to grow where I have struggled.
 
Testimony was, and is, a big help and a significant feature of my Christian walk. (Testimony is the active witness of what people have seen and heard). It was the testimony of excited Christians that carried me beyond simply knowing that "God is". Here He was, alive and vibrant, this Jesus, who I did not know, vitally active in lives near me.
 
In time, Trish and I also became "excited Christians". We too came to know Jesus and to know His love and His power (1 Corinthians 2:4). Now I find that, even in my small world, there are times where my telling about Jesus' miraculous, compassionate and loving work in me, or someone near me, has had a profound effect on others. 

Witnesses of His Majesty
 
While our children were still at school I had a long time unemployed and looking for work. It was a desperate time; I learned that a man who could not support his family lost something of his "man-ness", his sense of worth and of hope. We struggled financially. We learned what it is to be poor in an affluent society. All my training, skills and great work experiences seemed worthless. A desperate time.
 
(We now know that Jesus was always with us, He brought blessings as He invariably does. We never missed a meal or had a bill reach the "debt collector" stage. But during that season our family learned to stick together and to manage, even thrive, with what we had. We are still very close and know how to love and care for one another, a great blessing).
 
Then one morning, while Trish and I were having our quiet time with Jesus, I heard "Bible college" very clearly. I looked at Trish, she had not heard these words, maybe I was mistaken. "Father", I whispered, "I want a good job, what would I do at Bible college?" In my heart I was hoping He had made a mistake, why send me when so many people I knew would really make something of the opportunity? When I shared God's words with Trish she immediately became enthusiastic: "please don't be excited Trish", I said, "I have no desire to go, what I want is a job".
 
We agreed that we would research and see where that led. We reached a short-list of three colleges and went for interviews. One school stood out. Their motto was from 2 Peter 1:16: "Witnesses of His Majesty".
 
It was clear that I was not suited for "Ministry", "Mission", "Counseling", "Youth Ministry" or "Music". That left "Theology", (the study and understanding of God). I had done some teaching as a computer person, theology people tend to teach, so this sounded "possibly ok" to me.
 
Once I was enrolled, it became my desire that "the glorious Father, may give [me] the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that [I] may know him better" (Ephesians 1:17).
 
I now have a bachelor degree in Theology. Absolutely the correct choice, thank you Father! I discovered Jesus afresh, got to know my Abba Father and, like Jesus, my sonship (Matthew 17:5; John 17:22). I learned about God's faithfulness, (Church History 1), and something of how we humans function (Counseling 1 & 2), the whole-ness of the Scriptures (Old Testament, Exegesis, New Testament, Ministry of Holy Spirit). We learned to lead "Devotions", and so much more. I began to lose my anger and my fear. But mostly I grew in Jesus. My theology teacher and I became dear friends and deeply respect one another. Hallelujah!
 
I still remember the College motto: "Witnesses of His Majesty" and believe that this is the essence of what I learned (grew in?) there; to be so centred on Jesus that He has become a key part of me, and all my thinking and life and work. I love testimony, both hearing of others' experience of God's grace and miracle power, and being able to share my own testimonies. "Witnesses of His Majesty". Those years saw me "mushroom" in understanding, after years with seemingly little fruit.
 
I learned to see Jesus as the centre of everything (Colossians 1:16); this is how Father God sees Him; (so I am in good company). God became more personal to me, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; intimately, rather than as an idea I agreed with (so, not simply propositional). The truth of "in Jesus, in Father, in me" became rooted and still fills my life and my worldview, (see Note 1).
 
These truths are the essence of the New covenant. Under the Old Covenant, God chose Israel as His own special possession (Deuteronomy 7:6) but was still over-arching. People visited God at alters, and in His Temple at specially appointed times; only the priests got anywhere near Him. The written Law was rigid and overseen by the priests, scholars and other "special" people. The priests would deal with people's sins once a year; the people had to come to the temple and make the correct sacrifice.
 
Now, under the New Covenant, our sins are permanently covered, God "takes our sins away" (John 1:29) and will "remember them no more" (Hebrews 8:12, 10:16-17). The only sacrifice needed has been made, we need only to repent from our heart; Jesus shed His blood and gave His life to pay for our meanness, wrongdoing and sins, and fully redeem us (Luke 1:68; John 3:16).
 
Now we Christians are "the temple of the living God" (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16). This is spiritual; our spirit and God's Holy Spirit are bonded together inside of us, every Christian; a mystery and a miracle. This can only be possible because Jesus has given us "His righteousness" (Micah 7:9; Romans 5:17), we are now "clothed with Christ" (Galatians 3:27).
 
God takes our history, no matter how broken or messy this may seem to us. He loves us and finds each one of us so beautiful that our Father in Heaven is preparing us to be His Son's bride, "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27).
 
Jesus' "Great Commission" is often a subject in our prayer meetings. We intercessors know that our availability and obedience to Jesus' calling is an important part of our "new life" in Him (Acts 5:20). But I am shy, not a mixer or networker, and am slow to make friends. Talking to strangers is scary for me, I often stumble over my words.
 
But I do love to disciple and to share about Jesus. I am so blessed with the Christian teaching, training and ministry I have received; many lovely, and loving, people have been patient with me, longsuffering even (Exodus 34:6). Their work has been rewarded in my spiritual growth (Colossians 1:9-10).
 
As I was reading my Bible, I saw many "witness" and "witnesses" verses. "Ah", I thought, "this word is my link, my connection, to Jesus' "Great Commission", I am truly a witness of Him, from my heart".
 
"Witness" is a word with an exact meaning: a witness tells what he or she has seen or heard, neither more nor less. Being a witness is serious. In a court of law, witnesses are sworn to tell "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth" so that justice may be served, to lie is a crime.
 
I love truth (John 1:14). I love to find out how things work, how they "are" in their essence. Perhaps this is why I love Christian testimony, people are so clear as they share what they have seen, heard or experienced as the Kingdom of God has come near to them (Matthew 4:17; Luke 10:9). I love too how the hearers are affected; they recognise that the testimony is true, for some this is the beginning of their "knowing" Jesus, His "salvation" (Luke 8:10), and his "life" (John 10:10). They can see that blessing and life can come to anyone through Jesus, the source and giver of life (1 Corinthians 8:6) and "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). 

Bible Witness Heroes
 
Throughout history our God has treasured His witnesses. Here are some of my heroes:
 
Abram/Abraham - I first met this great man of God when I was a new Christian, a friend gave me a book about him and he quickly became a hero to me. Abraham heard God speak to him and obeyed. He left his home and headed out to "a place I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). This would have been extraordinary, at that time, for a man in his social "landed" position.
 
Abraham's obedience was not perfect, his journey was long and his reward difficult to see, but his faith was steadfast. I find this so very encouraging, I well know that my obedience has not been perfect and my walk halting and slow. I too find our lovely God faithful in the progress of my life and in my troubles, and this causes my faith to grow.
 
God "appeared" to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-2); we learn from Scripture that he encountered the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ (John 8:56). Abraham rejoiced at his understanding that God's Saviour would come to all humankind. (We see the same eternal Jesus in John 1:1).
 
Abraham’s story witnesses to us today as it has throughout history: Jesus is real, He is the God of Heaven and Earth (Colossians 2:9) "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form .. He is the head over every power and authority". Jesus was and is and eternally will be.
 
Moses is another hero. He lived a small life and had simple communication skills, then God spoke to him: "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:12). Moses obeyed, he did speak, he helped our God change the world. Through the Bible and so many Bible stories Moses witnesses to us still.
 
Mary was unwavering in her love and devotion to both our Father in Heaven and to her Son, Jesus. Mary's prayer, known as "The Magnificat" (Luke 1:46-55), speaks to this and is known far beyond Christian circles. She endured humiliation by being unmarried while expecting her baby, and then knew devastation at Jesus' unjust condemnation and crucifixion. Another heroic witness.
 
New Testament - We also remember Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, then Paul, James, Peter, Jude and the author of Hebrews, whose witness fills the New Testament. 

And the hundreds of millions of Christians, not so different from you and me, who have shared about our lovely Lord Jesus, our faith, the Kingdom of God, and hope, love, forgiveness, healing, peace, and belonging, and who share the glory of our Father and His Saviour Son, Jesus Christ.
 
Heroes, yet simply servants; witnesses of His Majesty.
 
Praise Jesus for his ceaseless work among us all. Amen.
 
Note 1 - "In Jesus", "In Father" and "In Me" Bible References:

"On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me, and I am in you" (John 14:20).

See also: John 10:38, 14:17, 15:4, 17:21, 17:23-26; Romans 6:23, 8:1, 8:39, 12:5; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:6,10, 2:22; Colossians 1:27, 3:3, 3:16-19 and more ...

Also see post "In"

• Permalink to web page 

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Or the "In" podcast on Spotify under PsalmsOfJohn

• Public link to podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tW22vU4Xr3BvXFIvMr1dQ

Favourite "Witnesses" Bible Verses

 
"I have revealed and saved and proclaimed - I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses' declares the Lord, 'that I am God'" (Isaiah 43:12).
 
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).
 
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms" (Peter 4:10)
 
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9)
 
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
 
Amen.

•  Permalink to "Witnesses" web page:

https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2025/05/witnesses.html 

"Witnesses" is now a podcast in Spotify under PsalmsOfJohn

• Public link to "Witnesses" podcast

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Praise Jesus.

Joseph and Mary

Christians delight to remember how the God of all Creation came to Earth and lived among us, He was given the name "Jesus" and grew up in a family just like us. One of His names is Emmanuel; this means "God with us". It is so lovely that, at Christmas time, we celebrate Jesus' birth; I have great memories from childhood until now.

 
This last December, during her quiet time, Trish spoke to me: "How hard it must have been for Joseph and Mary", she said, "they had to face one hugely impossible event after another, yet they pressed on, they believed God, and they knew that there was no need for fear". Trish is my wife, life companion and mother of our children.
 
In the weeks since then I have been pondering Joseph's and Mary's adventures from that time, and marveling in my heart.
 
Jesus' birth story is told in two of the four Bible Gospels, Matthew and Luke, each one with its own emphasis. As I read and re-read the accounts I am surprised at the focus on God's presence, again and again, as events unfolded.
 
Ancient prophecies came to their fulfillment. God spoke to many different people through dreams and through angels. Holy Spirit was present to them and impacted their lives, first in Zechariah and Elizabeth, (by miraculously giving them a baby late in her life), and then by "overshadowing" Mary in what will have been a sudden and shocking way.
 
I am amazed that in every case, the people responded so gracefully. Zechariah seems to have accepted that God would make him speechless because of his unbelief. Mary "knew" in her heart that she was "highly favoured" by God Himself that she would bear His Son, the promised Messiah for all of Israel. We can understand Joseph’s sense of betrayal at Mary’s pregnancy, then how beautiful was his acceptance and agreement when the angel spoke to him. Such unexpected upheavals of lives, yet the people found peace in their hearts, such extraordinary faith!
 
This profound God activity was after a period we know as "the 400 years of silence" when God said nothing, prophesied nothing, and was not present to Israel for about fifteen generations; they knew themselves to be God's chosen people yet He had left them to themselves since the time of Malachi.
 

Then Caesar declared a census. This meant that Joseph would have to take his new family to Bethlehem to be counted. Joseph was a carpenter, a low income person, such a journey would have been hard financially, and the timing could not have been worse because Mary was well along in her pregnancy. They found no accommodation in Bethlehem except a stall in a barn with the cows, chickens, dogs and donkeys! Then Mary gave birth there. Imagine, Mary's first baby (who God had said would be King and Saviour to His people) being born like this, we do not even know if any family were there to help.
 
Yet the peace of God was with the young couple and with everyone involved.
 
Near by, some shepherds were "overjoyed" to see Jesus’ special star in the sky and to hear the angel tell them of His birth; the Bible accounts suggest to me that the shepherds were expectant and I ask: How? Why at that time? And why did God use lowly shepherds, another of the "ordinary" people He chose, (and not the priestly people or Jewish or Roman leaders)? The three Magi too were miraculously told about the birth and were thrilled to be involved; they were foreigners, not Israelites whose King had been born, foreigners. Then Joseph was told to escape with his wife and baby to Egypt; not a favoured destination for Jewish people in those days, but they went.
 
We see  radical yet willing obedience. To me it as an example of God's people pressing on with life because they know that they are inside God's will for them.
 
Joseph and Mary experienced one shock after another after another. God was always clearly present, He was the key factor in all of this. God Himself was working out His plan, a plan He had had in mind since before time began. This is what I find so thrilling about these Bible events with so many (mostly) very ordinary people.
 
In recent years and throughout the world we are all seeing frightening / negative / shocking changes and events involving all of us. Yet we know from Scripture, and so many testimonies, that Jesus is with us, even as He was with Joseph and Mary so long ago.
 
Praise Jesus that His work never ceases: "Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working until now, and I am working'" (John 5:17).
 
These Bible accounts are all about people, about relationships and how God reveals Himself and brings our lives into His great eternal plan. I treasure my time with my Bible as I see how we can relate in our lives and relationships today.  
 

More Than A Lifestyle
Christianity is more than a lifestyle, it encompasses all of life. Jesus gives us new life and comes to us as our Lord and Saviour .. I see that both "Lord" and "Saviour" are very big words.
 
I now see things with new eyes and new heart:
 
Love is an essential for a full life. My testimony is that I knew love from when I was a boy, and more so when I met and married Trish, then again when Jesus came to me, and again with my being able to call Father God Abba. My knowing of love grew and grows still. It adds to all my earthly relationships and how I see life.
 
When we have love we need little else. At this campground by the sea where I am writing, there are two families tenting, they have three generations there and perhaps eight little children, one just a few months old. The families are close, all the grownups love all the children. Anyone can see that the children are free and safe; they know they are always loved and cared for. The children may tumble and hurt them-self, but this doesn't matter, they are immediately cuddled and reassured, the love surrounding them is unconditional. Camping is living close, in this closeness the children see the grownups love for and acceptance of one another. This is another form of assurance to them. (The seagulls love these families’ meal times, they feast off the children’s scraps!)
 
We Westerners have been taught, over the past two or three generations, to be almost entirely materialistic. Love is better. God's love for us, from Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, is endless and without limit. It flows by grace. It flows and is the mortar, the glue which cements relationships. For me, this is a treasure which came from my lovely Jesus.
 
Newness of Life – Christians are made new, we are born again. Many people live with guilt, shame, lack - they feel lost. A part of becoming Christian is that Jesus' Father becomes our Father and we are "born again" (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23) and set free from the condemnation our sins deserved (Romans 8:1-4), we come into a refreshing "newness of life" (Romans 6:4). This changes our whole perspective, our worldview. We come to identify with Jesus, rather than with the world. Re-reading Ephesians Chapter 1 and Colossians 1:1-20 reminds me of all this. I turn to these chapters often.
 
Spiritual Awareness: Trish and I became Christians during a great time of renewal. We were thrilled to see the spiritual world impacting on "our" world, our physical world where there was much trouble, sickness and pain, and where so much was transient or temporary. We saw that Christians were different, also that they would pray and people would be healed. This was Jesus' spiritual gift of healing (1 Corinthians 12:9). We saw all of Jesus’ spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) at work among us. This became clear to us. True.
 
Sometimes someone would share a word with me, or with Trish; they spoke about things they could not know in the natural, true and important things which helped us and encouraged us. This was the spiritual gift of "word of knowledge" (1 Corinthians 12:9), or of "prophecy" (1 Corinthians 14:1,3-4). These gifts do not make us a prophet, an Isaiah or a Haggai, but they do enable us to hear what God has to say for us, or for another. God loves everybody and wants to communicate and lift us up, to encourage and help us, and to show people that He loves them, each one (Psalm 139:17; Daniel 2:22; Amos 4:13).
 
"But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, 'God is really among you!'" (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
 

Joy is a fruit of God's Holy Spirit. The different fruits grow in us as we grow in Jesus. Our Western culture teaches us to seek happiness. Happiness is different from joy, it is often fleeting, it comes and goes. Joy can live in our heart even when circumstances are tough for us.
 
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
 
These fruit add to us and make us more human and more Christ-like. We become able to get along in all the busyness and troubles of life. This may explain why Christians are keen to testify to others about the lovely changes they experience as their healing and understanding grows.
 
Working with Jesus is another treasure for me. I had been a believer for years when I began to see that Jesus expects me to work with and for Him, here on the Earth. While He was here Jesus ministered with great compassion, generosity, power and grace, all coming from love. Now He is with our Father in Heaven and He wants us carry on His work in this very needy and hurting world.
 
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
 
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12).
 
"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8).
 
Prayer is a constant with Jesus, "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25 - note the present continuous tense). As I have grown in Jesus I have learned to love prayer. I am still not sure I know how to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18), but I pray many times each day and regard prayer as a vital and satisfying part of my life work, praise Jesus.
 
Prayer works. We see results, sometimes spectacular and always thrilling. Prayer is part of our Christian adventure. Payer is integral: "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding" (1 Corinthians 14:15). See also Matthew 6:9; Matthew 21:13; Luke 6:28; Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26; Romans 12:12 (and more).
 
The Way
Early Christians called their new kind of life "the Way"; they testified as to how their lives changed once they had come to Jesus. He previously said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
 
I believe that Joseph and Mary understood that this was so; they, and Zechariah, Elizabeth, Anna and Simeon had a foretaste of the new life of faith, of being available to Jesus, and being ready to be obedient. We see this in committed Christians throughout history, and we saw it first in them.
 
When I have doubts or am confused at the state of the things, I am encouraged and remember that I too am on "the Way", pressing onward with Jesus and the people He has put me amongst. I love to remember the belief and faithfulness we see in God, in His Son Jesus and the angels and in the people He chose to share in His wonderful incarnation. So also the story we read every year where Joseph and Mary shine and reflect our Lord (Matthew 5:16). Such a lovely demonstration of His love, power and grace to us, even all these generations later.
 
Praise Jesus, Amen. 
 

 

The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
 
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

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Be Ye A Doer Of The Word

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing" (James 1:23-25).

When I was a new Christian, I quickly learned that Christians grow. Now that I am older I know this still to be true. I grow, and I see those around me growing too. We grow as people, towards that perfect design for humanity which is Jesus (see Ephesians 4:13), "for in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19).

This is us being "sanctified": "And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth" (John 17:19 Jesus speaking).

A part of this life-long sanctification process is our growing and being equipped and prepared for the work Jesus has planned for us, each one, for all our tomorrows (Ephesians 2:10).

This is often a struggle.

Most of us are familiar with sometimes feeling inadequate. I certainly am. But I am happy to testify that this is one of the truly great things about Jesus; when we are at our weakest point, He comes and helps in the most profound ways. I have found this to be one of the delights of belonging to Him and is another foundation in my faith; I can trust that Jesus will show up and help because He has in the past.

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

I am also glad to know about all these people God helped: "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight" (Hebrews 11:32-34).

Prayer helps. Holy Spirit helps us to pray. There is so much going on in the world that I often feel helpless with of all the calamity, injustice and cruelty, yet when I look to Jesus I can pray. We know that Holy Spirit fills us, (Acts 13:52), and is our "comforter" and "counselor" (John 14:26 Amplified). Over the years we learn that He always reveals Jesus.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-12).

Also as a new Christian I was often frustrated that my growth was so slow. Others "got" things which I seemed totally unable to grasp. People around me were aware that they were in the flow of grace from God. John tells us that "From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" (John 1:16). This seemed not to be true for me, my perception was that Father God had a closed hand towards me. (I have since repented of this untrue belief, this stronghold, and now see the truth, that I was always in God's blessing, including before I came to know Him).

In my struggle I would go up on a lonely hill, away from everybody, then look up to the heavens and yell as loud as I could: "What do you want me to do?" I did this many times, it was hard and it seemed an age before I saw change. But by then I was like Peter (John 6:68); I knew that the world was no longer where I wanted to be, I wanted to live with Jesus (John 15), but did not know how.

Then I saw: my head knowledge of Jesus and His Kingdom was not enough, I needed to be in relationship with Him, face to face and heart to heart, to live in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Bible says we are to "abide in the vine" (John 15:4 Jesus' words). "Abide" means live or dwell. I know that I live here, in my house. I visit many other places, sometimes for a few minutes, a few hours or a few days, but I abide here. (This week I "abide" in an old rented caravan at my favourite campsite, down South by the sea! So lovely).

So it is with Jesus, I learned to abide in Jesus, He became my best friend, (Jesus is my best friend; Trish, who is still my wife, was moved into second place, she is my most beloved of people, and very close in my devotion to Jesus).

Beyond His friendship, Jesus taught me, (teaches us), His Sonship, so now I am able to call Father God "Abba" (Romans 8:15) just as Jesus did when He was here on the Earth. This is good. Relationships form the core, the value and the purpose in our lives.

Do The Word

If we are to "do" the Word of God, what are we to do? What am I to do - now - today?

Here are five thoughts from the Bible which, I think, make a good beginning:

• "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

• "Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19)

• "Worship the Lord in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)

• "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions" (Ephesians 6:18)

• "Love one another" (John 13:34 and many more!).

"Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

This verse goes on to say "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" and is part of Paul's instruction and benediction to the Thessalonian church. Fortunately being thankful is something I learned as a teenager, long before Jesus brought me to Himself.

I believe that I was born into the most blessed generation in all of history. Sure, the Twentieth Century saw lots of trouble, but trouble has always abounded in the world. I was born during WWII so my early memories are of the post-war hope and growth. All the grownups had struggled and suffered through the war years but now there was real progress, socially, relationally, and materially, in most places in the world.

I was one of the first "teenagers", that group within society who were finding their way to adulthood in an exciting world full of opportunities. We had our own money to spend and more independence, (in every way), than any generation had ever known. We felt safe in the great servant leadership of Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, and honest and true U.S. presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Australia and New Zealand had honest and true servant leaders too.

There was great hope and increasing equality and equity in the world. Fairness and freedom were seen to be increasing.

I still remember some of my New Years Eves. I would recall all the great things of the past year and could not imagine that next year could be better. I had little money but good work was plentiful and our wages were enough. University was free (provided that you kept passing your exams). I was grateful even before I met Jesus, (who has been the greatest gift to me), and before Trish who blessed me as a true wife and with six wonderful children!

Always I have known troubles, troubles are the "circumstances" Paul wrote about and which Jesus and Father God know about. But I am constantly aware of God's flow of grace towards me and mine. And I am aware of His beautiful presence with me and in the world.

So I am grateful. It is good to know that I am in line with this aspect of "God's will for my life". (I put this point first because I tend to grumble and complain when the going gets tough, so I have to get past that first).

"Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19)

My wife Trish and my marriage are great blessings to me, I say this often; they bring great joy. But not joy only, there is often disagreement, discouragement, even conflict. External things have an impact on our peace.

Many years ago an old man spoke to me as he saw me admiring a young woman: "I see that she has caught your eye John. You're thinking that you would be happy to be with her forever. Do you know that a man marries at least four different women but usually meets only the sweet happy one before the marriage. Women are often affected by those things which make them women, by their emotional and nurturing natures, their womanly cycles, their pregnancies and motherhood. Like everyone, they also respond to difficult times, to deprivation, to sickness, and when betrayed or hurt by people. And over time; we all change as we age".

I still remember this conversation and have found the old man's words to be true. Also, I, the husband, have often been distracted from Trish and our marriage, especially by the work I loved. Sometimes I worked very long hours, other times I had no work at all so worried about that, and spent my time desperately seeking.

The results were that there were uncomfortable strains on our marriage.

Paul's words touched my heart. I prayed and pondered "John, love your wife", I thought: "Paul is talking about 24x7, how do I do that?"

The pondering continues and I continue to make changes in heart and in my ways. When I say "I love Trish", that is a true saying, I can say it because of the work Trish and I put into maintaining our bond.

Each of us, Trish and I, know great benefits from being so bound together, so do our children, grandchildren and our Christian brothers and sisters, and our neighbours too.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22). True. Finding is one thing, we must work hard to keep what we have "found".

Thank you Jesus for the mighty work you constantly do on our behalf!

(Note that there is no admonition, "wives love your husbands" in the Bible! This is a man's duty to our God, to our children as well as to our wife. Another wise old man told me: "the greatest gift a man can give his children is to love their mother").

 "Worship In Spirit And In Truth" (John 4:24)

If all of our life is to be worship, then it is not just something we do for half an hour at the beginning of our church "service". No, it is our response to knowing that our Father God loves us, has set us free from sin and brought us into His family, with our lovely Jesus as our Saviour, mentor and friend. My attempts at living in worship bring me peace and much hope, "and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5).

God's first commandment is to "Love the Lord Your God with all your heart .." (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). So our first duty is to love God, to recognise Him as our highest authority, be ready to be obedient to Him, and to work to please Him: all this is worship.

We are to "worship in spirit .."; so not so much physical or practical, but fully from the heart. Remember, loving God is the “first" and "greatest" commandment and our relationship is primarily spiritual.

And to "worship .. in truth"; I pray about "truth" often. The Bible makes clear that Jesus is truth and that He brings truth as part of the New Covenant (John 1:17, 14:6, 18:37; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1:3; Ephesians 4:21).

I think of myself as a seeker after truth and believe that it is our duty to discover truths and appropriate them into our self. This is how we overcome strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). So: not what is popular or cultural or dictated by important leaders, but what God says is true. For this we look only to the Bible

Now is a time where "truth is lacking in the public square" (Isaiah 59:14). At the same time, I believe, all Western peoples are being required to be more and more compliant to government ideologies, mandates and demands which are rooted in ideas which are neither true, nor good for the people.

God's Word warns us time and again to follow His precepts, (teachings, principles, rules, guidelines, instructions, and laws), if we are to remain in His will and favour; otherwise He will, in His infinite justice, rebuke and correct us (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Psalm 119). We see this time and again in His dealings in Bible times. Now, I believe, we are feeling the discomfort of our Father's disappointment in our love of money and comfort, our obsession with celebrity and our "going along" with the world's ever declining moral and cultural values.

We can only "Love with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind" if our spirit is alive in Christ (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:5) and we are living in truth (John 14:6). I pray for help from Jesus by His lovely Holy Spirit.

 "Pray In The Spirit At All Times" (Ephesians 6:18)

I am sure it is possible to do this but I find it hard. I get too distracted by household and family responsibilities and trying to look after my health. I often get tired and there seem to be too few hours in a day.

But I think being with God is probably like being with family or people we love; we talk and chatter and share and comment - we communicate, we fellowship - it is not structured or forced, but natural - normal life.

It is so easy for me to get distracted from prayer. I try to keep many people and groups in the back of my mind so that when I do pray they are right there, in my consciousness, ready to ascend in prayer to the incense bowls in God's throne room.

When I realise that I have been neglectful I try and remember to say "sorry" to Jesus, and then make a special effort. Right now a dear friend is overseas on mission teaching discipleship to young Christian ministers; I am especially trying to pray often for all those there. Jesus guides me in what I pray; although I avoid the media I will pick up on a Bible verse and see that it is for "now", or overhear a snippet of "the news" and know that I am to pray into that situation. Every day I pray for Jesus' church, for all the hundreds of millions of His people, my brothers and sisters. I persevere.

When I can think of words for my prayers I thank Jesus for directing me and gladly pray His thoughts, otherwise I am happy to be able to pray in the Spirit, in tongues, (1 Corinthians 12:12,28), knowing that matters which are beyond my abilities and strength (Romans 8:26) are being lifted up.

Our Father always looks at the heart, I am trusting Him that He is supervising this work in me to His own satisfaction. I know that He loves me, and I know that I want to help. 

"Love One Another" (John 13:34 and many more verses).

"Love one another" begins with the word "love". I regard "love" mostly as a verb, a "doing" word. I know I love from my heart, but I also try to give love in practical ways:

The second "great commandment" is to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Do I even see my neighbour? Am I so busy that I have no time for any new neighbour? Is this OK? Does he or she have a need I should help with or I can help with: perhaps a hug or a kind word, or a time of conversation, (loneliness is another epidemic in Western countries), do they need something to eat?

I find many times where I do not have the time to do more. I pray asking Jesus to help with my time management, but still run out of time and energy every day. It is also a bit like Martha and Mary (John 11). Jesus told Mary that she was doing the better thing. Meanwhile everybody had something to eat and clean towels because Martha was caring for them and the household.

 "The Law" and "Go Into All The World"

I am often challenged by biblical laws and by Jesus' command to "go" . Also, I see that we all have different gifts and ask: "Is that for me? Must I get involved in that too?"

When we lived in America we had a preacher who often talked about "balance", he said that our God is thoughtful and kind, and designed our Universe and our lives to work well and fit together. He emphasised the word "balance" by using a French accent. I have never forgotten.

While we were there Mother Theresa came to New York. She is a wonderful example of Christian love and living, she surely did "love in Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Mother Theresa said that she could only ever make a tiny impact because the needs around her were so great, so it was important that she, and her sisters, would be able to go to work again tomorrow. Therefore they should finish work today in time to do their own housekeeping, and spend time with Jesus, eat and fellowship together and get a good night's sleep. So, although they would walk home amid great need, they would be preparing for tomorrow.

I find this very reassuring. Prayer always helps in everything, but sometimes my prayers asking Jesus to help with my time management do not seem to make much difference. I am glad that I recognise that everyone has different gifts; no-one can do everything. This is a comfort, our God wants us to operate from His rest (Hebrews 4:1). I try to remember to seek and find Jesus' peace (Luke 24:36).

Praise Jesus.

Favourite Bible Verses

".. that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:12).

".. and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6-7).

"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'" (John 8:31-32).

Amen.

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