Encouragement in Christ

Our Outcome

2010-04-04T20:43:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone,

Thank you to everyone who downloaded 'History Makers' this past week...

Although we weren't number one in the mainstream Radio 1 chart, we did reach no 4 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles/ ) AND we topped Radio 1's Indie Chart (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles/ ) - which is as good as reaching number one.

I have to say that this week has been really tough for me personally - I broke up from school on Wednesday and had to sit my grade 7 piano in the afternoon, and was just completely shattered from a really hectic term - so this has been an encouragement for me in SO MANY ways...

Firstly the success of the Facebook group: thousands strong, the majority of us united in our desire to give our secular Easter back to Him and bring glory to Him, regardless of denomination or doctrinal beliefs. This was highlighted by the lack of disagreement or general bickering that usually is the result of lots of denominations coming together, and the biblical and gentle responses to people trying to discredit our faith by quoting controversial bits of the Bible out of context. This is no feeble group trying to get a relatively unknown song by Ben Cantelon or Tim Hughes to Christmas Number One.

One of the many thousands of wall posts commented that this could be a sign of revival in our country that pastors have been talking about for the last few years (including mine) - whether this proves to be true or not, it's undoubtedly proved to our society that

Jesus is not dead; Christianity is not dead; Christians are not dead; We are ALIVE and KICKING! And we will continue to spread the truth and love of our amazing Saviour, even when it looks impossible.

Secondly, the faithfulness of Alistair Kent, the pastor from Nottingham, also really encouraged me - his decision to pray and fast yesterday instead of continuing to tirelessly promote the campaign really highlighted the real aim of the group - to honour and glorify Jesus, and not Delirious nor ourselves, and to trust in Him. Also the enthusiasm of friends on Facebook, who I was pleased to see also promoted it, despite some Christians who were incredibly and surprisingly sniffy about it.

Also the fact that we made it into the top ten - for me that's equally as satisfying as a number one, and though I had doubts that people would actually download it, I was astounded this week as I checked iTunes everyday and it climbed higher and higher. At one point mid-week it was at number 3! Truly amazing!!

Moreover, how Delirious finally have achieved the recognition they deserve for 17 years hard work and amazing presence - as someone who was at their final ever concert, I can't tell you how happy I feel that I've made them happy, evident from Martin Smith's message - http://www.invadetheairwaves.org.uk/Blog-Posts/thank-you-message-from-martin-smith.html

Furthermore, how God has clearly been at work in something as mediocre as our popular music charts and how He has introduced such a confident asset to our future evangelism and the way the media views us from now on. He can use us all in little ways to make such a big difference - at the time it may feel like nothing, but every little thing has been planned by him and all amounts to something significant in the end.

Hopefully I will come back to blog again soon, now that I only have revision and a driving test to prepare for, but will have to wait and see!

I really hope you've had a lovely Easter (I know I've had the one most focused on Jesus's death and resurrection so far in my life) and God bless,

in Christ,

Imogen xxx

... I'm Back!

2010-03-30T17:02:00.002+01:00

Hi peeps,

I am back momentarily

(having managed to complete my EPQ (my extended essay of 5,000 words about the printing press), my history coursework (4,000 words), my english coursework (3,000 words EXCLUDING quotations) and my grade 8 cello exam this term so far)

to urge you in this week running up to Easter to....

1) Go to http://www.invadetheairwaves.org.uk/

2) Read everything carefully

3) If you are persuaded and able to do so ... download 'History Makers' ONLY from the links listed on this page http://www.invadetheairwaves.org.uk/buy-the-single.html and join the Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/invadetheairwaves

4) PRAY that this action not only will raise money for projects urgently needed in poverty-stricken countries, but glorify The One who forever changed the course of History, and to whom Easter is ALL about.

Thank you!

It's Time To Say Goodbye!

2009-12-30T11:19:00.002Z

After a lot of thinking these last couple of months, I've decided to discontinue writing, sending and publishing my encouragement messages.

It's been really tough for me mulling this over (it's been a big part of my life for nearly three years), but I'd like to share some of the reasons with you why.

Firstly, I'm at, without a doubt, very busy - I'm in the midst of applying to university, desparately trying to get As in three of the hardest A2s (English Literature, History and Latin), writing and planning an extended essay on the Printing Press, preparing for my cello grade 8 and piano grade 7 exams and trying to live a life built around Jesus. Therefore, I have virtually no time, and any spare time I have gets gobbled up by that online monster called Facebook. I really need to focus this year 'on other projects'.

Secondly, the lack of feedback I receive and the very inactive group (which initially discouraged me) has made me realise something great - true encouragement lies in Jesus, alone. He has given us His words so each of us can be encouraged ourselves, anytime, anywhere. And He has given us other believers, whom we can build strong friendships with, rooted in Him. I do not need to dispense encouragement to you online, when it is already available in the real world.

I strongly urge you, if my messages were the only thing keeping you afloat (I have a feeling this might be true for a couple of you), immerse yourself in God's word - we're commanded to meditate (Psalm 1:2) on it - constantly dwell, memorize and keep God's truths and promises fixed in our hearts and minds. We are so blessed in this country to have access to a variety of Bibles as well as gospel-centred resources to help us glean as much as possible. The best way to do this is reading and studying God's word for ourselves, at our own pace, in the quiet of our rooms, without blinking square-eyed at a humming machine.

I've become increasingly aware recently of the rapid growth of technology, and its impact on the way we view our day to day relationships. It now seems that most people under the age of 50 either have a Facebook account, or are under pressure from friends to get one. And EVERYTHING now seems to be online. In some ways this can be beneficial, but isn't it bleak? Our society could soon be overwhelmed by cyberspace virtuality and over-reliance on technology, especially the internet.

God created us not only for a relationship with Him, but also with others. Messages on a computer can never be a substitute for actually being encouraged by a friend sitting next to you. Throughout the letters to the churches in the New Testament, the Christians are commended for encouraging one another and commanded to build eachother up. This can only properly be done by meeting regularly in person with one another.

I don't necessarily mean we should go to church all the time, but do we meet up with other Christians as often as we can, or do we only confine these vital relationships to Sundays? I know in this area I fall so short. The best encouragement there is is going regularly to a church (no, not a building with a steeple), a gathering of mainly like-minded people, who are willing to pray, to listen and to talk to me. (And if your church isn't like this - do yourself a huge favour and find another one). I don't think a computer is ever capable of fulfilling this role as a support network.

We need eachother in the flesh, and I feel this blog and group are giving out the wrong impression of how we should be interacting.

I'm keeping the website up, so I can look back in a couple of years time and see how far I've come, and in case someone stumbles across it and needs to be encouraged.

I'm still unsure about the future of the group - does anyone want to take over from me as admin (if no one replies, I'll just remove myself anyway)?

As always, God bless, and hopefully see you soon,

In Christ,

Imogen
xxx

Stu G's Video From Final Delirious? Gig

2009-12-06T10:10:00.001Z

London...the last show... from stu garrard on Vimeo.

The End of an Era indeed...

The End of An Era

2009-12-04T19:35:00.002Z

Well, over a year ago, I wrote a review of Delirious' album Mission Bell and lamented the fact that Delirious?, after seventeen years together, were splitting up.

However this Sunday I was one of the privileged few to attend their final gig at Hammersmith Apollo, which was absolutely brilliant!! (That's basically my entire review)

But the astonishing thing I never knew, after scouting around YouTube for any interesting videos about Delirious?, was that they actually released songs into the mainstream in 2001, and they appeared on both CBBC AND Live and Kicking!

To me it's absolutely shocking that firstly an internationally famous Christian band across the globe, leaving an unarguable legacy behind them in regards to their popularity and how long they've been together, actually made it into the secular media (even if it wasn't for very long). Nothing remotely positive regarding Christianity, especially music, is ever aired, ever. And if it is, it's twisted and warped into something it's not by reporters who blow inaccuracies out of proportion and take the focus away from the actual music being played.

Secondly, I was also utterly amazed that their singles from their album were prevented from being played on Radio 1's play list, according to Wikipedia (though the validity of their information does come into question greatly). No wonder we can never get Tim Hughes, or Matt Redman or Ben Cantelon or LZ7 or Blush UK or Guvna B or any other slightly famous Christian bands/singers to the top 40 anymore. Even Cliff Richard has lost his charm (if he possessed any in the first place).

So, the question is -- what happens next? The ageing members have gone their separate ways to work on new projects...

What lies ahead for the Christian music industry?

Will there be a future at all?

What do you think?

Living Words

2009-11-22T01:16:00.000Z

‘For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.’ Hebrews 4:12

The Bible. How often is it mistakenly viewed as a dusty old rule book? A book often regarded by those who do not follow Jesus as a dead book, written by (very) dead people.

Nestled in our churches’ pews; seemingly untouched but still in great demand on bookshop shelves across the world; carried fearlessly around in Christian circles (and admittedly not as fearlessly around everywhere else). Our copies of God’s word.

Written by an author, with a difference – He is the Word in the pages (John 1:1). And though the men He spoke through are gone (2 Peter 1:21), He is alive!

Therefore, we can know that when we read the Bible God actually speaks to us! The living, the constant, the only true God in a world where we are surrounded by other things clamouring to take His rightful place in our hearts and minds.

The God active in the world today, with active words that cut us to the core when we read or hear them, and convict us: of things we’ve never realised about God, or ourselves, before. Who needs a self-help book?

Our sword, an integral part of our armour God provides us who believe in Him with (Ephesians 6:17). Truth itself, confronting and destroying the lies of the world we face everyday. The truth which sets us free (John 8:31-32). What more could we need?

God longs to speak to us through His word. If He did not want to connect with us on a personal and intimate level, why would He bother? Why would He sent His only perfect Son to die for us when we don’t deserve it? Why would millions suffer willingly since then in Jesus’ name? Why would the Bible have survived for so long, and how come it impacts the lives of so many people today, if it were not true?

Let’s immerse ourselves in God’s word, the truth, and through it grow closer to Jesus as we walk His way and follow Him alone.

My Life

2009-10-16T17:36:00.000+01:00

The Best Houseparty Ever!

2009-10-15T18:37:00.000+01:00

‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.’ John 14:1-3

Imagine if Heaven was like a hotel, or a restaurant, or a trampoline – that it has a limited space capacity. That somehow it already has a limited number of rooms reserved in advance for all the religious people, or practically perfect people, or morally and politically correct people or the goodie-two shoes: as a consequence everyone else is shunted aside, as there just isn’t enough room.

But Jesus has ensured that there are ‘many’ rooms, that ANYONE willing to accept his invitation will not be let down or disappointed once they reach God’s home. The God who formed us and breathed life into us, and loves us with a love surpassing all love we’ll ever experience. No one who trusts in Him will be turned away.

If this God loves us so much, that He’d let His only perfect Son be beaten, abused and crucified, for us who only ignore and sadden Him, and live our lives as if our Creator does not exist, so that we who acknowledge this can know God personally… So that we will not undergo an existence after this one completely without the presence of the God of all good…

If Jesus willingly suffered (John 18:11) for the world’s sin, why would he lie about this? Why would he have deceived his anxious disciples who were fearfully listening to Him? Why would he deceive us now, who still urgently need His message? And furthermore, if we cannot get to Heaven by the good things we have done, how else will we get to the best house party this world has ever seen?

We can only get there through Jesus – He alone has the power to free us from this world’s chains and lead us home. And not only after we die but when He returns, in all His majesty and splendour, so everyone on earth will see the Saviour at last, will He take all who follow Him away with Him.

And from then on we will always remain with Him, in His house, as his adopted heirs and always be fully satisfied and completely happy in a new perfect world.

Friends Forever...

2009-09-12T11:23:00.000+01:00

‘You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.’
John 15:14-15

Friends… where would we be without at least one? Friends whom we can talk, laugh, joke, cry, have fun with? Whom we can trust to be there when we need them? Friends who know us well enough to make us feel better when we have bad days? Friends who stand up for us in situations when we are and not around? And friends who are far from fair-weather ones – who are there with us through the hard as well as the easy times?

If we are followers of the God-man, it’s so easy to only think of Jesus as a Saviour: who, through his grace and love for us doomed to eternity without Him, took our punishment for ignoring our Creator completely and utterly on that cross. No amount of trying to be good or religious or worthy in our own eyes could ever cross the great divide between us and the God of all things, who cannot stand the fact that our hearts and bodies have rebelled against Him.

It’s so easy to acknowledge that we’ve been saved by God by repenting and asking Him for help to turn away from our rebellion (called sin), but then ignore Him for most of the day without talking to Him at all.

But why would God send His only precious Son, who has always obeyed Him, to die an excruciating death in human form?

He wants us to be his friends.

Friends? With the God of the Universe? The friend who’s always there? The friend who always cares (1 Peter 5:7)? The friend who never forsakes us, or dumps us for someone else or betrays our trust?

The friend who knew our days before we were in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:16)? The friend who calls each planet, star and galaxy by name? The friend we can always talk to, at any time, with the guarantee that He will always hear us, with no need for phone calls, letters, e-mails, texting and facebook.

The friend whom we can fully confide in and knows our heart’s darkest secrets before we ourselves are fully aware of them. The friend who’s given us His word and the gift of having it in the vernacular, so we can read and learn from Him. The friend who’s planned Heaven’s best party for us, with no need for an after party. The friend who doesn’t judge us on looks.

The friend who lets us in on a big secret millions more people in this world need to hear and read in the Bible for themselves – God’s command to all to repent (Acts 17:30): to acknowledge that we cannot get to Heaven by being good or religious, ask Jesus to take away everything we’ve done which has made Him sad and to fix our eyes on following Him, with the help of the Holy Spirit forever placed inside us.

The friend who died for us, defeated death for us and is coming back soon to crush all traces of sorrow on this Earth once and for all.

What a friend we have in Jesus!

Update

2009-09-11T17:16:00.003+01:00

After a long time I've managed to get onto our computer with a dying hard drive, so just want to say that a message is on the way soon (click the link at the side if you want to get it directly from the Facebook group).

Also just want to plug two things that I've found encouraging over the past couple of months.

Firstly is http://www.dangoldingmusic.co.uk- seriously check it out. I can't really describe what genre it is, but it's the only jazzy thing I've ever liked with catchy Biblically based lyrics. And you can download it for free :)

Secondly is http://www.reason.cck.org.uk - a great apologetics blog (a place where any questions about Christianity are answered and Biblically explained) which one of my many second cousins contributes to, run by CCK in Brighton... so do check that out too!

God bless xox

Wherever, Whenever.

2009-08-01T17:20:00.003+01:00

'And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

It's inevitable that at some point or other we will be separated or kept apart from good friends, whether by land, sea or sky. It's unlikely that we go through life with someone always at our side, always with us everywhere we go. People come and go, relationships flourish or whither, and the world around us changes rapidly.

But if we are followers of Jesus and are saved by Him, we can be certain that we will never be left alone.

Wherever we go: if we stay at home or travel abroad, or settle on foreign soil.

Whatever we do: whether we’re at school, college, university or in the work place, or on a gap year, holiday or retirement.

Whenever: in times of confusion, chaos, pain, anger, sadness or in great times of celebration and happiness…

Jesus is with us.

Whether we’re with other believers or are the only one swimming against our friends’ hollow tide.

Whether we get amazing results or things don’t turn out as planned.

Whether we please Him or unintentionally mess up, again.

Whether we feel like it or not.

Jesus is with us.

He is with us this Summer, next Summer, in five Summers time, for the next million Summers and throughout these years: every day, every hour, every minute, every moment… the greatest friend we ever have will never forsake us.

Emmanuel, but not just at Christmas – He is with us every step, in every season, at every time. He’s there in those situations when it’s so easy to shunt Him aside. He’s there when we think we don’t need Him. He’s there when we need Him the most. He’s there when we are ashamed to speak to Him. He’s there when the people and world we love has spurned and rejected us, and He’s all we have. He’s there as you read and I write this.

Jesus’ promise still stands: for over 2,000 years it has proved true and it will continue to till the end of eternity.

Forever and ever He is with us, wherever, whenever.

Saved by a Saviour

2009-07-09T18:20:00.000+01:00

‘For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ John 3:17

Many people think of God as an angry head teacher or boss, quick to point a giant finger with scorn in the direction of those He sees from his lofty heavens above (think ‘Monty Python: The Quest for the Holy Grail’). It’s not helped by (what I like to call) ‘Bible bashers’ loitering on busy street corners, who only seem to loudly spew religious lingo of fire, damnation and God’s eternal wrath on those who will not repent, whilst brandishing an alien big black leather book.

Although ‘Bible bashers’ are right, they forget completely about how we came to know that this world is in trouble. If God had wanted to condemn the world, He wouldn’t have bothered sending his only precious Son (as seen in the famous previous verse of this), not only to live a set apart life but to take on all of the world’s deserved punishment for rejecting Him – the most excruciating death any human being could bear.

Jesus came not to condemn, but to provide an escape, a way out for us who realize that we can never live up to the impossible expectations God has for us, as we have openly rebelled against Him. If we accept Jesus’ grace, ask Him to completely wipe away all that has wronged Him and that He'd help us live His perfect way instead of our own, we are saved by the Saviour.

If I rack my brains, I cannot think of anyone else who would love us this much, who would forgive us completely and who would promise His adopted children the skies, despite our previous disowning of our Father. May this incredible truth never leave our bodies, minds and hearts, and let’s thank our Saviour for His everlasting love for this needy world.

The Truth

2009-06-05T08:34:00.001+01:00

‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14

It’s hard to imagine a famous celebrity, MP or even a member of the Royal Family wanting to give up their expensive wealth, status and lifestyle to live permanently with the poorest people in the poorest places of the world: those in slums, communities hit by natural disasters and African villages wiped out by HIV and AIDS, lacking basic sanitation and suffering from starvation.

Some may drop in to pay visits every now and again, usually with a camera crew to show the rest of the world how good they are. But how many remain in those areas for over thirty years?

And I don’t think any of them would suffer excruciating pain and die to deliver them from the dangerous situations they face.

But in this case, we’re talking about a deity here. And not just any old god: the only true living God, who has the Earth as his footstool (Isaiah 66:1). 2,000 years ago, Jesus came to earth from the splendour of Heaven, in the lowly form of a human being. The King of the Universe willing humbled himself (because he loves us because he loves us because he loves us) and served us completely and utterly by dying for us on the cross.

He saves everyone who acknowledges that we have ignored Him and have gone our way instead of His right way, which leads to death and eternal isolation.

By His grace, our wonderful gift which cannot be earned, we can now have a relationship with the God who we were previously cut off from, through Jesus who has risen from the dead and is alive forever.

How amazing! Jesus loves us so much to reveal this truth to us, although we don’t deserve to after our rebellious act of rejecting God. He delivers us from the dire situation we face, cut off from God. The Gospels stand as testament, as proof, that Jesus is indeed the Word and our Saviour, and was planned from the beginning of time to save us.

In Christ,

Imogen xox

Why I hate religion

2009-05-10T08:42:00.002+01:00

Sorry for not updating this in the last few weeks. I have my AS levels very soon so am trying to revise (!!!) In the meantime, a relative of mine posted this up on Facebook last night, and from reading it I couldn't agree more with what he says. Here it is:

'This may seem a strange post coming from a born again Christian...but I want you all to know that I hate religion.

Why, you may be wondering...isn't this what you are living for, and all about?

Well, in a word, No!

The Bible teaches clearly that we have been made to have a relationship with God, not perform a load of duties for a distant God who we are worried is going to smite us if we don't do what he tells us. The Bible says that this kind of obligation-based living on its own is dung (to use a pleasant word). If this is the kind of experience you have had of Christianity then let me apologise, seriously.

Everyone hates people who are self-righteous, and this is what a lot of 'religious' people can be like, because they feel very proud of their moral performance to make God happy.

I want you all to know that anyone that claims to be a Christian should be among the least self-righteous people you ever meet. Why?, you may ask. You religious types are all the same, you want everyone to know how good you are.

Well, this is not the case and let me explain why:

SALVATION BY RELIGION

This is where many religious groups believe that if they are a good enough person they will be saved by God and spend eternity in heaven. The Bible refers to these efforts as being about as pleasant to God's mind as a used tampon! Pretty graphic isn't it...

SALVATION BY GRACE

This means that its a free gift.... If you know that you're not perfect (which you're not...and i'm certainly not) and God is, then you will recognise correctly that we are not on an equal footing with him. So because of this we can't enter into a relationship with him... so how do we solve this problem?

Work harder... read the bible more... pray... wrong!

Jesus came and lived the perfect life that we couldn't and God substituted him in our place. He took the just punishment that we should have, and so if you accept that Jesus did this for you as a free gift (because he loves you!!) then you can know the joy of having an intimate personal relationship with him.

Jesus came to give life to the full (John 10:10)... not to kill it, and the way we get this is by knowing our creator God by relationship...not ritualistic do-gooding.

The joy that comes from this wonderful relationship is incredible, it sets your life on a rock which will not be moved and you then get to realise the plans that God has for your life.'

(For more of his articles, check out http://www.reason.cck.org.uk/)

Easter

2009-04-08T16:28:00.000+01:00

When I think of You, hanging, that cruel cross,
Your red blood, stained wood creaking, my release,
Everything I've done, all of that is loss:
In Your grace alone I at last find peace.
This dark valley path is not walked alone,
Your right hand holds me close. Your word, my guide.
My weak eyes shall soon see You on Your throne,
All sin and fear forever cast aside.
Only You deserve my praise. Your glory
shines from high mountains, to the very deep.
For all of my days I will tell Your story
What You did, to myself, I shall not keep.
Tricky time ticks by and soon you shall see
Jesus's return, the end of history.

Free indeed

2009-03-01T09:00:00.002Z

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" John 8:36 (ESV)

'Free': what springs to my mind (thanks to the all seeing eyes of my Facebook account) is the project run by UCCF in unis across the UK, to make copies of Mark's gospel available to thousands of students: at Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton, Lancaster, Durham, Oxford Brookes, Manchester...

But what does it mean to be free? How can we be free?

Earlier on in this section of John, in verses 31 and 32, Jesus says to 'those who believed in him' that those who abide in his word are not only 'truly his disciples' but will know 'the truth', and that is what will set them free.

The truth is mind blowing:

although we have sinful attitudes towards God and our own destructive way leads to an empty future doomed forever without God's good presence, Jesus, by his death on the cross, took all our sin on his shoulders and suffered the punishment we deserve instead of us(http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/).

And if we trust in this amazing grace alone (Romans 3:24) and not in what we try to do ourselves to gain this gift (freely given)(Romans 11:6 & Ephesians 2:8-10 ), we will not only end up in Heaven after we die, but be accepted into God's diverse and huge family (Galations 3:26), be able to have a personal, living, real relationship with the most powerful being in this whole universe (Romans 1:20), who loves us more than we can ever dare to hope or know (Psalm 36:5).

For Christians this is great news: we can live life to the full certain of God's marvellous faithfulness and salvation (Psalm 145:13). No longer do we have to make sure we read our Bibles, pray certain prayers, go to church, try to be 'religious' or 'a good person' or try and work our way to be with our Creator.

(Praying and studying the Bible stems from our desire to know Jesus better and to get more to grips with God's word; the change in our behaviour and attitudes is through the Holy Spirit, which we now have a portion (Ephesians 1:13), filling and helping us to live for His glory (Romans 6:4) )

Personally I feel no longer bound to sin: God has dealt with it all and gives me strength to turn away. I still stumble, but I know I am safe in His hands.

If you've never really properly considered why you're here, or what will await you after you die, I urge you to think again. Things in this life may seem fulfilling, but are they really? Friends, family, an excellent career, outstanding qualifications, money, fame, sex and generally having a good time may seem like fairly concrete and main priorities for you right now, but all these things can vanish in the blink of an eye (Ecclesiastes 6:12).

And they will, when, on an unknown day, your life will end, like everyone else.

There is only one person who loves the entire world (John 3:16), only one person who truly saves (Romans 5:9-11) and only one person who can satisfy you completely (Psalm 73:25-26).

Reach out and touch the nail marks (John 20:27): Jesus brings life and freedom to all those who seek it (John 10:10). What a thing to rejoice in! Let's thank Jesus for His desire to tear the shackles away, weighing us captives down with the penalty of our sin (Romans 6:22), and His grace liberating us, making us free indeed.

This made me smile...

2009-02-17T09:35:00.003Z

(Heard this off Premier Radio on Sunday morning... made me smile)

A father was reading from a set of Bible stories to his son,

'And the angel said, 'Lot, take your wife and flee out of the city. But Lot's wife looked back on the city and she turned into a pillar of salt -'

'But Daddy, what happened to the flea?' the child insisted.

All in His hands

2009-02-01T17:12:00.000Z

Throughout this week and the past month, the thing that has dominated my many thoughts was the future… which degree course I should do, where I should go to do it, whether to apply for Oxbridge or not, as well as a constant struggle between time management, extra curricular activities and all the work I have to, as well as trying to start revising for mocks after half-term. I grew so stressed and exhausted that I made myself ill, and had to take a day off school to rest, as my anxiety grew too much to handle.

As work piled up, the pressure mounted and everything seemed too much, I became trapped in the present and obsessed with something that may be beneficial but may not be God’s plan for me. I forgot this promise…

'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

The great thing about being a child of the King is the realization that our future isn’t putty in own hands… God knows what we will do in the next two years, the next decade and for the rest of our lives here on Earth. He is with us every step of the way.

From looking at it from an academic point of view, all these qualifications and things that the majority of people I know aim for don’t matter to God. Okay, he doesn’t want us to be lazy (any chapter in Proverbs will reiterate this), but all the work we do will never redeem us. He loves us regardless of the number of GCSEs, A-levels, degrees or diplomas we have, or how good they are. If I don’t get into uni, it doesn’t matter… God probably has something else designed for me to do and an alternative way for me to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). If I don’t get the required grades for a certain course, God probably didn’t want me to go there and I am of more use for the good of his Kingdom elsewhere.

And anything else that can hinder us in our lives does not prevent God from working in us and around us for His glory. It may seem like that when we’re stuck in this midst of a really difficult time and paralyzing fear closes in around us, but when we step back and are aware of God’s wider picture for our future and trust in Him alone, there is hope and freedom. Everything is in His hands and we can trust in Him in the assurance that He will never forsake us.

Quench your thirst...

2009-01-23T17:43:00.000Z

Don't know if you've read any good books lately. But if you're interested in finding out more about why people (including me) definitely think that Jesus is relevant to our lives now, here are some books, recommended by other Christians, which have really helped them to quench their thirst for the truth and I'm sure will help you too. I've also tried to put down the link to amazon.co.uk for each one so you don't have to spend ages finding out more about each book.

Christianity Explored by Rico Tice & Barry Cooper
'... I remember it making a lot of sense. They are brief and thin and easy to digest.'
Find it on Amazon

Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
'...an all time favourite'
Find it on Amazon

Basic Christianity by John Stott
'very wise and insightful writer...'
Find it on Amazon

'He Loves Me' by Wayne Jacobsen
'very good!'
Find it on Amazon

'Religion if there is no God' by Lesek Kolokowski
Find it on Amazon

'All of Grace' by C H Spurgeon
'... a very clear explantation of the grace of God... it explains so many difficult Biblical principles so clearly that I can do nought but recommend it.'
Find it on Amazon

'A Sneaking Suspicion' by John Dickson.
'read it its amazing !'
Find it on Amazon

'Reason for God' by Tim Keller.
'Gives a very holistic approach to why the gospel is true, and answers alot of objections along the way. I would say this the 21st century equivalent of 'Mere Christianity' by CS Lewis.'
Find it on Amazon

and

'Taming the Tiger' by Tony Anthony,
'showed me how much things can be seen in such different lights'
Find it on Amazon

'The Shack' by William Paul Young
'a book that has caused a lot of controversy in Christian circles about whether it's theologically correct, but great to read if you think that God's a grumpy old man in the sky'
Find it on Amazon

and not forgetting some websites...

Agape

Two ways to live

God, the Solid Rock

2009-01-18T09:41:00.002Z

'My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.

When darkness seems to veil his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath his covenant and blood,
Support me in the ‘whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When the last trumpets voice shall sound,
O then I may in him be found,
Clothed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before his throne.'

Written by Delirious? ©2005 Curious? Music UK
http://www.delirious.org.uk/lyrics/songs/solidrock.html

When I see the stars...

2009-01-01T07:42:00.004Z

Have you ever gazed up at a starry sky, awestruck by all the constellations you can see, managing to glitter amidst the darkness? I have. (I live in a polluted city, so whenever I'm in the countryside at night, I'm always in wonder of Heaven's canopy.)

'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honour.' Psalm 8:3-5

To think that God made all of this, and even more, with just his voice (Genesis 1:3), is just mindblowing for me. How great and majestic He is!

What I often can't get my head around either is God's time and care He lavishes upon us. I know if I was the one in control (an impossiblity but occasionally considered), I probably wouldn't bother - I wouldn't have the capacity.

But God loves us, (John 3:16), He is love (1 John 4:8)... He loves us despite our fragile and weak frames (Isaiah 40:6-8), our wayward wanderings (Hosea 14:4) and our sinful nature that alienates us from Him (Colossians 1:21).

When we see the stars that He flung across the sky, how can we even think that we can try to be greater than Him? How can the earth revolve around us? It's impossible. We all deserve the punishment that awaits us.

Thankfully, through His death and resurrection on the cross, Jesus, the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation (Colossians 1:15), received our excruciating punishment instead. He experienced separation from God (Mark 15:34) and rose again after He defeated death.

When we repent of our sin and admit that we need a Saviour to lead us, through His grace we are offered freedom, freedom from having to legalistically try to climb a ladder to Heaven and try to be something we can never be by ourselves - right with God (Romans 3); freedom from God's wrath and adoption into His family (Galations 3:26) is also offered in this amazing free gift, as well as becoming joint heirs (Galations 4:7) with Jesus, so we share his glory and honour.

It's incredible to think that despite all the wonders of creation that He has made, God's desire is for us humans to come to know Him and be with Him. He could destroy us with just one word, but He lets us live and make our own choice about whether we should follow Him or not.

If you're a Christian, hopefully you'll agree with me that God's grace is definitely something worth clinging onto and Heaven is definitely worth looking forward to. I really encourage you to continue to live for Jesus this year, whatever happens. Keep on reading His word and talking to Him. If you've got any prayer requests I'd love to pray for you!

If you're not a Christian and are seeking meaning in life which this world cannot begin to offer, I urge you to look into Jesus... get a copy of one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) or the book of Romans, and read it. Also read one of the many books explaining the Christian faith and why Jesus is important. Hopefully I will post up a list of recommendations soon, having asked other people I know for some good ideas. And if there are any questions that come to mind from reading this, just ask... there is no such thing to me as a silly question :)

Hope you had a really good Christmas and have a great start to the new term!

God bless xox

That's Christmas

2008-12-17T17:13:00.005Z

I've become more and more aware in this society that the true meaning of Christmas is lost: under a pile of wrapped presents, father christmases, pine trees, reindeers, tv programme specials, festive discounts, cards with snowy white snow, shopping sprees, turkey dinners, brussel sprouts, spending time with members of family you only see once a year, christmas songs played 24/7 from the beginning of November to early January and occasional visits to churches which are dusty, where the sermon is strange and almost foreign, with hymns with words of great meaning easily passed over when sung in the congregation as if they were not written for a purpose.

Why do we celebrate at this time of year? How come Jesus doesn't seem very important anymore?

This awesome video really gets to the heart of what Christmas is all about and I hope you'll find it useful. Merry Christmas! xox

I can't do this alone

2008-12-16T17:25:00.002Z

I've been thinking recently about why I blog. Why I keep on posting on this blog.

I've realised that often I want to write just my thoughts, often which aren't particularly encouraging or constructive. But I'm a creative person... I have to express myself without being hindered by restrictions.

I thought about changing this blog. Changing the title, the purpose, even the domain name. But that I could not do.

I know that this blog and my messages have helped people. Not that many, but still, helping one person is never bad. Sometimes it gets me down that hardly anyone gives me that much feedback, but I know that if I did receive loads, I'd get cocky and not give the full credit to Jesus for leading me to parts of Scripture which feel ring true. I still always don't give the full credit to Jesus, what He truly deserves, which is far greater than anything we could fathom.

I've started a blog just for me, so I can record what I'm actually feeling and thinking, instead of posting my messages I've sent to people via Facebook on here.

However, I still want to continue with what I set out to do: to encourage fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with God's word. And I can't do this by myself.

I know you may be thinking that I am very clever (I'm seriously not) to be writing these types of messages and sending them to people, even setting up a group on facebook so others can view them, and that I want to study theology or religious studies at university.

I don't. Firstly, I'm not qualified enough: for a strange reason I didn't take RS for GCSE, though many people said I should have done and I wish I had, and am therefore not studying RS, either ethics or philosophy, for A-levels. I have not been to Bible college like loads of people I know have (though they're obviously older than me), and my extent of studying the Bible in depth is reading it almost every day for a few minutes in the morning, when I'm usually only vaguely aware of what God's trying to remind me of and am not really with it; in my youth group, where I think we get excellent teaching compared to other youth groups I've heard about, and in my minister's sermons in the evening services; sometimes in our school CU, although a lot of it is mostly made up of discussions about things which I don't think really matter in the grand scheme of things; and finally on camp (yes, on camp, not 'at' camp... it doesn't make any sense when it's grammatically correct) and conferences I've been on with church, where I've heard other people preaching the Bible.

Basically, in short, to encourage someone in Christ is something any Christian can do. And I want you out there to help me.

I think I've asked you lot out in cyberspace before about also encouraging online, but I implore you now - don't let this blog die.

I'm looking for someone or someones to write this blog with. Preferably who I know, but anyone with a heart for God and for spurring each other on would be great.

If this sounds up your street, just contact me in some way (i.e. leave a message on this post or e-mail me or whatever), explaining exactly why you want to collaborate with me and persuading me to collaborate with you, in good written English with continuous prose (no txt tlk pls!). I also want proof that you are who you say you are, (leave that to your own imagination) and a sincere promise that you will only contribute things that are encouraging and taken from God's word, and will not use this blog for anything else.

If I sound too trusting (I'm not entirely sure whether you share personal details if you collaborate) and too needy, tell me immediately. I not only want you to be encouraged, but for you to encourage each other in the promises of our holy saviour, who can always comfort us.

God bless
xox

Authentic Beauty: an afterword

2008-12-14T21:30:00.005Z

Personally, having lent my copy to a couple of people, I felt that I need to clear up a few things about how good I feel it is.

Firstly, Authentic Beauty, written by a very romantic, emotional, but lovely lady from the US, is undoubtedly going to be very sugary and very American in the way it has been written. This may be the reason why some people found it rather cheesy. And I mean so cheesy as to reading parts of it aloud to others to relish the cheesiness for even longer.

I myself can never really distinguish between cheese, 'cringyness' or something puke worthy. At the time of reading this, it was really relevant to my life at that point (which was why I got it), so I disregarded anything that might make me cringe now from re-reading it.

Secondly, a lot of it is quite autobiographical (if that's a word. I can never remember the difference between autobiography and biography) and those parts weren't really relevant to me in my current situation. Sometimes it often went too in depth and some of it the reader didn't really have to know. It must be important to her, but to us as readers it was at times a bit unnecessary. But the actual devotional stuff she recommended was really helpful.

Thirdly, although Authentic Beauty does remind us that Jesus is not only a saviour who is distant and impersonal, but a personal saviour, who we can fully rely on and trust in, and with whom we can grow in by talking to him and reading his word, Leslie didn't really emphasize how Jesus isn't someone we can just view as a romantic companion. As Mr Beaver said in 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' by C.S. Lewis, Aslan is wild you know, not like a tame lion. The book does not remind us that God is to be revered and obeyed as the King of the entire universe, whose power cannot be withstood, and that He does bring judgement upon us, what we should deserve. Okay, I can understand that Ludy wants women who are not Christians to read it too, but from talking to my good friend Susan about it, she did say that she thought that it didn't assert that truth about God enough, and consequently, many may feel as if Jesus can just be put in a box or seen in the wrong way.

There was also the question about when Ludy talks about clearing the 'inner sanctuary': as depraved and dead in our sin, on this earth, will our sanctuary ever be pure? Even through God's amazing grace we still sin, and other lovers crowd it, distracting us from Jesus. From thinking about it, it can seem to lead away from the idea of just trusting in Christ's forgiveness and grace, and trying to be legalistic and controlling our own sin, as if we ever could without Jesus.

But as a whole, the overall message of the book was really what I needed a while ago. It reminded me that Jesus is enough for me, that I don't need that 'special someone' and I can be 'intimate' with the Lord, and be fully satisfied with that instead of something that will only satisfy me for a short time in my fleeting existence.

Alive in Him

2008-11-01T09:00:00.001Z

'But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.' Ephesians 2:4-5

When you first think about it, it’s a bit disturbing to think that, if we’re Christians, we were corpses before Jesus saved us - alive without life, dead in our sin and without hope of redemption from our bleak future.

But because Jesus loved us much more than a mother, father, brother, sister or friend ever could, He suffered the worst death anyone could invent in our place, and rose again. He daily offers us his great mercy (Psalm 25:6) which never diminishes in amount and saves us from what we really deserve.

Being able to spend time with people I know who care about me really makes me feel happy and confident. For me, the fact that God loves us even more than them is absolutely mind blowing, something I have yet to get my head around and fully understand.

And looking back, before I became a Christian, I may as well have been dead – my purpose for living depended on things which pale to insignificance compared to what Jesus has in store for His chosen people (Matthew 6:20). It took over a decade for me to realize that something was wrong with my attitude and the way I lived my, if you can call it that, life.

I now know that Jesus brought me to life - through His death and resurrection – and I feel as if life in Him has meaning, I have a specific goal to aim for (Romans 12:1-2) and a marked out path for me to follow (Psalm 23:3). If Jesus hadn’t found me and rescued me, I wouldn’t even want to think about what I would be doing right now – certainly relying on things other people I know rely on to get them through each day, and living a meaningless existence in a dark and cold world. I may have felt so tired trying to live up to expectations impossible to achieve, I might have tried to end it all.

Thankfully, nothing we can do, no works or our own sense of morality replaces this grace. Nothing we contrive can ever get us a place in to Heaven. From grace alone we can trust in Him, our Saviour, to save us and keep us forever in his hands. (Galatians 2:21)

xox

Dawkins: the agnostic?

2008-10-29T14:19:00.006Z

You may or may not have been aware of the huge stir this has caused, especially in Christian circles.

But instead of being seen as a bad thing that this may be advertised across London, making the Alpha adverts seem pathetic or feeble in comparison, this gives us hope for one of the most famous and influential atheists alive and kicking today.

'There's probably no god. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.'

Probably? Hasn't Dawkins always believed and proclaimed in public that God cannot and does not exist? Has all the Christian resistance actually had an impact on the author and speaker who is the main benefactor for this advert? I think someone's getting agnostic here :)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/21/religion-advertising

Authentic Beauty - Leslie Ludy: a review (and some thoughts about relationships)

2008-10-28T17:17:00.005Z

(Warning: If you can't stand reading or hearing any more about romantic relationships, and especially how Christians should conduct them, you may or may not want to read on)

Ever since I became a Christian, I was drawn into reading articles and advice in books and on the Internet about dating and relationships in a Christ-like way. I hate to admit it to most people, but I'm actually a bit of a romantic deep down, and often have very strong emotional feelings which I keep well hidden, even though I'm meant to let them out, as everyone views it as more acceptable if a girl instead of a boy has a good cry or heart-to-heart. Therefore, getting myself to post this on the Internet was a big struggle for me: I want to share this great book with you, but to understand how much it has impacted me, giving you a bit of background and my conceptions of relationships with the opposite sex are essential for doing so.

Anyway, this issue has always interested me and loads of questions flood my mind on a regular basis concerning it: how can I still follow Jesus and have a boyfriend at the same time? Will there ever be anyone 'out there': a wonderful guy who lives wholeheartedly for Him and who I am meant to be with? Yes, from the other side of the Atlantic, courtship may be more beneficial than dating, but what about in the UK? What does this mean for us Brits over here? What is God's purpose for my life now, and should I be thinking of marriage yet (as I'm legally of age to get married with my parents' consent - a very scary thought when considered deeply!)?

I even decided at one point when I was twelve that I wanted to be a 'barlowgirl': a Christian girl/young woman who won't date, takes a stand for purity, modesty and abstinence in this society and will not even kiss a guy or her boyfriend/fiancee until her wedding day. A certain Candace in America thought up the idea of this generation's young female believers doing this, after hearing Superchic[k]'s song 'Barlow girls', about Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow who were good friends with the band. However, when she found out that the Barlow girls were real and had started a band whose music proved rather popular, she hastily changed the site from http://www.barlowgirl.net/ to http://www.puritygirls.com/.

Subsequently, as I was 1) too young to ever get realistically asked out by a guy 2) living in a different culture where everyone has a different attitude to the whole American dating scene, I decided to quit the online forum I had joined. Looking back now, it was definitely the wisest thing to do. (It's now at http://www.puritypeople.com/ if you're interested).

About ten months ago (last Christmas) I read ' I Kissed Dating Goodbye' by Josh Harris, which changed a lot of attitudes I already had. At the time I was reading it I was trying to get over a crush I had on a guy (trusting God with my once again broken heart) who I didn't see very often, but who I knew was a committed Christian and evidently living for Jesus. When I learnt that I was meant to treat and think of him as a brother (1 Timothy 5:2), as well as every other guy I came across, I knew that things had to change. It's something I still struggle with today and that I often forget about. I was also urged to redeem my time I have now as someone single, and how, instead of wallowing in self-despair or sorrow because no one seems to 'like' me, I should help and serve others who need my love and help more.

This book Leslie Ludy wrote has built on Joshua Harris's ideas and has really inspired me not to run after something that God's timing will eventually bring, if that is His will: in fact, it encourages all who read it to be set apart, lilies among thorns (Song of Solomon 2:2) and to be intimate with our Prince, developing our relationship with Him and investing our time talking and listening to Him, instead of putting all our energy into finding or thinking about 'Mr Right'. It inspires us girls to do good for our husbands, before we even know who they are! (Proverbs 31:12).

This book is aimed for young women and girls like Leslie used to be: who seek approval of guys in their physical behaviour as well as a similar attitude towards them; also for others (like me), who may have never been in a relationship and are trying to remain pure, but who don't focus on God enough instead of dwelling on these things: who have yet to come to know the God who made, loved and saved us. And for everyone else, because I've never met someone who doesn't struggle with this.

I've realised recently that though I have had lots of crushes, some which have lasted for absolutely ages and have often taken the place where Jesus should be in my heart many a time, I have yet to find someone who is truly right for me (from what I can tell). I also know that I'm not ready for a relationship now, and I need to wait for the right time when it comes.

Now I know that no guy in this world will ever satisfy me completely, except Jesus Christ, in whom I'm totally accepted, totally loved and totally protected, as well as total honesty and trust. He is the only one who can make me truly happy.

From reading this gem of a book, I want to fully depend and trust in Christ alone, with nothing distracting or hindering me from Him. I want to be fearless and authentic - someone willing to share the Gospel not just because we as Christians have to, but because of how much it means to me, the fact I'm trying (with God's help) to shape my life around it, with Jesus at the centre, and how much I've come to love that guy who sacrificed himself for us, so we could live when everything we can see and touch passes away.

I urge you to check this book out, and also check out these links below, which have also really helped me:

http://www.unfurlingflower.blogspot.com/

http://www.setapartgirl.com/

In Christ,

xox

Bibles, Bibles

2008-10-17T18:02:00.003+01:00

I've been listening to this song none stop for the past few weeks, and these guys have really encouraged me in their raps about the power and authority God's word has. Enjoy! xox

In a dark world, the light shines...

2008-10-01T16:29:00.006+01:00

'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' Colossians 1:13-14

I think we all know what it feels like to be in a dark room. I mean pitch-black: no light streaming in through curtained windows, no alarm clocks/stars glowing eerily - no light at all.

In complete darkness we cautiously feel our way around, stumbling over obstacles we did not anticipate, as light which illuminates everything (Ephesians 5:13-14) is unimaginable.

Because of the Fall, our world is 'the dominion of darkness' - the nightmare we cannot wake up from. Our efforts to find a solution to this mess ourselves are innumerable: many of us try and live the best way we can, maybe hoping to impress the one society used to revere, but who is now mocked and dismissed as out-of-date and a pushover.

But how can the only light, in a world plunged into darkness, be a pushover (Isaiah 9:2)? When His power is the only thing that can save us? When His mercy and grace are abundant and available to all slaves (us) manacled in shackles (Isaiah 42:6-8)? When He is the only one who can wash away our iniquity and clothe us in righteousness (Psalm 85:2, Isaiah 61:10) ?

Our redeemer reigns... He reigns eternally (Exodus 15:18) in radiance, and His marvellous light will never fade.

Let's trust in Him who shines, and ask Him to help us who have been redeemed to shine too (Matthew 5:13-15), so the world will know how bright His salvation really is.
xox

GET IN!!

2008-09-18T16:59:00.002+01:00

If you've clicked on here, you definitely have a few minutes to spare... redeem your time and watch the video from this link!!

http://youth.tearfund.org/about+us/get+in.htm

Delirious? 'Mission Bell' - a review

2008-09-07T06:22:00.003+01:00

When it comes to buying new albums as soon as they come out, I'm particularly rubbish at it. It doesn't help much either when one orders something online. Amazon spent over a year trying to post me 'Mission Bell', which meant that instead of listening to it around this time last year in 2007, I've ended up listening to it three years after it was released. Quite a long time to wait for a CD to come.

Just at the right time too. After 15 years of recording and performing their widely popular songs in mainly Christian circles around the world, Delirious? announced a few months ago that they are breaking up.

I haven't always been a hardcore fan (or just a fan). In fact, I only started listening to 'World Service' properly on my iPod during my quiet times at camp last year. I've also discovered over the last couple of years that Martin Smith and Stu G have written a lot of contempory worship songs that I love to sing, like 'I could sing of your love forever' and 'Shout to the North'. A couple of my Christian friends were astounded that I had never heard any of their stuff before.

Having listened to this album, I can conclude that waiting over a year for it was definitely well worth it, as it has greatly encouraged me to spread the word of God and to be bold about our faith.

I immediately loved the first track 'Stronger' , beginning with what sounded like an orchestra tuning up before a performance, instantly hushed with the entrance of the guitar and Martin Smith's vocals. The next two tracks 'Now is the time' and 'Solid Rock' were also very catchy, and I got to hear more of Tobymac, as I'm only familiar with 'Burn for you' and DC Talk's ancient song 'Jesus Freak'. The lyrics emphasise our need to do what Paul tells us to do in Philippians 2:15 and Psalm 18:31, to trust in God alone as our foundation and to live differently as God's chosen people. (These tracks also reminded me of some of U2's stuff for some random reason).

Just picking a few of the other tracks to discuss (so I don't bore you), 'Our God Reigns' deals brilliantly with the issues of poverty, injustice and sin that are rife in this world: for example, spreading disease of HIV and deaths of babies born and unborn, and assures us that God is still there even when it doesn't seem like it, and He still has the power.

'Paint the Town Red' should be an anthem to all Christians to get us out into our communities and share the truth with unbelievers that only Jesus's blood can save us - it is a call to evangelism and, according to Wikipedia, one of the band's worst singles released in the UK secular music charts. Anyway, I liked it.

As I have a varied and rather random collection of music I like to listen to, I love Clannad, an Irish new-age band which have been going since the 70's... even my Mum's listened to them! Anyway, I read somewhere recently that Moya Brennan, the lead singer, became a Christian as , after drug and alcohol abuse and an abortion, she decided to re-evaluate her life and turn to Christ.

Moya has a beautiful, unique and very ethreal voice... before I even looked at the cover in the CD, I knew that it was her singing in the background of 'I'll See You'. It almost brought tears to my ears as it was so haunting and lovely.

I truly recommend you go out and buy this CD if you want music that will encourage you to share your faith and to keep on trusting in God. Whereas their previous album 'World Service' seems to focus on united worship and truths about Jesus, this album also focuses on worship but the kind of worship that has to be carried out with our actions and a change of attitude, described in Romans 12:1.

This is a definite must-have... go and get your hands on a copy! xox

Kingdom Skank

2008-09-06T10:59:00.003+01:00

This is well funny.. and before you think that 'skank' means a 'filthy or promiscuous female' (which I didn't know what that meant till five minutes ago), it also means to dance to ska.

There's even a special dance you can do to it... if you go to the page on youtube, there are other videos too to show you how. I don't know how I didn't hear about this before (probably because I live in the South West).

Be Bold!

2008-09-03T01:00:00.001+01:00

'For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.' 2 Timothy 1v7

When we become a Christian, we are given a portion of the Holy Spirit by God to live inside us (1 Corinthians 2v12). Jesus promised his disciples that this would happen back in John 14vv16-18, so that after he ascended to Heaven, having defeated sin on the cross, he would still be with them throughout all their persecutions and struggles.

The verse above highlights the strength he gives us today, to...

•Evangelize
Often the prospect of telling people about Jesus is daunting and scary. I know that's often true for me. But the Holy Spirit gives us power to speak to our friends and loved ones of the good news about our wonderful Saviour, so we need not be afraid or shy away from the opportunities that arise.

•Love others
Some people we know may infuriate us in the way they act or speak towards us. Or there may be someone who’s generally looked down on or ignored by many, and you feel afraid or embarrassed to get to know them or look out for them, because of what your peers might think. It can be so hard to do what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 5v44 and Mark 12v31.

It's great then that we have the Holy Spirit to help us love others we find hard to love. He can give us confidence to overcome our shyness, give us patience, and to forgive and serve one another. Because of this we end up being more like Jesus, whose love was so great for us he was willing to die and take on all our sin, so we can come to Him for forgiveness.

•Flee from sin

As we now follow Jesus, it is inevitable we will still struggle with sin and be tempted in situations every day to do things that will only end in hurt, pain and guilt - stuff God doesn't want us to experience, and Satan does, so he can try and pull us down.

The Holy Spirit helps us to turn, and run, away from the sin that we face. He reminds us of what we read in 1 Corinthians 10v13 and who we are as God's children as we walk in His light (Ephesians 4vv20-24)

Let's remember and thank the Lord fervently for the Holy Spirit inside all of us who have put our trust in Jesus, and let’s ask God to help us be bold in Him as we start this academic year, so that we may be active in sharing our faith (Philemon 6) and live our lives wholly for His glory.

In Christ, xox

Jesus, the bin man - dispelling the myth of the 'rubbish Christian'

2008-09-01T09:27:00.004+01:00

I wonder if you've ever looked back on a year of your life and felt ashamed: of the things done or not done, said or unsaid, thought or not thought... We may remember the opportunities we had for telling our friends about Jesus that we let pass us by; the guilt from remembering how we turned our back on God's perfect way and how we did our own thing; how we trusted in ourselves and worthless things, instead of trusting in God, who is the only thing worthy of our praise.

Basically, (to sum up the paragraph above) we feel rubbish about ourselves - wracked in guilt and despair. Maybe you can't fathom how God could ever love you and want you in his family. Compared to the other Christians you've come across, who seem squeaky clean and sickeningly perfect, you despair at how they seem to 'do it' and conclude that you will never be like that.

Well stop it. Seriously. Check out Romans 3vv 10-18

'as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."'

If you think about being unrighteous in terms of rubbishness, we , both believers and non-believers, are equally as rubbish as each other. No one is more rubbish or less rubbish than one another - we have all messed up, put God's rightful crown on our own heads and have decided to rule our own lives.

So the next time someone comments or you dwell on the possibility of someone being a 'rubbish Christian', think again:

A Christian is someone who realises that without Jesus they will always have and be rubbish. Only our bin man can take away our sin, that we can never ever get rid of by ourselves.

xox

GCSE results

2008-08-21T14:54:00.004+01:00

After a long and torturous wait, I got my GCSE results today... and am very relieved, pleased and happy all at the same time. I achieved 7 A*s and 3 As, so I am mightily chuffed.

Encouragement in Christ also on Facebook

2008-08-20T21:07:00.004+01:00

That's right!
You can now receive messages I'm going to post on this blog on facebook... If you have a facebook account and you want to get them every month, just search for 'encouragement in christ' (a group should come up) and click on 'join'.

xox

A Spreader of Good News

2008-08-03T04:39:00.005+01:00

'Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."' Mark 5v19

I wonder if any of you reading this have ever felt really excited about God's new creation - last week at camp, I was reminded all about it, from the talks we all had in the morning and evening, to the group Bible studies I had just before bed with the other girls in my dorm, to my conversations with other people. I'm really looking forward to what Jesus promises us in Revelation 21 - a place with 'no more death or mourning or crying or pain'.

Though it's great I'm thinking like this, I often forget that it's now my duty to tell as many people about what Jesus has done for me.

I don't mean just telling people that I go to church and read my Bible and pray (which is what I usually do), but also, if they let me (as I can never usually get a word in edgeways when I'm speaking to people), talk about my personal experiences and relationship with Jesus I've had and have and will have.

I realised at camp and recently over the past few weeks how God has been so faithful to me, ever since I prayed my first sincere prayer to Him when I was eleven. I've been through a lot, and even though I've felt like giving up at some points, as the world's reaction to Jesus ain't pretty, I know that Jesus has been drawing me back to Him and holding me close throughout.

He is truly amazing and He's done so much for you and me, that it would be a waste not to.

So that's my goal from now on - as well as being an encourager, I want to be a spreader of the Message, the Good News, with the help of the Holy Spirit inside me.

#5 - Give us clean hands

2008-07-02T05:12:00.005+01:00

Psalm 24

Of David. A psalm.

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?

Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an idol

or swear by what is false. [a]
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD

and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face, O God of Jacob. [b] Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?

The LORD Almighty—

he is the King of glory. Selah

Back in September, on a week-end away with my youth group, somewhere on the outskirts of Cambridge, we stayed at a house I have often been to before. On Sunday morning, I woke up really early, so I went outside to do my quiet time in the huge garden surrounding their whole house. It was light, birds were singing and it wasn't too cold. I sat on the seat carved out of a tree that had once been there, clutched my Bible to me and surveyed all I could see around me. It was perfect and then I remembered - God had created it all.

It was amazing to be reminded that God had created this, and the rest of the entire universe. Our brains can never truly get round it. This probably explains the lack of respect we have towards our planet: the pollution we cause, the amount of rubbish we throw in landfill sites and the habitats of God's creatures we destroy only leads to extinction and destruction. As followers of Jesus, we are given the task of caring for our planet.

Yeah, we can't know for sure if we can change the rate the ice in the Arctic is melting, but we can reduce our carbon footprint, reusing, reducing and recycling our rubbish so none of it goes to waste.

I'm sure in every psalm I've discussed so far, I can recognise the basis of a modern worship song in its depths. 'Give us clean hands' by Chris Tomlin undoubtedly sprung from verses 3-6, talking about holiness.

Holiness means to be set apart from others - God is set apart from us, as He is without sin, whereas we are sinful human beings. We cannot stand in His prescence, as God cannot bear the sin we have. It is therefore impossible for anyone to stand before God without a blemish by our own means: we have all followed, or still follow, idols; we have had, or still have, a divided heart that has not wholeheartedly followed God; and we have not fulfilled or we break our promises... to others and God.
It is only by God's grace through Jesus's sacrifice that we can have clean hands and a pure heart, on that day that we stand before the Lord. It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that I have to do certain things as well as receiving God's grace to be saved... but imagine if we did - what a nightmare!

It's comforting to know that only Jesus can save us - we don't have to struggle to save ourselves.

The psalm ends with two promises...

Those who seek Him will find Him and will be granted this purification (v6) (Also check out Matthew 7)

God also wants us to be part of our lives - He wants us to open the doors and let Him in (vv7-10).

Many people have the view that God doesn't care about us at all, and he ignores what's happening in our lives completely. But the most powerful and the strongest being that there's ever been in the entire history of time wants to help us and be in the one life we have on this earth.

With Him, we will withstand all that life throws at us, be able to ascend His hill and stand in His holy place.

'"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.' Matthew 5:14

xox

2008-06-24T19:55:00.002+01:00

Grace and Love by Kutless

It's over

2008-06-19T09:36:00.002+01:00

Basically, I thought I'd just say that I finished my GCSEs on Tuesday. However, it's the biggest anti-climax of my life. Nuff said. But anyway, thank goodness it's all over.

P.S. I really hope I look as happy as this person looks on results day :D

#4 - Our strong fortress

2008-06-16T09:08:00.001+01:00

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. [a]

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields [b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

I love this psalm - the vivid description throughout and how it talks about natural disasters and conflicts, how one day God will 'make wars cease to the ends of the earth.'

Verse 1 reminds us why we should, as His children, trust our Father. God is a...

'refuge' - a place of safety. Trusting God saves us from what awaits all of mankind for our rebellion against God - hell.
'strength' - a great power, impossible to break, damage or defeat. The Holy Spirit inside us can work in us when we feel weak and suffer hardships - God's strength can renew ours so we can continue to live for Him.
'help' - a benefit that will make something better or easier to cope with. We can confide in Him in prayer about our troubles and He will aid us.

When things around us fall apart, we can doubt if God is truly still there and in control. Verses 2 and 3 present us with the worse-case scenario ever - the complete destruction of the world. The sons of Korah use that as an example of how determined they are that we as God's people should continue to trust Him, whatever life throws at us. What a challenge! But with the Holy Spirit's help we can deepen our reliance on the Lord and learn to trust Him more.

The rest of the psalm focuses on...

God's power (vv6, 8-9) - I love the fact that God has only to speak and the 'earth melts' - it reminds me of Genesis 1, when God created the universe just by his voice. I also love how God ends all conflict in verse 8 - I'm a pacificst and hate having to learn about wars and conflicts, or hearing about the ones that are going on as we speak. It's encouraging to know that one day God will end all violence and fighting in the world, with His great power.
God's faithfulness (vv7&11) - A summary of verse 1 and used as a refrain, to remind us of how God will never leave His people - us!
Our need to acknowledge the authority of God (v10) - I know I often rush into things without thinking whether God would approve or not of my decisions. I think we all have a tendancy to do that sometimes. I also know I forget about God in my life and sometimes go my own way, instead of my Saviour's. As we now live in Christ, we need to put Him before all things and ask for His guidance and help in our lives. In our busy and noisy culture, we need times of silence so we can focus on the character of God and meditate on his words (Psalm 1). As he is the most important thing in our lives, we need to be reminded of Him throughout.

If we do that and ask for His help to be more like Him, people will notice that we are different. We will be able to reach out to people, with the Holy Spirit's help, and God will be praised and exalted by us and others as many more turn to Him.

#3 - You never let go of me

2008-06-15T09:03:00.003+01:00

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

Usually when I look at a lot of psalms, songs I know spring to mind - this isn't surprising. Thousands of hymns and worship songs have been written inspired by Scripture. Psalms, back in Biblical times, would have been sung, so they're basically songs.

So, whenever I read this psalm, I'm reminded of...

The Vicar of Dibley theme tune (vv1-3), (sung by choir boys, and I only know the first two lines of it)
'You Never Let Go' by Matt Redman that they've recently started to sing at church (but I knew it first- ha!)

This is probably one of the most well known psalms, and the imagery used probably is the reason why:

'The Lord is my Shepherd' - Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10 v 11). I think I originally touched on that in #1 Shouting For Joy, but it's a really good way of describing Jesus:

-It shows his love towards us, described as sheep, who have chosen to follow Him. He never leaves or deserts us without guidance, but guides us in 'paths of righteousness' - He has set clear instructions for us.

-It also shows that following Jesus alone means that we 'shall not be in want' - Jesus can provide us with all we could need (Matthew 6 vv 25-34). There is no need to look else where to be satisfied.

-Jesus also offers us rest - verses 2 and 3 highlight that Jesus gives us time of quiet when we can relax and he can renew our strength by restoring our souls. He wants us to have time-out so we're not exhausted and disheartened.

'The Valley of the Shadow of death' - as well as being there in the calm of the storm, God will also remain with us when times are hard. When things go wrong, often we feel like blaming Him. However, the Bible warns us of the hardships we will have because we are Jesus's followers (Acts 14v22), so we should be prepared for it in our walk. It's a good thing to remember, if you yourself are going through a hard time at the moment and feel as if God isn't doing anything to help, He is still there. He is with us every step of the way. Once the trouble passes and you've trusted in God through what happened, knowing that You are in His hands and that He was with you, deepens and strengthens your relationship as a result.

'You anoint my head' - King David, who wrote this psalm, was anointed by the prophet Samuel - a sign from God that he was destined to replace Saul as King of Israel. David had been set apart from all his brothers and all the other men in God's people. Because of this Saul tried many times to kill him and he feared for his life on the run. As we follow Jesus and are now part of God's family, we are also set apart from non- Christians. Because of this, we will be different - people may pick up on this and try to find out what makes us different and/or mock us for it. But we have a wonderful future in store and when we die will dwell in Heaven, 'the house of the Lord forever'! We will be with God for the rest of time and no one will ever be able to snatch us from his hands.

xox

#2 - Praise You (like I should)

2008-06-14T09:35:00.003+01:00

Psalm 150

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

In every sentence, it seems one word makes it very clear about what the psalm's theme is. Praise, the expression of approval, commendation or admiration of God, is explored in regards to:

... Where our praise goes to

Wouldn't it be pointless if, when we praised God, in prayer or out loud, through music or in silence, it didn't reach God's attention and He never heard it? But God does hear and see our praise in Heaven. Whatever we do, he sees it all (1 John 3v20) This also emphasises how praise should never be for show, but intended for God's ears and designed to also encourage others who can be reminded of God's promises.

... How we can praise Him

This psalm highlights how we can praise God in all sorts of ways, especially musically. I know a lot of people who think that Christian music should not sound like rock - many just don't like the sound, which is fair enough, but others dismiss it as being 'the music of the Devil'. These people obviously don't know that Charles Wesley, considered to be one of the greatest hymn writers in the history of Christianity, faced a lot of scandal and disapproval from many Christians when his compositions were first heard.

Yes, rock music has negative connotations and talented musicians like Jimi Hendrix and many others have 'lost the plot' because of their dealings in a world shrouded in darkness... but has this got anything to do with the actual music? The proof is here: God loves it when someone who follows him plays their drum kit in a heavy metal band with extra loud 'resounding cymbals' as part of their praise; God loves it when trumpets are blown in Salvation Army brass bands and in jazzy worship songs; God loves little children in church shaking tambourines and percussion instruments as they learn more about Him; God loves it when people make up dance routines that honour and bring glory to Him; God loves peaceful music, with a Celtic edge - with harps and lyres; God loves classical and baroque praises, with 'strings' and wind instruments like the 'flute'. What a variety! There now can be no argument - God loves all types of music that praise Him!

... Who can praise Him

Cliqued as it may sound, in verse 6 'Let Everything That Has Breath' by Matt Redman comes to mind. It's a good title (though it is borrowed from this). The point is, God never prohibits anyone from praising Him - you don't have to be a 'good person' (there's no such thing really) or someone that has been following Jesus for a long time. You can be young or old, male or female, of any nationality, of any language, of any background - nothing should hinder you from praising the Lord.

... Why we should praise Him

One reason why we should praise God is because of 'his acts of power'. The fact the whole world and everything came into being is quite mindblowing. There are probably more acts that we can think of, especially miracles which have been recorded in the Bible and also events in our own lives, where God has helped us in situations that have arisen.

Another reason why we should praise God is because his greatness is 'surpassing', better than all others' power. People and things our society idolises are nothing compared to God. Why should we think about them and all our society can offer ( which is hardly anything worthwhile) more than God? We should praise God for wanting to remain with us, who are so easily distracted.

We should praise God for his power, his grace and his never ending love for us - let's praise the Lord!

#1 - Shouting for joy

2008-06-13T09:11:00.004+01:00

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

As I have never been to a huge Christian festival (though I have been to 'Sorted' - a one day youth event in Westminster Chapel, with hoodies!! - ... twice) I don't think I've ever really shouted for joy to the Lord.

On a worship CD I have, there's one song on it in particular called 'Salvation' by Charlie Hall, when everyone is prompted to cry the name of Jesus... listening to it often makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up... in a good way, of course. One day I'd love to climb up a high mountain on my own and praise God out loud, by shouting amidst the howling wind hurtling around me.

In verses 1-2, it talks a lot about joy, when we rejoice in what God has done for us. Verse 3 explains more fully why we should be happy:

'The Lord is God' - it's a relief knowing that only Jesus is God, and also a challenge - unfortunately we stray away and worship other 'gods', things which hinder us from knowing God fully and distract us from him. The good news is, that as only Jesus is Lord, He's got the power to help us follow Him, whereas other things have no real power and will fade away.
'It is he who made us' - it can sometimes seem like we create ourselves nowadays - discussions about designer babies and IVF imply that we are the ones who thought up the idea of sperm and egg cells combining and dividing in a womb to create new life. This is a lie that millions believe. But God is the divine creator - He designed and formed us. He, not us, is in control.
'We are his' - Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the one who takes care of his flock with so much love and care that he is ready to lay down his life for them. If we have accepted Jesus in our lives, we are the 'sheep of his pasture', and God will take care of us, in our lives on Earth and in Heaven.

Every time we pray, we are speaking to our Father in Heaven - we gain access through the gates and enter his courts, as we speak face to face. When I begin praying, I try to praise God first, before I ask for anything or seek repentance - as God has done so much for us we need to thank Him, for his grace, his love and faithfulness.

Verse 5 emphasises that these attributes are not fleeting - they are eternal:

As Chris Tomlin's song 'Forever' emphasises, God's love will never end. And neither will His faithfulness - throughout the Bible, God has always remained true to the people of Isreal. Moreover he has always remained faithful to the early Christians, from the day Jesus was crucified, continuing to our generation in the 21st century. How incredible is that? How patient and faithful is our God!

And if Jesus doesn't come back while we're still alive, God will still remain faithful to our children, our grand children and our great grand children.

God is truly amazing - forever loyal and forever loving - what more could we want Him to be?

New series

2008-06-12T12:56:00.009+01:00

If you regularly read this blog, you may have noticed that recently I haven't posted any encouragement messages on here. As I have had my GCSEs, I decided to subconciously take a break and focus solely on them, as they're very important for my future. Thankfully, I've only got one paper left to sit, and then I have a very long Summer holiday ahead of me.

However, I've decided to get back into writing them and have thought a great deal about which scriptures I could use next.

I have decided to plan a series this time, instead of the alternative method (I can't really name it) I have used previously, and have decided to choose seom psalms: psalms that I haven't explored in depth before; psalms that are not long and are no more than a column of a standard Bible (i.e. NIV youth bible - my one), so they are quick to read; psalms that may seem sometimes a bit obvious or pointless when flicking through the book of psalms, but are definitely there for a reason.

As I have a lot of time on my hands for the next few months, I think I'll be posting more frequently than I usually do - just telling you that just in case you think your eyes are deceiving you if you see that I posted a lot more than I usually do.

Please do comment on the posts - I really love feedback and love reading comments.

The first psalm is on its way.

2008-06-10T13:02:00.003+01:00

Superbadger is so wicked... check this out!

Nearly there

2008-06-06T20:40:00.003+01:00

I'm precisely 4/5ths of the way through my GCSEs, and I am absolutely and utterly shattered.

But, despite my tiredness, God has been amazing... most of the time I've really felt His peace and have been quite calm about everything.

Even though now I'm starting to worry a bit about the results and what I actually wrote was correct and the best answer to give ( although I won't find out until the end of August) I know that there is more to life than exams... God's plans for us are so much greater than marks we read in black and white, that may matter the world to me at that time.

I can't wait till they are all over, in eleven days, and really enjoy the Summer ahead that's beckoning... it's gonna be goood.

Flooded with God's peace

2008-05-18T07:00:00.002+01:00

I'm doing my GCSEs. Nuff said if you've done them before. A few weeks ago I was feeling scared, terrified and above all stressed, though often it didn't really show.

However, (though I've only sat four papers out of twenty I have to sit), I feel so relaxed, calm and collected... so much more than I did in the mocks. I know in my heart, and my mum commented when I spoke to her about it, that this is God really filling me with His peace and effectively calming me down.

It's strange that this should happen now... in Year 7 I was very stressed, Year 8 was almost the same amount, Year 9 was alright, last year was fine and this year I've felt almost totally at ease, when really important exams for the rest of my life are just around the corner. I've concluded that this is due to my journey with Christ and how he's gradually changing me to be more like Him.

So, I really want to thank you, God ... for calming me down and being with me, through these exams and through my life so far. You are truly amazing!

Psalm 55

2008-05-03T14:01:00.003+01:00

This morning, after I had breakfast, I opened up my Bible, turned to my Airlock notes and read Psalm 55.

I read it, then read it again and was amazed by how much of it refered to my own life and the situations I'm in at the moment.

I've realised how much I fail to trust God in what I do daily... and how I can never sincerely say 'but as for me, I trust in you.' like David does.

I've now decided I'm going to cast all of my worries and doubts and insecurites on Jesus, as He is the only one who can truly deal with all that we face.

Doing Hard Things

2008-04-23T17:12:00.005+01:00

In my opinion this article should be read by everyone who calls themselves a Christian... I discovered the rebelution before Christmas, and it really has made me think about what I'm actually doing for Jesus... which isn't really that much to be honest.

Now I really want to break free from the expectations society has of people around my age, and live my life to the full (John 10:10)

Everything by Lifehouse Skit

2008-04-21T17:20:00.003+01:00

2008-04-08T20:40:00.007+01:00

'You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.' Matthew 5v14

A city on a hill... imagine.

Not just a single hut on a hill, a modest village on a hill or a fairly prosperous town on a hill, but a city.
Think of how many people live in a city...
Millions usually - that's how many people follow Jesus, have followed Jesus and will follow Jesus.

In our lives, it may seem like no one is noticing Christians and our differences with the rest of the world, but that's not true - we are growing in number, those abroad amidst persecution and even here in this country. From this verse, we know that as well as being greater in number than we actually realise, if we are following Jesus we will be seen as different than the rest of the world in our attitudes and actions by others.

'We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.' 2 Corinthians 5v20

As Jesus is no longer in the form of a man on this earth, it's up to us who believe to tell others, through the help of the Holy Spirit and God's word, and to live our lives as examples of God's grace and love. We are the clarity in the brutal darkness, as children of the light of the world.

This may seem to you like a huge responsibility - I sometimes feel overwhelmed that this is our task.. but think about it, God has chosen us to spread the Good News, we who don't deserve to even be remembered for our total rejection of Him. That's definitely something that makes me feel better.

And because of Jesus's sacrifice, on that hill of Calvary, we can stand, bold and not afraid, and show the world there is more to life than what we can see around us.

PLEASE READ IF YOU RECEIVE ENCOURAGEMENT E-MAILS REGULARLY FROM ME VIA EMAIL

2008-04-07T17:15:00.002+01:00

Due to our computer getting poorly (because I've been sending e-mails to large groups of people regularly), I've decided to stop sending these encouragement messages to people via e-mail. Please check monthly on this blog if you want to read them, as I will still be posting them up.

If you would like to receive them on paper, in other ways - post, in pigeon holes... - please tell me and I will try my best to deliver them to you.

However if you go to my church and you receive them (you know who you are), I have considered putting them in people's pigeon holes and seeing what happens.

God bless, xox

P.S. The post date is in 2020 so it'll remain on top and everyone will be able to see it for a looong time. If I'm still doing this by the time I'm 28, I'll change the date. (wow that rhymes!)

Sound of Melodies

2008-03-07T17:29:00.003Z

Alive without life - The Maybe Pile

2008-03-03T16:54:00.003Z

Well, basically, because this video isn't on youtube, you need to google 'alive without life' in the search box on myspace video http://www.myspacetv.com/ until you find it ... it's really good.

Is Seeing Believing?

2008-03-01T08:48:00.002Z

‘Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”’
John 20v29

‘How can you believe in someone you’ve never seen?’ This is one of the hardest questions I have come across that a couple of people have asked me. Good question… how do we know we believe in something real?

Thankfully, through the Bible, Jesus addresses this issue to us in the future, in a world where seeing is believing:

We cannot see wind, electricity or intense feelings like love, and unlike Thomas and the other disciples we have not seen Jesus in the flesh either.

However, we know Jesus is real because of the Bible, which has withstood the test of time and is still a book that is popular and in demand, believe it or not, across the globe. We also know Jesus is real because of his apparent work in our lives – our prayers to him are often answered and amazing things have happened because many have trusted in Him for guidance. Our realisation of our sin: that our world and we are completely messed up and are in desperate need of a Saviour, who has fulfilled all the prophecies written down in the Old Testament, and through his resurrection too reminds us of how Jesus definitely did come to save us and offer us a personal relationship with him by his amazing grace.

I think it’s great how this Bible verse is one of the most obviously relevant to us today, and that Jesus doesn’t just think about the past and present, but also about us in the future, who are reading what he says almost two thousand years later and haven’t seen him in the flesh… yet.

Because one day we will see Him, as revealed in Revelations 21:

‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and their God.’

And also in Revelation 22v4 we ‘will see his face’, when Jesus returns.

Imagine that day when we will see our amazing creator and saviour at last,
and how blessed are we now for having faith in the image of the invisible God?! I’m definitely looking forward to it.

‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through to him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’ Colossians 1vv19-20

God bless,
Imogen xox

Prawn Joke

2008-02-26T17:40:00.002Z

Something which my godfather sent me...
______________________________________________________________________

Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean , two prawns were swimming around in the sea. One was called Justin and the other called Christian.

The prawns were constantly being harassed and threatened by sharks that inhabited the area. Finally one day Justin said to Christian, "I'm fed up with being a prawn; I wish I was a shark, and then I wouldn't have any worries about being eaten."

A large mysterious cod appeared and said, "Your wish is granted" Lo and behold, Justin turned into a shark.

Horrified, Christian immediately swam away, afraid of being eaten by his old mate.

Time passed (as it invariably does) and Justin found life as a shark boring and lonely.

All his old mates simply swam away whenever he came close to them.

Justin didn't realize that his new menacing appearance was the cause of his sad plight.

While swimming alone one day he saw the mysterious cod again and he thought perhaps the mysterious fish could change him back into a prawn.

He approached the cod and begged to be changed back, and, lo and behold, he found himself turned back into a prawn.

With tears of joy in his tiny little eyes Justin swam back to his friends and bought them all a cocktail.

The punch line does not involve a prawn cocktail - it's much worse.

Looking around the gathering at the reef he realized he couldn't see his old pal.

"Where's Christian?" he asked.

"He's at home, still distraught that his best friend changed sides to the enemy & became a shark", came the reply.

Eager to put things right again and end the mutual pain and torture, he set off to Christian's abode.

As he opened the coral gate, memories came flooding back. He banged on the door and shouted, "It's me, Justin, your old friend, come out and see me again."

Christian replied, "No way man, you'll eat me. You're now a shark, the enemy, and I'll not be tricked into being your dinner."

Justin cried back "No, I'm not. That was the old me. I've changed.".........

“I've found Cod. I'm a Prawn again Christian".

In Christ (we trust)

2008-02-12T16:31:00.001Z

(a song I wrote a week ago...)

(In Christ we trust)

Verse 1:
Light in the darkness
The calm in the storm
Shelter in the wilderness
The rising sun at dawn

Chorus:
In Christ we trust
In Christ we must
Give our sin to him
Be renewed within
Look to the cross

Verse 2:
Resting in the shadow
Of Your mighty wings
I stay in Your meadow
Maker of all things

Bridge:
Look to the cross
Consider it all loss x2

In Christ we trust
In Christ we must
Give our sin to him
Be renewed within,
Confess we're wrong
We're singing this song,
Give our sin to him
Be renewed within
Look to the cross

More Than Conquerors (Romans 8v23)

2008-02-01T20:11:00.001Z

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
Romans 8 v 28

Looking back on my journey with Christ, starting at the beginning of the autumn half term of 2003 to be precise, I’ve realised I have endured a lot through trusting the Lord these past few years.

Okay, I may not have endured as much as other people do or for as long, but for me there were definitely hard times when I felt like giving up completely.

In times of struggle, I looked in the index in the back of my Bible, found this verse and tried to comprehend how it made anything better at all. It was only recently when I was given this verse again and it was explained to me, I understand how encouraging it is.

Remembering experiences which shook me to the core and problems that seemed too large to overcome, I realised I went through those trials for a reason – as a consequence it helps us grow: in our relationship with God through prayer, spiritually in patience and perseverance and in our trust and faith in God and His plans for us.

You who are reading this may be going through some really hard situations at the moment and this verse may or may not be helpful/encouraging, but for those who want to praise God for what He’s done throughout our lives, this is a great foundation to start, as it reminds us that there is a reason why everything happens and that good things come out of everything bad that happens to us - a great encouragement to hold on to.

‘Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage…They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion… O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.’
Psalm 84 vv 5, 7 & 12

God bless,
Imogen xox

The Good Race blog

2008-02-01T18:49:00.002Z

If you received my e-mail and tried clicking on http://www.thegoodrace.blog.uk/ , there is a reason why it doesn't exist... I forgot to put the 'co.' in the hyperlink.

Written by a fellow encourager, 'pdickinson''s blog is actually at http://www.thegoodrace.blog.co.uk/ , so do check it out and encourage her as she deeply wants to encourage others.

Run - Kutless

2008-01-14T16:55:00.001Z

Kutless- Run

Such a great song... thanks to my friend Andrew for lending me their first album yesterday, it's 'well wicked'!

This song also tackles the common belief that God is too 'high and mighty' to care about any of his creation... but the truth is, God does care, which is why Jesus died on the cross for us, so He could have a personal relationship with each one of us. Listen and enjoy!

Poetry

2008-01-11T12:27:00.001Z

Hallelujah - (written last night while listening to Paramore's song with the same title)

Hallelujah... what more can I say?
Thank You for making me smile today.
Hallelujah... another thing, if I may?
Thank You for listening to every word I say.

Creator of all... that's what You are,
You know the name of every planet and star.
Essential for living... that's what You are:
Without You we wouldn't get very far.

Reedemer... that word describes You well:
You picked me up just after I fell.
Saviour... that word too describes You well -
I'll trust in Your salvation, so I won't end up in hell.

Shining... You're pure and bright,
Thanks for helping me see the light.
Warrior.. who can match Your might?
Thank you for Your armour in this spiritual fight.

Healer... I don't know where to start!
Thanks for mending my broken heart.
Faithful - we'll never be apart...
Thanks for Your love that will never depart.

Hallelujah.. what more can I say?
I know You're going to come back one day.
Hallelujah.. I may on earth decay,
But in Heaven no longer will I be mere clay.

Broken

Lying on the floor, too tired to move,
Crying tears of shame and sorrow:
I don't deserve Your grace, Your love,
I don't deserve to face tomorrow

Only You can fix me
Only You can forgive
Only You can save me
Only You can let me live

In my mind's eye I see salvation:
Your lifeless body hanging on a cross.
If I trust in You there'll be no condemnation,
And all my good works I'll count as loss.

We are not alone in our struggle

2008-01-01T11:53:00.001Z

‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ Ephesians 6:12

As people who have been redeemed by the grace of Jesus, we fight a daily battle against Satan, the enemy who wants to drag us away from God and will do anything he can to achieve this.

Personally I am fully aware of my sin and usually struggle, as all around me the world thinks differently. The media portrays many types of sin as essential for having fun, cheapens God’s values and anything that originally was pure or good is mocked vehemently by most of society. People around us can bring us down, with the words they say and the lack of respect they often have towards God. Even our thoughts let us down consistently…

Satan is the one that can make us feel guilty, scared, useless, dirty, abused or full of sorrow, whenever we feel like we’ve messed up (again) and if we let ourselves believe him.

But we have someone, who is stronger and more pure than Satan will ever be … God!

So whatever we’re going through, whatever trials we face, whatever lies we keep on hearing, both in our minds and around us, we have Him to help us.

Anything that hinders us he will help us conquer; in a situation where we’re flung in the deep, he will provide a way out for us (1 Corinthians 10:13); he’s given us weaponry and armour to fight the good fight (Ephesians 6:10-20); we have a portion of God inside us – the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18) – so we are never alone; and whenever the Devil makes us doubt what we believe, we can say ‘No!’ and turn to the Bible, God’s word, for encouragement.

Jesus knows how we feel, as he was tempted himself, although, unlike us, he never gave in. (Hebrews 2:18, Matthew 4:1-10)

Let’s trust in the one who never gave in, who will never forsake us and who will help us remain strong, through the good and bad times.

‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’
James 4:7

God bless,

Imogen xox

We are not alone in our struggle

2008-01-01T11:51:00.001Z

Unrequited love...

2007-12-22T14:22:00.002Z

...how to get over feelings for someone who you 'like' who clearly doesn't feel the same way, if you have these feelings for them frequently and you feel that these thoughts are letting you down in your relationship with Jesus, as someone who is single. (Btw I've experienced this a lot, so I know what I'm talking about when I'm writing this.)

Firstly, pray - ask God to help you stop thinking about them. Completely.
Ask God to give you different intentions for going to places and question the desires you have already.. i.e. are you going to church to listen to the sermon and catch up with other Christians, or to secretly ogle the guy(s)/girl(s) you know will be there?
Ask God to help you trust in His perfect timing, and help you remember that singleness is a gift. Ask Him to help you remember you are single because of a reason... you have a lot more independence than men/women who are dating or married, so welcome singleness with open arms. Grow closer to God in the time that you have and do what you want to and are free to do without the 'burden' of being 'tied down'. Remind yourself that there is someone out there worth waiting for and God's timing is perfect... at the moment you may feel that everyone you know has been out with someone apart from you, but there will probably come a time when it will be your turn... and it is worth looking forward to that time. Remind yourself you are probably missing out on great opportunities and trying new things now, because you're dwelling on people who don't give you the attention you deserve as a child of God. Pray for opportunities that will get you involved in other stuff that's good for your spiritual growth - helping out in church, charity work, music, children's work, preparing bible studies etc..

What you should do after you've prayed...

Subtly avoid the person(s): so if they're at church/school, don't try to talk to them so much, or if you text the person(s) or send them e-mails, avoid sending so many.. and don't stare at your phone/computer waiting for a reply from them.
Read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' by Joshua Harris... it reminds the reader of the freedom and the opportunity of finding out more about Jesus and the benefits of spiritual growth in Him, a gift that singleness can bring, a relationship you can pursue deeper when you're not dating someone.
If you have a crush on someone, it's inevitable that your mind will often wander to them. If this happens and thoughts of them pop into your brain on a permanent basis and they are thoughts you know it's wrong to think (nuff said) then think of something else, like a Bible verse about purity or work you really have to do and think about that instead.
Write a poem about how you feel, or write something down expressing your feelings... maybe write a letter to her/him explaining how you're trying to get over them and how you don't want those feelings for them anymore - but don't send them or show them to anyone!
Keep on reminding yourself that if you 'like' someone and they obviously don't 'like' you back, then they're not worth thinking about in that way.
Talk to a friend, preferably of the same gender as you, whom you can trust about what you're feeling, preferably someone who is not going to come across 'that person' ever. It's better if they follow Jesus too, because then they can pray with you and usually share your view on what you should do about it.
Imagine if your crush(s) was/(were) in an accident and it damaged them in some way with serious consequences (use your imagination for this part).. would you still like them?
Try and list all the reasons why you shouldn't like the person you like... are they following Jesus? Are they friendly towards people in general? Do they really care for them? Do they try and make new people feel welcome? Do they already have a boyfriend/girl friend? Do you like them just because of what they look like or the things they have? Are they arrogant, vain, controlling, superficial, selfish etc..? - it sounds really mean but pick out these flaws so you become convinced that they are not the one for you and you deserve someone better.
Consider 1 Timothy 5:1-2 and other verses the Bible has in the NT.
Listen to some music that will help you feel better.. not mushy stuff that will only make you long to be with someone, but something else... for me I find Avril Lavigne (*I cringe at those words I've just written*) works.. and a song that's come out recently by the Plain White Tees called Hate (I really don't like you), may seem a little extreme, but it's something I could relate to. Lost prophets is good as well.
If you watch romantic movies, and find yourself afterwards wistfully wondering why you haven't found the 'man of your dreams' yet (this probably applies only to girls and women lol) stop watching those types of films. This can also apply to TV programs, magazines, music videos and novels. If you find these are a hindrance to focusing on God, get rid of them or don't watch them. Maybe get together with friends who feel the same way, so you can encourage eachother not to believe the lies Satan keeps on telling us through the media.

If you regularly read my posts, you're probably wondering why I posted something like this up, especially on my birthday (yes I am now 16.. scary isn't it?) Well it's because I realised a week or so ago about how much of my life I've wasted by thinking about guys. I don't want other people to waste their precious seconds of their lives thinking how I did (and sometimes still do.) Enough said, but do comment, I won't be offended by almost anything you say.

God bless you and have a great Christmas and New Year!

Imogen xox

A letter from Jesus

2007-12-21T09:27:00.001Z

(with thanks to Smileylizzi who posted this up on submerge recently)

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.

I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. Some insulting and hurting each other. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honor!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements..

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

'The Room' by Joshua Harris

2007-12-19T09:35:00.001Z

'In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the mysterious array of black filing cabinets. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.”

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I Have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger,” “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked “Lust,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

“No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.'

The Rebelution

2007-12-18T18:46:00.000Z

Check it out...

http://www.therebelution.com/

'The Final Word' by Rachel Shannon (my friend!)

2007-12-05T18:25:00.002Z

A large queue of restless people from around the globe is stood before you. The snaking queue edges slowly forward. As you near the front, you can see the queue being divided by weary looking guards, into different aisles. Your turn comes -"surname," you give it. The guard examines a list and you get pushed brusquely into another queue, which leads up to some sort of check out. As you reach the front-"name," again, you give it and they input in onto a large computer. As you start to wonder where this is going, a DVD is thrust into your hand and you are moved into what looks like a final queue.

After a very long wait, a small screen with things moving on it starts to appear. As you grow closer, you can see that what you thought was relatively small turns out to be the biggest TV screen you have ever seen, huge, yet not so big that you cant see what is being shown. The scene makes you feel sick and you clutch your DVD tighter to you. It is of a man taking out a gun and shooting his screaming wife, then turning on his three helpless children and shooting them in the head. The screen goes black and the sad voice-over stops.

A man’s bone chilling cries are heard echoing through the queue. Muttering starts up, "he deserves to go to Hell." The word strikes you cold: Hell. Was that what all this was all about? The man’s cries grow fainter and the queue gradually moves forward another few paces. You look anxiously around. Everyone is doing the same. People's eyes meet and quickly drop. Suddenly another image flashes up on the screen the melancholy voice starts up again, describing what is being shown. It is of a little boy who is telling his mother that he didn't eat the cookie; unfortunately, he had... The image changes to him snapping to his sister, him promising to tidy his room and not doing it, the images start to speed up. Him taking food from the school canteen without paying for it, him breaking into someone else’s locker, faster and faster, him smashing a window and running off laughing... sin.

More, blood-curdling wails are heard dieing into the distance. The atmosphere is tense enough to cut with a knife. You gradually get close enough to see clearly what is going on. Members of the queue, upon reaching the front, have their DVD placed in a DVD-drive and loaded. The owner then is made to stand on a podium at the very front with a microphone and asked to confess that this was their sin being shown on the screen. Most were in tears before they reached the platform and begging the guards operating the DVD machines not to show theirs. The closer to the front you move, the more distraught the surrounding queue gets. The DVDs get so bad; you have to turn your face away to hide the tears.

Suddenly everything becomes still. You look up at the screen and it is white. Pure white. Empty, clean. One of the machine operators gives the owner a weary, but happy smile. "Thank goodness their are some left. I was beginning to get worried." The guard leads the owner of the DVD down a small, narrow walkway, unnoticed till now, and through a small door that previously looked insignificant. The door opens, a brilliant waft of everything good and happy that you have ever experienced flows through you. There is the distant sound of cheering and of a big celebration. It shuts. The feeling of ecstasy leaves as quickly as it came.
Another steps forward, with the same white screen. And again, the door is opened, but just before he is let through, a woman breaks away from the queue and dashes forward screaming. Her DVD starts playing, filling the screen with all the horrible things of her life. "Why didn’t you tell me more about Christianity, why didn't you tell me?" The door shuts. She howls and curses, hammering on the door. She is led, weeping, up to the podium. She is soon escorted back down and shown down a larger walkway, sobbing, along with many others, joining from different queues, all walking down to a large iron gate. Rough, bleeding hands drag them through and the gate shuts quickly with a clang. All that can be seen behind it is grey, endless grey.

"Why?" asked a balding man with a limp.

"If humans are going to turn their backs on their creator, who sent his only Son to die for them, they have no place in Heaven."

"But I thought it was just about being good, surely if you try your hardest, I've never cheated anyone, or lied, I'm a good guy."

"God detests sin because he made the world perfect. If he let you in just because you tried hard, he wouldn’t be a just God."

"God's not fair, what else was I supposed to do, I went to church and have always been generous to charities-"

"It's free."

"What?!"

"All other religions and theories rely on YOU doing stuff, trying to be good and do this and do that, the thing that makes Christianity true is that it is free, we cannot earn it, no matter how hard we may try, if we think on God's standard, we will never ever be good enough. Even Christians-"

"Well, how did they get through that door then?"

"They took God's gift to them with both hands, not one, it is too big to be taken with one hand. It will be dropped. They asked Jesus to forgive them for all the wrong things they have done in their lives. He is a forgiving God. He forgave them, swapped his one and only Son in their place, sent him to die on a cross, just so the sinners could go free. You are right, God isn't fair."

You look down, first at your DVD, then at your misshapen, broken leg and pierced heart, part of the number plate was still in it. You did not know when you were going to die.

-- By Rachel Shannon, age 15 -- (my friend!)

'I Know You're Coming Back Again...'

2007-12-01T08:04:00.001Z

'So when they met together, they asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?
He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
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.
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.' Acts 1:6-11

Jesus is coming back. That's one thing I constantly forget each day, but it's one vital thing that we need to keep on remembering as Christians and to live our lives as if we believe this fact.

It's so easy to doubt whether it is actually true: through questions people ask us, the media's view on how the world will end, our own feelings of doubt... But we live in a period of time when God wants as many people as possible to follow Him. The Battle was won when Jesus died on the cross, defeated Satan and rose to life again - and the reason God may not come back right now at this minute is because He does not want to judge the Earth just yet, but save as many people as possible, because of His great love He has for us. (John 3:16)

Here are some Bible verses I hope will encourage you (and me!) to remain faithful to God and his promises to the very end.

'We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.' Hebrews 3:14

'Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.' 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

'But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.' 2 Peter 3:8-9

'Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Revelation 21:1-4

'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.' Hebrews 10:23

God bless,
Imogen xox

Now it's your turn!

2007-11-01T13:22:00.000Z

If you are interested in writing a message that I can post on my blog (under your name) to also encourage others who are Christians, please feel free to get in touch. If you find this way too daunting or are very busy and don't have much time, please don't feel pressured.. it's just an idea I had. I know some of you already have blogs and that's great, please tell me about them so I can link them to my website.

If you're considering writing a message, I don't really want to restrict you by giving guidelines, but here are some things that I think about when writing, that I've learnt over the last year...

Is it encouraging? (vitally important!)
Are you using the Bible to back up what you're saying?
How long is it? (If it's too long, most people may not want to read it.. I recommend it being max 400 words long)
Is it easy to read? (Some people may not like reading long complicated ideas, or if it's in text talk having to work out what it says is also quite time consuming - think clearly, think simple)
Are you aiming it at a specific age group or people of all ages? (My messages are designed for anyone to read, so when you refer to examples, think of things that many people will have heard of or assume your reader above 9 years old)

As I said earlier you don't have to write one if you don't want to, it's just an idea..

'Your sins are gone, without a trace'

2007-11-01T13:01:00.002Z

'as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.' Psalm 103 v 12

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it really hard to fully take in that God can and has washed all my sin away. Memories of the things I've done in the past that I still regret doing occasionally return to my mind years later.

But the amazing and wonderful truth is that though we may still feel guilty of what we've done, said and thought a decade ago, a year ago or just last week, we can be reminded by what's written in the Bible - when we confess our sin, want to start afresh and have a clean slate, God will remove our iniquities completely from us.

'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9

Sometimes it's very easy for us to dwell on the fact that we've messed up and feel really useless and worthless because of it.. it's true we still sin but Jesus loves us so much he sacrificed himself so we won't have to endure what he had to endure.

These feelings of worthlessness are Satan's way of trying to bring us down and to stray away from God, making us think that our sins are too many in number, too huge for God to forgive, or that they are not forgiven at all and are still there.

Try picturing a white handkerchief which represents your record of sinning and dots or splodges of blood or red paint on the handkerchief representing your sin...

Now imagine every time you come to God and ask for his forgiveness and really want to turn from what you've done in the past, all that blood/red paint vanishes instantly, not even leaving a faint mark of what was on there before... it's now spotless and your sin has gone without a leaving a trace behind!

'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.' Isaiah 1 v 18

I find it really hard to take it in, but when I do it's such a wonderful feeling of elation and joy that we can be made right with God, through His awesome and ever flowing grace and we may take it for granted that there is this gift of forgiveness, freely given to anyone who asks. We don't have to ask God at a specific time, a specific place or use long complicated words: we can ask anytime or anywhere, not necessarily at church... you can ask him now if you want.

'The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.' Romans 16 v 20

God bless,
Imogen xox

Prayer Film

2007-10-13T08:18:00.001+01:00

http://www.bepartofamiracle.org.uk/Resources/Films/Prayer+week+film.htm

We're not forsaken...or forgotten

2007-10-01T19:12:00.001+01:00

'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?' Psalm 22 v 1

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt abandoned or alone?

Well a few months ago in church, I got locked in by accident after the morning service.. (I won't go into the details of how) I hammered desperately on the door and prayed for someone to hear me and let me out. After the first thirty seconds, I almost gave up hope of being let out and was almost resigned to thinking that I would have to remain there for five hours.

That situation is a bit unlikely (though it's true!) but it is a good analogy of how we feel when we think God has forsaken us, and we wonder where He is in the world. Everything can seem so hopeless: wars and terrorism, bomb attacks, abuse, rape, murder, genocide, suicide, gang violence, illness and cancer, eating disorders, STDs like Aids, drug abuse, self harm... I could go on forever. No wonder the Black Eyed Peas wrote a song entitled 'Where is the Love?'. At times we can feel like we are totally and utterly forsaken by God when things go wrong in our lives.

But the good news is that we're not. Though we may feel like we're travelling through a dark and dank tunnel, there will always be a light at the end when it comes to God's faithfulness to us.

Though there are times when it feels like God is far away and we're in a bad situation or feeling empty, I know from experience and from Psalm 9 v 10 that we will find Him in the end.

'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.' Psalm 9 v 10

In the Bible there are loads of examples of people who went through hard and difficult times, and they must have questioned whether God still cared about them or still had a future for them. But God still held them throughout. Joseph, for example, was sold as a slave by his brothers, was accused of rape and thrown into prison, and had to live in a foreign land to him for many many years, but God was always with Him and fulfilled the dreams he had, even though things were really bad (Genesis 37, 39-45) And most importantly Jesus was forsaken by God when He was on the cross, so we could have our sins forgiven, and now He has defeated death and He is alive, our wonderful Saviour!

Thankfully I was let out of the church by one of the ministry trainees (to whom I am very grateful), who heard my cries and hammerings on the door.

It's important for us to remember that whatever we're going through, we can trust in God and He can bring us through whatever situation we're in. If you know my story of how I started to send these types of messages every month, you will know even a prayer can help you get back to God.. when we're feeling forsaken we have the liberty of crying out to Jesus - He will hear us, and he will help us, always.

'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.' John 14 v 18

God bless, Imogen xox

How Can We Be Silent

2007-09-22T11:20:00.002+01:00

A really great third album from BarlowGirl, which is really great encouragement for us all to tell people about what Jesus has done for us. I especially love the song from the album called Million Voices, which I also find encouraging... basically I find all of the album inspiring/encouraging etc.. check it out!

http://www.myspace.com/barlowgirl

Eating chocolate cake on your own... or not.

2007-09-01T14:50:00.001+01:00

'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another
- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10:23-25

Trying to follow Jesus all on your own is like being trapped inside a room full of rich, dark chocolate cake - piles and piles of it, (or any other type of pudding that's rich) and you have to eat all of it, every last crumb, within one hour to get out.

If I were in that situation, it would probably make me physically sick and I'd give up after five minutes. But what if I had people in that room with me, who were willing to eat that cake too? It would be so much better, much more fun and you wouldn't have to struggle all alone. And the more people supporting you and participating, the better and more enjoyable the whole experience would be.

On this earth, if I was all alone in believing what Jesus has done for me, and the only one trying to follow Him, I wouldn't be doing so for very long. It can be emotionally draining trying to reach out to a doomed and suffering world, without others support and the reassurance that trusting in God and doing his will is better than trusting in yourself and doing what you think is best.

You who are reading this may know me, may have met me or don't know me at all.

But whoever you are, I want you to be encouraged in the knowledge that if you are a believer and it may seem like there's a tide of people opposing us and trying to bring us down, there are others who believe and are trying to follow Jesus too. If you are usually in a place where there are other Christians around, you may take it for granted sometimes, but many people often feel alone in trying to live differently from everyone else, I know I do.

I really want to encourage you not to give up with trying to live how Jesus wants us to live, but let's ask Him for help. We need to support each other in this time we're living in by praying, by helping others, by maintaining our friendships and fellowship and by encouraging eachother with our Father's promises.

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16 v 33

God bless, Imogen xox

I'm back!

2007-08-31T10:31:00.001+01:00

Well, after a long time posting my e-mails on www.freewebs.com/imogeninchrist , I've decided to switch to blogger, so more people can view them, and things... I will try and get many of the articles on here as possible, but I don't think I will be able to put them down as when they were first published... so I will have to see...

Oww!!

2007-08-15T10:59:00.002+01:00

Well, isn't it ironic that ever since I can remember, I've never wanted to be stung by a bee or a wasp, and I've always tried to escape from ones who can never do me much harm and I didn't need to worry whether they were going to sting me or not. And then, when I'm completely off my guard, I get stung, on the hand, whilst on the telephone, without realising what I was doing, by putting my hand casually on the top of the banister.... it's not good and hurts really bad.. ouch!
So yeah, ouch. This raises the fundemental question of whether wasps should have stings or not, and why they should have stings. I know its probably a protection thingy but it really hurts...

Promises

2007-07-01T10:45:00.002+01:00

When you were a young child, did your parents say that if you were well behaved on holiday while they went to see something that you particularly didn’t want to see, you would get a reward: an ice-cream, chocolate, sweets, spending money or something else?

Or perhaps your parents promised pocket money or permission to go round to a friend’s house or party if you did your chores. I remember my parents wanted to see many churches in Venice while we were staying there six years ago. While visiting these churches, which were very similar to one another and I found pointless seeing more than one, my sister and I began to complain. My parents promised us an ice cream afterwards if we went through with hanging around there for about half an hour. This promise truly kept me going when I wished I was somewhere else.

Promises of a reward awaiting us if we complete tasks or go through with things, help sustain us, give hope and definitely something to look forward to afterwards.

So it should be with God’s promises, which are obviously a lot more meaningful and wonderful than ice-creams (although some people may argue otherwise). I find it really uplifting when I’m doubting my identity, purpose or use in this world, when I’m reminded in the Bible about what God’s promised us - and God’s promised so much for us it’s incredible. Often I find I take it all for granted or forget them when I’m feeling low and useless. Jesus promised things for all of us who follow Him, and here are some of them now.

‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Matthew 28:20

‘But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ John 14:16

‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’ John 14:18
‘Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.’ Psalm 37:4-6
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9
‘For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ Jeremiah 29 v 11-13
‘In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.’ John 14:2-3
‘Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’ Revelation 21:1-7
I hope from reading these verses you will be reminded about the great things God has in store for us and will feel encouraged.

Let’s not keep these verses to ourselves… let’s share them with other believers, with people who we think may or may nor need it, for we will be encouraging each other and building each other up in that way.

Hope you have a great summer and God bless!

Imogen xox

Fainting

2007-06-23T11:00:00.001+01:00

I just want to write about the weirdest thing that happened to me on Tuesday. Half of my year at school were sitting in the library and listening to a talk by a psyciatrist who had come in to talk to us about eating disorders and self harming. I'm not sure if it was the fact that it was a very hot day (though the air conditioning was on) or the subject of people chucking up their food made me feel a bit sick, but I blacked out and a few minutes before I came back round I heard this weird big band type music in my head. According to the girls there, I started thrashing around, hit my head on the chair in front of me, collapsed on to my friend next to me, rolled my eyes a lot and then came back. People said it was one of the most frightening things they had seen and one person was so alarmed she almost called 999. When I came back, everyone swam into view, I could hear the voices of people around me saying my name and asking if I was okay and I felt a rush of cold sweep over me, and I got pins and needles all over my body. I felt the strangest I had ever done in my life, tried to stand up and went bright green (like Shrek the psyciatrist had told the others after I was taken to the nurse). Thankfully I was taken to the nurses office and I lay down again, till I heard someone come in saying that someone else had fainted and had also turned bright green. When the end of school bell rang and I came back to my desk to collect my stuff, my class mates told me what had happened.
But nothing like that has ever happened to me before, and I now wonder after this incident if I have epilepsy, though I didn't see any flashing lights at all like you're supposed to. I'm completley fine now, but so many people have come up to me this week at school and have asked if I'm better now, and I realise I must have freaked so many people out, as its spread around the school. So yeah, that's what happened, probably one of the scariest things that's happened to me ever. I heard the psychiatrist said afterwards that I looked ill and pale when I came in, but I don't think that's true, as I always look pale.. she was probably pretending she had heinsight about what happened so she could be a Cassandra like figure and say afterwards, 'I knew she was going to faint!! I warned you!'
Anyway, hopefully it won't happen again, ever. Just thought I'd write about it before I make stuff up about what happened to make it sound more interesting/scary/chilling/weird etc.

Be part of a miracle, be prayer warriors!

2007-05-24T11:02:00.001+01:00

Please visit http://bepartofamiracle.org.uk/to commit to praying for people in poverty stricken areas across the world. For us Christians it should be compulsory to use our conversations with God for the good of others who have next to nothing and often face things that we hardly ever have to. Let’s join together and be prayer warriors, so these fellow human beings won’t have to suffer needlessly. And please check out the tearfund website as well, www.tearfund.org to see what else we can do apart from pray.Cheers, Imogen xxx

Delirious? anyone?

2007-05-19T11:02:00.002+01:00

I've just realised that after nearly 15 and a half years of existance on Earth, I still haven't listened to any Delirious? or any other recent Christian music that people have heard of. I am only in possession of Absolute Smash Hits (Volume 1), WOW hits 2007, two Barlowgirl albums and Everlife's album everlife.... I can't listen to stuff on the internet because I don't have an iPod account and stuff takes ages and ages to load. I feel I've had a deprived childhood and would appreciate any spare (!) CDs you may have lying around, preferably that are good.
Thank you very much, and have a really good weekend!! xxx

Taking up your cross.. it's harder than it seems

2007-05-01T10:44:00.001+01:00

'Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.' Luke 9 v 23-26
I think all of us has a problem with doing what God wants and going His way - instead, many of us do what we want and go our own way, rejecting God and his plans for us. But when we accept Jesus as our Saviour and repent from what we've done wrong, we are a new creation:

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' 2 Corinthians 5 v 17

This should lead to living our lives for Him and not doing what we want anymore... this means we shouldn't give into ourselves and our sinful desires. We must deny all these things now and let the Holy Spirit control us and what we want.

'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.' Romans 12 v 1-2

It is hard though, as we all do things our own way, but if we ask God for help in doing what he wants and by no longer living for this world (which will not last forever), He will help us. He will transform us, as He promises in the verse above.

Remember, it's all about Him now that we have chosen to follow Him... living for God is not just something we do on a Sunday or when we are surrounded by people who are Christian - it means following God 24/7, it means letting him into every area of our lives... and that means every area. And if you haven't already, I suggest that you ask God to help you follow Him, now.

'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed....So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' 2 Corinthians 4 v 8- 9, 18

However, everyone knows that taking up the cross and following Jesus is a lot harder than it looks. We all realise that if we are obeying what Jesus says when everyone else is doing something else, it's going to be tough. It often seems to me, that when I'm with other people trying to live for God, at church or at a conference or with friends or with my family, living for God and trying to do what He says seems normal and above all natural.

But when we're with other people who don't believe, everything we try to aim for and pray for often seems really stupid and old fashioned, especially if you are all alone in trying to live like Him at school, college, university or in your work place. Because we often get all this grief from others, we often have doubts, are scared to share our faith with people and can often feel like completely giving up.

But don't! Don't give up!

This world we live in is living in so much darkness and as children of God and so children of the light of the world, we need to shine! We need to show non-Christians that being a Christian makes us happier because of God's love for us and that we're going to spend eternity with him. We need to trust in the Lord, our rock in times when we can and cannot handle the pressure of living for him.

' Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.' 1 Peter 4:12-19
We need to remember God is with us, wherever we are.. in tricky situations we get into with our friends; when we say or do something really embarrassing and everyone laughs at us; when we're stuck in traffic jams and running late; when we feel depressed and alone; when we feel everyone is against us; when we cannot sleep for fear of the next day and what it might bring; when we're on holiday or abroad; and when we have a days that are great and we feel happy... we must remember that God is always there and we also have the Holy Spirit within us permanantly:

'And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit' Ephesians 1 v 13

We need to encourage and build other Christians we know up in faith, pray for each other and be examples to one another with the way we live our lives.

'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.' 1 Thessalonians 5v11
'pray continually' 1 Thessalonians 5v 17
'...set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.' 1 Timothy 4v12

We need to pray for Christians across the globe who are also being persecuted, but are in prison for it, awaiting excections and being tortured. We should be thankful that we can meet together in the open, and though people can tease us about it, Christianity is legal in the UK and in other countries around the world.

We also need to pray for and ask God to help us forgive the people who are rude and make our lives a misery. We need to remember God loves them as much He loves us.'But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,' Matthew 5 v 44
And finally, we need to pray that God will give us oppourtunities to share our faith and that we will not be afraid to.. something I struggle with.

'I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.' Philemon 1v6

My friend suggested this Bible verse to me and I'm really glad she did, for I realised I needed to share my faith more often than I did. I prayed about it and I feel less afraid to share my faith with people now. In fact, a few of my friends are actually interested and ask me questions.. stuff which I need to ask my minister about.

I still have oppourtunities when I don't tell anyone at all and let what I believe pass me by, and if you have moments like that we need to keep on praying that we will be able to share our faith the next time we are with them.

Being a Christian is about standing out from the crowd. Being a follower of Christ is about having the guts to be the odd one out. Being a Christian is not about what's here, on this planet for us - it's about the great things God has in store for us in Heaven, where we will live with Him for eternity.

Who will always be alive, Jesus or the people who pressure us to give in?
And who has power over all the Earth for ever and ever?
Remember, we have a limited time on this planet and only God knows when ours comes to an end.

So start today if you haven't already - ask God to come and take complete control of your life and how you live it for Him.

Take up your cross, and follow Him.

2007-04-23T11:03:00.001+01:00

Sorry I haven't written for ages,
Hope you who are reading this are feeling encouraged, and if you are not after going on this website, please leave me a message and I will try and make it so it is more encouraging.
In the past month I have discovered facebook, and though it is very useful in getting in touch with people from my junior school, some of my cousins and people I met on LymingtonRushmore, it is sadly very addictive and I am trying not to use it. It'll probably make me fail my GCSEs at the rate this is going so far...
If you haven't visited this site for a while, I have added some more stuff.. like other websites to look at (please tell me of any more that should deserve recognition), how I became a Christian and a truly amazing passage from Ezekiel about the valley of dry bones - showing how powerful and amazing God is.
The next e-mail I have written already and will send at the beginning of May, when I have checked through it throroughly and made sure it is encouraging.
I really hope that today, because I am going to the orthodontist, that he says that I don't have to wear my retainer in the day anymore, for since January, I have had to wear a retainer 24/7, apart from when I'm eating.
It's an utter pain in the neck, 'cos it grosses people out when I have to take it out in public. It does discourage me from snacking though. However, people will be able to see that my teeth are properly straight (yay!) and I will be able to chew gum again, for the first time in about five years... teachers may disapprove of that because I'm sure they're tired of saying every five minutes when they are in lessons... 'Spit your gum out'... 'Put what you're eating in the bin please'... 'Chantelle, you still haven't got rid of your gum, have you?' etc But there is evidence that says chewing gum boost blood circulation to the brain and that students who do chew gum do a lot better in exams than those who don't.
On that note, I hope everyone in the world who has tests, exams, university finals and stuff they have to revise for does really well. Remember God knows everything and he can help you in whatever you are facing at the moment.
Your sister in Christ
Imogen xxx

Why we should share our faith

2007-04-01T10:52:00.001+01:00

Personally I struggle sharing my faith with non believers, but I received an e-mail from my friend which had a letter from Christians in Turkey, whose fellow believers had been murdered in a Bible printing warehouse. I briefly heard about this at church a few weeks ago, but when I read it I was filled with grief and horror about the disgusting ways they were tortured and the fact that they were murdered too.

I can't show this e-mail on the website because it may put more lives in Turkey at risk, as it has names on it that could be traced and its extremely long.
I realised how blessed I and many other believers are to be living in this country, where there is freedom of speech and what happened to these brothers because of their beliefs is unlikely to happen over here. And these killings don't just happen in Turkey, but all over the world.

I think we should really pray for believers and missionaries in Turkey and in other places around the world who are trying to spread the Word in dangerous environments. And I think we should pray for people in places where we are free to say what we want, like in this country, that we will be bold with sharing what we believe.

2007-04-01T10:40:00.001+01:00

Obedience …

if someone says that word, what springs to mind?

Rules?

School?

Doing what people in authority say?

Being good...?

Is your mind gradually switching off as you're reading and thinking these things?

Would someone describe you as an obedient person, or do you see yourself as a bit of a rebel?

If you still live with your parents, do you obey them? (I know I often don't)

If you're a teacher or a parent, do the people in your care obey you? If they ask you a favour, do you obey them?

If you are a leader in your workplace, do people obey you? Do you obey your boss?

And what about obeying God? Do you think you obey God?

Numerous times when I've been listening to a sermon, or taking part in a Bible Study or just reading the Bible in my quiet times and God has often blatantly asked me to do something, I've often foolishly thought, 'Yeah, yeah, whatever..' or 'I'll obey God later, it can wait till tomorrow..'

And sometimes I hear things and realize I need to change what I'm doing, but then try and change things by myself, without asking God to help me first.

Maybe you've thought about whether you should bother doing what God says at times. Maybe you feel depressed because it seems that everyone else around you who is not following Him look like they are having a less stressful life and more fun than you, by not trying to live the way God wants us to live.

But here are some reminders why we really need to obey God

We need to obey God because...

His will is perfect, and ours isn't… it’s as simple as that.
‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ Romans 12 v 2

We will have a deeper relationship with Him
‘We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.’ 1 John 2 v 3

If we love God (how can we not love God, when his love for us is so incomprehensible and wonderful!?) we should do what He says:
‘Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him... Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.’ John 14 v 21, 23-24

When we become a Christian, God gives us the Holy Spirit, the one who helps us do God’s will and helping us to be more obedient to Him… if God has given us this part of the trinity to be inside us, should we ignore Him when He tries to remind us of the perfect things He has said?
‘But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you’ John 14 v 26

We will be more firm in our faith with Him
‘"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” ’Luke 6 v 46-49

He's given us the Bible so we can understand and know what his will is. We have this wonderful and useful gift God has given us, so we have no excuse not to do what it says!
‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119 v 130

We will be blessed & God's law gives us freedom
‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.’ James 1 v 22-25

In the Bible, Daniel is someone who I identify most with (apart from Jesus), who tried to obey what God commanded. He was an Israelite prince and was taken hostage by the Babylonians. In Babylon, the other Israelites who were captured were a small minority trying to live the way God wanted. Daniel and his brothers were kept in the Royal Palace to be educated as Magi.

Daniel was not afraid to carry on obeying God despite the circumstances - he refused to eat meat offered to an idol, told King Nebuchadnezzar the exact interpretations to his dreams that God had shown him (he was at risk of displeasing the King by doing this) and continued his relationship with God, even when King Darius decreed a death penalty for those who did.

And by obeying what God said amazing things happened. By not eating the meat, King Nebuchadnezzar found Daniel and his brothers were 10 times better than all the magicians and enchanters in the whole kingdom (the empire of Babylon was huge). By telling the truth of what the dreams meant, King Nebuchadnezzar eventually came to acknowledge the Lord as his God. By defying King Darius and being thrown into the lion's pit for continuingly doing God’s will, Daniel was miraculously saved from the lions and King Darius also acknowledged God and issued a decree that others in the empire should do the same.

This story, as well as being an encouragement, also is a reminder that trying to do what God says in this world we live in is extremely hard and often we'll feel like it's just us against the world. But it's not.

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!.’ John 16 v 33

We should also remember that only by the gift of grace God has given us we can be cleansed from our sin when we ask, and receive eternal life and a place in Heaven. For nearly the first twelve years of my life, I thought, like many others still do today, that it was only by being a 'good person' that I would get into Heaven. Even though I probably had teaching on why Jesus died for the world, my brain probably switched off and I was spiritually blind until God spoke to me through a talk I had on my first Motiv8 (my old youth group) weekend away.

I learnt that nothing we can do can earn God's salvation except by accepting the grace God has offered us. (Read Ephesians 2 v 1-10). We must remember that we have all fallen short of God's expectations and we have all done wrong in His eyes. We therefore must be reminded that we will never always obey God's commands as a Christian. It is inevitable we will still sin, but as we've become followers of Jesus and therefore God is the ruler of our lives now, we should still do what He commands - He's our King... a loving King who actually cares about every single one of us!

So, with that in mind, let's ask God to help us be obedient to Him.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us Your word, so we can find out more about You and Your love for us which is greater than all things.

Thank you for marking and giving us the Holy Spirit when we decided to follow you, that He prompts us in what You command and that He remains inside us forever.

We're sorry we have done wrong and not obeyed You, but thank You for Your grace you have given us, so that we may have eternal life in Heaven and a completely clean slate whenever we need it. Please cleanse us of our wrong doings and evil ways, so that we can all have a fresh start to this day.

Work in us, Lord, so we will be reminded of Your commands and follow them, for You are worthy of being obeyed. Help us follow Your perfect law, so we may be an example to those around us of Your power, in this world we live in.

In Your name, Amen.

from your sister in Christ,

Imogen

Why I made this website

2007-03-31T10:59:00.001+01:00

As I have said already on the main page of this site, I made this website to encourage fellow Christians around the world but mainly in the UK. And also the website sprung from an e-mail I sent on the 12th of January 2007.

I was filled up with the Holy Spirit after a very long time of not really feeling like a Christian and afterwards I realised there were some factors contributing to why I was feeling like that.

One was that I hadn't picked up a Bible since the beginning of August, since I got home from camp. The new Bible notes I had didn’t really work for me at all and I found it really hard to actually apply God’s word to my life through them. I decided to catch up with 15 more minutes of sleep each morning instead and after a few months I couldn’t really see where God was in anything.

Another was that I was listening to really depressing music, all the time, and therefore writing really depressing poetry. I still do write poetry, and I’ve noticed that nearly all the ones I wrote in 2006 were really depressing…

Fake, everything is fake,
From the ads on TV to my own family
My life is turning upside down
I can’t seem to get out of this town

I’m living in a web of lies
Drowning in myself I die
Everytime I try to pull the plug
It’s like my grave’s being dug

Alone, utterly alone
In this selfish world I’m running out of time
And space is obscure and pointless
I try to escape from this hopelessness

I guess I need someone to save me
And pull me out of this dark abyss
I know he’s sacrificed himself for me
And his name is Jesus.

I remember listening to Evanescence’s album ‘Open Door’ in the half term almost on a loop… I really became involved in all the feelings that are in all of the songs, of jealousy, desire for death, death of a loved one and many more. Songs like those were probably all I listened to really. When anything too chirpy or cheerful came up I really switched off completely.

My great-aunt also died in October from bowel cancer…I remember when we saw her more often when I was younger that she was sort of like a grandmother substitute, as I never really knew my grandparents on my mother’s side. I remember an extremely emotional visit to the hospice she was at in Bristol earlier on in the year. From being a strong and healthy looking woman, with hardly a grey strand in her hair, she looked frail, fragile and old, and I could see with my own eyes that she was dying. I was extremely upset by this, as she was really strong in her faith and she was lovely, caring and fun to be with. I deeply regret not going to her funeral, because that would have helped me get over the fact that her time on earth was over and remind me that she was going to Heaven at the time… but I didn’t and though it didn’t show to anyone else I still felt saddened and really reminded of death in this world. From not reading the Bible regularly I had forgotten the promises God promised us, that He has plans for me, of his amazing love that is incomprehensible and wonderful; that I am in his image and he lovingly created me and that I am perfect in his eyes. Like many girls my age, I often have low self esteem and every day I looked in the mirror and hated almost everything I saw.
In November I went to an event in London called Sorted? which really made me question where I was at the moment with God, but I was unsure what to do... I didn't work out then that I needed to read God's word and pray regularly at the same time - before I either swallowed the Bible (not literally of course) and never bothered to talk to God, or stopped reading the Bible and just prayed, not learning anything new about him or reminding myself about Him. I had stopped reading the Bible and just prayed that I’d get through this ‘wilderness’ I was in. It’s weird because in the poem above, it shows that I was actually still trusting in God to get me through it. I still went to church because I wanted to get back on the right track, though I still didn’t know how.
I basically felt like the people of Israel did in Lamentations and I felt like crying,
'See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death’ Lamentations 1 v 20.

To you who is reading this it may sound that what I felt was silly and unneeded, and that I needed to get a grip. And eventually I did get a grip.

One Sunday evening in the first few weeks of January, I remember my minister delivering a sermon and him saying at the end that we should ask the Holy Spirit to really stir us up at the beginning of this year.
I decided to ask God to 'stir me up', not expecting anything to happen… I probably prayed something like this,
‘Okay God, if you’re there.. I mean really there - if you really care about me and want me to follow you, please stir me up. Amen’

From then on I actually began to get back on track:

I got some Bible notes called airlock, which I had used before and found really useful in discovering new ways of looking at passages before that I already looked at.

I also went shopping the next day after the service and bought a book by Beth Redman called ‘How to be a girl of God’, another book called ‘Dateable’ by Hayley Morgan and Justin Lookadoo and another book about plans for the future by someone who’s name I’ve forgotten at the moment, from Wesley Owen.
I recommend that everyone who calls themselves a Christian between the ages of 11-25 should read ‘How to be a girl of God’ – both male and female, because every chapter is very thought provoking - even Tim Hughes suggests guys should read it… but anyway.
The Bible verses discussed in those books I had looked at time and time again with no clue on how to apply them to my life, but the books explained them well.
One was one of my favourite verses 1 Timothy 4v 12:'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.'
It was a real encouragement and I could feel God saying to me, 'open up the bible and talk to me... you can always talk to me, whenever you want. And read my word, for it is the truth, in this world full of lies'. All of the books got the fact through to me that God does care, and how I was beautiful in his eyes, no matter what and that he has plans for me that will make me happy. I felt so much better and I felt loved and special.

God answered my ungrateful and unimpressed prayer a few days later on Friday, when I came home from school and for the first time could really feel that God was there. The first few days back at school had been a lot better than I had anticipated and for the first time in ages I felt really happy. It was a wonderful experience and I decided as I was on a 'high' to actually do something useful with it. And then I sent the e-mail, and started the website so more people can view it and really be encouraged.

From then on, I felt, and feel now, no need for writing really depressing poetry or listening to depressing music all the time: there is no need to be depressed when we have God on our side and Jesus as our friend and saviour. Even though I never went to my great-aunt’s funeral, I know now she definitely is in Heaven, where there is no cancer and no pain and there never will be. And I also learnt that no matter how much we doubt God, He is still there, and he definitely, definitely answers prayer, even if we half heartedly don’t expect to get any reply at all. He will show his power to us in ways we cannot imagine. Before, I would never have dreamt of writing an e-mail like that, but through the Holy Spirit I was able to.

I’m not putting this on the website to seek attention or sympathy or anything… the primary aim of this website is to encourage people who are trying to live the way Jesus wants. I don’t want you who are reading this to make the same mistakes that I did.

If you aren’t already, spend quality time with God, devour his word and ask for his help to obey what it says - both on a regular basis. As a friend of mine once said to me: ‘Keep it up and keep immersing yourself in the word, soak it up, learn it, absorb it, think it, live it, breathe it’. Trust in God and you will be happier than ever before, I promise.

My Testimony

2007-03-31T10:57:00.001+01:00

Like many other Christians today, I was brought up by my parents who are Christian. For nearly the first twelve years of my life, I thought this was what made me a Christian. I also thought being a Christian meant going to church every Sunday, devouring a lot of the stories in the Bible and showing off my knowledge at any opportune moment I had, and refusing to swear at all as it wasn't 'religious'.

However I often didn't like going to church as a young child. I remember when we moved churches when I was six years old. My first reaction when I stepped inside a significantly different building from the last one was, 'This isn't a church?!' I often found I had nothing in common with the children there, as I was extremely shy and conscious of the fact that they thought how I spoke was very posh.

This changed as we grew older and I became friends with them, but I still thought, despite the teaching we were given, that being a Christian still meant going to church every Sunday, showing off my Biblical knowledge and still refusing to swear when my friends at school swore.
I also didn't really know much about why Jesus died for us. Every Easter, the story was told to us in Children's Church that he rose again and came to life, but I thought, 'Well...so what?'

It was when I was almost twelve on my first youth group weekend away, that I learnt why Jesus died for us. I realised many things after our youth advocate spoke to us. I realised that because my parents followed God, it didn't for the first time automatically mean that I was a Christian; that I was steeped in sin; that I was completely and utterly imperfect and God was completely and utterly perfect; I felt ashamed of the stuff I'd done with the past; that going to church, having Biblical knowledge, not swearing, being 'religious' and doing 'good deeds' would never get me into Heaven.

At that time I had also started the school I'm still at now. For the first term I hated it. I was sick most mornings before school, found it hard to make friends (though I did make some in the end) and I just found it too stressful. I would cry almost every day and long for my junior school, where it was friendly and a heck of a lot smaller than this one.

I actually remember crying before our youth advocate did the talk, in front of everyone. I was so insecure, scared of life and depressed about myself as a person.

I can't remember what actual words he said to us, but I know it really had an impact on me, because I wanted to accept the grace Jesus had offered us all. I wanted to get rid of my sin and start again. I know it had an impact because that night at Carroty Wood, in October 2003, I actually prayed a prayer of confession, with the help of my youth leader Jo, for the first time and asked for forgiveness and a fresh start to how I was living my life. And that was when I became a Christian.

And letting God take control over your life and trusting Him is the best thing I've probably ever done. I've had slightly rocky times over the years, but how great is it having someone all powerful and perfect as your eternal father? You can tell him all your worries, when we do sin, (it's inevitable, we're still not perfect) we can ask for a clean slate every time and His help for obedience to what He says. There have been times when I've tried to go my own way, and I've failed when I haven't trusted in God... but the amazing thing is that no matter how many times I have deserted Him, He has never deserted me.

The parable of the Lost Son illustrates this perfectly. A man had two sons and one day one of them ordered his share of the inheritance and left home. But while he was there he squandered all his money and as there was a famine in the land and he had no income, he worked as a pig farmer. Finally he came to his senses and decided to return home.

'I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.' Luke 15v 18-24

Instead giving his son a lecture, the Father forgives his Son immediately, regardless of the fact he ran away from him and spent money that was probably saved up for many years. He is overjoyed…he runs (which was very undignified for a grown man at the time) to his son and is so glad to see he has returned he shows him how much he cares by embracing him. When we return to God, he does not lecture us on how we've sinned - he, like the Father, is overjoyed to see you and to welcome you back into his family. He wants to wipe everything you've done away, wipe the tears from your eyes and he rejoices, for you came back to him! He loves you, He loves me and He loves us all, more than we can ever imagine.

That's why Jesus died on the cross, so we can come back to him, so He can lead us in his perfect way in the one life we've got here on this Earth. And when we die we will have eternal life with Him in Heaven… forever.

I urge you now, if you think that being a Christian is what I thought before I actually received the grace God offered : going to church every Sunday, having Biblical knowledge, being 'religious' and doing 'good deeds' and not swearing etc I encourage you to think again. It is only by the grace of God we are saved, as it says in Ephesians 2 v 8-10 - 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Books

2007-03-31T10:56:00.001+01:00

The Good Book - The Bible
This is a best seller across the world! Pick up a copy now if you haven't already! It's a good idea to get notes you can read with it and help you understand it. My advice is to not start at the beginning from Genesis if it's your first time reading it, but read one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and then after that if you're still interested and decide you want to become a Christian, read on in Acts and letters in the New Testament, about how you can follow Jesus.

Soul Sista - How to be a girl of God by Beth Redman
More people should definitely read this book. Personally I think I should have read it long before I did. This is a book for anyone who calls themselves a Christian and has a desire to follow Jesus and live a life for Him... male and female between the ages of 11 and 25. Girls, read it and find out that you are totally loved by God and everytime He looks at you, He just adores what He sees. And guys, get this book anyway (even if you may get some strange looks at the book shop) and read it... go on, I dare you. Even Tim Hughes and Matt Redman say you should read it, if that's an incentive (?!)

Soul Sista - The truth shall set you free by Beth Redman
This is kind of like a sequel to 'how to be a girl of God' but it doesn't have to be. I find this book deals with the same issues as it but there is a lot more detail discussed and frequently asked questions, which are very helpful. If you liked 'how to be a girl of god' you'll like this as well.

Hanging in there by John Dickson
A must have book for anyone who's just become a Christian and is starting to live for Jesus, or a Christian that desperately needs encouragement. This is written by someone who has been there, done that, got the t-shirt and most importantly he gives very good advice if your parents and members of your family are not Christian and think you are a little strange for believing what you believe. And it also has a good section about doubts and helpful Bible verses. Every young christian should have a copy of this book as well as a Bible.

Different by Eleanor Davies
My first impression of this book that it was going to be pretty cheesy throughout. But in fact it deals with some very prominent issues in our culture today, and ponders where we should as Christians should draw the line on how far we should go when we go out with someone, and what our relationships are like in general. It's a story of a girl called Evie who's 16 and her friendship with a good friend of hers called Adam, and with another guy called Dave. You'll just have to read it to find out what happen's because I'm not going to give it away, it'll ruin it.

The way I see the world by Tim Baker
A colourful and thought provoking book on where God is in many different issues, and focuses on what the core of our beliefs should be as followers of Jesus. It's filled with statistics and Bible verses to help make our minds up about topics like poverty, sex, supernatural and other things.

Friends first? by Claire Pedrick & Andy Morgan
A practical guide for young people and what their relationships should be like with others, and contemplating whether boy + girl = sex.

Under pressure - How to avoid being squashed by stress by Claire Pedrick & Andy Morgan
For anyone who worries consistently and is paranoid all the time (like me for example, or rather I did worry, until a lot of prayer cleared it all up) nuff said.

A to Z of being a girl of God by Dawnie Reynolds - Deaville
What can I say? This a book that is creative and makes you think. You may look inside and either think 1) oh no, I really hate trying to read text talk, or 2) inwardly cringe and say out loud, the text talk makes it soo cheesy. Wait. Actually read the poems/raps (one for each letter of the alphabet). I found the advice hidden in them very helpful and have really inspired me to be a girl obedient to God's will..

Life, actually ;-) by Jenny Baker
A practical book for all who are considering what to do next in their life. It gives a lot of helpful and practical advice and tells real life stories on people who have not followed the crowd and persued a career they did not expect they would do.
In these shoes
This will soon be continued... watch this space!

Videos I recommend you watch

2007-03-31T10:55:00.001+01:00

(By the way, because I recently added the embedded videos from Youtube(or something), so you don't have to click on a hyperlink etc, after you've seen a video there will probably be other videos that you can watch on the menu that comes up. I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE OTHER VIDEOS (obviously) AND THE ONES I PLACED UP ORIGINALLY ARE THE ONES I ORIGINALLY WANTED YOU TO WATCH. So for example, after the panda sneeze video, lots of other videos will come up on its screen, like an angry cat, or more videos of pandas. Some are not related at all to what the original video was, like on the shortfall video, afterwards you have the option of viewing models taking a short fall off a catwalk, not something I'd want to watch. These are videos I enjoy watching sometimes, and they are not neccessarily all encouraging. It's just some entertainment.)

I can't wait till I'm an assistant leader on camp!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI2UZ7KN0eA

Bless you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtLzvOsQ80k

The Shortfall podcasts

Shortfall podcast 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6lWRokcMlY - an introduction to the band

Shortfall podcast 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-AmchDtqnE - the band playing at Skegness

Shortfall podcast 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmN3tzsYixQ - the band playing at Minehead, with a guest appearance from a guy called Duncan who does a very interesting cymbal dance.

Shortfall podcast 4 - http://youtube.com/watch?v=p3A9FaIeEdA

Shortfall podcast 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaMIx_V2RE

Shortfall 'All Fall Down' video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3k-A6KTqwE

Be Part of a Miracle - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SfrPZM6LdWE
Million Voices - Barlowgirl - an anthem for our generation
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cNItKKEALMU

Very funny indeed... and it makes you think.

A really good video (obviously!)

Is there more to life than this?

Christian music artists talking about counter culture that Jesus brings, which clashes against what the world wants.

Websites

2007-03-31T10:53:00.004+01:00

http://www.life2themax.net/ - really good website with presentations on different topics (run by the Crusaders or 'Urban Saints')

http://www.wordlive.org/

www.scriptureunion.org.uk/submerge - a website that has a forum which I benefited (and sometimes do benefit!) from a lot, and I used their Bible notes as well.

http://www.rejesus.com/ - if you haven't mind your mind up about Jesus and want to find out more about him, this is the site to visit.

http://www.byfaith.co.uk/ - a website I rediscovered that feels like it's been a bit neglected

http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/ - a place to keep up to date with Christian music

http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/ - a website i need to visit more often, to keep up to date with Christian music... its just my computer is a bit rubbish and the radio that you can listen to keeps pausing every five seconds, which isn't great. Your computer is probably a lot more sophisticated than mine, and it probably loads quicker too.

http://www.briomag.com/ - an online American christian teen girl magazine

http://www.lymingtonrushmore.org/ - a really good camp run by the Titus trust

http://www.bepartofamiracle.org/ - it's a mission set up by tearfund so many Christians across the world can pray for an end to poverty in poverty stricken areas with God's help.

http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/ - a really good website that gives a step by step guide to God's rescue plan, ideal if you don't really know what a Christian is. (Thanks very much to Jeff Hay, because I remember the Bible study we did in Motiv8 looking at these diagrams and to Ruth, my cousin, for displaying this link on her facebook page...hope it's okay advertising it on here, I think more people need to check it out!)

http://www.soulsista.co.uk/ - to all the sisters in Christ out there!

http://www.soulsurvivor.com/uk/imag/ - the articles they have in the archives are quite interesting to read.

http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/reallife/a0007392.html - a very encouraging letter to Christian girls who are waiting for 'the one'

http://www.shortfall.org/ - a band, who I feel is my duty to spread the word about them as I am related to one of the members. You can hear what they sound like at

www.myspace.com/shortfallofficial and also watch their podcasts on Youtube by clicking on the icon and the bottom of http://www.shortfall.org/ ... If you were at Spring Harvest this year on week 1 or 2, you probably saw them play, and they've even had a mention on the web music page on premier radio (if it suprises you, it definitely suprised me for some random reason).

http://www.biblegateway.com/ - when you don't have a Bible to hand

http://www.24-7prayer.com/ - there's a 'wailing wall' to put up prayer requests, so others can pray for you, and it's got topics to pray for around the world.

www.tearfund.com/youth - find out how we as young christians can make a difference... 'activist' their magazine is really useful

http://www.myspace.com/audaciousradio - new radio show I just saw on crossrhythms.co.uk and they issue podcasts, which is handy.

http://www.nathanburley.blogspot.com/
http://tuckeroliver.blogspot.com/
http://www.mallangong.co.uk/
http://www.thegoodrace.blog.co.uk/
http://www.feebledeeble.blogspot.com/
http://girltalk.blogs.com/
http://the-diary-of-a-teen-christian.blogspot.com/
http://unfurlingflower.blogspot.com/
Blogs that are generally more interesting, thought provoking and more frequently added to than mine, check them out!

If you know of any websites you find really encouraging or useful and you think they should be added, please tell me and I will put them up on this web page!

2007-03-16T10:04:00.001Z

Hey, it's me...
Had another really tiring week, though by this time in a week my cello exam will be over! This morning I had a really good song in my head and because I watched the video for it last night on youtube, (and because it takes ages to load I replayed a lot of it lol). The band is Superchic[k] and the song is called 'We live' and its a really uplifting song... It reminds us that God's given us each day to live and so we should really make the most of everyday because we never know when we're going to die.
The link is www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuBgh0V.CqI or if that links wrong just go to the main website and type it in the search engine
You've probably heard that they're trying to stop CUs meeting in univercities because they want non-christians to lead them too... This is analogous to a left wing political party welcoming people of a right wing persuasion into their Leadership, which seems pretty stupid!!
Here is the link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CULeaders
Gotta go, I'm going to watch the Red Nose programme on the TV!
from Imogen xxx

2007-03-02T11:05:00.001Z

Well, I've been back at school since Monday, and now its Friday I feel so shattered... I really need to do my homework so I can actually relax tomorrow.
I also need to do my cello and piano practice, as I'm taking exams in both of them in the coming month. I must be barmy, I'll probably do well in one and fail in the other or fail both... but oh well.
But oh my gosh, those adverts on this website are soo annoying. If you also find them really annoying, its not my fault.. blame freewebs lol. My advice is don't click on them otherwise you'll get lots of spam probably...
I've posted a new message up, which is labelled My e-mail 1/03/07
I hope you like it, and if you don't, please say in my guest book.
Have a good weekend!
Imogenxxx

An Amazing Bible Passage

2007-03-01T10:51:00.001Z

I am very grateful to my friend Lara for sharing this passage with me, and for Sam for discussing it with me afterwards... enjoy!

The Valley of Dry Bones - Ezekiel 37 vs 1-10

'The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.
He led me to and fro among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.
He asked me, Son of man, can these bones live? I said, O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.
Then he said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.
I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then he said to me, Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet— a vast army.'

Not just king of the Earth, but of the Universe

2007-03-01T10:36:00.001Z

'How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the Earth!... For God is the King of all the Earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God regins over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.' Psalm 47 v 2, 7-8

Have you ever thought that about God and did it have a real impact from then on in your life? Has it really struck you that he created everything in existence?

Funnily enough, its only happened to me once when it really had an impact a long time afterwards. Suprisingly it was in a Physics lesson, one of the worst classes twice a week that I have to endure, in my opinion.
We were starting a new topic and our teacher put on a video about space.

'Oh great,' I thought, 'Yet another lesson where I'll be bored to tears and start counting down the minutes to break.'

(Apologies to any physics teachers or anyone who adores physics, but personally I'm not what you call a keen scientist)

A few minutes after thinking this I realised I was wrong. Though a lot of the video was computer generated, I realised with a jolt, that God was there, in the blackness in Space, holding everything together.

Then it hit me that God's creation is massive as its the whole universe, billions of light years apart, trillions of miles apart. (To put it in perspective, just one light year is 5,865,696,000,000 miles or 9,460,800,000,000 kilometres!!!)

He created millions of galaxies with a million million stars in each one. The closest star to us is Proxima Centauri, which is 4.3 light years away, which is about 25,222,492,800,000 miles or 40,681,440,000,000 km.

He made the Milky Way and our Solar System: Saturn and Uranus with its large rings; Jupiter, the giant, orange planet; Mars; Venus, with its deadly gases and Mercury and Pluto, the smallest planets and the many stars that people thousands of years ago have named and told stories about.

And of course the Sun, the huge star the planets orbit.

God made Earth, gave it the exact amount of oxygen and water that it needed for life, positioned it in the best place so it would receive the right amount of light from the Sun.
And he gave us the moon, so we would have day and night.

For the first time ever since becoming a Christian, I realised that God really was in control, of everything... that was what really struck me - how amazing He really is.

At any minute, He could click His fingers and all of his creation could be destroyed. He chose our planet and gave us life, instead of any other, and he worked out where each planet was going to orbit the Sun, and how the moons would orbit them. Sitting there with my nineteen other class mates in the darkness, I realised that hardly any of them believe in a god and a lot of them are atheists. Now I can't understand why people think that it is all down to chance that we have life on this planet. It's clear that God is definately at work here and that He gave us life on Earth for a reason!

'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' Genesis 1 v 1

Though I was meant to be working in that Science lesson, I just couldn't help but smile after my teacher switched the video off, because for once in my life, I realised that God often shows us His glory in the ways we least expect Him to, especially first thing on a miserable looking Tuesday morning.

We as humans are often more concerned with ourselves than God, who is far more powerful than we can imagine, and who is obviously far more powerful than us. From the figures I found out, if God created the entire universe than He must be huge, enormous, massive... the list of words we can use goes on and on.

There's so much to say about our God and there's so little, as words alone often fail to describe Him - this is the extent to how awesome God is! If we aren't already, we should be asking God to be at the centre of our lives, because he is worthy of praise and power.

'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Hebrews 12 v 2

It's hard to live for God and Jesus and keep our eyes on Him rather than what's around us on Earth. I always struggle with that, because the world's message is that we should be more concerned about ourselves. Our society screams 'me, Me, ME!!' and it can be hard to really think that God's in control. Many people believe that God is just an old man in the sky who's given up on us as humans, because to everyone who does not believe He exists, He seems so distant and far away.

But as you know, this isn't true..God is longing to have a relationship with us, to guide us in His way, which is free from wrong and sin and he wants us to be happy and return His love He has for us. We will often get distracted and doubt God is actually there, but if we ask Him to guide us and put our trust in Him completely, we will be secure and content. If we are reminded of Him as the Creator and that He is in control...of everything... we will still remain strong in him.

Doesn't that take a whole weight off your shoulders?! Personally that makes me feel heaps better, as when I've always tried to take complete control of my life, I've failed miserably because I'm not the one that's important here... It shouldn't be about us, it should be about the Creator of all things, the everlasting being never ending in grace, and what we can do to serve Him.

'By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.' Hebrews 11 v 3

Why not look for God in creation? Go for a walk in a park and admire the many plants and animals He designed, or if you can't go out watch Attenborough's Planet Earth series and see how creative He is. If you don't live in an area with high light pollution, try star gazing. Go with someone else and read Genesis chapter 1 outloud. Just marvel at God's creation in the world we live in, in any way you can think of.
It's so easy to take stuff for granted, but without God there would be nothing... absolutely nothing... no sky, no land, no sea, no universe and no you.

If you haven't already, ask God to be at the centre of your life and to be your top priority. Ask him to help you deepen the relationship you have by listening to Him and reading more of His word. Ask for obedience to what He commands.. and above all praise Him! He created the Earth you live on, the sky over your head, the water you drink, much more besides and of course you! (Psalm 139 v 13-16)

God is the life giver and the Lord of Heaven and Earth... be thankful and praise Him!

By grace

2007-02-18T11:05:00.001Z

Still have a sore throat and have basically lost my voice... but in doing so, I've been able to listen to stuff, instead of singing along when I don't need to. It's not as bad as I thought...it's quite disciplining actually.
Here's a poem I wrote (not v. good) and it sums up how I'm actually feeling about it all and is based on Ephesians 2 v 1-10..

I've lost my voice
I cannot speak
These coughs and colds
Aren't good for me
But I want to sing, because you are holy
And so all of Earth will hear of your glory

My singing does not bring me closer to You
You love us all the same
Nothing I can do will earn your grace
Except believe in you
And what you did for me
Let yourself be pinned to a tree

For once I'm silent
It's good for me
I can be still and know you are the Lord
I know you will cure me, you always heal
I'll listen to your voice and what you are saying

My talking does not bring me closer to you
You love us all the same
Nothing I can do will earn your grace
Except believe in you
And what you did for me
Let yourself be pinned to a tree

By your grace we are saved
By your blood we are redeemed
For your love has rescued me
And from sin now I am free

Nothing I do brings me any closer to You
You love us all the same
Nothing I can do will earn your grace
Except believe in You
And what you did for me
Let yourself be pinned to a tree
You saved me

I know that God will heal me and that I'll soon be back to normal. Hope everyone reading this has a great half term, or had a great half term.. (if you did lol)

Very clever acrostic

2007-02-10T10:46:00.001Z

This was sent to me by my cousins Romey, Phil, Tim, Jenny and Ben, in their reply to my e-mail. I think it's really clever, so here it is! Enjoy!

For God so loV ed the world,
That He gA ve
his onL y
BegottE n
SoN
T hat whosoever
Believeth I n Him
Should N ot perish,
But have E verlasting life." John 3:16

2007-02-09T11:06:00.001Z

I couldn't make a new page so I've decided to type it in my blog, that my great uncle's 90th birthday, was either today or yesterday, but happy birthday Uncle Dick!!!!
My day was... okay, but it felt like it was Monday, instead of Friday. I still can't believe it is Friday, unless someone says to me that it is Friday. Actually, that feeling still can't sink in. Fine, it'll feel like the weekend tomorrow morning, when I will have a long lie in, but will probably still wake up with a sore throat...
Urgh, I hate having sore throats. Anyone who knows me, knows that I sing 24/7, and that if I can't sing along to something, I get very miserable. Songbird, that's me... not that I'm a bird, and I'm not in a cage either. My mum suggested that I should ask to sing every Sunday at church, so if I have a sore throat then I will always have another slot... I do this time, I can always sing the Sunday after this one, but I still want to sing.... And if people know I'm singing in the evening and I go along anyway, they'll probably be all like... 'Why didn't you sing?' and I'll reply again and again till I completely lose my voice, 'I've got a sore throat...' Anyhow, I might get better tomorrow. Who knows... apart from God (of course). Well it is a situation of uncertainty...
If you're reading this, you've probably nodded off anyway. As well as being a 'song bird', I'm also an incredible bore...
Anyway... IT'S THE WEEKEND... though it doesn't feel like it at the moment and I have tons of work that I need to do, that I haven't attempted at doing yet. Oh well. That's life. C'est la vie, as they say in France.... Es ist der...don'tknowzevordfurlife as they say in Germany... I'm burbling, I'm going to shut up now.
Have a good weekend,
Imogen xxx
P.S. If anyone knows what the German word for life is, please say what it is in my guestbook... maybe the sentence, 'That's life' in German would be useful too.

2007-02-08T11:07:00.001Z

I can't believe we missed school because of snow... I thought they'd still make us come. Just as I was about to leave to walk to the bus stop, the phone rang. My sister picked up,
'Hello,' she croaked, as she's got a cold (so have I and the really annoying thing is that I'm singing this Sunday evening, so I'm not sure whether I'm going to be able to do it or not. It always happens to me, almost every time I'm meant to be singing on Sunday, I have a sore throat or something, and then every other week I'm okay...it's rubbish... anyway, back to the story)
My sister then passed over the phone to me, 'It's Jess'. Many thoughts ran through my mind. One was whether she was passing on the message that it was a snow day, but then I dismissed it. 'She's probably asking about homework or something,' I thought. But she said it was a snow day and that we didn't have to go to school. I didn't believe it at first, I had to ring up two other people just to make sure it wasn't a prank... When I did realise they were telling the truth, I was really happy (obviously).
Part of me wants to go back to school tomorrow, and another part really wants to be lazy and stay here.
I still can't believe all the schools in Birmingham were closed, and will be closed tomorrow. This means my cousins who live there don't have to go to school tomorrow. It's probably the same across the country though.
But even though it did snow, it's still a pathetic type of snow... I mean most of it had melted by noon and when I decided to get some fresh air, wrapped up in about four or five layers because I didn't want to make my cold worse, (though its not really a cold cos my nose isn't running, I've just got a sore throat...but anyway, I'm digressing, sorry, I will continue) it had made the pavement really slippery, and the real stuff had melted away. Shame really.
By the way, I've posted my new message up, it's all about Valentine's Day and its titled my e-mail 8/2/07... hope you like it...
Don't catch a cold and if you have one, highlight the bit below for my cure for the cold.
Remember to eat loads of fruit with vitamin C once its gone so you don't catch one so quickly in the end!(Not approved by Scientists as a cure, they are still debating if it actually works... never actually worked for me, but oh well.)
Imogen xxx
P.S. If you didn't like it and thought it was utter rubbish, please post a comment in my guest book and I will amend it (if I can)

My e-mail 8/02/2007

2007-02-08T10:35:00.001Z

It’s that time of the year again. When you walk past nearly every shop, especially Clinton’s card shop, you see the place is crammed full of fluffy teddy bears with ‘I love you’ embroidered on them, and huge red hearts have been plastered all over the glass window. No one can escape the facts…Valentine’s Day is here.

Are you thinking what to do with your boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband on that day, or what to give them? Are you single and have started to despair that you will ever find ‘the one’ and wondering why you haven't yet? Maybe you aren’t and you’re completely satisfied with your life at the moment.
Or you may have forgotten about Valentine’s Day and think it’s a lot of rubbish, which is why you don’t really celebrate it.

The point is that on the day when we are supposed to love each other, we often forget about God’s love for us and that He loves us all, however much we doubt it at times. I find that with the many hymns we sing, the message is less emphasized, and we’re more involved in whether it sounds good or not. We often don’t think about and act on the words often enough and apply them to our lives.

‘For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son, so whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3v16

I’m sure I’ve chanted this verse so many times in Children’s church that the meaning of it was almost lost to me. But this is a great verse to remind us of how God loves us so much.

‘For God so loved the world….’

If God loves the world, it means He loves us all…everyone! Every nation, every person in every single country across the Earth, including not just Christians but everyone who does not believe in Him.

‘He gave his one and only son’

God didn’t have any other sons or daughters to give away. He had one child, a perfect son - Jesus. If he were a human on Earth now, he’d have got top results in all his exams, always helped his parents with the chores without ever complaining, would have never done anything wrong and would have won the award for being ‘The Nicest Guy on the Planet’. He would be every parent’s dream child …

But God let his innocent and perfect son be crucified for us… put him through so much pain, for us. We, who have done wrong countless times, who could never live up to his high expectations and rejected God as our Father and rebelled against Him.

Think about how much he loves us if He was willing to do that!

‘Whoever believes in Him shall not perish..’

God is not asking us to learn huge chunks of the Bible off by heart, or by going to church every Sunday, or by being ‘religious’. He’s asking us for one thing: belief in what He did for us, how He died and rose again, to wipe the slate clean for us. He died so if we believe in him, we will not go to Hell, a place where we are cut off from God completely and can never escape, but Heaven!

‘But have eternal life..’

Several definitions of eternal are ‘existing always’ ‘for ever’ and ‘without end’. If we believe in what God did for us, we will go to Heaven and stay with God forever. If he wants us to remain with Him forever, to be eternal, his love must be without end and always existing. This means he will never get sick of us hanging around Him for the rest of time because He will never stop loving us. His love for us will never fade!

That Bible verse basically sums up how God's love is so great. It’s amazing to think that God loves all of us, no matter how much we’ve done wrong. He wants us to have a meaningful relationship with Him.
But how can we have a meaningful relationship with Him, if we don’t return the love he has? If a relationship is going to work, it cannot function one way. Both people have to communicate with eachother so that it can work.

‘Jesus replied “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22 v 37-40

Ask God if you haven’t already to fill your heart up with love for Him and thank Him for what He’s done for you.

But what about the second command Jesus also instructed us to obey... love our neighbours as ourselves? Does it mean the people living in our road or in the same block of flats as you?

Jesus goes on to tell the story about the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were the enemies of the Jews and when Jesus told his followers that it was a Samaritan who helped a man left for dead at the side of the road, instead of a Pharisee or a Sadducee, highly respected teachers and religious men, many of them would probably have found it a little strange. The point illustrated in this parable is that we should help those who we’d normally stay well clear of - our neighbours are people who we're not meant to be associated with or do not usually like.

In Greek, this type of love shown would be agape love (love for your enemies). In Greek (that I am not studying for GCSE as it looks extremely hard, plus I’m lazy and don’t want to learn another alphabet) there are four words for love: as well as agape, there is Eros (the romantic love that is largely celebrated on Valentine’s Day), Storge (the love for family) and Philia (the love for friends).

I think that Valentine’s Day shouldn’t all be about eros. We should remember and show God’s love, plus agape, storge and philia too.

On my draft, I had quite a long list, titled ‘My tips for Valentine’s Day’. Though I have had no experience with romantic relationships (though some kind people flatter me and assume I have had a boyfriend) I’m suggesting stuff that seems kind of obvious to me and probably to you too.

If you are married or are dating someone, make sure you show them how special they are to you and do something fun together. Don’t get too intense… I repeat again, have FUN! You should really enjoy each other’s company. Try not to make it too cliqued, do something a little bit different from the last time you went out. But remember, if you are not married, don’t believe the world’s message that bombards our lives every day: ‘ If you’ve never had sex and/or you are a virgin, you’re missing out on such a lot, really.’ Don’t believe it. The media has cheapened God’s gift to us. God wants us to have sex, but for when you are married to that person… and God also tells us to be pure, so that rules out ‘stuff’ leading up to ‘doing it’. Remember God should be your top priority, for both of you. If you are worried you might go too far, make sure you go out in a group, preferably with other Christians, so you won’t be tempted to do something you might regret later.

If you are single, enjoy being single! Don’t mope around feeling sorry for yourself that everyone else seems to have a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. This is a perfect time to deepen your relationship with God (read 1 Corinthians 7 v 32 – 35). Also it’s a good idea not to tell someone you have a crush on how you feel about them, unless you are 100% sure they feel exactly the same way. It’ll save you a lot of heartbreak and embarrassment. But if you do decide to take the plunge and it all goes wrong, remember ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ Psalm 34 v 18. It may not be God's will for you to be married or have a boyfriend or girlfriend, but if it is, His timing is perfect and one day you will meet someone who He has prepared just for you.

Show storge love: show how much you care for your family. Tell them you care, make them a special meal, offer to do something for them, for example the washing up (just a suggestion, it could be something a lot more enjoyable...), send them a note, wishing them a good day… to your children, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, step children, step parents, step grandparents, half brothers, half sisters, step cousins, second cousins, great grand parents, great aunts, great uncles, step third cousins once removed (if you have any you know lol)… okay I think you’ve got the idea. Also I did mention the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ before, so, show your love to other Christians, as we’re all a family too.

Show philia love, which is basically friendship. Bring in chocolates and pass them round and send notes to people telling them you really appreciate being friends with them and that they have a nice day. Have fun with them too!

Show agape love, which is quite difficult to do, especially with someone you can’t stand. Ask God to help you be kind and patient to people that you don’t really get along with and that you would get along better with them, not just on Valentine’s Day, but from now on. Maybe there is no one really that you don’t get along with, but do you find that you often ignore certain people and don’t really want to talk to them, just because you can’t really be bothered or the people are really unpopular and it would do nothing for your ‘reputation’? Sometimes I do, mainly because sometimes it’s a bit embarrassing and I can often be quite shy. Ask God to give you the courage to talk to someone you wouldn’t usually talk to and to maybe start a friendship with them. Act like Jesus… what would Jesus do?

Why not pass this message along to other Christians you know?
I find it great when people remind me of God’s love for us, and perhaps we can spread more love this Valentine’s Day, through remembering it.

Spreading the love around,
Your sis in christ

Imogen xxx