What you are planning?

Have you got any plans? What about the holidays? Do you have any dates in the diary? These and many more questions are asked time and time again at this time of the year. The sun is out and it’s beginning to look like the winter is past and spring has come, so you can get your summer clothes out and plan. So, how are your plans going? For many people, the planning process and the expectation of holidays are almost as good as the holiday itself. I wouldn’t go that far, but I know what they mean. Anticipation and the prospect of getting away and enjoying the break can be very liberating.

Some people get to a stage in life when they feel they have nothing to look forward to. That is so sad, but I can see where they are coming from. If you think that this life is all there is, then it would be pretty logical to get depressed as you get older. Most of us accept that the ageing process will mean adjusting what we do to match our physical ability or energy levels. You can still live an interesting and exciting life if you keep the right attitude and take change in your stride.

An offer you can't afford to ignore!

All photos courtesy of Unsplash

I am writing this column as I prepare to leave for a trip to Israel. It has been a lifelong dream to visit the land of the Bible, and my wife has arranged this 'once in a lifetime' experience for which I am very grateful.

 

The phrase - 'once in a lifetime' still has some significance. It evokes thoughts of exciting things that we would love to do. But, unfortunately, the chances of them happening are so unlikely that you will probably only ever get one chance to do it.

 

There are two significant 'once in a lifetime' events that we all experience. These are also the two bookends of human life, i.e., birth and death. You have no control over the former, and the latter is usually also out of your control. So, are these just random events, or is there a higher power in control? 

Home again Home again jiggity jig

Home again Home again jiggity jig! It's good to be away, especially on holiday, but there's nothing quite like getting home again!

Every now and again we all need a break from the routines of our daily life. We need some new scenery. The drudgery of repeatedly doing the same things week after week can wear us down. So it's time for a break. 

Health experts advise stopping what you are doing regularly and having a short break. Sitting in front of a computer screen for hours can be soul destroying!

Get up go for a walk, change your viewpoint, relax. Take a break!

All good advice, especially when you are weary and need a change, a rest or a complete break. I have thoroughly enjoyed my ten days in Tenerife. It was a privilege to get that type of a break. I know everyone can't do it so I appreciate God's grace in allowing me to - along with my family. 

But, I am not writing this piece to focus on my break but on the principle of rest. We all need rest but rest comes in different guises to meet differing needs. 

For instance our bodies need regular rest. Whether it's a brief break during the day, or a good nights sleep we need regular rest for our physical frames. We are made of dust and at the best weak and dependant. Psalm 103:14 says "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust".

Maybe this has dawned on you. If not it will one day. It reminds me of the fragility and brevity of life.

We (our souls) long for rest. Only God can provide that rest through His Son, Jesus Christ. The words of the Lord Jesus express the answer He has to the human need for rest - Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

This rest is only possible because Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose again on the third day, 1 Corinthians 15:3.  

For more information go to www.seekthetruth.org.uk

   

Fearsome Friday

Most people like this day of the week the best which is strange seeing they still go to work most Friday's. TGF has become a standard abbreviation to express delight in the fact it's Friday. This just shows that people enjoy the anticipation of events as much as the events themselves. 

How many people plan their holidays months in advance. It's not just about being well organised; it's the anticipation of the time off, the things you'll do, the freedom, the relaxation and so much more. The vacation comes and goes so quickly you could conclude that it's hardly worth the effort; yet the two weeks are just part of the event. 

I'm really looking forward to a very special event in my life. It's not retirement even though officially it's not that far away. It's the day when I see Jesus Christ face to face. The Bible says that one day every eye shall see him. For many seeing Jesus is not something they should be looking forward to. 

Why you might ask? The simple answer is because they will meet him as their Judge. God has appointed Jesus as the "Judge of all the earth", (Genesis 17, John 5, Acts 17).

Why am I excited to see the Lord Jesus Christ? Let me tell you. He's my Saviour, he gave his life for me when he was crucified so many years ago. To quote the Apostle Paul I can say he's "the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me". Can you say this truthfully?

To find out more contact me, Stephen on 07747 101352 or stepcar61@me.com.