Simplicity in Obedience

One of my favourite characters in the Bible is a guy called Ananias. We find him in Acts 9, seemingly minding his own business in Damascus, when suddenly, God appeared to Him in a vision. It turns out that God wants him to go to a house on Straight Street (I love the detail!), and ask for a man named Saul who has seen Ananias come to him in a vision and pray to restore his sight.

Sounds simple enough!

Except, Saul is one of the main instigators of the mass persecution that the early church is facing in this time! Quite rightly, Ananias points this out to God. "Do you realise who this is?!?" God, of course, is aware and this time is a bit firmer, "Go! This is the man I've chosen to go to the Gentiles."

Ok, it seems God has thought this one through.

So Ananias goes to the house and indeed finds Saul blind (after his previous experience on the road to Damascus). He lays his hands on him and prays that God would restore Saul's sight and would fill him with the Holy Spirit. At once, his sight is restored and he was baptised (a public sign of repentance) and ate food for the first time in 3 days.

The rest, as they say, is history as Saul/Paul goes throughout the surrounding area carrying the message of Jesus to many tribes and Nations, while suffering for His name. Indeed, the majority of the New Testament is written by this man.

But at the start of all this we see Ananias.

He is only mentioned in 8 verses. We don't know anything about his life, his occupation, family, history, future. All we know is that when God said 'Go', he went. But let's not underestimate where God said for him to go to. He asked him to go to the person that we are told was muttering threats under every breath, who was going from house to house dragging people away in chains. Ananias was potentially putting his own life at risk. What is obvious is that he had a deep understanding of God and trusted him. He knew the Lord's voice when He spoke and trusted enough to obey. I can't imagine what was going through his mind as he approached the house. Did I hear right? What if he's not there? What if he is there!?!? Ultimately, God was right and what He said was fulfilled. Ananias then probably returned home and got on with his life.

The reason I like Ananias so much is that he was so unassuming and is not really talked about much in comparison with a Simon Peter or a Martin Luther, but yet he had one of the most important roles to play in church history.

Did he even know what Saul went on to do?

It makes me think about my own life and the way I respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting. There have been times where I've felt God say to go and talk to someone and I haven't through fear. Fear of being wrong and looking silly.

'It can't be God because that makes no sense!'

Chances are that it is more likely to be God if it doesn't make sense! Who knows what a simple act of obedience can do. A smile, a prayer, a hug, a letter of encouragement, a cheque in the post. These could all be the key that unlocks someones heart and releases them into something new with their Saviour.

We have had a couple of examples recently in our community, where people have felt the Holy Spirit prompt them to do something and it ended up being an answer to someone else's prayer. Below is a story that some of our Transit students Rebekah, Frances, Louise and Chris wrote about after a recent trip to the West of England:

"It was Tuesday morning, and we had left later than intended, which usually happens when embarking on a road trip. We were heading West with our only plan being to see what the Lord wanted us to do when we arrived.

Our first stop was to get petrol and pastries. The second was to look over the valley and pray. We had a couple of thoughts after this, take the white roads and seek out the "old paths."

Frances took the map and the responsibility to find the most obscure route to Tewkesbury. We left the motorway at a little village called Maisemore and began our search. Our first turn off was down "Old Road" which led us to St. Giles Church. We got out to explore a bit. As we were wandering around, Jackie arrived to pray. We shared a bit of what we were doing and asked to join her. After a short Lenten liturgy we were invited back to her house for tea and cake.

As we enjoyed her hospitality Jackie told us a bit of her story and how the Lord had led her and her husband to Maisemore and to the little parish church with ever dwindling numbers. To be honest her dedication, faithfulness, and sacrifice were inspiring.

We asked to pray for her before we left.

She was thrilled at the suggestion and it became a time of mutual blessings as she began to explain a bit more of what has been happening in the local parish and of the hopes and frustrations that she and a few others have been experiencing.

Three of the nearby parishes will be merging in the near future, due to a decrease in numbers as well as difficulties remaining from the flooding last year. Jackie, her husband and two other couples have been meeting together for the past few years, praying for the area and the church, and Jackie explained that they were all at a place of discouragement. In fact, only recently had she cried out to God asking for something to show that He was hearing their prayers and they weren't just wasting their time and effort.

Having us arrive when we did came as a great gift to her, and so we spent some time praying for her, the other couples, the parish, and were able to give some further words of encouragement for them all.

It was also a wonderful blessing and faith builder to us as we were able to see how God had engineered the entire situation. Many of us had been nervous upon leaving Guildford, not really knowing what to expect or what would be required of us, but seeing how graciously and gently God had directed us and how simple it all became when we were just willing to trust His Spirit was a wonderful encouragement for us as well."

Let's be people who are open to the Spirit's promptings. Who live lives of simple obedience, bringing glimpses of the Kingdom as we do. Who knows what or who will change as a result!

Play spaces

A few summers ago, I had a job with the local council working with children as part of an initiative called 'Play Wales', which was trying to address the problem that seems to be rising in this country of children not having a chance to play anymore. By play, they meant the times when a child has the freedom to explore, create games, with no boundaries, no adults telling them what they can and can't do, which often results in lot's of fun and a building of confidence.

Due to many factors (fear of paedophiles, busier parents, technology), children's leisure time has become more dictated and lacks a level of exercise, which along with poor diets, has led to a rise in child obesity. So the idea that 'Play Wales' had was to create spaces in which children could have the freedom to play.

So that's what we did.

We would go to different places around the city, be it a church hall, community centre or park and just provide a safe space in which the children could play. We provided equipment and resources for them to use, but the children had to decide what they wanted to do. We were told that the children dictated what happened. They created the games, the rules and we were only allowed to play if we were asked too and even then we had to play by their rules. Of course, we were to step in if we could see that it was getting out of hand or dangerous, but even then we were told that as much as possible we would allow risk and the children to resolve conflict themselves. It's not always beneficial for us to step in.

The main thinking was that as we gave the children space to play and explore, they would begin to learn more about themselves and their environment. They were forced to engage their mind and not just follow orders or be corrected all the time.

It was during this time that God really spoke to me about what it means to lead people in the church and gave me a glimpse of what God does for us. This experience made me realise that my role as a leader was more about creating safe spaces for people to explore, ask questions and make decisions for themselves in their faith. To give things a go, in the knowledge that someone is there to help and support them and step in when it is needed. What I am not called to do is order people around, setting rules and obligations, putting pressure on people to follow them and showing my displeasure when they don't or can't carry them out. This sounds a lot like the pharisees in Jesus time to me.

How many of you went to children's groups when you younger, where you were told what game you were playing, the rules and then told that you were having fun when you quite clearly weren't, so when you did try and make it fun you got shouted at for spoiling everyone else's fun when in fact you were only spoiling the leaders fun!

This example, I have found can often be translated into the life of the church. We attend every week and as long as we are going along with the vision of the church, we are ok, but if we question it or ask if we can do something else that we feel God is asking us to do, we find ourselves shot down and made to feel like trouble makers. It doesn't feel like a safe place you can explore or ask questions in. It's more like a club where you play by the rules or you 'go and sit in the corner until you feel like you can join us again'. I'm being a bit extreme here, but can you see the point? If the church isn't somewhere we can explore, play and ask questions, then there is something wrong.

We need to be leaders who are full of discernment, constantly asking the question "Holy Spirit, what are you saying in this situation?" We need to be willing for things to fail, for situations to get a bit messy, but in the midst of this trust that people are growing and maturing in their faith. Let's not limit what God wants to do in those around us with our fear of losing control.

We also need to remember that Jesus is the head of the Church and in many ways he sets the guidlines we need to follow! So let's study Jesus. How did he make disciples? How did he teach? How did he create these play spaces?

Let's not be leaders that hand out paint by number sheets, but give people blank canvases to create on, so that together we will see God's masterpiece.

Sheep and the Goats

I've found myself being convicted of the way that I live my life this week as I've spent time in the 24-7 prayer room that we have had in Guildford over this period. Once again, Jesus is challenging my heart.

I was reminded today of the passage in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus talks about what will happen at the final judgment. He talks about how the Son of Man will return and separate the sheep from the goats. I'm sure the people at the time, as do we, assume that the sheep are the good people and the goats are the bad people. The sheep will be with Jesus because they are without sin, and the goats who have lived bad lives will go to an eternal punishment. But
it doesn't appear to be that clean cut.

Indeed, we find that the reason the sheep are seen as righteous is because of the way they treated the poor and those in need. We find that as they feed the hungry, give the thirsty a drink, house the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit those in prison, they are actually doing this for Jesus, and the best thing is, they didn't even know they were doing it!

The goats feel like they've had a rough deal and you can sense that if they knew Jesus was in trouble they would have helped him, but they have missed the point.

The point is that we should be caring for those in need around us.

While I lived in Kansas City, I used to pass a guy who would always stand in the same part of the street by the bank. He was in his 60's, had no teeth, wore about 6 layers of clothing and always had a cigarette in his mouth. Through different circumstances he had lost everything, had fallen out with his family, and now lived on the street. Like many homeless guys in this part
of town he was very chatty and we soon struck up a bit of a friendship. Every Friday we would discuss things from the weather to politics to church. We also talked a lot about his family and his dreams. He was a poet and an artist and had a dream of writing a book where both could be incorporated. I was able to pray with him and help him out financially on occasions, but often I was the one who came away the most blessed. Most often his language was choice and sometimes the topic of our conversation was not wholesome, but he would ask me questions that really searched my soul and I'd often walk away feeling challenged and provoked. I believe that Jesus was speaking through him to me. Who knows if he is a believer or not, but what I do know is that when I stopped and tried to help meet this guys needs, I felt closer to Jesus than I did in a lot of church services I went to. It was not my motive when spending time with him, but it happened.

Jesus came for those in need and he calls us to do the same. It's such a simple call, yet we (definitely me here) find it so hard to do as it requires leaving our comfort zones and plunging head first into the mess that is the world. But as we do, we find ourselves closer to Jesus than ever before. It will be hard and messy, but this is what we are here to do.

Lord, may we not miss you in those around us. May we not be so consumed with ourselves, that we neglect the needs of others. By your grace alone, Amen.

A friend of mine named Kelly, who inspires me in many ways, is living this out in Boystown Mexico. Check out her blog for more info.

Who am I following?

As a Boiler Room community here in Guildford, we have been going through the Bible in chronological order and reading it as a story. We call it God's Story, basically because it is the story of God revealing himself through time.

Anyway, we have now reached the climax where Jesus (the author in flesh) has come to earth to love, teach, serve, die and be resurrected (and I thought my life was complicated!). As we have started reading through the Gospel accounts again, I cannot help but stop in wonder at the person of Jesus. It feels like the more I read, the less I understand. Who is he? Is this the same Jesus I am following, or have I created my own personal Jesus who I find comfortable?

It has challenged me again to think soberly at what it means to be a Christian. A follower of the way. Who am I following? Do I spend time daily seeking Jesus? Asking Him questions, wanting to be near him? Or have I put him in a box somewhere, where I get him out once a week to talk to and then occasionally show him to others?

Who is it that we seek? Who are we following?

Take time to read the Gospels afresh. Ask the question, 'Who is Jesus?' and be prepared for Him to meet you in a new way.

A friend of mine gave a great talk on this recently. Check it out at this link.

What's in a name?

Names are funny things. Some of us are more aware of them than others, but how much do they mean to us? It's just a name right.

When you look through the Bible, there are countless occasions where people get a name change after having a significant encounter with God. Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Saul to Paul. Each time God was saying, 'This is a new start. This is who you are.' Cool hey!

Personally, I've felt a little convicted when it comes to my name. After my experiences while living in the US of trying to explain my name was not Donnel or Darnel and finding that Dan was more easily understood, I have since stuck with it. Problem solved. But recently I've realised the importance of the 'iel' in my name. See the name Dan means judge or judged. Dan was one of Jacobs 12 sons who went on to become one of the tribes of Israel. The name Daniel, however, means 'God is my judge', with the 'iel' being the God part. Only a small difference, but in many ways a big one.

Therefore, I have decided that I will now introduce myself and sign off as Daniel, and if people want to call me Dan then that's fine, but I want to proclaim and live out the true meaning of my name, which recognises the Lord as my judge and the one that I fear.

Stepping into the past

One of the roles that I have at the moment is co-ordinating a week of 24-7 prayer a month for the whole of next year (2008) across Guildford in the UK. It's really exciting to see the response from churches and individuals to this idea and I think it's going to be a significant time as we seek to join with Jesus in what he's doing in the Town by spending time with Him and then following Him to those places and people.

I was talking about this with a friend the other day and we both recognised the importance of the generations before us who have faithfully prayed and sought the Kingdom for Guildford.

It's on their foundations that we are building this house of Prayer.

I was thinking about this for a while after and was just blown away by the thought (once again) that we are part of something a lot bigger than ourselves. I wonder how many people have prayed and dreamed about what we are about to undertake and here I am an outsider from Wales, helping make it happen. Why me?

It also makes me wonder about my own family and what I am stepping into there. We have been reading through the Old Testament and seeing the way God works through family. What promises have been given to my family that I am now either living out or am carrying? Are the dreams that God has put on my heart been given to my relatives before me?

This then makes me think about my own life and the choices I make. The main choice I have is whether to follow Jesus or not. When I choose to follow Jesus, I lay down my own life and dreams and take up my cross. But instead of this being a negative thing, what I am in fact doing is allowing God to be my Lord (or boss) and let him govern my life. Again, this can have negative connotations, but what we are in fact saying is that we want our lives to be lived in the way they were supposed to be. To carry and fulfill the promises that God has for us, without us getting in the way. We then allow the story of God to continue in our lives that His Kingdom would come and His name glorified. Another word for this is Humility.

This is both amazing yet mysterious. It leaves us with a healthy fear-of-the-Lord, where we realise that we did not choose God, but He chose us.

Maybe our choice is not in fact to choose Jesus like some commercial brand, but to accept our position in creation and to live our lives in obedience to the creator and his sovereign plan. This is where we find life in all its fullness.

Compassion in suffering

Last Saturday I woke up with a funny tummy. It just didn't feel right. A visit to the toilet confirmed my fears, I was not well. As the day continued, I progressively got worse.

Between the hours of 11am and 3pm, I was vomiting every 20 minutes. I don't know where it was coming from. I was hot, then cold. I was sweating cold drops of water, which ran down my pale face. The only two places I visited were my bed and the toilet. It was not pleasant.

Inbertween each heave, I would groan a prayer to God "Please make it stop. No more", and it was during one of these times that God really spoke to me. As I knelt in my place of suffering (over the toilet!), God began to give me compassion for those who I know, and even those I don't, who have to live with physical suffering daily.

See, in the back of my mind, I knew that what I had was just a temporary thing. I had experienced tummy bugs before and knew it would stop (well at least I hoped it would), yet many deal with sickness where there seems no end. Terminal cancer, diabetes, epilepsy. Serious, painful conditions.

How do they cope? Where is their hope?

So as I knelt there, I found myself praying on behalf of others. I could feel their pain, albeit temporarily, and it sucked and I let God know this!

I don't want to be ill again soon, but I just found it amazing that in my place of pain and suffering, I was able to cry out for others. It just reminded me that Jesus understands our pain and suffering as he experienced it while he was here on earth as he was beaten and crucified for us.

It's given me a new perspective on what the cross means as Jesus intercedes for us now from heaven, with the scars still in his hands and side. It's also given me a fresh compassion for those who are suffering physically. I have so much respect for them.

There is a day coming when there will be no more pain and suffering. Lord, let it be soon. Amen.