Woooo Hooooo

Well I'm officially on holidays for two weeks. I'm really pumped. This will be the first time that I have gone to Adelaide. Really looking forward to this thing man.

Robyn is really pumped as well. She was counting down the days.

"2 more days till I have Ben all to myself!"

Well I'll hope to post some photo's of Adelaide on this when I get back, maybe.

Words, Words, Words!

I haven't written in this for a while. So I thought that I'd post a short note on where things are up to.

Robyn is still awaiting the operation. We've had the date moved 3 times now. Frustrating but this is life. We've been comforted by the Scriptures more and more. It's amazing how that happens!

Not that we are Ok all the time. Don't get me wrong we often feel down. But we are reminded of how great a slavation we have in Christ. Even as I type this post, I have a song from Sovereign Grace Music playing - "Let you Kingdom Come"...It's a great song!!! In spite of what we are going through focused on God's kingdom. These are words that I love to have in my head!

A quote from John Owen

I reading this book from John Owen at the moment, and I came across this quote (below). John Owen was a puritan preacher in England in the 1700's .

It was something that really hit home to me. And upon reflecting on it more, I longed for heaven all the more. I longed for the time when I can using the lanuage of John Owen, behold the glory of Christ by sight, and not just by faith. In other words, I long for the day when I get to see Jesus, my great God and Saviour, him who poured out his blood, dying and taking the punishment for me, that I may have life eternal!

"This vision is not in the least liable unto any weakening from internal
defects, nor any assaults from temptations, as is the sight of faith in this
life. No doubts or fears, no disturbing darts or injections, shall there have
any place. There shall no habit, no quality, no inclination or disposition
remain in our souls, but what shall eternally lead us unto the contemplation
of the glory of Christ with delight and complacency. Nor will there be any
defect in the gracious powers of our souls, as unto a perpetual exercise of
them; and as to all other opposing enemies, we shall be in a perpetual
triumph over them, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. The mouth of iniquity shall
be stopped for ever, and the voice of the self-avenger shall be heard no
more.
Wherefore, the vision which we shall have in heaven of the glory of Christ
is serene, — always the same, always new and indeficient, wherein nothing
can disturb the mind in the most perfect operations of a blessed life. And
when all the faculties of the soul can, without any internal weakness or
external hindrances, exercise their most perfect operations on the most
perfect object, — therein lies all the blessedness which our nature is
capable of.
Wherefore, whenever in this life we attain any comfortable, refreshing view
of the glory of Christ by the exercise of faith on the revelation of it, with a
sense of our interest therein, we cannot but long after, and desire to come
unto, this more perfect, abiding, invariable aspect of it."

Works of John Owen, Volume 1 - Meditations and Discourses: Concerning the Glory of Christ page 164

What a week!

This week has been a weird one. For one, the part of the coast we live in had a huge storm. And it resulted in our place loosing power from mid Friday - late Wednesday night. We totally survived on canned food (which incidentally had a rather negative affect on my bowls...I couldn't stop letting off!) candles, and torches.

People at church were extremely generous, lending us camping equipment, and also allowing us to go to there houses and use their showers... after a couple of days a hot shower was such a blessing.

I felt like one of my hero's of old, working by candle light! It was fun for about 1 day, then it just got depressing. So on Sunday we decided to go and do the "pop in" on some friends. They were excellent about it.

But on top of that, we also got bad news again. Robyn's surgery was delayed again. We weren't as bummed this time, but it still sucked! We consciously prepared ourselves this time for a let down. This time however, the hospital didn't give us a date at all. Which is a bit of a worry.

For those that do know us personally, please continue to pray for us. Thanks for those who do!

Oh the Glories of the Cross!

I can't help but sing those fantastic words of that song from Sovereign Grace. Especially in light of the weekend we have just had.

This weekend our church went away to a site for our "church weekend away." It was a fantastic time of really, (I mean really) delving into the word of God, to see what he has to say about the Cross of Christ. It was intense! Oh, but worth it. People in our church were really lapping up the teaching, and relishing the opportunity to meditate, and think upon this central Christian truth.

It continues to blow my mind, how much the Cross achieved. That God would love me so much that he would send his son to die, to take the punishment I deserve for saying to God "Hey I wanna be God, I wanna make to rules, not you..." For this I deserve death, punishment, and hell. But Christ, bore that for me in my place. Not as some third party - no because He is God! He is the one I have rebelled against. Oh, what love is this!

How great in the one that would die, for me (and for you!!), that we could be declared to be right with God.

It was a real joy. it excellent to get away for the weekend, and continue to foster and build relationships with people at church.

The only down side, was that Robyn had a fair bit of pain on the Saturday night. And this really knocked her around. She had to sleep on Sunday morning. She wanted to push through, so that she could continue to build relationships with people at church. But that was hard.

How central the cross is again hit home to Robyn and I. But I'll let God's word say it.

"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. "(Romans 3:21-26 ESV)

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. " 1 John 4:10 ESV

And how good is this quote from John Stott!

"The Cross which appeared to be the defeat of goodness by evil, was in fact the defeat of evil by goodness."

Oh, the glories of the Cross. For those of us who know the salvation of the cross, how could we not but sing?

I'm Gutted!

Hey.

As many of you know Robyn my wife is chronically ill, with a back lower back pain. We saw the surgeon recently and had a date confirmed for an operation. It was to be the 24th May 2007.

We went to the pre-admission clinic yesterday. It was a long process, but helpful. Robyn mentioned to me that it had finally sunk in, the operation was going to happen. It was also a long day. Nepean Hospital is quite a distance from the Central Coast.

However, today we got some news we didn't expect. I just returned from a positive meeting from Gorokan High School about the possibility of starting a lunchtime Christian Group. It was great! Praise God! But I returned to find a message on the answering machine. I had to call the surgeon's office. Robyn's op had been moved as of this morning to occur on the 14th of June. That's another 3 weeks away.

We'd got everything sorted. I worked out where I was going to stay, what I was going to do for work during that time. It was all planned. But that's all had to change.

Both of us are pretty gutted. Pretty down, because this has been a hard year for Robyn especially. And I hate seeing my wife, whom I love suffer like this. As her husband I wish I could just take it all away. I hate the fact that I can't fix this. It pains my heart to know that I can't do a thing, except continue to support and care for my wife.

I also struggle Christianly. And in these times, I need the constant reminder of God's goodness and love for me and Robyn. I need to know the peace God gives in knowing he is in control of all things. But it's hard. I mean, I cried today. I sat back and let the tears flow. It's hard.

So I need the truth of the word of God. I need to be reminded, so I'll continue to trust, even in the hard times. I need to continually cry out to God to help us, to strengthen us in Him, and to help us persevere, because I know that I can't do this on my own.

May God give us his peace. May he equip us to keep going, that we might be to the praise of his glory. May we always be growing in our trust and love of him, who has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ. Even in this hard time may he be our source of joy! Amen

My earnest heart's desire

My earnest heart's desire
is to ponder only him;
to pant, thirst and hunger,
for the only King.

Jesus is this one
who my body longs for,
whose glory I will gaze at
for all eternities draw.

By faith I see him only
in my present body state.
A glimpse of his glory,
is all I am able to take.

But I know this not
will always be the case.
For the promise of Heaven,
is that I'll see his face.

My body transformed
from a corrupted being.
It will be glorious
to look upon the one true King.

No longer groaning,
will my body be.
But seeing, savouring, delighting
in only He.

By Ben Waters April 2007

Oh what a feeling!

Tomorrow I'm preaching in my church - Northern Lakes Evangelical Church. I'm really looking forward to it, but at the same time I'm daunted as well!

What a privilege I have in being able to expound the word of God, to those at my church. But it is God's word that I'm expounding.

I've been feeling sometimes overwhelmed with inadequacy for the task, but them I remember who is? My words alone can't do anything! It is God's living active word which brings people from death to life. It's God's living and active word that builds Christ's Church! It's God's living and active word that cuts to the very heart and soul, exposing our sin!

Oh some friends have just arrived.

Going for a walk to the beach.

Bye!

Thinking on the Cross.

When I think upon the cross,
on which the king of glory died,
I weep the tears of sadness,
for all my selfish pride.

I, in my human nature,
rose up against the King,
I rebelled and rejected
the only blessed Him.

The meek and humble Christ,
upon himself did carry,
all my guilt and shame,
to make me part of his glorious Bride,
that to which he'll marry.

Others who may look
on this cross of Christ,
might think it as folly.
How can it indeed be right?

But through this glorious cross,
in the shedding of his blood,
did the great king of all,
indeed purchase us.

At great cost to himself,
was his will to save,
us mere human creatures,
we who are depraved.

He is our substitute,
this great and glorious king.
He is our propitiation,
turning wrath from me.

But now in this saving death,
is the victory given.
I'm taken from the grasp of Satan
and all his dodgy minions.

I fear no longer the fires of hell,
No eternal punishment for me.
I'm free to declare His praises,
and sing only of J. C.

I'm heaven bound,
that is for sure,
purchased by pure blood.
I'll sing his praise,
as one redeemed,
and tell of what He's done.

Think on the cross,
my fellow saints.
Think of the glories given.
Meditate on the crucified Christ,
and shriek not from Christian living.

Ben Waters April 2007

Introducing Mr Moo!

I just have to post this picture. This is Weaselby (otherwise known as Mister Moo!). He's alot of fun. As you may be able to tell.

We've had him for a while now, and he is currently recovering from a chest infection. Not nice for a wee little pig!

Absolutely hates the vet...Hmmm...don't blame him with those big needles!

This made me laugh.

Just on the updated news on Robyn, where better to go than her Blog! But I have to place this quote from her blog. It made me laugh when I read it.

"I'm off my Morphine Patches, daily doing physio exercises, trying to go for longish walks 3 times a week, aiming to swim twice weekly, trying to sit up in church, wearing a pedometer daily, and keeping a record of my activity (including how long I sit for) in an exercise journal......Does this mean I'm getting better?......Does it mean I'm on "The Biggest Loser"?.......No to both, although I would have a fair chance of winning the show at 53kg being approx 175cm....hmmm I need to get back the weight I lost huh? "

Read the rest of it at www.shadowgrace.blogspot.com

Bye for now.

Tomorrow is the big day.

Well here it comes tomorrow. The big day. It's the day that Robyn and I have been waiting for for months now. The day we go to work out if Robyn will have surgery again. (Not what you expected huh?)

We've been waiting for what seems like a life time for this next appointment, and yet it's here. So Robyn and I will be going to Nepean Hospital in Penrith (a bit of a hike), to wait for a while in a outpatients clinic for the big call.

This has been consuming my prayer life recently, and even as I type this post, I'm praying that the surgeon would have wisdom, and if Robyn is to have surgery again (this will be the third time on her back since she was 16) that it would happen relatively soon. I pray that she doesn't have to wait long. But I'm also praying that it would indeed work out. For all we know, things could go horribly wrong. Yet I know that we are in the hands of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, God. We know that he loves us, and no matter what we go through nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). I also know that this sovereign Lord of all, is working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28-29). It's hard to see that sometimes. And that is why I continually need the reminders of these great truths as I search and meditate on the Scriptures.

I don't know how Robyn and I would cope with all that we've gone through and continue to go through if we were not Christians? It is only by His grace, that we continue to move forward. By His grace to we depend on Him. His grace is indeed sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May God continue to sustain us by his grace, knowing that his is working all things for our good, so that in everything He might receive the Glory.

Where is my treasure?

In whom is my treasure
the things I delight,
the things that I think of
both day and night?

Is it vain things,
whose glory will fail?
Things that won't last
or ever prevail.

Things such as money,
my master its often,
or the lies of beauty and youth
as we grow old they don't soften.

Is it I'd climb
the ladders that be,
to the top of my company,
in intellect you see?

Oh, that Id' realise,
what foolishness is said,
to follow things things
and treasure instead,
the things that are futile,
and never prevail,
and in giving true satisfaction,
will always fail.

Oh, that I'd realise,
and flee from my friend,
that which would and should not
be my treasure instead.

Oh, that I'd ponder forever,
the wonders of him,
the one that was beaten and crushed
to show grace that would never dim.

He is the one
who dies in my stead.
May thoughts of him
never leave my head.

He is the mediator
between God and man,
the one that died,
nails driven in his hands.

He did not stay dead,
this mediator Christ,
He has indeed risen
and gives us new life.

We who love him,
have had our eyes open you see,
to behold his glory,
both you and me.

To us has been given,
the hope of eternal blessedness,
purchased through
the blood of righteousness.

Thus, flee from the things
that take you away.
Care not for things
that lead you astray.

Cling to Christ,
the crucified lamb.
For there's none that can satisfy
except the great I AM.

Delight in him only,
the Saviour who won
To have joy eternally,
in the mighty one.

Treasure this Christ,
who poured out His blood.
Treasure him only,
for he is our one,
our treasure only,
our delight you see,
He is our treasure, and only He.

The question I started,
to wonder with thee,
was where is my treasure
and where should it be?
The answer my friend,
I pray you will see,
is only in Christ,
and naught in me.

By Ben Waters March 2007.

I'm Back!

Well, I'm back. Robyn and I have just a great, actually fantastic 2 weeks away on holidays. We are really thankful to God for the refreshment we have received.

Our holiday was at Avoca beach. We learned from last holidays, that a trip tot eh south coast just wasn't practical for my dear wife. This trip was only 45 minutes, not 8+hours!!!! So off the bat, we started well. It was so nice when we finally arrived to our destination, that, thanks be to God, I was able to switch off almost instantly. It was also a great blessing to be able to take our pets to the place we were staying. That was huge for Robyn.

So what did we get up to on our holidays? Not much. That was the whole idea! We slept, read, ate great healthy food (which for us take out kings was excellent!), and did i mention sleep? Robyn still had to sleep a fair bit, but this time is was OK for me. We were still able to hang out and reconnect in such a positive way. It's always refreshing for me to be able to hang out with my dear wife. I love her some much, she brings me such great joy.

It was also great for Robyn and I to get into the bible together. Not that we don't do that when we are not on holidays, but it was just good. We are going through the letter of James at the moment, using the book "Vital signs" by John Dickson and Simon Smart. Gold!

I was also able to finish some books that I wanted to read. I was able to finish Mortification of Sin, by John Owen, which was a good reminder to keep battling sin, to put it to death. Also John Piper's book, "God is the Gospel". This was fantastic. I love the passion for God that comes out in his meditations on such a great theme. His central point was,
that the ultimate good of the gospel, what makes it good news, is not the gifts of God that come through the gospel, salvation, sanctification, justification, even to be in Glory, but that he Himself is what makes the gospel good. It is the gift of Himself for our delight and joy that makes the gospel good news. It was very compelling, and a pleasure to read. I'm a big fan of Piper. He is one of my theological hero's.

I also picked up another John Owen book, "The Glory of Christ". There is something in the way the Puritans wrote that seems to evoke my affections for God. I long to delight in Him, for him to be my satisfaction and treasure. This book is being a great help to me, in meditating on Christ, to think often of him, and to treasure only him. Actually after reading many parts of this book, it created in me a desire to express those thoughts in the writing of poems. Now, this not usually my thing, but it seemed to come quite easily. In fact, I couldn't sleep, as my mind was bombarded with thoughts and ideas to the point that Robyn fell asleep before I did. I plan to post these on this blog.

Not that I only read, Robyn and I had some great small day trips, (something you're thankful for when your wife isn't always able to get out). We went to church together at CCEC, which was a tremendous blessing for both of us. It was great to be again reminded of the sure hope we have as Christians, and to live with the long view in mind (A sermon on Revelation 21 by Rhett Harris). It again put our present sufferings in perspective. How excellent is our God!

And of Course, what Waters' holiday would be complete without drinking coffee. It was just bliss. But with all that said, I'm glad to be home. It just sucks that whenever I really relax, and come down, so to speak, I get sick!

The Spectacular vs the Mundane. Which is God in?

I haven't written in this thing for a while. So sorry. Although I have to admit that I'm not sure how many people are reading this thing? I've heard a few comments which have been great BUT none on the Blog! oh well...I'm off topic already. One of those things I guess.

what I wanted to write about. Yes get to that Ben! Anywho...I was totally hit today about the way that our society is really obsessed with the Spectacular, and they assume that GOD is involved with it.

We've been looking at church at 2 Corinthians and our pastor was explaining how this view of the "God is in the spectacular and NOT the mundane", is really unhelpful. This was the mistake of the Corinthians. But God is involved in the mundane. He uses the mundane to show His power. Take for example words. The speaking of the Gospel, looks like an unimpressive activity, in the worlds eyes, but Paul says the words of the Gospel, have the power to break down strongholds, and take captive every thought for Christ (see 2 Cor 10: 3-6). The gospel is God's power to destroy any argument which sets itself up against God, to reject God. As I reflect on that, that just encourages me. I sometimes feel so weak, and down. I can fell so overwhelmed with doing ministry. And yet, all I need to be doing is telling the gospel, because God is the one who works powerfully taking my unimpressive words, and doing a mighty work of drawing someone to himself. How good is the living God!

I was also encouraged by the way our pastor gently critiqued something which may be popular, and people think that God is in ... a ministry on TV (in the wee early hours). It was a helpful critic based on corrected how we as the church have bought into the notion that the spectacular things show the power of God. The spectacular wasn't discounted, but put into the context of God's power is in the gospel, and God is in the mundane things, the unimpressive things. Any way...should go.

Too much coffee and my head hurts!

I'm so bushed! I can't believe how tired I am. Today has just been one of those days. And I've had so much coffee I'm surprised that I'm not bouncing off the walls! I'm almost there, but not quite.

It started with a visit, and I had a fantastic opportunity to explain the gospel to people. I spent like an hour a bit talking about Jesus with these people in their home. They were really listening, and I think they got it. It was a real learning experience for me, as these people were from a different culture to me, and so I had to really think about how to keep it simple. So praise God. I felt that I was fumbling through a bit. But I pray that they take it in. I'm organising some books for them to read as follow up (and I had a cup of coffee with them).

Then I got home, made some calls and went on another visit. This was to welcome some new people to our church. A great thing to be doing, and God willing some these people will feel more connected into NLEC.

But the absolute killer was meeting with the guy who heads up the Youth Ministry at CCEC - Dave Miers . I'm so thankful to God for godly people like Dave, who are extremely gifted by God, and passionate about ministry. My head hurt after chatting with him, (I think it was accumulative today, the constant chatting). The reason for getting together was NLEC (my Church) is at the stage of thinking through starting a ministry for youth (God willing). Dave is experienced in this area, and his enthusiasm is infectious! It was a good time catching up and chatting about youth ministry. I'm really pumped...May God grow his kingdom through this endeavour! We chatted non stop for 2 1/2 hours. And I had more coffee (Thanks Dave!). In fact I've found it really hard not to switch off tonight, that's how wired I am.

Then Robyn and I went out for dinner. It was good to Robyn to get out of the house, and see some different scenery (even if it was westfield at Tuggarah). The meal was good too - (Coffee club is awesome, great food and I have to say excellent coffee...yeah, I had another one there too!)

Coffee is sooooo good! But I bet I pay for it tonight.

A what kind of sorrow?

Last night was a real joy for me. It was our second week in growth groups (that's what we call our bible study groups at NLEC), and we were looking at 2 Corinthians 7:2-16. The Big Idea was ... godly sorrow leads to repentance.

It was a positive night as people were grappling with the word of God, in order to change. And it was a passage about change! Godly sorrow is a good thing, as it leads us to repentance - A U turn in the direction we are living our lives, to turn from living our own way, to live God's way. Sorrow and grief, can have a positive result. It's not like worldly sorrow, that just leaves you feeling sorry for yourself, with no change at all, or sorry because you got caught out! But it leads to real change. I was encourage to see how the Corinthians responded to the rebuke from Paul. They repented. They changed.

And our group really wanted to come to terms with this. It was a great gift of God, to see people longing to understand the Scriptures, and work out how it applies. I came home buzzing. I'm usually down on myself for how I lead the study. But this time was different. And I was in pain was well with an infected gum, around a wisdom tooth.

Now, I've been thinking about this concept of godly sorrow this week in my own life. I though what area's of my life have I been sorry (in the worldly sense), or has my sorrow been a godly sorrow? The real test of what kind of sorrow I have, is "Has it brought about change?", " Have I repented?"

May God continue to rebuke me through his Word. May I always have ears to hear, and be prepared to have godly sorrow in my life because it leads me to repentance.

Oh, not to just read - but meditate.

I've been thinking about the 'art of meditation' a bit lately. I came across the word in Psalm 1:1-2

"1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:1-2 ESV.

And I was thinking what exactly does it mean to meditate? Is it being in a trance, off the planet, not really thinking? Then I kept on reading. Its mulling over the 'law of God' day and night, not letting it go. To reflect continuously on the Scriptures, and letting it change you.

J.I. Packer, the author of 'Knowing God' says it like this:
"It [that is, meditation] is the activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the Help of God, as a means of communion with God." p22 Knowing God.

But it doesn't stop there. There is an expressed purpose in this meditation on the scriptures. - this meditation humbles oneself, expands the mind, and gives consolidation to the downcast. This is where real comfort and calming of sorrow and grief is found. In the knowledge of God. So its not about head knowledge. It's heart knowledge!

As I reflected on this today, I've been challenged to think about the way I study the Scriptures (again). Why do I study the Scriptures? Is it for personal advantage, to be someone who seems to have the answers?(I like knowing a bit about the word of God) Or is it so that I'd grow deeper in relationship with the One who has spoken in His word.

I love what C. H. Spurgeon says on this word meditate. Commenting on verse 2 in Psalm 1 he writes:-
"And now mark his positive character. “His delight is in the law of the Lord.” He is not under the law as a curse and condemnation, but he is in it, and he delights to be in it as his rule of life; he delights, moreover, to meditate in it, to read it by day, and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he museth upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book. “The law of the Lord” is the daily bread of the true believer. And yet, in David's day, how small was the volume of inspiration, for they had scarcely anything save the first five books of Moses! How much more, then, should we prize the whole written Word which it is our privilege to have in all our houses! But, alas, what ill-treatment is given to this angel from heaven! We are not all Berean searchers of the Scriptures. How few among us can lay claim to the benediction of the text! Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide? If not, this blessing belongeth not to you." Treasury of David (e-sword edition).

It is my prayer that I'll truly meditate on the great themes of the Scriptures, that I may be humbled, that my mind would be expanded, and I might be consoled in times of trouble. I pray that I may grow deeper in knowledge of the one who has created me, that I may know him more, love him more, and obey him in everything.

Another blow - but oh, there is hope!

Well, if any of you are readers of Robyn's blog, you'd know by now that Padfoot died on Friday morning. It was a totally bad experience! I don't recommend it at all. It was really sad to see our little bundle of joy die. It was also really hard seeing my wife so heart broken. She really loved Padfoot. I mean, she really loved her. We spent most of the morning crying and mopping around the house. Padfoot was such a positive thing for Robyn, in the midst of her pain. But, such is life in this broken world.

It just makes me think, how I long for heaven. I long so much to be away from this body that is decaying, and suffering (nothing compared to Robyn). I hate tears! I don't like being down. But with all that said, I have great comfort in knowing that God is in Control. He is working toward his goal of bringing all things under the head of Christ (Ephesians 1). The problems of suffering are not inconsequential to God. No, he has actually done something about it in Jesus! That is a comfort. So the cross of Christ is the thing I look to most, when I go through suffering. I cling to the cross. Because there, and only there is there comfort for the wounded soul.

May God help Robyn and I to endure suffering, to persevere through it, knowing that we have one who has suffered much that we might have life eternal. We have the certain hope of heaven - to be with our Creator and Redeemer forever, in prefect relationship, with no more pain and suffering. No more tears.

May God speed up the coming of the Lord Jesus! Come Lord Jesus, Come!

My Rock, Refuge and Saviour.

It strikes me how many times in the Bible God is pictured as a rock, refuge and saviour for those who love him. Then you find he is a terrible enemy of those who reject him at the same time. I was reading 2 Samuel 22-24 this morning. And it just hit me again. David continually praises God, acknowledging that He alone is a rock, the deliverer, the place to find refuge. Again, and again he is called "my rock", "my refuge", "my saviour". The language is very reminiscent of many of the Psalms.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour... I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies." 2 Samuel 22:1-4 NIV.

I constantly need to remember that God is my rock. In him I can take refuge, for he is my saviour. And I see this again supremely in the Lord Jesus. My lord who suffered that I may have life. The One who delivered me from coping the wages of my sin (Romans 6:23), and I'm blown away! Sometimes I a bit slow in getting this into my head. I need the continual reminder.

It worked!

Hi. Here is that photo. Didn't work last time. Dag nam it! You get that.

I'm on the web!

Well, I'm on the web. And this is my blog.

I was inspired by my wife Robyn, who has a blog - see http://shadowgrace.blogspot.com - which has been really encouraging to me.

And I thought, well, what the hey, have a go. See what happens! I'm not sure if anyone will read this, but if someone does, my prayer is that you'll be encourage to think through the bigger questions of life, and look the the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe as a result! That's the kind of thing I'll be posting, and occasionally some random verbal diarrhea to boot.

Oh, here's my picture. Just in case you wanted to know "who is this guy?". And of course there's a cup of coffee in my hands. Very rarely is that NOT the case. Robyn took this photo when we were on holidays down the south coast, in October last year.