How to keep your head in tumultuous times

We are indeed living in tumultuous times. The question is – how can you keep your head when all around are losing theirs? (Thank you, Mr. Kipling – the poet, not the pastries!) 

As expected, Autumn has brought a massive increase in the rate of Covid-19 infections, a so-called second wave. The UK nations, like France, Germany, Spain and other European nations are responding with variations of lockdowns to protect the public, leading to Fear, Anger and Frustration for millions. The threat to life and health is real, vividly seen not only by the shocking statistics but by the experience of those who have suffered Covid’s ravages and lived to tell the tale.

We all have a natural tendency to long for a nice, quiet, peaceful world where everything is ‘just so’. Jesus was more realistic. Warning his followers of what to expect, he said ‘And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once’. Luke 21:9 Notice his words?  When, not if. ‘Do not be terrified.’

The first UK lockdown shocked us with an unexpected fear-filled crisis. There was a desperation to survive and, generally speaking, people obeyed the rules.

This time it feels different. In fact, everything feels different. Why is that? Maybe:

Because the incidents and manner of deaths, though large in number, are proportionally so small, lockdowns can feel like a disproportionate response. The majority of us might not have experienced Covid-19 in their family or circle of friends, so the personal threat might seem far less real than when we first heard about it.

There is a clear lack of political consensus regarding an appropriate and proportionate response to the pandemic. In the UK the current party of government is itself strongly divided and critical of lockdowns, particularly referencing the economic losses involved by closing businesses.

Politics is a messy business by nature anyway, but this year we have seen endless footage of the Presidential Election in the USA, violence and murder on the streets, riots, the sense of democracy itself as we have known it coming under attack. People in other nations have taken to the streets to protest against their totalitarian leaders.

Brexit negotiations with Europe continue for the moment, but will we leave with or without a deal? Will Brexit debates go on forever?

We are aware of the economic challenges facing the world because of the Covid-inspired recession. In the UK, many have lost their jobs and it has been noticed that middle-class families are now arriving at Food banks, not to help but to be helped.

Few seem to speak about the challenge of the poor.

Take tiny Wales, a nation with a population of 3 million. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report on Poverty in Wales, it was a poor nation before the Pandemic broke out. Covid has made it worse:

  • Almost a quarter of the population are living in poverty, including 180,000 children. 
  • 400,000 are now behind with their bills.
  • 200,000 are behind with their rent/mortgage payments
  • The number of claimants for Universal Credit doubled between January and August this year.

Poverty is expected to worsen as the recession deepens this winter. When pressure is applied to any population it is generally the poor who suffer most.

Keeping our heads and dealing with fear

Fear is infectious. We say that people lose their heads, their ability to think and respond to situations rationally. 

If we stop and take notice of developments in the world around us, we too can be gripped by fear. Jesus is the one who speaks the words ‘Do not fear’. In the OT God says to the people ‘Do not be afraid’.

Christian sports stars teach kids in the South Wales Valleys how to deal with fear. Using FEAR as an acronym, amongst others it can stand for Forget Everything And Run. Then they show them the better possibility for Christians: Face Everything And Rise!

The question is – how do I keep my head when others are losing theirs? It’s a question with a clue embedded in it. Fear comes when we lose our head; our ability to step back, evaluate, recognize danger, assess our resources for the situation, and choose how best to make a response.

We who are followers of Jesus have incredible resources available to us to aid us in life. 

  • We are able to claim the helmet of salvation which protects our thought processes. Let’s put it on every day – every hour if necessary. 
  • We have authority in the name of Jesus to rebuke fear and tell it where to go. Let’s use it. 
  • We have peace available to us, extraordinary peace beyond anything the world can know or understand. Let’s drink deeply. 
  • We have The promises of God, and faith that he who began a good work in us will complete it. Let’s trust and believe in his care. 
  • We have an offer of rest, stillness in the storm, serenity in the face of all enemies. Let’s avail ourselves of it all. 

Here’s the remarkable word of God: 

“Blessed are the ones who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They are like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 

Jer 17:7-8 (My translation)

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

Though the world shakes I will put my trust in you.

I rebuke fear in the name of Jesus.

You hold the past, the present and the future, so I am secure.

In this time of shaking, will you hold me, fill me with peace and confidence, cause my faith to arise and help me to stand firm when attacked by fears. I refuse to be ruled or pressured by fear. Jesus is my shepherd, my ruler. I shall not be shaken.

And while the world is shaken, will you draw many to yourself. Let your wonderful heavenly rule break out on earth. Be with those who are working on the development of vaccines. Father, give them extraordinary insights. Cause breakthroughs to come from their work.

I bless you, God of the Universe.

Amen.

A Blessing

I bless you in the name of Jesus that the Peace of God may fill you utterly, body, soul and spirit. I bless you that he may keep you in perfect peace.

Roy Godwin

Has this blog encouraged you? If so, may we invite you to share it with others? Would you drop us a note: mail@roygodwin.org and encourage us? 

Roy’s books are available from roygodwin.org 

© Roy Godwin 2020

Original photo by Faye Cornish on Unsplash

How to live a fulfilled life today

Jesus said, ‘if anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink, and having drunk you will never thirst again”. He said, “I have come to give you abundant life”. So how come so many of us humans feel frustrated, lonely, unloved, unknown, unaccepted, angry or even empty? Why are we living a life devoid of true inner joy or peace? Why do we feel that our life is deeply unfulfilled and unsatisfying?

There are three basic steps we need to take ….. but just a minute! A question.

Is it even reasonable to be talking about fulfilled, satisfied lives at this point when we are all trying to survive a life-threatening pandemic which has already taken 1 million lives and is leading to social unrest, global economic challenges and political uncertainties?

I would respond that it most certainly is, and if not now – when? We need answers that work for today, not just for a better imaginary tomorrow.

We need to find a way to satisfy, by God’s grace, three key human needs.

We need to be known and accepted; to be immersed in unconditional love; and be living for a purpose which is much bigger than ourselves.

What to do?

Most people will at some time have had to face the sense of being unloved and the feeling of lack, of emptiness deep within, of purposelessness. They may embark on a journey of discovery, seeking to fill the emptiness within through adventure, adrenaline rush, turning to sex, booze, drugs, or seeking answers in the mystical East, or power religions such as occult practices, and so on. Some commit their time and energy into their career, seeking personal development and always climbing the ladder. Often the ladder is found to be leaning on the wrong wall. No-one ever said with their dying breath “if only I had spent more time in the office’. So many lives are shipwrecked on the rocks of failure, disappointment, disillusion, or having to face reality, in this journey. Life, we discover, bombards us with glorious promises that cannot possibly be fulfilled.

1. Recognise that we are known, accepted and loved by God.
Press further into his love. Take time to experience, to wallow, in that love which is vaster than any ocean. Your name is written on the palm of his hand. He knows you thoroughly. He knows your highs and lows, your pain and your joy. He hasn’t been absent for any of it. He loves you and will never cease to love you. Through Jesus you are made acceptable to him. So, be real with him. 

2. There is a horizontal aspect to the gospel.
Even though Adam walked with God, he needed a human for company and a fulfilled life. You and I also need human expressions of God’s acceptance and love. We need at least one person with whom we can relinquish pretence and be real without fear of judgement. You are invited and called to enter into the fellowship of the ‘called-out ones’, the Ekklesia of God. It is made up of sinful failures who, like you, have also been forgiven, made new and accepted, and they will welcome you in. You may have made a mess of things, you may have been spoken against, despised, but if your eyes and heart remain fixed on Jesus you are in the right position. Acceptable. And if the local church doesn’t find you acceptable, don’t worry; they are just messed-up sinful believers who are trying to work out how to get things right. Find a community somewhere else. At the moment that might even be an online community of Jesus-followers.

3. Live for a purpose much bigger than yourself.
Acknowledge that you are not the centre of the universe after all. That position is already taken! So, take your eyes off yourself as being centre-stage and look at Jesus afresh. Hear his words: ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and other necessities will be provided for as well’. Refocus your life and your prayer-life. Call upon the Father in Jesus name until that Kingdom, that overwhelming outpouring of his government and righteousness which destroys wickedness and sets captives free, falls upon your neighbours, your locality, your region. Seek the outpoured Holy Spirit who reveals Jesus even to the far-off as well as the near. Commit your life to doing nothing less than this. 

To be known, accepted, unconditionally loved, playing your part in the purposes of God – you might not become famous amongst men, but heaven will be shouting over you with joy. This is the path to a life which satisfies. Everything else is passing. This, this is eternal life.  

A Prayer

Father, help me to live my life according to your design for me. I know you want me to be fulfilled in the right way, not the wrong, living life now. Please keep me and finish the work that you have started in me, helping me to make it across the finishing line. In Jesus name. Amen

A Blessing

I bless you in Jesus’ name right now, that the Holy Spirit might fill you afresh, revealing more of God’s love for you and the amazing grace of the Lord Jesus towards you. I  bless you that every step you make might be met by the running Father who is so quick to welcome you and embrace you, even in a Covid world.


I bless you in Jesus’ name that you might be satisfied, fulfilled, as you re-balance your inner life with clarity and purpose.
In Jesus’ name I bless you that his Shalom might cover you.

Roy Godwin

Has this blog encouraged you? If so, may we invite you to share it with others? Would you drop us a note: mail@roygodwin.org and encourage us? 

© Roy Godwin 2020

Original photo by Samara Doole on Unsplash

Shame – How to deal with it in 6 steps

Shame / ‘a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour’

The Problem

Whereas in recent centuries people were more conscious of the Bible, which brought an awareness of sin and guilt, nowadays people in general are not in that situation. What really troubles people today is their sense of shame, perhaps amongst younger people as well as older. 

What is the difference between guilt and shame? Guilt is acknowledged on the basis of authority, evidence and conviction; it can bring deep feelings of humiliation and shame. Shame itself is more of an intuition, an emotion, a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the self-consciousness of our wrong or foolish behavior. Are they the two sides of the same coin? Not necessarily; shame is not always connected to sin. Perhaps we have been subjected to a form of abuse which has left us with a feeling of shame, for instance. Or perhaps we are deeply disappointed in ourselves and feel ashamed by our own performance, or lack of it … Shame is damaging and destructive. It spoils our lives and separates us from others.

There are personal consequences of shame

Shame disturbs our sense of emotional well-being. Because we may be ashamed by our choices, decisions, actions, so our own sense of self-esteem, of self-worth, diminishes. This can lead to anxiety and depression.

There are social consequences of shame

Our social openness becomes restricted by the fear of people recognising our shame and discerning its cause. So, we seek to hide our real selves and that decision begins to isolate us, taking away our freedom of expression with others. We may feel as though someone has written ‘shame’ across our foreheads for all the world to read and explore. Fear, anxiety, social isolation can evolve as coping mechanisms. When we withdraw from our closest relationships out of self-protection, it worsens our situation even further.

There are spiritual consequences of shame

Our ability to relate openly with the Lord is damaged. 

In 1 John 2: 28 the Apostle writes “and now little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame … Then in Revelation 3: 18 Jesus says “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness…” –  that is, your inability to hide your real self from Him when all you want to do is run away in fear. Jesus says that He can clothe us so that we no longer have to fear.

Does the Bible have anything to say which might help? Of course it does. The word shame alone occurs 153 times. It contains examples, warnings and help. Our personal lives and experiences probably contain enough examples and warnings for us, so let’s look directly for help. Let’s deal with our personal shame and see how we might put it to death forever! 

The Solution

When King David deliberately sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba, he was hit by shame as well as a sense of guilt for his sin. He helpfully lays out his response for us in Psalm 51.

Maybe you and I can tackle our shame and put it to death by using David’s experience as a model for our own response. How might we do this? 

1. HONESTY

We need to take some time to bravely face up to our shame and identify the reason behind it, acknowledging anything that is wrong in our lives or emotions. He knows all about it before we speak so He is not going to be shocked by our self-disclosure. Let’s call sin – sin! If the issue is not sin so much as personal disappointment in our personal performance, let’s call it that. Don’t generalise though; be specific. 

2. INTEGRITY

Acknowledge the issue/s fairly and squarely to the Lord. Name it/them to Him. If confession of sin is due, then confess those sins to God.

3. PETITION GOD

Here is a list of the ways that David petitioned God (see Psalm 51) which might direct our own prayers:

Verse 1 | Have mercy. That is, please lift this intolerable burden off me. Blot out my transgressions. Perhaps you remember what an ink-blot can do to a word on a page; covering it, making it unreadable and no longer recognizable. Only the blood of Jesus can do this for us.

Verse 2 | Wash me thoroughly and cleanse me. I don’t want the sight, smell or stain on me any more. Again, the cleansing blood of Jesus can do this for us.

Verse 7 | Not only wash me on the inside but purge me so that nothing is left on the inside, either. No fantasies or fear-inducing memories.

Verse 9 | Hide your face from my sins so that I am not ashamed by your open look at the real me.

Verse 10 | Create in me a clean heart, not a dirty heart or an ashamed, guilty or fearful heart. Renew a steadfast spirit within me which is steadfastly committed and submissive to you; that is quick to do your will and walk in your ways rather than following my own tendencies.

4. DEAL WITH THE FEAR OF REJECTION BY GOD

Verse 11 | Do not cast me away from your presence; do not be ashamed of me and reject me.  Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. 

Verse 12 | Rather, restore to me what I had lost; the joy of your salvation.

Verse 15 | Open my lips that without shame I may raise my praise to you again.

5. THANKFULNESS FOR GOD’S FAITHFUL MERCY WHICH RESTORES US

Verse 17 | The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

6. RECOMMITMENT TO PLAYING YOUR ROLE IN GOD’S PURPOSE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

Verse 18 & 19 | Petitions for others.

Note, none of the above is designed to be a liturgy, read aloud mechanically and the matter is over. It’s a process to be undertaken seriously, with His help.We remember Jesus, who scorned the shame of the cross. He takes our shame away from us, putting it on the cross. Hebrews 12:2

If there seems to be a demonic grip, a stronghold caused by our shame, we need to remember that Jesus put the powers and principalities themselves to open shame, and remind yourself and them of that fact. Colossians 2:15

If you are struggling with shame in any way, I encourage you to use this pattern to move into the freedom and liberty and fulness of joy that is God’s personal gift for you. It has your name on it!

A Prayer


Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters, that shame may be broken over their lives and that freedom, security and faith may be transparently alive in them. Every prisoner of shame, I bless you now in the name of Jesus that you might relinquish that shame and walk in total release and fulness of joy. Amen.

Has this been helpful for you? If so, please encourage us by letting us know at mail@roygodwin.org

© Roy Godwin 2020

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

When everything is going wrong for you

Have you ever been in that place where everything in life seems to go wrong? When things pile up, one on top of another, and you feel as though you were drowning in a storm of disaster? Maybe you have looked at other people who are in a place of distress and wondered how on earth they have coped, without a living faith in Jesus Christ. You, though, do have a faith and a testimony, but now when everything is going wrong you don’t know how to cope either. You find yourself engulfed by the outer storm of circumstances and an inner storm of worry, shame and fear. 

What I have just described is true to life – we have all been there. So, how can we survive? 

Fear of being overcome and desperation for life filled the minds of the disciples when they found themselves in a similar place. A windstorm had come upon them, stirring the sea, and the boat was taking in water. As experienced fishermen who were used to the sea, they knew an impending disaster when they saw one. Although Jesus was actually with them in the stern of the boat, just when they most needed him – he slept! 

Have you ever wondered where Jesus is just when you need him most? It can feel as though he’s gone to sleep at our most desperate, critical, life-or-death moment.

I wonder how the disciples awakened him. Did they quietly touch his toes? Gently shake his shoulder? Whisper in his ear? Death by drowning was only moments away. No, I bet they seized hold of him while they yelled at the top of their voices: “Help! Help”! And I imagine Jesus looked at them, felt their fear, saw the waves breaking into the boat, heard the roaring of the wind, and asked them what on earth was disturbing them! You see, the disciples were looking at the storm, while Jesus was looking at his Father’s purpose, secure in his Father’s love. He firmly rebuked the wind and the waves, and they instantly obeyed him. (Significant Note: in Greek he rebuked the storm in the same way he rebuked demonic spirits.)

Who was in charge of their journey? The raging elements? Or was it Jesus, even though he seemed to be asleep, and ignorant of their circumstances? 

You see, Jesus had given the word; “we are going to the other side’”. That was business settled. There was nothing a massive, perhaps demonically inspired, physical, noisy, threatening storm could do about it. That is why he was saddened by the disciple’s lack of faith. That was why they could have overcome the storm themselves. When Jesus had said it, that had settled it. They were going to the other side.

What help do we have today in our own crisis, then? Here are a few tablets to take as a prescription to encourage you.

Firstly, whatever your storm looks like, however threatening and overwhelming, he will be in the boat with us.

“He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” 

Deuteronomy 31:8

Secondly,

“God is for you, so who can be against you?”

Romans 8:35

Then:

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Deuteronomy 33:27

“The LORD will fulfil his purpose for you; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”

Psalm 138:8

Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.”

Daniel 3:17

Jesus said that: 

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

John 16:33

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 8: 35-37

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

It doesn’t mean that God caused your crisis, your storm. Rather, he is able to take those circumstances and use them to deliver you into a new and appointed place, just as he did with the disciples in their storm. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Heb 13:8

We have a future destination to hold onto. However fierce the storm, we have a secure promise: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev 21:4

Heavenly Father, help me to take my eyes off the storm so that I can fix my eyes on you instead. Please strengthen me and fill me with faith to trust your Presence and your Promises. I rebuke the raging circumstances in Jesus’ name. Lord, you alone are my strength and my shield, my defender, my hiding place until the storm is passed. Amen

RoyGodwin.org

Original photo by Matt Hardy on Unsplash

Where are the giants?

Hi, welcome to this virtual meeting place. 

There is a statement found in Genesis which goes like this: 

There were Giants in the land in those days. 

Genesis 6:4

We have just lost three of those Giants

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias was an amazing Christian apologist. Born in India, Ravi immigrated to Canada, in his own words, having been a dunce, he suddenly developed into being exceptionally intellectually bright. Doctor Ravi Zacharias became a famous Christian apologist who crisscrossed the world for around 50 years, speaking in particular to University students and defending and explaining with intellectual rigor the basics of the Christian faith. He will be sorely missed. His clarity of expression, logical explanations and sheer Christlikeness shone like a light in the darkness. He was Ravi, a Giant, and we mourn his passing.

David Pawson

David Pawson was a man who came from famous early Methodist stock. While training for the Methodist ministry he roomed with Donald English, who went on to become the Methodist President on several occasions, and John Bedford, who became a Baptist Minister and won many to the Lord and who delivered the address at our wedding! All Giants. David Pawson also switched to the Baptist denomination, becoming very well known as the pioneering pastor of the Millmead Centre in Guildford, and then as a significant International Bible Teacher and author. I first met him 50 years ago when a young student, and he also came to visit me perhaps three or four years ago. I count it a privilege to have known him; he was David, a Giant whose passing we mourn. 

Roger Every

Roger Every also passed on to his reward. You may not have heard of him, but he was a Giant. Married to Tisha, together they were our friends, serving on our team for some years and blessing countless numbers of people. Roger was an engineer at heart, skillful at repairs and replacements of all manner of things. He was wonderful with people, a joy to have around, interested in classic cars (hurray!) and everyone loved him. Although we cried out to God for his healing, he has gone to his reward, where he is absolutely and totally made whole forever. He might not have won the international recognition that Ravi or David had, but in God’s eyes – and ours – he was Roger, a Giant, whose passing we mourn. 

These three Giants who have recently gone home to their reward, and there is joy in heaven. You might have some names you would like to add. 

But where are the Giants of tomorrow? Where will we find them? 

We are invited, called, chosen, loved, children of God himself, co-heirs with Christ of all things and blessed in him with every spiritual blessing. You and I are invited to walk as Giants in our own way, carrying the presence of Jesus wherever we go, stretching out hands of mercy and grace, helping, listening, lifting up the poor and needy by practical means, speaking the Name, demonstrating that in God’s kingdom authority is exercised with humility.

And don’t say that you are not clever enough, skillful enough, to be a Ravi Zacharias Apologist, David Pawson Bible teacher, or Roger Every, a quiet gentle man. You are not supposed to be a copy of anyone else; it’s the real ‘you’ that the world is waiting for. You can learn to be a uniquely ‘you-shaped’ Giant in a way that no-one else will ever be able to copy in all eternity. So why settle for anything less? 

Then, one unexpected day, you too will leave this earth to go to your reward: that glorious day when you will see Jesus face to face, finding rest in that place he has gone ahead to prepare for you. That is the reality of the believer’s life. And will he complain about your small spiritual stature compared to the Ravis, Davids, and Rogers we hear of? No, hear His voice: “well done, you good and faithful servant; enter into your master’s joy”. And then, like the prodigal, we will try to explain how unworthy we are, how we have sinned and failed in so many ways, what a mess we have made of so much of our lives, the people we have hurt on the way, our own disappointment in ourselves, while he sweeps it all away in the Father-embrace we have longed for since birth; welcoming us home, clothing us with the robe of a new body, filling us with the joy of salvation complete. The Giant a son in the Kingdom of God, to shine forever.

As we say goodbye to the Giants who have gone before us, let us recommit ourselves to becoming the Giants we were created to be in our own way, in our worship, our personal life and world.

A Prayer

Father, so teach me to number my days that I may get a heart of wisdom.
Lord, I often feel so small, insignificant, lonely and unworthy. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit, replacing my fear with power, and give me a mind that aligns itself with your Word. Amen.

A Blessing

I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ, that the blessings of God Almighty might come as a summer shower to soak you, warming you, healing you, forgiving you and restoring you. 

I bless you in Jesus name that the failures of the past and the power of words, curses and Satan may be broken over your life, setting you free right now, this moment. I rebuke shame in Jesus’ name. I bless you in his name that you may arise once more into the fullness of who you are, comfortable in your own skin and taking your rightful place in the purposes of God. Be loosened in Jesus name. Restored by his grace. Amen 

Roy Godwin

Certainty and hope in an uncertain and fearful world

Certainty and hope in an uncertain and fearful world

On Friday 8th May we will celebrate 75 years since the ending of World War 2 in Europe. The horrors had ended, and peace had returned to our shores, and life would never be the same after such death and destruction had ravaged families, towns and cities. It would be a long climb upwards from there into a new and nationally prosperous future. The ration books would remain for quite a few years. 

Today there is a new war. The enemy? Covid 19. It’s a killer, and every human being in the world is at risk, especially the poor, as 3.5 million are infected and 250,000 die. A new global challenge has been issued: let’s work together towards the destruction of this threat. 

Meanwhile, in the waiting world of lockdown, everyone is straining forward to reach for the future. Will the world quickly return to how it was? Not for the bereaved. A phrase increasingly used is “the new normal’. What will that look like? At this stage nobody knows, so any confident statements about what that will mean are at best conjecture, and at worst, fantasy. One thing we do know is that so many old certainties we took for granted were pretenders all along; they were never certain at all.

A Christian holds certainty about the future while living in the reality of the uncertain world we live in. We experience the stress and pain, the same as everyone else. Yet, in the midst of today’s uncertainty, we are the ones who carry extraordinary hope and eternal certainties. And this hope has stood firm for 2,000 years. OK, it requires revelation, faith and trust, but it has nothing to do with pipe dreams or fantasies. It is guaranteed. How? By the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the fulfilment of the promise at Pentecost.

We celebrated Easter in April. Here in May we remember the ascension (21st) and the day of Pentecost (31st). Here’s the narrative.

In Jerusalem. The disciples met with Jesus on what became the day of Ascension and asked whether this was the time that the kingdom would be restored to Israel. He answered that it was not for them to know the times and seasons that the Father had fixed. What they actually needed was to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them. Once that happened, they would be his witnesses to the whole world.

Suddenly, as they were looking at him, the most amazing thing happened. He was lifted up, and then a cloud took him out of their sight! 

In Heaven. Suddenly one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven and they brought him to the Ancient of Days. And dominion and glory were given Him, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages, should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.)

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, two shining angels spoke to the disciples, saying ‘don’t stand looking into the heavens. Jesus will return in the same way that you have seen him leave’.

The disciples, around 120 of them, remained in Jerusalem, prayed and waited. Suddenly a sound was heard as if a mighty wind was there and- wow! Heaven broke out upon them and within them. Fire came! The Holy Spirit had come, just as Jesus promised, and these very normal people became normal but supernatural, filled with gifts and boldness.  Peter announced ‘God raised Jesus up, and there are 120 witnesses right here. Being exalted to the highest place and having received the promise (of the Holy Spirit) from the Father, it is the risen Jesus who has poured all this out upon us. 3,000 men committed their lives to Jesus there and then. The promise of the Holy Spirit, heaven invading earth, Peter reminded them, was for them, their children, their grandchildren and to all future generations. That includes you and me. A new way of living broke out, with Jesus at the centre. And so it continues…

Acts 1:6-11. Dan 7:13-14. Acts 2: 1- 47 (My narrative and translation)

Jesus is indeed the light of the world who has rescued us out of darkness. Death has been killed. The fear of death is no longer a terror for us. We have certainty because Jesus is alive. He is risen! He has gone to prepare a place for us where we shall be welcomed and see him face to face. Let’s lift up our heads and hold fast to our confession; speak it into our own hearts and minds; welcome joy again; be bold yet wise in sharing the good news: Jesus is alive!  Because he rose, we too will rise and be with him forever. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Num 6:24-26

For a wonderful national blessing 

Visit youtu.be/PUtll3mNj5U

For Encouragements

Joel News at joelnews.org  Follow their link for a free download of the e-book ‘How The Early Church Handled Two Devastating Epidemics’. 

© Roy Godwin 2020

Original photo by Niels Smeets on Unsplash

Day 8 – Alive! Joy and a Future

After the blackness of the night, morning dawned on Easter Sunday. The new day still looked black to the disciples, but this very day, in the middle of such untold despair, is the day of joy. The impossible has happened: Jesus is alive! Gloriously alive! It is in the darkness that the light shines brightest, and even when our senses seem to say the opposite, the darkness has never extinguished the light. (John 1:5)

Have you ever been in a situation where you have tried to give wonderful news to someone, only to have it discounted because it seems too good to be true? How often is bad news more readily acceptable than good! 

When the women arrived at the tomb at dawn, they found the imprisoning stone of death rolled away, and the tomb empty. The women were confused by what they found, and only believed because angels bore testimony and awakened their recollection of Jesus’ words that he would “on the third day rise” (verse 7). Then, writes Luke, they remembered. How fitting that if it was angels who announced the incarnation of Jesus, angels should announce his resurrection.

Bringing their stunning news to the eleven and all the rest, they were disbelieved, and no wonder. Jesus was dead and buried. When Jesus died, hope died. It was over. Their senses and understanding of life made real resurrection seem impossible, even if they believed in it doctrinally, unless Jesus was involved and, in this case, that was a nonsense. It seemed to them an idle tale (Lk 24:11). How frustrated must the women have felt. Carrying the greatest message ever known to mankind, they were rebuffed by the closest followers of Jesus who needed to hear it most. How typical of the Lord that it’s the women, not the men, who are entrusted with the first witness of his resurrection.

Later that day they were all visited by those who had encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus and who had rushed back to tell the others with joy. As if that wasn’t enough, Jesus himself appeared to them all (Verse 36) and they went through the gamut of fear, doubt, confusion. No wonder Jesus said: “Peace to you”. Showing them his hands and feet, he invited them to touch him. Shared food with them. This was Jesus alive and he was with them again. Now it was personal. Now they believed. Faith, hope and love awoke.

Do you remember where you were when you first encountered the living Jesus Christ? You may have heard or read about the gospel from others, but suddenly you knew it to be true. And the joy that filled your heart? That was Easter Joy, and it wasn’t supposed to be a Sundays only, once in a year or once in a lifetime experience. That joy is supposed to be our daily bread. It’s a gift from God. It transforms our life. And hope: Jesus has opened heaven for us and we too shall rise and be with him. Could you become an Easter joy person? Someone who asks the Holy Spirit to fill them with the joy of his resurrection every day. Then why not start right now. You might pray:

“Heavenly Father, thank you for such love and mercy towards me. I believe in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Holy Spirit, I ask you to fill me with resurrection joy for every day of my life, until I too am raised and see him face to face. Amen.”

DAY 7 – Disappointment

The only thing we know about the disciples on Easter Saturday is from a solemn, brief sentence.

“On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” That is, from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. 

Luke 23:56

I don’t believe that those words meant they were enjoying a nice rest at all. Can we imagine the horror, the shock, the disappointment and disillusion that flooded their hearts and minds? All their faith, all their hope, now buried in a stranger’s grave. It must have seemed as though their own lives had been destroyed. Every moment with Jesus, every teaching, every miracle, all the vision – worse than futile. Their thoughts will have been going haywire. What had happened to justice? How could darkness overcome light? Jesus was crucified – would they be next? Panic. Who could they trust? How could Judas be a traitor? Did people know where they were? Flight was not an option; it was the sabbath.

As we look at the story, we are able to do so with full knowledge that Sunday is coming, but of course the disciples didn’t know that.

Have you ever felt angry with God? Most of us have. Found faith-filled prayer unanswered? Poured your heart out and seemed to receive the opposite? Trusted in, pleaded, God’s promise, but nothing has happened. Maybe you beseeched God for a loved-one’s life but lost them. Pinned your hope on a positive outcome, only to see everything collapse? Suffered false accusation and felt helpless, wanted to hide for shame, wondered what your family and friends thought of you now? Panicked about rumours getting out? Might you too be falsely accused and sentenced?

Even if we identify with any or all the above, which is the normal Christian’s experience, we are only scratching the surface of the depth and darkness of the disciple’s grief. Thank goodness they were under lockdown (sabbath). Who knows what they might have done, or where they might have fled.

Meanwhile, we know that the Pharisees and chief priests were meeting with Pilate who agreed that the tomb should be sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:62-66). What strange fear had gripped them? Here we see hypocritical religion in cahoots with earthly power in order to stifle life.

When things go wrong in life it’s normal for Christians to suffer every fear, every anger, every reaction that every other human being will suffer given similar circumstances. When the darkness of disappointment and disillusionment overwhelm us, it is normal to feel unfairly treated, to be angry, to need to express the anger that has been unleashed within us. We might fear losing self-control but that’s OK too. We might be unspeakably angry with God, disappointed and disillusioned in him and bottle it up out of fear rather than tell him how we feel. 

The good news is that our God is big enough to cope with our anger; it is healthy to be honest with him. He will not be angry when we are honest.

We do, of course, know what was to come the next day. Our God reigns! And whatever we are going through, however black and lost it all feels; however angry, however alone; because God reigns, Sunday will always come.

‘Weeping might tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5

Get Social