How Lent Can Change Your Life

The traditional 40 days of Lent commences this year, 2021, on 17th February. It will be observed by various Christian denominations and millions of Christians around the world. Millions of others will ignore it.

So – does Lent hold any relevance in this unstable, Covid world? Is there any real value in Lent? Does Lent matter? I want to show you how an updated ancient approach to Lent might change your life this year.

I grew up in a church-going family; in fact, when just a child we went to a morning service, afternoon Sunday school and evening service every Sunday. That means we walked 6 miles in total; no wonder Sunday lunch and tea seemed so special, even if they were eaten in a hurry. 

Easter was a special time but I never heard about Lent until I was in my teens. When I asked about it, I was told that it was a time when some Christians gave up some food. That didn’t sound a very attractive idea to me, so I quickly forgot about it and as I grew older, I never referred to it again in any way. 

So, I was somewhat surprised in my study of early Celtic Christianity to discover just what a big deal Lent was for those early disciples. 

The early Christian Celts had been genuinely transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. Philip had preached good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, as had Paul (Acts 8:12; 28:31). As those early Christians received the message with joyful and thankful hearts, they found that everything changed for them. Their whole worldview, their understanding of God’s mission on earth and their place within it. Everything became new and wonderful. And of course, at the heart of it all was the coming of Jesus, his life, death and resurrection. They knew that the resurrection of the crucified Lord was the decisive action, triumph and revelation on which everything depended, and they were lost in wonder that Jesus, the Son of God, should have died for them, paying the penalty of their sins and liberating them through the promise of eternal life. 

Understanding how the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness during 40 costly days of fasting immediately before the commencement of his ministry shaped the working out of the Salvation Story, they adopted the idea of spending 40 days before Easter preparing for the celebrations. And wow, did they celebrate. Jesus is alive! Hell could not hold Him, the grave could not keep him, Death’s sting was overcome by resurrection. He who died for you and me is alive for evermore!

Here we are in the 21st Century and as western Christians we seem largely to have forgotten how to celebrate. Instead, we ‘observe’. Easter readings, Easter hymns, The Lord’s Table in quiet reflection, then off we go for Sunday Lunch as usual. Easter done. Woe is us!!!

I suggest that we repent right now, prayerfully recover the real concept of Lent and use it profitably for ourselves and for others and bring joy to God’s heart. But how?

Lent offers an opportunity in every year to reconsider our worked-out lives in view of the love of God towards each one of us, and the amazing sacrifice of the Lord Jesus which sets us free. It can be a life-giving season as we reflect on His love, His sacrifice. 

Here is an alternative framework for Lent

Keep to your regular pattern of daily readings, but take some extra time to slowly read through the gospel accounts of Palm Sunday, Holy Week and the Easter events. Reflect on them. Make it personal. He experienced all this for you.  

Ask yourself some major questions

  • How thankful and joyful am I for the finished work of Jesus Christ? Acts 13:52
  • Is joy a mark of my life?  Not just froth, but genuine, deep joy, wrapped up in thankfulness? If circumstances, pain etc have squashed our joy, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to renew it within us. Romans 15:13
  • How is my life displaying the fruit of new life through Christ? Romans 7:4
  • How do I become the neighbour from heaven to those I encounter, because everyone is my brother? Luke 10:25 – 37
  • To whom can I demonstrate mercy? That is, lifting a weight off their shoulders and carrying it for them. Luke 6:36

Is Jesus Christ the Lord of my time and money?

Lent is a great time to reconsider our stewardship of time and money.

  • Do we have a plan of both regular and occasional giving? If so, at this is time when we are particularly remembering how Jesus gave everything, even His life, for us, let’s check our giving plan and see whether it needs updating.
  • If we have no plan, why not make one now? No condemnation or guilt trips required! Everyone’s financial circumstances are unique to them. You might be extremely generous; for others, even the widow’s mite could be a stretch. Talk to God about it. Make a plan.
  • To what are we committing our time? Could you volunteer and be of service to the needy in any way?

Self Denial

In my opinion, self-denial for the sake of doing it is just plain silly! There needs to be a clear and fruitful purpose.

Jesus’ experience of 40 days self-denial in the wilderness was tough. He was hungry, and Satan offered Him the world on a plate. His self identity and commitment were challenged. Temptation triumphed over the first Adam. The second Adam, Jesus, defeated temptation. Acts 15: 22; 45. He committed himself to the way of the cross, saying NO to the offer by Satan of a much easier route.

There was fruit from His 40 days. You and me. Through the foolishness of the cross we are saved!

True, life-changing Fasting

You and I might pause and make a plan of self-denial for Lent. Like Jesus, we can go into that place by choice – not by force or obligation – and with the Holy Spirit’s help we can deal with some of our issues with our flesh, the world and temptations, all in the light of the self-denial of Jesus. We might choose to fast. Some find that more challenging than others. But does fasting necessarily have to mean less food? 

Well, no. In Isaiah 58 we discover God’s rebuke to pointless religious temporary fasting from food which is disconnected from the way we live our real lives. I suggest you read the whole of chapter 58, but here are some of its words.

“Is this the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?”

“This is the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, to welcome the homeless, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked.” 

You might consider these words of Jesus who illumines Isaiah’s words in a parable. “Then the King will say ‘…Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Is this the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?”

“This is the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, to welcome the homeless, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked.” 

Matt 25:34ff

Let’s check our attitude to our engagement with the poor and needy, the broken, in the light of Jesus Christ. It might be costly, in time and or money, but what is that compared to the example of Jesus? Denying self for the sake of others, a lifechanging fast. And just maybe we may find ourselves transformed by the renewing of our minds this Lent. The way Jesus lived and died was shaped by the experience in the wilderness. The fruit of such a Lent fast will be revealed in the way we live our lives, our mission, when Lent is over for this year.

And all the while, consider Easter Sunday. Don’t plan to observe Easter. Plan to Celebrate! 

Christ has died,

Christ has risen,

Christ will come again.

A Blessing

I bless you in the name of Jesus that the joy of the finished work of Jesus may burst out afresh in your lives, transforming your mind, healing your heart, confronting circumstances; the weight and darkness, the oppression of lockdown, all the loneliness and restrictions of this covid world; the fears that are surrounding us, the conspiracy theories that are being fed by the media. I bless you in the name of Jesus that you may rise above them all in confidence and in the joy of the Lord. And I bless you in the name of Jesus that the Holy Spirit may be upon you as you look afresh at the Easter events; that you may find your attitudes being transformed and your mind changed. The direction of your life steered towards the lost, the least and the broken in society. That compassion may arise and that you may respond in life giving service towards them. I bless you that you may carry good news for the poor wherever you look and wherever you walk and I bless you that you may know the hand of God upon you and hear the voice of God speaking to you, encouraging you, leading you on day by day, saying well done my good and faithful servant my child in whom I delight.

I bless you in Jesus’ name. Shalom.

Would you bless us by sharing this blog with others? Thank you. Has this blog encouraged you? If so, would you drop us a note: mail@roygodwin.org and encourage us? 

Roy’s books are available from roygodwin.org 

© Roy Godwin 2021

Original photo: by Cesira Alvarado on Unsplash

Wisdom for a New Year

A New Year. I suspect that like me you were pleased to see the back of 2020. It had been a year to forget for so many; a year of extreme stress and for 1.8 million globally a year of tragic bereavement.

We were all probably hoping for a much different and better start to 2021 but in fact it is looking very much like last year. We know that we can expect a repeat performance for at least some months to come. News which distributes fear. Lockdowns. Stay at Home Orders. Disrupted lives. Loneliness for significant numbers. Mental health strains. And, of course, the fearful prospect of seriously ill people with Covid being unable to access the care that they need because Hospital beds are already full. Sounds bad, doesn’t it?

How are we to best prepare ourselves for this New Year? Where might we find wisdom to guide us?

Perhaps the Wise Men are able to help. Yes, I do mean the biblical Wise Men. On January 6th, Twelfth Night, we celebrate the Epiphany, remembering the visit of the Wise Men to the child. When they had seen the star, they understood the times and pursued Jesus the King of Kings. Maybe we too need to understand the times; that is, to see how Covid is multiplying and be sure to always attach that fact together with the good news of vaccination programmes that offer some hope for us all in the future, so as to keep our equilibrium. (Have you noticed how many times the word ‘miracle’ occurred in the news media related to the speed of the vaccinations reaching authorisation? Ten months instead of Ten years?)

When the Wise Men saw Jesus, Matthew (2:11) says that they fell to the ground before him. This was the Holy Spirit at work. Their response to him showed their recognition that he was the King that was promised and for whom they had endured the journey of faith. It also showed their submission to his rule and authority as well. 

A good start for us in 2021 is to come before Jesus once more and bow in submission to him for the coming year, knowing that we are not abandoned or helpless because Jesus is still reigning today. 

As they recognised the glory of God in human form, they could do nothing but worship him.

It might be common to see mothers worshipping their babies, but it tends not to be the response of men when they first see someone else’s baby! These men were serious. They were living and journeying with serious commitment. So we too need to follow their example. If you are feeling cold in your response to him, pray and ask for fresh revelation, a renewing of your spirit that compels you to bring a thank-offering of praise, adoration and worship to him who came for you; who sought you out and loves you forever.

Thirdly, they brought their gifts to him. The three types of gift mentioned do not, of course, suggest that there were three wise men. We have no idea of their number – but there is room for us to join them. If we have gold (wealth), now would be a particularly good time to remember the poor and give to them as though you were giving to Jesus. It’s probably very unlikely that you have any frankincense lying around for the anointing of any King who happens to be passing by, but you can still anoint Jesus with your praise, thanksgiving and worship. Myrrh was used for the anointing of dead bodies. Our celebration of The Lord supper, Eucharist, might also be simplified so that we can celebrate at home and remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ given for you and for me. The New Covenant. Why not build a simple communion into your weekly pattern?

Although we do not know what the new year will bring, we do know that it is going to be a very bumpy ride for some time to come, so we need to keep re-joining the wise men and be found amongst them, continuously yielding to Jesus, being mature and understanding the signs of the times, trusting him, anointing him and dwelling under his blessing. 

What of hope? As the Wise Men followed the star, they were filled with hope that they might see the new-born King. Do we have grounds to look ahead through the coming year and be filled with hope for the future?

The ability to hope is itself a gift from God. It is an internal longing for something that is as yet unseen. No-one longs for the things that have already come to pass. Our emotions, our imaginings, positive thinking, our spirit, can all create a sense of hopefulness. When we were children, hope probably arose very easily and we were often disappointed because we hadn’t yet understood that for hope to be realistic there needed to be some ground that it was based on. Hope and fantasy are not the same thing. You and I have great grounds for hope; firstly, the very fact that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead gives us hope; the promises of God give us hope; our personal experiences of his previous faithfulness and provision for us, together with the experiences of a whole cloud of witnesses, are grounds for hope. 

As we look ahead to the coming year, the emergence of several vaccines gives us ground for hope that life may begin to normalise for us at a future time. We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel and to a large degree we have grounds for hoping that by the end of the year life will look substantially different to how it looks now. However, it is unlikely that we will all return to life as it was. There will probably be a yet-to-be-revealed new normal. Still, we must stay yielding to our God and trusting in him.

Surely hope is not enough though. We also need faith. 

The Wise Men found faith when they saw Jesus. They were responsive to him so that, when they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they agreed.

Having faith is quite different to having hope alone. Faith is a gift that arises within us in response to a revelation we have received from God. It feels far more solid than hope alone. It allows us to say with unusual conviction, in the face of all the lack of evidence to support us, “but God said this”! That is why we need to be constantly going back to our regular pattern of consecutive Bible reading and prayer, the place of revelation where faith is nourished, matured and increased. Then we can march bravely forward with real joy and peace in our hearts in the face of the Covid storm.

So, in summary, let’s be wise and abandon ourselves to the generous and loving, overwhelmingly powerful, reign of God already at work on earth, worshipping him and keeping our eyes on him as the Lord.

  • Let’s be wise as we look at events and understand the signs of the times and be sure to submit them to the Lord’s feet.
  • Let hope arise within, and stay hopeful, confident that our God reigns.
  • Let’s go back to our foundations, regular prayer and Bible reading, so that our faith might increase and stand firm.

‘So now faith, hope and love abide…’

1 Cor 13:13

Finally – take courage for the Lord will come again. We don’t know when, but we do know that it will be at the time we least expect. Victory is assured. Jesus is alive!

If we do these things, take these steps, perhaps our names will not only be recorded in Heaven, but also listed amongst the Wise Men of 2021.

Blessing

At the start of this New Year, I bless you in the name of Jesus that the Lord may cause His face to shine so brightly upon you that every shadow and fear may melt away. I bless you to know with confidence that He is keeping you and that you are the apple of His eye. I bless you in the name of Jesus that the Lord Himself might bless you, keeping you secure and joyful. May the peace of the Lord fill your heart and mind this moment and for always.

Roy Godwin

(Num 6:24-26; Deut 32:10/Ps 17:8; Phil 4:7)

Would you bless us by sharing this blog with others? Thank you. Has this blog encouraged you? If so, would you drop us a note: mail@roygodwin.org and encourage us? 

Roy’s books are available from roygodwin.org 

© Roy Godwin 2021

Original photo: Photo by Sven Scheuermeier on Unsplash

The Vulnerability of God

CHRISTMAS 2020

In this December issue our thoughts turn towards Christmas, and in a 2020 Covid Pandemic world with its once-in-a-lifetime restrictions, possibly more so than usual. 

Have you ever been in a position where you felt vulnerable? What was it like? Did you feel threatened? Defenceless? At risk? Or did you actually suffer the darkness of abuse? Maybe you look back and realise how vulnerable you were at that time.

When we recognise that someone is in danger of harm, we might describe them as being vulnerable. That is, something needs to change to make them safe. They may not be able to do that for themselves.

When the Covid Pandemic broke into our awareness early in the year, the word ‘vulnerable’ suddenly became common coinage. We needed to be aware of those who are vulnerable in our society. The older people are vulnerable. Those in care homes are vulnerable. Carers are vulnerable. Those with underlying health issues are vulnerable. NHS workers are vulnerable. And so on— The threat in these cases – the enemy – being Covid-19.

Christmas. Let’s remember the wonder of the birth of Jesus. The stories, the stable, the carols, the angels, the shepherds, the wise men. Let’s consider Jesus; the Son of God, the Word of God, the one through whom everything that was made was made. The one who upholds the universe by his word of power. 

Then consider Jesus, the glorious one who, although in the form of God, emptied himself of everything but love, not grasping onto equality with God; taking the form of a servant, being found in the likeness of men. There he is, clothed in flesh and lying, a new-born baby, in a manger. Isolated; just a few strangers, poor shepherds, calling to see and to worship him. The poor recognised him first. Angelic revelation had been brought to them. The Father in his excitement and pride over his Son, seeing that the poor had an opportunity to share in the joy of their creator.

Just how vulnerable could God become?

Jesus was born into the human experience of vulnerability at birth. He who came from a glorious heavenly home came to earth and stepped straight into rejection, poverty and homelessness. 

It became truly dangerous later on. The Wise Men had acted unwisely and went to the worldly rich and powerful, even telling King Herod that they had come to worship the new king of the Jews. In his anger and insecurity, Herod sent soldiers to Bethlehem on a search and destroy mission. Every boy two years old and younger was to be found and slaughtered. Jesus, vulnerable, now the target of wickedness and persecution. 

An angel warned Joseph to take the child to Egypt and they set off under cover of night. Sanctuary; Jesus the refugee, an asylum seeker in a foreign land.

We see God choosing to gate-crash into human experience as the Saviour (you shall call him Jesus, because he shall save his people from their sins.), choosing vulnerability as his entry point with all its pain, danger, fear and insecurity. In Jesus we have a High Priest who can sympathise with ALL our human experience. 

The vulnerability of his birth points towards the vulnerability of his triumphant death.

Fast forward to the Easter events, and we see Jesus intentionally choosing to become vulnerable, electing to walk into the death trap that awaited him in Jerusalem. Being led away by the guards. Thrown into a hole in the ground overnight. Attending unjust trials, being stripped, mocked, spat upon, whipped. This time it wasn’t the baby lying vulnerable in a manger. No, this time it was the Son of God, King of the Jews, vulnerable, hanging in shame upon a cross. No hiding place; hanging there helpless, abused, naked, open to the gaze of all. The sword that failed to finish him off at his birth now piercing his side. But no late triumph there; He had already committed his spirit to his Father. Though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me…

God almighty, the creator of all things, upholder of the universe, slipped unseen into the world by becoming vulnerable. God himself dealt with our sins and all the demands of the law, nailing them to the cross and bearing them himself, setting us free, through his vulnerability. 

Then, out of apparent vulnerability, victimhood, suffering and death, came – resurrection! Love poured out. Satan overturned; he had thought that the victory was his; he held the power of death. But Jesus conquered death, robbing Satan of his power. Where, O death, is your sting now?

Jesus identified with the poor, the abused, victims of pogroms, the persecuted, asylum seekers. The resurrection and exaltation complete the story. 

When Abram was called to be foundational for God’s new community on earth, a Patriarch, he experienced something of God’s heart for us when he was willing to see his only son, the much-loved heir of the promise, sacrificed. But he was reasoning that God was able to raise the dead.

Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God

He who was rich became poor, that we who were poor might become rich. 

He who was secure became vulnerable, that we who were vulnerable might become secure.

Let’s not be unnecessarily fearful when we feel vulnerable. Jesus has been there. Because of him there is a hope for you, and a future. Darkness does not win; the light extinguishes the darkness. There is resurrection. Vulnerability can throw us onto a redeeming God.

When we come to celebrate Christmas this year, let’s act responsibly. Keep safe. Protect the vulnerable. While the pandemic fills our thoughts, do not forget the poor, the isolated, the homeless, the marginalised, the refugees, the asylum seekers, for Jesus is found amongst them.

Vulnerable God, you challenge the powers that rule this world through the needy, the compassionate, and those who are filled with longing. Make us hunger and thirst to see right prevail, and single minded in seeking peace; that we may see your face and be satisfied in you, through Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Janet Morley

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being a good, good God.
This Christmas we remember the family and friends of over 1 million who have died through the Pandemic; those who will grieve in this season. Be a Comforter to them.
Please help us to rejoice in Jesus’ birth across a Christmastime that will be unlike any other for most of us. We lift up to you those who will feel lonely and isolated. And Father, will you enable a safe vaccination program to be released and administered as quickly as is safe; not for us only, but amongst the world’s poor; those who Jesus most identified with when he was born.
And help us this Christmastide to share in the songs of angels and shepherds over a baby born in Bethlehem.

Amen

A Blessing

I bless you in the name of Jesus, that he might give you the strength to enjoy Christmas, to persevere for a better day.

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion.

Roy Godwin

Some of the References: John 1:1-2; Heb 1:2-3; Philip 2:5-7; Matt 2:6-18; Matt 2:12-15; Matt 1:21; Heb 4:15; Col 2:13-14; 1 Cor 15:55; Heb 12:2; 2Cor 8:9; John 1:5.

Have you found this message to be an encouragement? Please share it with your friends. If you would like to encourage us, please send your message to mail@roygodwin.org

© Roy Godwin 2020

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

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