Why would builders reject a stone?

Basically, because it's not fit for purpose. It may be tarnished, discoloured, have a fault, holes or cracks in it. If this is the case then the integrity of the stone will be under question. The stability of a building depends on the structure of each individual stone. Therefore each stone would be inspected to determine if it's fit for purpose. If there were any question about it, then the stone would be rejected as no-one wants houses falling down on their heads! 

The stability of a building depends on the stability of each stone. Each stone has to be free from blemish, strong and undamaged. All others are rejected, so when we read:

The stone that the builders rejected 

has become the cornerstone,”

1 Peter 2:7 (ESV)

This seems unbelievable. Why would a rejected stone which is not deemed fit for purpose by the experts become the cornerstone? How does a rejected stone become the first stone of primary importance - the cornerstone? 

It's not just that the rejected stone was of use, but it became of primary use. The rejected one became the cornerstone - the stone which all other stones are lined up against. The base stone which determines the structural soundness of the whole building itself. If the cornerstone is faulty, the likelihood is that the whole building will collapse. 

It sounds ludicrous, yet that's exactly what happened!

I know that Peter is using an analogy; The stone that the builders rejected signifies that Jesus was rejected by the religious experts. 

He was not fit for their purpose. He did not line up with the vision of what they wanted to build. He didn't fit. 

So, what happened? 

Jesus became a new standard. He became the first stone in a new building. He was the perfect cornerstone for a new regime, a new way of building life which we can all align with. When we align ourselves with Him we become part of something greater and stronger than ourselves. We are built into a something solid that will stand the test of time.

Where do you put your trust?

All flesh is like grass 

and all its glory like the flower of grass. 

The grass withers, 

and the flower falls, 

 25  but the word of the Lord remains forever.” 

1 Peter 1:24–25 and Isaiah 40:6-8 (ESV)

These verses cause me to consider what do we trust in? - the flesh, the word of the Lord or something else?

Let's take the first sentence, 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.' When this speaks about flesh, it doesn't doesn't mean the skin, fat and tissues that make up our flesh, but it means us as humans. Us humans are mere flesh, and in comparison to other things, we are pretty transient - average life expectancy, about 80years. So, we are not round very long really. We are like grass. We grow, bring a bit of beauty, glory even, we live for a bit then we die. 

Maybe not the cheeriest thought you've had today! 

But it's the truth, and it's good to remind ourselves that we are temporal. If we are temporary, then so are the other people around us, so is this whole world in fact. One day it will all cease to exist. So,I just wanted you to consider - what are you putting your trust in? Maybe it's trust in your spouse that your marriage will work out, trust in the university that you/your children will achieve well, trust in your boss that they will treat you well, that your car will start this morning, or trust in traditions or your heritage that will keep you safe. None of these things are necessarily bad, but they are all subject to change. They will at some point let you down. Maybe in small things, maybe on a larger scale, but at some point these things will fail, like the grass, their glory will fade - then where will you be? 

I want you to consider, on a daily basis - where is your trust? What do you put your hopes and trust in? What things do you have your confidence in? If they are things of flesh - humans or human made, or even the nature then one day these things will fail you because one day they will expire. Yet, there is hope friends, 'but the word of the Lord remains forever.”' There is something that will not let you down, there is some thing that will not end, there is an everlasting hope and that is found in Jesus. The Word of God and the words of God will still remain when all else falls apart, when other things die, God remains, and his word stays the same. He is the unchanging one who is eternal, this is what you can hope in and not be let down. God is not temporal like the flesh or grass. - He made them all so He transcends them all. He will be around when you feel alone, He will stand by you when you are troubled or in trouble. He will never let you down. He will stand forever. 

Angels

Do you ever stop to think about angels?

I've been thinking about this as I've noticed that they pop up in the Bible from time to time. They can be messengers, like when Gabriel visited Mary to tell of her upcoming pregnancy. There are also angels who are warriors like in 2 Kings when Elisha and his servant see a blazing army. These are just a couple of examples that I know of, you may be able to recount more. 

I just wondered this week, if we really know anything about angels. They are not just nice images in paintings, fictional characters, or objects we put upon the Christmas tree. They in fact, are real live beings like you and I. 

Angels have; minds, strength and jobs to do, just like us. Yet they are not like us. They dwell with God, carry out His tasks, battle, send messages and they worship (don't we also do most of those things too?!). Yet angels are holy, set apart beings. They live with God, they are in heavenly places, they get to be in His presence on a regular basis - isn't that incredible?!

I've begun to read 1 Peter, in verse 12 it says how angels long to understand about salvation. They live with God, they abide in the heavenly realm, yet they don't fully understand the amazing unfolding of salvation. It's like it's too incredible even for those who are closest to God to understand. One version that I quite like (NLT) says, 'It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.' Isn't that incredible? Even the Holy, heavenly beings are watching the playing out of salvation. They eagerly watched the life of Jesus and wondered how it'll all work out. I mean, they live with God and yet they don't know His master plan! So, how on Earth are we meant to fully understand it?! 

We live in the good of what Jesus has done, yet when I think about it I don't really understand how it all works out - how will this salvation we partly enjoy now, be fulfilled? What an incredible mystery, an awesome adventure, 'It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen'! 

What does it cost you?

 "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing"

2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): 

This is a statement David makes towards the end of 2 Samuel and it got me thinking;

1. How do you offer things to God?
2. If so, what is the cost?

When David was around, an offering would of been made in the form of a sacrificed animal. This offering could be for a variety of reasons - atone for sin, to say thank you to God, to celebrate the keeping of a promise to God and many more. For us, it is different because Jesus put himself in the place of one of those animals and sacrificed himself. He is our sin offering and our thank offering as well as all else. He sacrificed the greatest thing - his own life to save ours. 

So, if Jesus has paid all the cost, do we even need to offer God anything? I mean, if Jesus paid it all, what can we offer? Is there any point in us making ourselves uncomfortable or inconveniencing ourselves for God when Jesus has done far above what we could achieve? 

I mean, the ultimate sacrifice has been made by Jesus. We can't offer anything as incredible as Jesus did, and it's not essential to offer God things, but surely, considering the depth of love God has shown us requires a response?

If someone has shown us love, or favour, then we naturally want to respond and show our appreciation to them. So, how do we do that for God? In response to His great love, to His great mercy, what can we actually give Him?

I know many Christians who faithfully give money to God. They regularly set aside part of their income to give to God - this is a good thing, it honours God, but does it actually 'cost' you? 

Obviously there's a financial impact, but most budget around it and it doesn't become an inconvenience. I'm not saying that it necessarily should, or that you should get into debt (I don't think God would want that) but it is possible to give, even generously, and not really feel it. Not really feel the pinch or the difficulty. 

Unlike the widow giving her mite - she gave all she had, she had nothing for herself. It was a true sacrifice. I'm not saying that we should all do that, go bankrupt, into debt or starve in order to give to God, but there is something in the obedience and sacrifice that we see in the widow that we admire. She displays a reliance, security and honour in her sacrificial giving.

Giving to God isn't all about financial giving either. In fact in this scripture in 2 Samuel, it's about building a place of remembrance- of setting up a memorial as well as making a sacrifice. So, there are clearly different ways to sacrifice to God. It could be serving on a team, helping a neighbour, extending your hospitality, or giving up something - laying down a reliance in other things that, at heart, you know do you no good. 

Sacrifice to God, like David says, shouldn't be something that, "cost me nothing". We should feel it, but in a healthy way, like the first time you start a new activity, it stretches us and might ache a bit, but we know it does us good. 

Giving to God does us good. 

It causes us to grow in character, to extend ourselves, to discover new skills and gifts, to grow aspects of our personality. 

God doesn't actually need us to do anything, but once we realise something of what God has done for us, the response of our heart should be to honour Him with the resources we have. 

So.....

How do you sacrifice to God? 

What do your offerings cost you?

PS

'A generous person will prosper'

Proverbs 11:25

Greatness through gentleness?

As I was reading through 2 Samuel 22, this phrase stood out to me;

your gentleness made me great

2 Samuel 22:36 (ESV)

This phrase comes amongst a stream of descriptions of what God is like; a shield, strong, secure and a rock, so how does gentleness fit in? 

It doesn't seem to fit with the other expressions about the stability, strength and security of God. Let alone the statement that gentleness made David great (how can gentleness make someone great?). It doesn't seem that these two aspects; gentleness and greatness should go hand-in-hand. They don't seem compatible. So why does David put them together?

We usually associate gentleness with being; meek, mild and calm. 

Greatness is about being distinguished, standing out, having authority and power. 

So, how do these two qualities meet? How does God's gentleness lead to David's greatness? Are we even allowed to say that we are great (as David did?!)? 

Could it be something about God's great patience, His mildness in dealing with our inadequacies that causes David to feel great? Maybe David has seen that God's mildness and grace has taken care of him, maybe even rubbed off on him so that he can handle difficult situations in a calm manner. 

Thinking about it, that's probably a huge quality that we need in our troubles, gentleness - the ability to have a calm, considered, mild response. Not to instantly react, but to calmly contend during strife. Gentleness implies that we deal with others well. Not seeking to destroy or battle them, but remain calm even against opposition. 

David learned how to do that because God was his example. When we look at the New Testament, we see Jesus was incredible at it - When he was spat at, flogged, ridiculed and cruelly murdered, he remained gentle. He did not fight, shout, rant or curse. He responded mildly, considered others and even remained silent when abused. This gentleness of Jesus demonstrated his godliness and greatness. 

There is power in gentleness. Jesus gentleness indeed fulfilled this phrase, "your gentleness made me great". Without Jesus living the gentle life he did and dying the death he did we would not have the great life we have now. We would not have the freedom from guilt or shame that we enjoy, nor the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us greatness through his gentleness, can we too be great through gentleness? 

The pursuit of righteousness

2 Samuel 22:21–25 (ESV): 

'The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness; 

according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. 

 22  For I have kept the ways of the Lord 

and have not wickedly departed from my God. 

 23  For all his rules were before me, 

and from his statutes I did not turn aside. 

 24  I was blameless before him, 

and I kept myself from guilt. 

 25  And the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, 

according to my cleanness in his sight.'

Can you say the same?

Can you honestly say that God repays you according to your righteousness?

I know that God doesn't repay me according to my unrighteousness, and I'm very grateful for that! But does God pay me according to my righteousness? That's puzzled me, because when I take a good, hard look at myself, even though I may appear a good, kind, considerate person, I see the imperfect thoughts and feelings that gunk up my life, the imperfect, unrighteousness that dwells within me. Even if immoral words are never spoken, adverse thoughts never voiced, the Bible teaches that even just thinking them is unrighteous. I am sometimes surprised at the unwanted, adverse thoughts that pop into my head. So, the question I am asking myself is - how righteous am I.....REALLY???? 

We all have a person that we exhibit to the world - to our friends, family, colleagues and others around us, and they're probably what we would consider an alright person, one that's quite acceptable, but the real person inside - what are they like? - how righteous are they? 

David, in this song, says that God dealt with him according to his righteousness - David says he's; kept the rules, he's not looked back, he's done what God has told him, and, 'kept myself from guilt'. 

Now, sometimes we can follow the rules - outwardly that's usually pretty easy. The thing I most admire in this paragraph about David though, is that he admits he had kept himself from guilt. That shows something of the internal battle to do what's right -  the internal struggle for righteousness. He had to KEEP himself from doing what he knew to be wrong. Don't we all struggle with that? 

David knows righteousness doesn't all rest on the outward appearance of doing what is right. It's actually about overcoming the internal desires that would lead to a guilty conscience. To succeed, we have to persevere. Just like David did if we are to preserve ourselves from guilt. It is about mastering our internal emotions, our own self-concern, and maybe even our innermost desires. It's not an easy fight - it's a fight against ourselves. But isn't the result worth it? A conscience free from guilt - the pursuit of righteousness. 

I would love to be able to say, like David, that God rewards me for my righteousness, but I know, hand on heart, God rewards me even in my unrighteousness. 

I, like you, am fighting internal battles. I have desires that I battle to overcome so that I can be free from guilt. I pursue this righteousness that David talks about, and I think that this is what David is saying God rewards - Our earnest pursuit of righteousness, our keeping ourselves from guilt. 

MY God

2 Samuel 22:2–4 (ESV): 

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 

 3  my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, 

  my shield, and the horn of my salvation, 

my stronghold and my refuge, 

my savior; you save me from violence. 

 4  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, 

and I am saved from my enemies. 

What a strong, confident expression of who God is to the person who wrote this - David. I like this because it shows something of the personal nature of God. 

David uses the word 'my' a lot, showing that he recognises the up close and personal nature of God. He knows that God is interested and invested in his life. God is just as interested and invested in yours too, do you know that? 

Consider that as we look at the different aspects aspects David reveals of God's character in this passage:

My rock - stable, strong, unshakeable, steady, dependable and trustworthy.

My fortress - protection, watchtower, inaccessible to the enemy.

My deliverer - one who sets free, allows escape.

My God - amongst many other things - the one in charge who knows what they are doing.

My shield - protection, weapon.

Horn of my salvation - source of pride, might and strength (like for an animal)

My stronghold - security, stability, safety.

My refuge - place of hiding, repairing, restoration and equipping.

My saviour - the one who saves from danger, redeemer.

From these few verses we can see something of the personal nature and power of God. God does not just sit back and look at your situation. He is actively involved in; protecting you, fighting for you and saving you. 

How have you seen Him do that in your life? 

Reflection

Proverbs 27:19

'As in water face reflects face, 

so the heart of man reflects the man.'

Have you ever thought about that? 

Just as a pool of water shows what you look like, so your heart shows who you are. 

Have you ever studied your reflection? Looked at your face and noticed different details? Maybe a spot is appearing, or maybe you are admiring the tan you've picked up on holiday, ever done those kind of things? 

I am sure we have all at some point, or maybe even regularly studied our own face. We have looked upon our reflection. Maybe we have noticed changes, liked what we've seen or not, then maybe we've done something to hide a blemish, or to show off our features, or maybe we just reluctantly accept the face looking back at us. I am certain at some point in your life you have done something similar to this. 

Just as you've probably studied your face - have you ever paused to study your heart? 

As a pond or mirror shows what we look like - so our heart reflects the reality of who we are. 

Have you ever considered that? 

Have you ever paused to contemplate the condition of your heart? 

If you were to do that now - Would you notice any changes over the years? Would you see any blemishes, any bits you're embarrassed of? Would you see parts of your heart that you are pleased about, that you are kind of proud of? 

What does your heart reflect about who you are? 

Only you (and God) know what is really going on in your heart, but what goes on in there is reflected by the type of person you are. What do you show others around you about the condition of your heart? Are you shy and lonely and closing yourself off? Are you hiding pain, struggling through life but putting on a weak smile? Are you feeling loved and accepted and reflecting that to those around you? 

You may not know it but people can see something of what is going on inside by who you are on the outside. Maybe your heart is big and generous, or loving and forgiving- how do others see that in your character? 

Take a moment to consider the reflection of your heart. 

Is there a way to demonstrate who you really know you are by making a small change? Maybe you need to reflect on the beauty of your own heart and see how time has benefitted your character - is the reflection of your heart more beautiful than it has ever been before? 

'As in water face reflects face, 

so the heart of man reflects the man.'

Who are you promoting?

This week I've been continuing to think about the character of Joab, the leader of the army of David. 

Last week we considered his faith and courage as he entered into a battle not knowing whether he'd live, die, or become enslaved, yet he continued the path that seemed good to him and what he felt he should do for the benefit of God's people. 

This week we meet Joab having continued that battle and now he's at the point of success. He can see that the battle is almost won, the war is nearly over. He has persevered and is on the brink of conquering the enemy, so, what does he do? 

Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah; moreover, I have taken the city of waters. 28 Now then gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called by my name.”

2 Samuel 12:27–28 (ESV)

This amazes me. 

Joab is the one that's done the hard work. He's persevered, he's put his life at risk, yet he doesn't seek the glory for it - he gives It to someone else! 

How many of us can say we would do the same? 

I know when we have toiled hard for an outcome, we often want the recognition, the acclaim, the renown. We want others to know that it was US that did it WE put in the hard work, I did the behind the scenes toil. Yet Joab calls in David. 

He allows, not even that, he invites David to take the credit. He allows David to have the victory - why????

It makes me think that Joab isn't really bothered about himself. 

He must greatly esteem David, maybe he realises that it's better for the unification of Israel that there's one victor (David) rather than two. If the city had been named after Joab, would it of caused a division where some would follow and promote Joab rather than David? Would it echo the songs people sang about Saul and David? 

Joab seems content to be the commander - The one who works hard, who recognises and values his position. Maybe he is content to know the influence he's had instead of taking the glory. Seeing that there is greater benefit in David becoming greater than pushing his own agenda. Whatever the reasoning behind Joan's message, Joab comes across as a loyal, loving leader. He's not made weaker or less by not promoting himself, in fact in my eyes he's made greater, greater in character.

Do you promote others above yourself? 

Do you feel the need to push yourself forward?

Are you in a situation where you could become greater, but others less? 

Or is there a situation where you could elevate others around you?

Joab seems to be content with his role. He knows who he is and who he isn't, that is enough for him. Is it enough for you? 

May the Lord do what seems good to Him....

In 2 Samuel 10, we get a snippet of Joab's faith. By this point he's the head of the successful Israelite army and he and his brother are leading the soldiers into what looks to be a tricky battle. 

So, what do they do? 

Firstly they make some kind of plan and agree to have each other's backs, then Joab encourages his brother by saying this; 

"Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 

2 Samuel 10:12 (ESV)

What a man of faith and courage! 

Joab hasn't been given the promise of a successful outcome, but he knows what he can do, he knows what others around him are capable of and he trusts that God has got a greater plan than he does anyway! It reminds me of the story of Jonathan and his armour bearer. In both of these events the men show extreme courage. 

They have no idea of what the outcome will be, but they have an idea and they ave a go. The scary thing is though, they're having a go could literally mean death! 

I often get scared or worried about doing things because it makes me feel uncomfortable, but the reality is, in most of the situations it hasn't been a case that I could die! Yet Joab and his brother, Jonathan and his armour bearer, the don't see the fact that they could die as much of a problem! They are more intent in protecting the people of God, of doing what the can and seeing what God is going to do in it. 

It could of been that the Israelites were beaten, slaughtered or even brought into captivity as slaves. They did not let what could of happened out them off though. I'm sure they realised the potential consequences, these guys have been in many wars, yet the go ahead, they know God has a great plan even if they don't. They trust that the little they can do will bring about in some way the overarching plan of God. 

Doesn't that faith stir you? 

What battles are you facing? Are you faithfully marching on? Even if you only have half an idea of what might work. Because, do you know what? - God has got it anyway! 

Even when we don't have a clue, even when things seem to outweigh or overwhelm us, even when we aren't sure if we are winning or losing, God has a plan. So do you have the courage like Joab to say, "may the Lord do what seems good to him."? 

It may or may not be the outcome you want, but rest assured it'll be the outcome God wants, so we can be of good courage for ourselves and for the people of God.

Garrison your victory

Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 

2 Samuel 8:14 (ESV)

I read this and wondered, why does this section repeat the fact that David put garrisons in Edom? If something is said more than once, i figure it must be Important. Firstly I wondered what a garrison was, in case, like me you weren't sure either, Garrisons are groups of soldiers stationed in an area, to guard and protect it. 

So, basically what has happened is David and his army have overcome the area of Edom, and to ensure the sustained victory over the area, there are now groups of soldiers assigned to guard the it. 

This caused me to consider, when I have a victory in my life, do I protect that achievement? Do I protect the ground that I have overcome? Do I seek to protect the progress I made? Do you?

David was a mighty king, a conqueror and a man of God, he knew that some areas of his victory needed to be protected. He understood that if he didn't protect the ground he'd taken, the enemy could swoop in again and take the ground and maybe even take more ground. David wanted to ensure that his victory was secure. Do you do the same? 

Life has ups and downs, times where we fail and when we achieve. Do you make a point of securing your victory? 

Do you remember the last time you overcame something? When you were proud of something you achieved? 

I find sometimes that when one area of my life is going well, something usually crops up somewhere else that can knock me back. It can cause me to lose sight of the good things and make me focus on the knock. 

It can take a lot of strength to 'garrison' the success. We need to remember that although the enemy exists, the ground is ours. 

We can protect ourselves. It could be by written down answered prayers. I've started listing things I'm praying for and then I can look back and see what God has done, I'm looking forward to seeing what God has answered. He's already answered some and I am glad we have asked for prayer on those things because it's a reminder that although other areas are difficult, the success is garrisoned. We have taken ground and the enemy is not welcome to crawl back in. We can claim God's movement in our lives, recall what he has done in us and for us. It's good to have a record of these things because it's so easy to be blinded by what isn't done. What area of your life do you need to garrison? Maybe you need to tell a trusted friend about a success so they can remind you, maybe it's a journal or post-it's of God's goodness.

Like David did, don't forget to garrison your victory! 

Do you inquire of the Lord?

2 Samuel 5:17–25 (ESV): David Defeats the Philistines

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away. 

22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer

David had just become king of all Israel, and now he was in charge and had the Philistines attacking. What does David do first? He doesn't assemble a committee or draw up a plan, but he prays. 

What do you do when you know a difficult situation is coming? 

It is so easy to consult our own strengths, our own mind and our friends, family and colleagues, but I love this example of David as it challenges me. When things are coming up that look hard, he consulted God first. He didn't rely on anything or anyone else. He allowed God to make the plan and he put it into action. 

David doesn't then rely on the same strategy the second time the same situation occurs, instead, he consults God again. It's so easy for us to think, 'well this worked last time' and just get on with whatever problem it is we are facing. Yet, God uses a different strategy with David, even though he faces the same enemy. I admire David's reliance, this David who is the king of a nation doesn't rely on his reputation, authority or knowledge, but defers to God both times. 

David has probably learned that when he relies on God, situations work out, I mean after all David started as a shepherd, was ostracised and hunted down yet he survived. David knew God keeps his promises, he'd seen God's faithfulness in action. I know I have seen God's faithfulness in my life too, yet I forget to rely on that in my everyday life. 

What about you? Do you ask God first or just get on with things? I wonder if we are missing out on some success or peace when we do things our own way. David asked of God, did what He said and experienced success. I wonder if sometimes there's a better way than our own ideas? 

Consider the stars...

Last week we were on a camping holiday, and one night I was outside and noticed the amazing night sky. The amount of stars was incredible.  Have you ever been somewhere where the night sky is so visible and beautiful, and it seems the amount of stars are innumerable? 

It's a stunning sight and took my breath away a bit. A collection of stars is stunning, but the night sky is made up of each individual star, and each star is in fact a sun. Every star has powerful heat and light like our sun, they are just so far away that they seem tiny pinpricks of light. Don't you think that's amazing? 

Every star is a bright burning ball of light. I have no idea how many stars there are, I'm no astronomer, but they beauty of the night sky amazes me. The fact that these stunning stars are actually suns boggles my mind.

Then I remember, 'By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth' (Psalm 33:6). 

How incredible is that? 

The multitude of stars that we see were created by the breath of God. The complexity and beauty of the night sky were made in a moment. 

God is so powerful and creative that even his breath makes things! We breathe and our bodies keep going, God breathes and things are created! In the book of Genesis we can read about the creation of this world. God not only made the stars, but He spoke all things into being! His word, his breath can create the universe, isn't that incredible?! 

'When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

    and the son of man that you care for him?'

Psalm 8:3-4

Abigail

This week, reading through 1 Samuel, I've encountered a woman called Abigail. 

We meet her after her husband has refused to honour David and his men for looking after his shepherds. The custom was that her husband, Nabal, should of given David and his company a gift - food and drink as a sign of appreciation/payment for their protection. 

Nabal refused. His servants know he's refused and are concerned about it, it's not like Nabal doesn't have plenty to spare, he just doesn't want to give David anything. The servants are worried, what's going to happen now? David is likely to be pretty angry, they are so concerned that one of them goes and tells Abigail. Why? What can she do? This servant goes, explains what happens and trusts her to do something. Abigail's character must of been one of strength and action. Otherwise the servant wouldn't of bothered her, but they knew Abigail was a woman to trust, a woman who does the right thing and has the power to do it.

Abigail gets going straightaway, she gets together a pretty impressive offering without her husband knowing about it (shows how rich he was not to miss amongst other things 200 cakes of figs!). She sends the offering off ahead of herself and follows along behind. She doesn't shy away, embarrassed of either her husband's actions, or trying to hide the fact that she's acted instead. She accompanies the gift she can give, she takes responsibility. She knows the decision of her husband, and she knows it wasn't right, so she does something about it. She doesn't confront him straight away, but she apologises straight away. She uses the authority she has to humbly apologise, not deflecting guilt, but taking it completely upon herself.

When Abigail meets David, she gets off her donkey and bows before him. This woman who has authority in herself, humbles herself into the dirt. 

Why? What for? For a man, her husband, Nabal. The kind of man who is described as a 'worthless man' by his servants, and known to live up to his name which means folly. Yet, Abigail, on his behalf, humbles herself. She acts as a noble wife. We can think of others around us as worthless and foolish at times, but how do we ourselves act? Do we take the responsibility we have and act in humility and justice as Abigail does? 

Abigail shows concern for David and his men and respect for Nabal. 

Abigail protects, fends for and takes upon herself the foolishness of her husband. She honours her husband and does her best to cover what would of been his shame, and accepts the guilt. She takes on the blame and intercedes for him. 

Abigail also honours David and his group, she takes what she can to give as a gift to them as a sign of appreciation. She approaches David with great humility, but also great strength. She bows in humility and yet speaks with authority. 

Abigail, she acknowledges who she is and who she isn't. This is what I admire about her - She knows the extent of her authority and doesn't overstep or under play it. She acknowledges both her worth and her weakness. 

Know when to quit

When things get difficult, what do you do? Do you carry on or give up?  Do you continue to persevere or quit when the going gets tough? What's your natural inclination when things get hard?

I have been told that I am determined, perseverant, but I know really that it verges into stubbornness. When I start something I finish it. If I take on a challenge I complete it, if I do an exam I work so hard that I pass it. 

The thing is, I love a challenge, but I don't know when to stop! This may sound like I'm reliable and determined, but the problem is I can get stuck, but I struggle to recognise that I've reached capacity. I will continue with dogged determination no matter the suffering, the inconvenience or final result. Sometimes I may need to stop, but I don't. I may not have the skills, knowledge or availability but once I've started something I will see it through til the bitter end, and sometimes the end is bitter.

Others may find that they get to something difficult and they are ready to chuck it all in. They struggle to finish things. Maybe they give up too easily, good at starting things but not finishing them. They would probably appreciate a bit of the determination and perseverance that I have. 

So, there must be a middle ground. There must be a point where we learn to know when to quit at the right time. Whether that's to push ourselves to persevere because it will grow us and stretch us, or getting to the point where we let go of our pride, admit our capacity, and stop. There is a point when it's right to quit, the question is how do we find it? 

I'm writing about this now, because last weekend I was taking part in an event called Man vs Lakes. 50km in the Lake District, across some lakes, up hills, through remote woods, water activities and a lot of running! 

Halfway through we had ascended two major hills, my body felt fine, my breathing did not. The second hill I encountered I stopped about every 10 steps to catch my breath. I wasn't making good progress, I spoke to one of the marshalls at this halfway point and asked if the second half was like the first. Yes it was, in fact, it was even more hilly. So, what do I do? 

I have taken on this challenge. I know my body can take it, I've done that distance before, my legs felt fine, but my breathing was difficult. Could I continue knowing that what was to come would put more stress on my body? Breathing was already tricky, could I keep going, through the remote areas, alone, was it safe/sensible? Reality was if breathing got really bad there would not be easy access to help. Yet, the rest of me felt alright. My mind was focussed, my legs felt ready and I was fuelling well. In that situation, what would you of done? I had an internal debate, reaching a decision wasn't easy. My natural inclination was to keep going regardless, finish what I had started. Its what I always do. 

Then I  recalled what I heard one guy say on the last hill, "will I think any less of myself if I give up now?" 

For me, that's quite profound. 

If I admit this challenge is too great, does it make me less? Does it effect who I am? My honest answer at that moment was 'No'. I wouldn't think less of myself if I stopped now, so that's just what I did. I actually quit, for the first time that I can remember. I actually recognised my limitations and didn't continue with dogged determination to painfully cross the finish. 

That's the balance I think. To be aware of our limitations isn't a weakness. To realise when something is too much, or even to ask for help doesn't make us less. If we quit when we know we are in too deep it doesn't effect who we are. 

I know that I made a sensible judgement call, for my own wellbeing. I know that I didn't get a medal this weekend but that's ok. I am at peace with the decision to quit. It was the right call. I could of completed the event, but to what end? I would of put myself under great pressure and could of ended up not just tired, but damaging my health. I actually made a sensible decision rather than stubbornly seeing this event through to completion. 

If you are like me and usually keep going to your own detriment, I want to let you know; it's ok to slow down, it's ok to stop, and it's ok to quit sometimes. 

It doesn't effect who you are, in fact I don't feel embarrassed or ashamed of quitting. It was the right thing to do for me and others around me. Don't run yourself into the ground to prove a point or even to achieve something epic.

Know when to quit.