Monday, 6 July 2009

What if...


One morning I woke up with a thought that was to stay with me for the rest of the entire day...'What if God slept?'

This thought was a bit like one of those questions you get for your English coursework or in an exam - you know, the ones that read something like.. 'The only requirement for evil to persist is for good men to do nothing. Discuss (max 2000 words)' and then you're expected to spend the next 3 hours (or 2000 words, whichever comes sooner), having a vibrant colourful discussion with a blank piece of paper, courtesy of the second persona conjured up in your mind with whom you play philosophical ping pong with dissecting the given subject, topic or theme.

This was the exact same impact this thought had on me. Now I have no doubt in my mind that this thought was presented to me courtesy of the Holy Spirit, and provided me with enough ammunition to spend significant time giving God thanks and praise, for true are the words of H who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:3-4)

But just take a moment and pause for thought...what if God really did sleep? Imagine if later tonight at 3.05am, God decided He was gonna catch 40 winks while no-one was looking?

Would you rest easy knowing that God wasn't watching or keeping things in the perfect order we have grown accustomed to? Would the stars remain in the sky and would the moon maintain its position? Would all of nature and creation uphold their God given post and points of duty? Would the sea and land stay departed? Would the young man or woman who have had too much to drink find their way home safely? Would that family who forgot to lock their door before going to bed remain safe until the morning and they discovered the potential danger? Would that near miss road accident remain a near miss? Or would the forces of darkness seize the opportunity to wreak even greater havoc on the face of the earth?

I could go on and on and on, but no matter what thought comes to mind, the certain ramifications don't even bare thinking about do they?

We often blame God for everything that is wrong with the world, even though His word makes it clear that He is a God of good and not a God of evil, but do we ever stop to consider all the things God does that we don't even notice? The things we don't give a second thought to? It's easy to take things for granted when they are in proper working order, but next time you have trouble recalling the goodness and faithfulness of God, I entreat you to stop and think...'What if?'
Posted by Made in His image at 17:19 0 comments

Psalm 121 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Posted by Made in His image at 17:16 0 comments
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My Book Reviews

God's Word for the Unmarried Believer God's Word for the Unmarried Believer by Walk Worthy Press

My review

 rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not really a reading book as such - more of a pocket reference book, as such I have decided to put it on my read shelf.
it's a simple reference book that you can slip into your handback, pocket or wherever is most convenient and bringit out when you need a reminder of the world in 'real-time'. As the title suggests, 'God's Word for the Single Believer' is a collection of Bible verses, arranged under common themes, selected to encourage and strengthen the single christian during what may be particular trying times in their walk with Jesus.
A handy and strengthening resource.

View all my reviews.

The Power of a Praying Woman The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

My review

 rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just like 'God's Word for the Single Believer' I don't really regard this as a book that i've 'read' but will perhaps continue to refer back to for the rest of my days. It was about at page 60/61 that I realised that the best way to read this book was not to read each chapter sequentially - instead this book requires life application, prayer and a heart that sincerely seeks change and spiritual growth through a closer walk with Jesus. To get the best out of this book (for me anyway), is to spend time in the relevant chapter at the point of need or spiritual prompting - pen and paper at the ready too! You see, there are so many areas of ones life that are covered in this book, and the neat little index is like a spiritual A-Z of areas where we all need spiritual refreshing, pruning or an outright overhaul! If you are already in a walk with God, you will hopefully be aware of areas in your life that God wants you to focus on, and commit to him in sincere prayer - as such, this book is a really good study aid and reference point. Apart from covering a broad range of development areas for your prayer life, it also contains some model prayers that you can work into your own prayer life as you diligently seek change and refreshing through the work of the Holy Spirit - and for added measure, each section also contains a reminder of some of God's promises relating to the topic in focus. An excellent book and guide, one which will not sit on my shelf and gather dust!

View all my reviews.