Life's Problems and Christian Solutions

Wake-up Checklist

Step 1. Check you are still alive?  If Yes – continue to step 2.
Step 2. Is God still supplying your oxygen?  Take a deep breath.  If Yes – go on to step 3.            If No –you have only minutes to set your affairs in order – so get to it.
Step 3. Look out the window.  Is God still in control of gravity and governing all the laws of science and nature?  If Yes – continue to step 4.  If No – pinch yourself as you may still be dreaming.  Wake up and start again from Step 1.
Step 4. No matter what has gone wrong or how you have failed in the past, if you have completed Step 1, God can make all things right.  Proceed to Step 5.
Step 5. God still has a plan and purpose for your life. Advance to Step 6.
Step 6. Choose whose plan and purpose you wish to follow.  If you choose to follow your own plans, go to Step 7.  If you choose God’s plan, go straight to Step 8. 
Step 7. Stay in bed.  What’s the point of getting up - you’ll only be a test for yourself and everyone around you.  Anything you gain today will eventually be lost.  If you ever wake up again, start from Step 1. 
Step 8. Get out of bed.  If God is for you (and He is) who or what can stand against you.  Everything that happens in your day, good or bad, will be for your advancement and eternal profit.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:2

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Seeking Shortcuts

A shortcut is a deviation from an established route that enables one to arrive more quickly at a desired destination.  The problem with shortcuts is they often end in disaster.

Many seek a shortcut to JOY & INNER-PEACE by using alcohol and drugs. Many seek a shortcut to LOVE & SELF-ESTEEM through unrestrained sexual activity.  Many seek a shortcut to PROSPERITY & SUCCESS by lying, cheating and through criminal behaviour.   We may think these shortcuts will get us to our destination quicker, but such deviations always end in disaster.
God wants us to be fulfilled and happy, but to reach this destination we need to follow the established path He has ordained.  God’s way is long for a reason – capacity must come before blessing.  We often think God is trying to stop us from having fun.  This is not true – He is actually trying to lead us to the place where we can experience real JOY, LOVE and PROSPERITY. 
God knows that our shortcuts in life inevitably end in disaster (He’s been watching the human race for a long time).  When we seek shortcuts, we only hurt ourselves in the long run.  If we trust in God and follow His established paths (Biblical doctrines) and do our best not to deviate (sin), we will ultimately arrive at a place of true inner-happiness, integrity and self-esteem.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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Entertaining Visitors

When good friends visit, we welcome them warmly, put the kettle on, and hope they’ll drop by again soon. But the same can’t be said for undesirable visitors – those who bring trouble with negative motives: the sort who takes advantage of others, stirs up conflict, or encourages us into depravity. Once we let them through the door and make them feel at home, it can be very hard to get them to leave.

Entertaining visitors is a lot like entertaining thoughts. We need to be careful and discerning about which ones we allow to settle in our minds. When we welcome negative or ungodly thoughts – such as worry, jealousy, bitterness, pride, or lust – they don’t just pass through. They unpack their bags, put their feet up, and start taking over the place. Before long, what began as a passing thought can become a deeply rooted attitude that shapes how we live and treat others.
That’s why God calls us to guard the doorway of our minds. He knows that what we dwell on shapes our words, decisions, and actions. If we make a habit of entertaining noble, gracious, and godly thoughts, they’ll fill our soul with peace and strength. But when harmful or unwholesome thoughts come knocking, it’s best not to open the door at all.
As the Apostle Paul wrote: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

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Drifting Away from God

Out on the water, a boat that isn’t anchored will quietly drift. You might not notice at first, but before long you’ll be far from where you started, maybe even lost and in dangerous waters.

The same is true in our walk with God – without being anchored, we’ll slowly drift away. As Christians, our anchor is Christ. If we don’t stay tied to Him, the currents of life – the busyness, distractions, worldly goals, or comforts – can pull us further and further from His presence. When we drift, the results begin to show: priorities shift, prayer feels dry or forgotten, Scripture gathers dust, old temptations creep back in, our outlook becomes harsher, we lose joy, peace slips away, and worship feels like a duty instead of delight. Left unchecked, this slow drift can lead to confusion, emptiness, broken relationships, doubts, and eventually a faith that is shipwrecked.
Drifting too far is dangerous, because the further we go; the harder it is to hear God calling us back. We must hold fast to Him. We mustn’t let the currents carry us where we never meant to go. Fortunately, God hasn’t left us without hope – at any time we can always get back on course. Like a sailor reorientating with their compass, we can fix our eyes on the eternal hope found in Jesus and row toward it.
Every day we reset our direction by opening God’s Word and turning to Him in honest prayer. We drop anchor when we are occupied with Christ instead of ourselves. And when we re-join fellowship with other believers it encourages us to shift our sails from our own self-interest back to God’s glory.
With Christ as our anchor and His Word as our compass, we’ll not only fulfil our purpose in life – we’ll reach the harbour of His eternal glory.
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

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Our Private Shame

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, the first thing they noticed was their own nakedness. In fear and embarrassment, they stitched together fig leaves and hid from the Lord.
Yet God still called out, ‘Where are you?’ An omniscient, all-knowing God wasn’t confused about their location – He wanted them to step out, admit their shame, and begin the long journey toward healing and redemption.

We Christians often carry our own pockets of private shame. Secret sins we’ve never confessed. Regrets from past choices we hope no one ever discovers. Hidden depression that eats away at us behind a bright smile. Old wounds and humiliation we’ve buried. Addictions we deny. Bitterness and hurt we cling to. Deep fears and doubts that eat away at us. These are the quiet corners of the soul we prefer to keep wrapped up and tucked away.
But while we might manage to hide from others, we can’t hide from God. We stand spiritually naked before Him – He sees every thought, every tear, every fear, every crack in our hearts. No amount of fig leaves can disguise our private shame. So He gently asks us the same question He asked Adam: ‘Where are you?’ Not because He doesn’t know, but because we need to stop running. We need to come out of hiding so the healing can begin.
And when we do, God moves. He forgives what we confess. He lifts the weight we’ve carried far too long. He replaces guilt with grace, fear with peace, and brokenness with slow, steady restoration. He surrounds us with support, renews our strength, and speaks truth over the lies we’ve believed.
Coming into the light isn’t easy, but on the other side is restoration. When we take that step, we soon discover that God has been waiting for us – not to shame us, but to heal us. His love is stronger than our secrets, and His grace reaches deeper than our guilt.
“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 30:17

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Focusing on the Problem

One day a storm raged through a small community, flooding the river and destroying their only bridge to the outside world.  Next morning the people gathered at the wrecked bridge and began to worry about their plight.  ‘The river is impassable; how will we get to the markets now?’ cried one.  ‘Without the bridge we’re completely cut off,’ said another.  ‘It’s impossible to fix this bridge!’ a third added bluntly.  ‘If we can’t get across the river, we will all perish,’ prophesized the fourth.
Then as the people started panicking they became aware of their children playing on the other side of the river.  The parents shouted to their children, asking how they had crossed when the only bridge had been destroyed.  The children pointed down river.  Because the parents had so focused on the problem of the broken bridge they failed to notice a great tree had fallen across the river during the storm, making a better overpass than they’d had before. 

A problem in our life only becomes ‘a problem’ when that’s all we see.  Consequently, by focusing solely on the problem, we often don’t see the solution.  When this happens, our crisis usually overwhelms us. 
As problems arise, we must focus on the solution – God.  He is not caught by surprise.  He knows our situation and in fact may have allowed it so we will change directions.  God does not close a door without opening a window. 
When adversity strikes, we should endeavor to be more childlike – exploring all possibilities and regard our circumstances as new opportunities just waiting to be discovered.  
But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.1 Corinthians 10:13b.

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The Desperate Plant

If a plant is under stress, it doesn’t take long for the signs to show.  First the leaves wither, followed by the branches and then finally, the roots themselves.  Even so, when death seems so near, there is still hope while there is life.  If the plant is given the right amount of water, fertilizer, light and time, small sprouts of life will appear and soon it will prosper again.

Plants are insightful illustrations of people.  When they are under stress, it doesn’t take long for them to show the signs.  Their interest in life withers.  Caring for themselves and for those around them dries up.  Eventually, their very roots (soul) become weak with depression.  Death may be just around the corner.  However, while there is life there is still hope.  If someone under such stress is given the right amount of light (intercessory prayer), fertilizer (a loving environment), water (encouragement) and time (grace without judgement), small sprouts of hope will appear. As God never gives up on us, we should never give up on them. But we must resist the temptation of smothering (over-watering is the quickest way to drown a plant). 
The Bible tells us of God’s concern for those who are overburdened; He wants to take our load from us and be a refuge in times of trouble. Interesting, most of our Biblical heroes suffered depression from time to time.  Many times God propped up those Biblical heroes when they were withered plants so they had a chance to become future great trees and bear fruit for many hungry souls to feed upon.
If we are personally dealing with depression, we must do what our Biblical heroes did by looking to the Lord and giving our worries to God to deal with.  Only when we are no longer weighed down by our dark thoughts and burdens can we rise up and start to grow again.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29.

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Lost in Life

For a cross-country backpacker not to become lost in the wild, they need to regularly orientate themselves.  Before satellite positioning, the backpacker would use a compass and a map. They would then find three fixed positions (such as a hill, a lake and a road).  If they took a bearing from their compass, adjust their map to the direction of the landscape and identify the three fixed positions on the map, the backpacker would soon find out exactly where they are.

We live in a time of information-overload, where hundreds of opinions and adverts are bombarding us with worldly advice from our many media devices.  It’s so easy to lose our way. Life has so many distractions and paths leading to nowhere – no wonder few people know where they are heading or have any true purpose. 
God doesn’t want us to walk aimlessly about in life; He has a great plan ready for each of us if only we’d stop wandering in circles seeking superficial things that we think will make us feel good about ourselves.
If we have lost our way, we need to pull out our compass (a positive desire to know and seek the truth). Then, we must identify three fixed positions (the immutable God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  Lastly, we need to relate it all to a reliable map (the Bible).   
If we travel through life, always keeping God in our sight and taking directions from our reliable Bible, we will never again become lost.  We will successfully navigate life’s swamps (adversities) and not fall from the mountaintops (prosperity).  Eventually, we will reach that place of quiet happiness and inner peace where we know our life is on the right path.  We will see God in every event and have confidence we are exactly where we should be.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119: 105.

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Cleaning Dog Poos

Dog owners know the unpleasant reality of picking up after their dog.  It’s a continuous job.  If the poos are not picked up daily they soon mount up and mess the yard.  In our busy lives, we are often guilty of scooping up the big ones and leaving the little ones.  Typically, it’s those little ‘left-behind’ doggy-dos that are stepped on later; usually, at the worst possible moment.  

Everyone (except Christ) has a sin-nature.  Sins are the dog-dos the sin-nature produces.  We must deal with our sins daily or they will soon mount up and cause obstacles that stink up our lives. Obvious sins like: drunkenness, gossiping and promiscuity need immediate attention or they will quickly become barriers to living the Christian life God intends. When we don’t clean up, our witness for Christ is immediately compromised.
However, we must also deal with our little sins (sins of the mind) that don’t seem to harm anyone.  If we casually brush them aside, those seemingly discreet sins can be a big problem later.  Mental sins like: coveting, jealously, lust, resentment or pride, must be dealt with promptly.  If we handle them when they first come to our attention, we won’t have to worry about stepping in them later at a very inconvenient moment.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

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The Unhelpful Helper

A hungry boy sat on a river bank looking longingly across to the other side.  A canoeist paddling by asked why he looked so sad.  The boy explained how hungry he and his family were and how he could see this tree laden with fruit on the other side of the river but his father had forbidden him to ever cross.
The canoeist assured the boy his father was just being over-protective because he didn’t want his son to drown.   Wishing to be helpful, the canoeist then suggested the boy hop into his canoe so he could paddle him safely to the other side to pick the fruit and then row him back again.  He reassured the boy that his father would be so pleased when he saw the food to feed his hungry family.
The boy eagerly jumped aboard.  Soon he was safely on the other bank climbing the tree and picking fruit.  As the canoeist watched the grateful boy pick the fruit, a grin spread from ear to ear – he was happy to have done such a good deed.  Moments later, however, his grin disappeared when he saw a lion leap into the tree and devour the boy in a single gulp.

We can find it very difficult to understand the reasons why good people often go through bad times.  Why does God permit or withhold certain things that seem completely unfair or unreasonable?    We must remember, God has a reason for everything and often that reason is not made clear to us.
Understanding this, we must resist the urge to rush in with our good intentions. This is not to say we do nothing, but before we take action, have we considered what God is trying to do in that person’s life.  Is our well-meaning intentions going to rob that person of an opportunity to grow spiritually; or worse, put them in a lion’s den.
As Christians, our intercessory prayer and service are designed to help the spiritual advancement of others – never to hinder them.    If we are ever in doubt whether or not our good deeds will have dire consequences, we should do what the well-meaning canoeist should have done – consult the Father before he acted. 
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8.

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The Ripple Effect

If a rock is thrown into a still pond, we see the ripple effect—circles of small waves spreading out from the point of impact. Those ripples keep travelling until they meet an obstacle or collide with ripples moving the other way.

Life, however, is far from a still pond. Every person sends out ripples through their words, attitudes and actions—and, sadly, many of those ripples are negative. When someone is angry, that anger often spreads to those around them. Those people then pass it on to others, and before long, the ripples travel far beyond the original moment. When we experience rudeness, intolerance or injustice, our natural response is often to return it in kind. In doing so, we unintentionally add to the growing waves of frustration, hurt and discouragement in the world.
God has called Christians to be a barrier to those destructive ripples. When our focus is on Christ, we’re less likely to react with hostility when faced with the world’s negativity. Instead, we can begin ripples of grace that gently push back against the tide. As Proverbs 15:18 reminds us: A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. 
People are usually caught off guard when their rudeness is returned with kindness.  Unlike retaliation, a graceful attitude often makes people stop and evaluate their behaviour.  A genuine smile, a patient reply, a small act of compassion, or a thoughtful word can completely change the direction of someone’s day. These are some of the initial ways we live God’s Word and fulfil our role as ambassadors and imitators of Christ.
It’s worth regularly asking ourselves what sort of ripples we’re sending into the world. The ripples Jesus created through His love, mercy and sacrifice have never stopped spreading—and they never will. As we walk with Him, our everyday actions can also carry lasting influence, touching lives in ways we may never fully see this side of eternity. What a privilege it is to spread ripples that bring hope, peace and encouragement wherever they reach.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…  Galatians 5-22-23 NIV.

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The Heavy Rock

A farmer took his son to the top paddock.  He bent down, picked up an enormous rock and carried it to the other side of the paddock.  He then turned to his impressed son and commanded: ‘Do as I have done, lift that rock with your bare hands and carry it to the other side.’  
The boy tried but it would not move – no matter how he strained, the rock wouldn’t budge.  Eventually he fell down ashamed, saying: ‘It’s too heavy. I’m not strong enough.’   
‘Don’t worry,’ said his father.  ‘Every week – try it again and you will find that strength will come.  Just don’t give up.’
For many years the boy went back to the heavy rock.  As he grew in strength, the rock started to move.  Soon, he could lift and carry it a short distance.  When the boy grew into a man, he finally achieved the task his father had set for him those many years before.  On becoming a father, he took his son to the top paddock, showed him the heavy rock and gave him the same command. 

God gives us many commands.  Some commands we are not able to carry out effectively for many years until we have built the capacity.  God commands us to love Him – how can we truly love someone until we know them? We are commanded to be thankful, merciful, long suffering, joyful – how do we fulfill these commands when we’re just spiritual babies?  Furthermore, we’re commanded to love one another as Christ loves us – a seemingly impossible rock to lift.  There are so many commands that appear too difficult to accomplish.  However, when we grow in faith, always persevering – never giving up, we will find that God has given us the strength to fulfill all of His commands.  
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40-31

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Plugged In

When we turn on an electrical appliance and nothing happens we generally look for the problem.  Most of the time, it is because the appliance has not been plugged in or switched on at the power point.  No matter how good the appliance, without power it becomes a useless piece of machinery.

If our spiritual life does not seem to be functioning, maybe we should check if we are plugged into the Divine power source.  A branch only produces fruit because it is connected to the tree.  If we abide in Christ we are plugged into God’s power source.  As a result we will naturally start exhibiting the traits of Christ.
Sadly, many try to produce the fruits of Christianity in their own power and then wonder why their burdens aren’t light, why they are constantly stressing and don’t have the joy promised in the Bible.  The truth is, if we are not abiding in Christ and plugged into the Divine power source, we are just like the unplugged appliance – taking up space and good for nothing.
“I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

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Adversity

Rock climbing can be an immensely difficult undertaking.  It requires determination and a lot of patience.   It has a high casualty rate for those who are unprepared, ill equipped or go unaided.

During our lifetime, there will be stages when things go bad.  It may happen because of our own stupid mistakes or simply be the unfair result of life in the devil’s world.  Adversity can rise like an impassable wall and if we wish to move forward, we must climb. Overcoming adversity is no easy task, particularly if we go it alone and start ascending without aid or support – one slip (into depression) can be fatal.  But don’t lose heart; God never likes to see us fall – He wants us to rise above adversity and reap the many benefits (Galatians 6:9, Romans 8:28). 
To help us overcome adversity, God has thrown down an unbreakable line of support (His promises).  We need to attach his promise-support to our ‘harness of faith’.  If we don’t actively lock in God’s promises with our faith, the promises will be of little help when we come into difficulty. 
Keep in mind, climbing adversity will be a slow, tedious journey; we’ll often tire and think we won’t make it.  For this reason we must continuously rely on our heavenly line of support (remember to claim God’s promises daily), then if we slip (get depressed) our fall will not be far.  With much perseverance, we will eventually rise above adversity and be a much stronger Christian for our climb. This is one of the primary reasons why God permits adversity in our lives.
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9.

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Prosperity

Descending is so much easier than ascending; it takes very little effort on our behalf because gravity does most of the work.  Yet, if our descent is not controlled, there will be devastating consequences when we hit rock-bottom.

In so many ways, prosperity can be more testing than adversity.  We all laughingly think: ‘Please God, test me with prosperity’; however, the highest suicide rates and sufferings from chronic depression occur in our prosperous nations.  Almost daily, we hear of celebrities who have completely lost the plot and wrecked their lives.  And interestingly, statistics reveal an overwhelming majority of lotto winners wish they had never won.
Truth is prosperity wrecks more lives than it improves. The problem is when things are going well we tend to let down our guard.  Bit by bit, we indulge ourselves and soon become self-absorbed and entitled. There are so many enticing falls from heights of prosperity. Most of us take the leap thinking we will fly above it all.  Instead, we plummet.
That is why when arriving at one of the ‘summits of prosperity’, we should be very cautious. If we simply leap forward into the opening without thought or preparation, it will end in disaster.  As with adversity, God gives us a life-line (His promises) to attach to our harness (faith).  When we start descending into the prosperity-opening and feel we are moving too fast or out of control, we must lock in God’s life-line (promises) which will immediately control the descent.
Usually, the thrill of prosperity levels out or we will reach the bottom of it. If we have kept our hold on God’s lifelines, we will not be ruined like so many others and we can successfully move on.  The experience will have refined and improved us.  At this point, many may ask how we managed to navigate through the heights prosperity with such humility and grace.  That’s our opportunity to point to God’s life-line and tell them how to connect.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content: I know how to be abased and I know how to abound… I can do all things through Christ who strengths me. Philippians 4:11-13.

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Peace of Mind

There was a very old saying coined in a time when strong nations constantly invaded weaker nations: ‘If you want peace – you must always prepare for war’.  It was understood the only way a nation could be left in peace was to be strong enough that no one could take their peace from them.
Children at school also learn the strong kids are usually left in peace while the weak ones are often a target.

Do we desire to have ‘Peace of Mind’?  If so, we must be prepared and develop a strong mental attitude.  The world is full of bullies and overwhelming circumstances and it’s easy to become a victim.  Whether we like it or not, there’s a spiritual war going on and if we are not armed and ready it won’t be long before we are a spiritual casualty knocked down with constant worrying, fear and depression.
God has given us the armaments to defend ourselves.  We must put on our spiritual armour (Eph 6: 13-18), we must exercise in God’s Word daily and rely on His promises within.  In a nutshell, God is our armour and our strength. When we actively employ God to work in our circumstances through prayer and faith, we can relax. He knows every aspect of what is going on and is hands-down the most powerful Being in the universe.  If God can create existence and keep it all bound together – even at a microscopic level, He can easily handle our little problems – but only if we let Him.  Romans 8:31b states: If God is for us, who can be against us?
When we trust in God, He will immediately start working into our situation. Sometimes He will bring immediate relief and resolution. However, at other times, God won’t change our circumstances – He will slowly change us so we rise above the trials and petty people (this is usually God’s preferred outcome as it builds strength and endurance).  Whatever the outcome, quick or slow, we can rest assured it is the best outcome (Roman 8:28). 
When we start using God to fight our battles, we will develop thinking like David when he was being hunted in the desert.  Even when surrounded by enemies and in dire circumstances, our ‘Peace of Mind’ will not be taken from us. Then we can state like David: I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8

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The Roads We Travel

Life is a journey.  In regard to our physical, mental and financial wellbeing – where we find ourselves today generally depends on the roads we’ve taken in the past.  Where we find ourselves tomorrow depends on the roads we choose today.
Common sense dictates, if we wish to reach a certain destination we must travel the roads that lead there.  However, if we take paths going in the opposite direction, it should be obvious we’ll never reach our desired goal.

Every day we make choices: some large – most small.  Those choices are steps heading in one direction or another.  If we choose to be lazy, self-absorbed or bitter, we shouldn’t be surprised when we reach a miserable place of failure, loneliness and depression.  No one plans to go to a wretched dead end, but if we are heading in that direction (by bad daily decisions) we shouldn’t be shocked when we end up there.
As Christians, we should desire to become a person of integrity, grace and inner-happiness – a strong, inspirational Christian who leads many people to the Lord.  To do this, we must travel on roads directed in God’s Word.  Simply, we must follow our Lord Jesus Christ.  His way leads us first to Salvation and the eventual arrival at Spiritual-Maturity.  His ways lead to inner-peace and a relaxed-attitude where we are content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.  His ways lead to fulfilling a tailor-made plan that has eternal and glorious repercussions.
Every day we have the option of taking ‘our way’ or ‘God’s way’.  Of course we immediately think, ‘I want to head along God’s way’, but we must question if our daily decisions are taking us in the opposite direction.  If we realise we are heading the wrong way, isn’t it time to turn around?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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Unforgiving Prisons

A prison is defined as a place of captivity – a position of confinement or restraint, be it physical or mental.  The worst ‘prisons’ are the mental ones we create for ourselves.  They can be the hardest from which to escape. 

When we don’t forgive other people’s trespasses against us (either real or alleged), we incarcerate ourselves in hatred and thoughts of revenge.  We are locked away in bitterness as we refuse to forgive and move on, waiting until the wrong-doer either apologises or compensates.  But if the offender does neither and is let off scot-free, we are the ones imprisoned and we can remain in our self-imposed prison of resentment for the rest of our life. (Matthew 5:24-26)
When God asks us to forgive the debts of offenders, it is primarily for our own benefit.  God does not want to see us trapped in a prison of our own making.  The only way for us to escape is to forgive as God forgives us.  Only when we are ‘free’ from our self-imposed prisons of bitterness and hatred can we find ‘peace of mind’.  Then, once liberated, we are in a position to help set others ‘free’.
Be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Ephesians 4:32 CEV

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Clearing the Land

When early settlers were allocated land, they had to clear it before it could be farmed.  Trees and scrub were removed so the land could become productive and yield successful crops. 

As unbelievers and immature Christians, we plant many wild seeds such as: pride, jealousy, anger, lust or guilt.  These sins (undesirable thoughts and actions) take root and can grow into a forest (a way of life).  As Christians, we have a new spiritual life – a life that promises peace of mind, joy and contentment (John 15:11). 
Before this life can yield a successful crop, we must cut down the trees planted in the old life.  Some of our sins are small and easily uprooted, while others will have taken root deeply in our lives.  These sins will be obstacles as we start ploughing our fields with God’s plan. 
A deeply rooted sinful-life can be immensely difficult to remove, but we must start clearing or we won’t produce a harvest that glorifies God and lasts into eternity.  God has given us the tools: the Bible, the Holy Spirit and various teachers of God’s Word. We may have the tools, but it is up to us to start chopping and clearing.  This will take time, so we must be determined to roll up our sleeves and get to work.  Change in our life can be frustratingly slow, yet if we persevere, we’ll be so pleased with the final harvest – and so will those around us.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

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An Explosive Reaction

We soon learn in chemistry that when certain elements are mixed together an explosive reaction will occur.

Everyone (except Christ) has a sin nature.  All have their own personal areas of weakness.  One person’s area of temptation may be licentiousness (immoral depravity), while another is on the opposite side with self-righteous legalism (moral depravity).  Being temped is not a sin – even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted.  Succumbing to temptation is the sin.
If we all have different areas of sin, we can conclude we all have different areas of temptation.  The mixing of our sin-nature with the corresponding temptation is like bringing a flame to a powder keg.  If we have a compulsive nature which is tempted towards drugs or immoral sex, we must endeavour to keep our sin nature away from places with drugs or pornography.  If we have a tendency to judge and malign, we should avoid gossipy groups.  If we have a short temper, we should separate from elements that set it off. 
We all want to avoid causing explosive situations that cause calamity in our lives; however, keeping our sin-nature away from its area of temptation is not always possible.  So what is the solution?  We need to grow in grace so our temptation-flame is defused.  We do this by adding God’s truth to our mindset – we start thinking as Christ thinks.  We develop the habit of seeing people and circumstances as God sees them.  This result is a relaxed attitude that will calm most situations.  Gradually, we form a non-judgemental, graceful mindset. Our appetites change and we see worth in all God’s children (self-included).  Our outlook produces harmonious living that reflects the Glory of God.  
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12.

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The Glass of Milk

A son called his father desperately seeking advice on his troubled marriage.  He told his dad that his new wife and he were constantly arguing. 
His father thought for a while and then stated he had the sure-fix cure.  ‘Son, next time a quarrel starts sip a glass of milk – but don’t swallow it.  Hold it in your mouth until the entire situation calms down.  Repeat this whenever you are about to argue and you’ll soon see matters improve.’
A week later the son called his father, saying excitedly: ‘It actually worked – our relationship has never been better.  Tell me dad, what’s the secret behind the glass of milk?’
His father replied: ‘No big secret.  The milk does nothing – it’s keeping your mouth shut that solves most problems.’

In heated situations the appropriate thing to say is usually nothing; yet few of us have that control.  We feel we must constantly vindicate ourselves, matching insult for insult and never letting anyone get the upper hand.  But where does that get us?  People will believe what they wish no matter how we plead.  Furthermore, even if we win the insult match we certainly don’t win friends.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said very little when unfairly tried and condemned by antagonistic people, (…as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not his mouth. Acts 8:32).  Christ gave them no reason to justify their wrong actions.  He knew the power of silence.
As Christians, we should have absolute confidence that God will vindicate us, if necessary, (Psalms 5:11).  There is seldom a need to open our mouths with the many petty squabbles and disagreements in life.  We certainly don’t need to attend every argument we’re invited to trying to defend ourselves.  We can relax and practice tolerance and virtue-love.  We’ll soon learn that having a ‘Christ-like’ attitude resolves the majority of life’s problems before they have even begun.
He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.  Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. Proverbs 17:27-28.

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Protecting us from Self.

We all want to be safe from those who would harm us.  When our ‘way of life’ or safety is in jeopardy, we are quick to cry out for protection.  The police protect us from criminals within our community, and the military protect us from enemies beyond, but who is there to protect us from doing harm to ourselves.   

God wants to protect us from those who would hurt us.  Naturally, we also want this (we constantly pray asking God to keep us safe from harm); however, what if the person harming us the most is ourself?  Typically, it’s our own choices that prevent us from gaining true happiness and becoming everything God intends for us.  Sadly, it’s often our own foolish decisions that mess our lives and destroy future opportunities.  It is usually our own thoughts and actions (or lack thereof) that has led us to our unfit, or lonely, or depressed state.
So, when we are our own worst enemy, how can God protect us from self? He will do what He does with all enemies of Christianity, discipline them and frustrate their plans.  God is going to fight for us (Jer 15:20).  Often when we are chastised by our Heavenly Father, it is a gracious act of protection – divine intervention to save us from ourselves. For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12 
The upside to this is no matter what has happened in the past, every new day is a divine-gift where we have an opportunity to grow: mentally, physically and spiritually.  If we avoid thinking, consuming and doing things that hinder our growth, we will evade much discipline and slowly open up a world of new opportunities that continue into eternity.
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation.  Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12).

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The Fickleness of People

Prominent actors, sport personalities and musicians know all too well the fickleness of people.  One minute the crowd is cheering and you can do no wrong, then suddenly the media turns and the crowd becomes hostile.

Today, there is a real push in Christian circles to encourage each other.  This is certainly not a bad thing; however, it often leads to a lot of insincere reinforcement.  Churches are filled with well-meaning Christians encouraging others simply for encouragement-sake, not on the basis of genuine support of what others are doing, teaching or trying to accomplish.
While it is nice to be encouraged when doing Christian works, we must ask ourselves if people’s reinforcement and praise is our motivating factor.  What would happen if the crowd becomes indifferent, or worse – turns antagonistic?   If our eyes are on people, we will quickly drop-our-bundle and cease our good works. As the Bible states in Jeremiah 17:5: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.’
Our Lord Jesus Christ certainly understood people’s fickleness.  One moment the crowd was cheering Him with palm leaves and shouting: ‘Hosanna’, and within a very short time these same people were shouting for His execution.  We should be eternally thankful that our Lord kept His eyes firmly on God and did not draw his strength from people.  We should do likewise and look to God for our true encouragement – and not trust in the fickleness of people.
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5,6.

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The Frightened Child

It is complimentary to you as a parent when your frightened child runs into your bedroom in the middle of the night, climbs into bed and promptly falls asleep peacefully by your side.  While too scared to sleep alone, the child has complete confidence in being safe in your protection. 

Similarly, we compliment God when we flee to Him with our worldly woes and our fears promptly vanish because we are confident in His safe presence.  God is glorified when we are at peace - completely assured that nothing can harm us. The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
On the other hand, we can conclude God is ‘not’ glorified when we don’t trust Him and remain scared when He has assured us there is nothing to fear. (Isaiah 43:1, 2)
What things are presently worrying us: the uncertain future; hostile people; health issues?  In this world there is unquestionably a lot one can worry about.  God knows all our problems and is waiting for us to place them in His capable hands.  He has the ability to turn bad things into good.  Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10
We either choose to keep our fears or hand them to God.  Our peace of mind will be determined by which option we select. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

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The Happiness Experiment

An experiment is a procedure undertaken to make a discovery, observation, or demonstrate a known fact.  For the best results an experiment needs a suitable candidate tested under the right circumstances.

We all wish to be happy.  The big question is what will make us happy?  Is happiness found in riches, fame or power? An experiment is needed to truly find out. We can either spend a lifetime chasing these things ourselves or we can look at the results of the ultimate happiness experiment recorded in the Bible.
God supplied a perfect candidate that had it all: the looks, the power, the fame, and the riches.  Furthermore, King Solomon was a man historically noted for his wisdom.  God allowed Solomon to indulge in all the worldly things that many believe happiness is found. 
Very few people in the world have had the opportunity and resources to experiment like Solomon could, (read Ecclesiastes).  He was one of the wealthiest men of his age.  He was admired for his great accomplishments and envied for his power. He partied like few in history. On top of this he had one of the world’s largest harems.  So what did wise Solomon conclude?  Did any of these things bring him lasting happiness?
After many years experimenting and observing, Solomon concludes in Ecclesiastes that these things are: ‘meaningless vanity and chasing after the wind.  Those who have money never have enough.  Those who have power and fame are never satisfied’. He further concludes: ‘True happiness can only be found in knowing God and fulfilling His commandments’.
So, we have the option of accepting the results of the ‘Happiness experiment’ or, like a dog chasing his tail, we can continue pursuing happiness through the acquiring of ‘stuff’.
King David (Solomon’s father), concluded in Psalm 16:11: You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore

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Living in Paradise Lost

The decisions of a king affect his entire nation. If he governs wisely, his people prosper. If he squanders the nation’s wealth, everyone bears the cost – even future generations. When a king declares war, he does not fight alone; his decision affects every citizen.

In the beginning, God created a perfect paradise for mankind. There was no death, disease, pain or suffering. It was never His design for us to live in a corrupt world or in dying bodies. God placed Adam in this perfect creation and entrusted him with the freedom to choose.
Adam was the head of the human race. When he chose to rebel against God, his decision did not affect him alone. Like a king whose choices shape the destiny of his people, Adam’s rebellion brought consequences upon every generation that followed. Humanity was expelled from paradise, spiritually separated from God, and subjected to physical death.
When tragedy strikes, we often point a finger towards heaven and ask, “How could God allow disasters, disease and war?” Yet we must remember that we are no longer living in Eden. The world we experience today is not the paradise God originally created – it is the world mankind has corrupted through sin. As each generation continues making sinful choices, the suffering only deepens. This is not God’s failure; it is humanity living with the consequences of its rebellion against its Creator.
God is perfect righteousness and He cannot simply overlook sin. His justice demands that evil be judged, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Yet God is also perfect love. Rather than leaving us under condemnation, He chose to bear our punishment Himself. God entered our broken world in the person of Jesus Christ and willingly bore the consequences of our rebellion. As Scripture declares: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).
Because Christ died on the Cross and rose again, the way back to paradise is open. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Adam lost paradise through one act of disobedience, but through faith in Christ we can reclaim paradise by receiving the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
So stop searching for Heaven in this fallen world – you will never find it here. Our hope is not in repairing a broken world but in the Saviour who came to rescue us from it. Christ offers forgiveness today and the promise of a perfect paradise tomorrow. The decision is now ours.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

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Facing Giant Problems

If David measured his strength against the Goliath’s he would have quickly fled the battle.  Fortunately, David didn’t measure Goliath against himself but measured God against his giant opponent. 

At times the problems we face can be so gigantic they overwhelm us.  All we can see is our problems with no possible way to overcome them.  In truth, when we objectively measure our personal resources and abilities against our crisis, we may be right – defeat is inevitable. 
But what if we change our way of thinking?  What if we measure our gigantic problems against all-powerful God who has infinite resources at His disposal? Immediately, our huge problems become quite insignificant – God is far greater than any crisis we will face.  We need to stop being overwhelmed by the problem and look to the solution – we need to bring God into our fight.
When we invite God into our predicament by trusting in Him, He will work in our circumstances and help us overcome our giants.  Seldom, will God suddenly remove our problem because when our difficulty is removed so is the opportunity to grow spiritually.  God’s desire is for us to overcome our giants not in our own strength but by utilising His strength.  When David said: ‘The battle is the Lord’s,’ he didn’t just sit on the ground and do nothing.  He went into battle with complete confidence that God is in control of all outcomes.
As we battle our problems trusting in God, the more we focus on Him the less our problems will dominate us. We will be surprised by God’s unconventional ways of supporting us through our crisis.   When we finally overcome our giants, we will be spiritually stronger for the experience and God will be eternally glorified. 
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 14:47

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Digging in the Right Place

After yet another failed attempt to find gold, an old prospector turned to his mates and sighed, ‘That’s it – I give up. I’ve been digging these grounds all my life, and I’m telling you, there’s not a speck of gold in ’em.’
Just then, another prospector strolled by with a huge nugget in his wheelbarrow. He gave a cheeky wink and said, ‘The gold is there, mate – you’ve just been digging in the wrong place.’

How true this is of the Christian life. So many believers, after years of faithfully attending church, serving in ministries, giving generously, and trying to live upright lives, end up discouraged and turn from their faith. They think, Where is the peace I was promised? Where’s the joy, the purpose, the rich fellowship I expected to find?
Like that old prospector, they’ve been digging – just not in the right place.
Ironically, we can spend our days busily doing things for God without ever truly spending time with Him. We may have developed a great relationship with Church leaders, we may even be one. Outwardly, we are doing everything right and people are praising us for our many good accomplishments. Yet, these things in themselves will not bring any gold.  Even Jesus gently corrected Martha for this very thing – she was so caught up in serving that she missed the better part: sitting at His feet and listening (Luke 10:41–42).
The true treasure of the Christian life isn’t found in achievements or appearances – it’s found in relationship. It’s found in those quiet moments of prayer, in heartfelt worship, in studying His Word and applying it to our circumstances. It’s found in inviting God into every aspect of our lives, trusting and resting in His grace.
If you’re feeling spiritually empty, discouraged, or stuck – don’t give up. Don’t walk away from the faith thinking there’s nothing there. The gold is still there. You might just need to shift your focus and start digging in the right place – at the feet of Jesus.
Start today. Make time to be still before Him. Ask God to reveal Himself to you afresh. You’ll find a treasure far greater than anything this world can offer – His peace, His presence, and His unshakable love.
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11.

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What We Believe.

If we don’t believe in the law of gravity, will that belief stop us from the consequences of a fall? Of course not. Like it or not, reality stands firm. We have all made choices we thought were right, only to realise later we were wrong – and then had to face the consequences.

That’s why it’s worth carefully considering what we believe. If our beliefs are grounded in a worldview shaped by evolution alone, then we’re left with the idea that we are essentially cosmic accidents – here by chance, with no ultimate purpose beyond living, reproducing, and dying.
Sadly this is the grim message being taught as fact to our children in schools.  They quickly learn the irony that the ultimate point of evolution is: ‘all existence is ultimately pointless’. As a society we are now reaping the consequences in: high suicides rates, depression, lack of direction, loss of hope, break-down of family, rising crime and drug dependency.  If, as a society, we teach that our existence is ultimately pointless, do we believe there will be no repercussions?
The Bible acknowledges the problem. It teaches that God’s handiwork is clearly seen in creation (Psalm 19:1), but also recognises that many will reject this: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1).
Here’s the crucial question: what if the Bible is true? What if Jesus Christ really is who He claimed to be? John 3:36 makes it clear: “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” That means there are eternal consequences tied to what we believe.
You might say, ‘I don’t believe anything – I’m just sitting on the fence.’ But fence-sitting isn’t neutral. It’s still a decision not to accept God, and like any decision, it carries consequences. Believing in nothing doesn’t mean nothing will happen.
God has made provision for us through His Son. Our eternal future rests on our belief in Jesus Christ. As He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
So let’s take the time to examine our beliefs – because they matter, now and for eternity. In Christ, we find purpose, a meaning to our existence, and the promise of everlasting life.

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