Good and Angry

Channel 4 are currently running a series of programmes entitled ‘The Bible- a History’. I’ve managed to catch a few of the programmes and, for a number of reasons, find that they raise my blood pressure significantly (don’t worry though, Paul David Tripp says that’s ok!).

Perhaps the thing that bothers me the most is that the experts Channel 4 have chosen to use intentionally mislead the audience. In a series about the historical value of the Bible, they don’t seem to have consulted one historian who believes the Bible to be true. Those they do interview tell bare-faced lies about the Bible’s accuracy. It all makes me want to scream at the television and call everyone who works at Channel 4 an idiot (which Paul David Tripp does NOT say is ok!).

However, I need not despair, and neither should you dear reader.

There are such things as Christian Historians (which someone really should point out to Channel 4). And it just so happens that one of them, an Australian fellow by the name of John Dickson, is churning out books on this very subject like there’s no tomorrow. I recently read his book ‘The Christ Files’, which looked at all the evidence besides the Gospels that tell us that Jesus was who he said he was. 

Check out his video on the Passion for Life website, and be encouraged!

The earlybird gets the worm, or in this case, a vanilla latte

I’m sorry I’ve been so slow in getting this written, but I am here now to tell you that the 28 day challenge is officially ended and I, my dear readers…….deserve no praise whatsoever!

Looking back over my month of mornings with the LORD, I struggle to believe I did it. That is, until I remember that I didn’t. All the praise should go to the LORD. He’s the one who got me out of my bed, kept me out of bed when every fibre of my being was commanding I get back under the covers, and he created caffeine!

I’ve dinifitely learnt a thing or two from my morning quiet times, they certainly have been sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. And It’s not just me that’s had the benefit, but I’ve been able to pass it on the friends by praying for them, or texting them a helpful verse. It’s been such a blessing to share the experience with my friend Rhian too, and to have an excuse to treat ourselves to a Starbucks as a reward!

The real test of my 5 o’clock club membership is whether or not I carry it on. I’m glad to say that despite my challenge ending on Sunday, my alarm still goes off at 6:45am, and I’m still spending time with my LORD before I face the day. 

I leave you with a Psalm I read the other day that’s been really helpful to me this week; but beware, it begins with a challenge!

Psalm 34

“I will extol the LORD at all times; 
his praise will always be on my lips. 
 My soul will boast in the LORD;
       let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
       let us exalt his name together.
 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
       he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
       their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
       he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
       and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
       blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints,
       for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
       but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
 Come, my children, listen to me; 
   I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
       and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
       and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
       seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
       and his ears are attentive to their cry;
 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
       to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
       he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
       and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
       but the LORD delivers him from them all;
 he protects all his bones,
       not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
       the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
 The LORD redeems his servants;
       no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.”