FINISHING LAST...

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed…like the whole world is against you...tired and struggling, even with what is the normal routine of your everyday life?

Does it sometimes seem like the grass is greener for those with more money, better looks, or even those without kids or the opposite a super-supportive family or spouse?

Well, if you do feel like this from time to time, take heart you’re NOT alone!

I am on my third day in on a domestic charge, tackling jobs which MUST be done for our household to operate smoothly and I tell you at times I think…Oh poor me...Single mother with my head down ploughing away…Some people have it so much easier!

But then when God gently reminds me of the truth, of how abundantly blessed I truly am, scriptures come to mind which encourage me on my journey.

So today I hope to encourage you as God has done for me… 

One job I did this morning was to fill my car up with fuel and at the local service station.  The attendant offered me a ‘free’ newspaper because I had spent over five dollars…and as I flicked through the paper at home this is a heading that jumped out at me…

“NICE GUYS AND GALS FINISH LAST” – it was a heading for a report on a movie.

I couldn’t help but think, “Oh yes this is what the world tells me and the lie that I sometimes entertain.”

The ‘free’ newspaper, obviously a marketing ploy by the declining company was FULL of worldly rot…here are some examples, I kid you not…

On the front cover are 6 female teenagers in skimpy swimsuits, apparently all with different body shapes.   Another feature article is James Packer and Robert DeNiro labelled as ‘Booze Brothers’ for their business arrangement.  Yet another bullying story.  An animal cruelty story, and lots of stories on sports or athletes…This is the ‘high quality’ enticing free gift being offered to Aussies this weekend…

So once again people in Australia are being fed a load of rubbish that says in order to win in this life you’d better be either super glamorous, great at sport or a mega-rich tycoon...because the truth is that nice guys and gals come last apparently.

What a lie…Jesus actually said that those who are first will be last and those who are last shall be first in God’s Kingdom.

“Oh yeah, but there’s no afterlife…” Is a common idea these days… “make the most of life while you’re living.” Is another phrase often heard.

But again, another damaging lie that the world will tell you!
 

If you’ve been sucked in to the world’s lies, take heart don’t despair because Jesus who always speaks the truth said that if you seek Him (and He is the Truth) you will surely find Him!

When the disciples said to Jesus “we’ve left everything to follow you…” Jesus encouraged them by reminding them that God is NOT unjust and He will NOT overlook their loyalty.

So today I write to you as me, just another ordinary person who faces life’s challenges, and I want to encourage you in continuing to do good every day in your life, no matter what obstacles you may be facing or have faced…because you are NOT alone.  God is with you and does see all, and He provides you with His children for further support.

Have friends or family disassociated themselves from you due to your faith in Jesus?

Please do take heart, because your brothers and sisters also have faced this to some extent, we are not alone in our resistance against the world’s lies and pressures to renounce our faith.

Are you tired of the pressures of family duties or work commitments?

Well I do know what this feels like, but it helps me to remember that my children and work are actually a blessing from God.  God has entrusted my children to my care and when I work and serve them I am actually serving Him!

So in both the good times and difficult seasons let us have our faith anchored in The One who is firm, and continue to give Him praise by our committed lives.

 

 

God bless, Melanie.

 



Filled...

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

The message has gone out – across the mountains and the seas

The message has been heard by the captive and the free.

It should remain unchanged, as it’s God’s perfect truth

But when we look around, compromise is the proof.

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

God’s perfect plan revealed, in the person Jesus Christ

But the wolves aim to win, with a silent deadly heist.

Steady and unwavering, founded the early church’s might

The Gospel had a cost, and was a glorious light.

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

Forever God is Holy, His children forever changed

The sinner to a saint, no longer estranged.

Stumbling blocks to truth and healing, are put in people’s way

By those who are teaching, it’s ok to stay the same.

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

Filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord!

The Bible has one message, from the Old Testament to the New

God is forever unchanging, and paid the price of sin for you.

But will you let Him change you, and live your life for Him

Or are you stubborn and unyielding, remaining trapped in deadly sin?

“But the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”  Hab 2:14 (NRSV)

Rick Warren stated: “Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”

An unknown author said: “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”

In love, Melanie.



The King has been born ~ Boxing Day 2013

At Christmas I do hope we still hear about the birth of the King of Kings, Jesus…who was the Christ child, born into the world He would save.

Today on Boxing Day, I am sitting at home reflecting upon how we spend this day, and I am hoping that as Christians we are honouring our King today!

As a young child the name ‘boxing day’, confused and slightly worried me…you see I wondered if somewhere in the city there was a big boxing match being  held!  Because to be honest I’ve never appreciated boxing as a sport, sorry not trying to offend anyone…just being honest.

I was a simple, young country girl, who just wanted everyone to get along…and to be real, some of the simple country girl still remains in me…But now I’m just more realistic and understand that our world is broken.  However I do so look forward to when our true King returns and reigns, for His Kingdom is one of peace and righteousness!

 

I was AMAZED when I was older to be told the true meaning behind ‘Boxing Day’…I was awe struck to realise that there had been people reaching out to others in need and ‘boxing-up’ gifts!  Maybe I thought… “Wow, perhaps our world isn’t so bad after all.”

So today I ask you…shouldn’t Boxing Day and really our whole lives reflect the Kingdom of God?

For as Christians we are no longer estranged from God – in fact we are royalty along with Jesus.

Here’s some things I hope help to inspire you…because Jesus’ Kingship actually filters down to us.

 

JESUS' KINGSHIP:

The three gifts offered to Jesus as a child give us a glimpse into Jesus’ Kingship…the gold is an obvious gift fit for a King and also Frankincense a beautiful smelling incense and myrrh an anointing oil are.  Yet these gifts also offer a glimpse into Jesus’ future as the true messiah, the King of Kings, Immanuel (God with us). Gold can represent Jesus’ Kingship; frankincense Jesus’ high priestly role and myrrh can be used for his death.  Check out more here:

http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/why-did-the-magi-bring-gold-frankincense-and-myrrh/

But wait there’s more...OUR ROYAL INHERITANCE:

Scripture says: 'But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.' ( 1 Pet2:9 NRSV)

Jesus Himself said that we are no longer servants, but His friends, and we understand that through blessed Jesus, we receive adoption into God’s family...wow!

I must acknowledge that there are times when I feel so far from that of a royal princess!  We are in a world that does not acknowledge the one true King…we are in a world where self is king…self has become god for many…

 

Here in Australia today, there will indeed be countless people rushing to the shops to grab their Boxing Day bargains – Boxing Day sales are huge here!  I’m sorry if this sounds judgemental because I’m just wanting to be honest…you see the truth is I highly doubt if these bargains will be boxed-up for people less fortunate…

 

Jesus’ Kingdom has come for us as Christians, but is still yet to come fully to our world and we eagerly await our King’s return.  But how we wait matters! 

While we pray…“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as in Heaven…” Shouldn’t we be a reflection of God’s Kingdom in our life?  A reflection of what it is like to be a member of royalty…what it’s like to be a child of the King of Kings.

No, we won’t always get our lives and attitudes right because we are still waiting for all sin to be done away with…but God remains constant and good and He is more than willing to reach others with His love through His children.

It is true that every good gift comes from God, so let’s be open to being a vessel He may use to give His good gifts to others.  This willingness need not come from a belief that one must serve to be a ‘good Christian’…because remember our good deeds are filthy rags and we do not earn our salvation…life actually isn’t about us! 

Our willingness should be from a joyous heart of a prince or princess who is secure in their Father, the King of Kings, and who wants to welcome their brothers and sisters into their good Kingdom.

 

I want to ask one more question before I end this post because I think it’s healthy for us all…
 

How does your life reflect God’s Kingdom has come to you, and how are you sharing this good news?

As always, in love, Melanie.

 

My Sister And I

When I was younger, I thought it was strange

I wasn’t like my sister, perhaps I should change?

You see she was a beauty, stunning and dark

And I was the scraggy, shy little lark.

 

“I think you’re adopted”, was something she said

And this only fuelled the thoughts in my head.

Why was I different, and not like her?

I just didn’t realise, it was all a big stir!

 

That was until later, as years had passed on

We had grown close, and really got along.

And I stopped to reflect, on how funny life is

We had become so similar; it could put your mind in a fizz.

 

You see I had darkened, and both with eyes green

Our resemblance was now obvious, easily seen.

But wait oh no, it doesn’t stop there

I need to say more, it only seems fair.

 

 

As time had went on, we both had three sons

We lived in the country, and enjoyed being mums.

Our sons were best cousins, that was so true

But two even shared a birthday, two years apart too.

 

The artistic streak, from our DNA was strong

We both were creative and could belt out a song.

We both loved animals, and had them as pets

We’d give anything a go, even being ‘home vets’.

 

Camping or boating, tennis or dance

We’d fully participate, given the chance.

When we were both talking, it could often be said

We knew what the other, thought in their head.

 

Our voices, they even sounded the same

It wasn’t put on, no it wasn’t a game.

Our taste buds, our twitches, our bodies alike

 

The aches and the pains, and the determination to fight.

It was all engrained from the creator, deep inside us both

It was plain, crystal clear, no need for an oath.

Social and loving, generous and true

Both Aussie women, through and through.

 

We both like to rhyme, which is why I sat down

To pen this poem, and it’s not with a frown.

For I love my big sister, and our similarities

They help form our bond, and firm solidarity.

 

Merry Christmas my sister, this poem I give

Praise be to Jesus, because it’s through Him we both live!

I thank Him for you, today and forever

Without you I don’t want to be, not now, not never!

 

 

CHRISTMAS 2013

HIDE IN HIM!

Today I am choosing to hide inside my home with the air-conditioning running non-stop!

I tell you a short while ago I felt soooo grumpy – it was like I was under spiritual attack from the enemy…

I read something today that I felt I just had to write a post about…and I can now see it all fitting together…isn’t God good how He does that?

From what I read this is what stood out the most, “Don’t hide from God, hide in God!”

And I thought YES!  Yes, this is soooo important; it is a nugget of truth…foundational Christian truth.

It may be something some Christians do unconsciously daily in their Christian walk, because during tough times we do pray and seek refuge in God.

However the idea of hiding in Jesus and not from Him I think is an important lesson that we need to pass on, and teach other young Christians – because we all do come under attack and when we do, our reaction matters!

I believe there are times in people’s lives (even for Christians) when we think we should hide from God!  You see the enemy is a liar, and will try to convince you that you’re not good enough to seek God…let alone His protection and help…but this is a lie!

Jesus came to SAVE sinners!

You don’t have to have it all together to seek Jesus…Jesus told His disciples to tell the world that all people can have a relationship with God through Him, when they repent and put Jesus first in their life!

“But I’ve called out to Jesus many times before.”  Does this sound like you? Well I tell you, it was me!  And even now as I live my life with God’s help to put Jesus first in all things, I still fall short of God’s standards…I’m not saying that I deliberately choose to sin, I’m saying that I do sin and stuff up…I mean you should have heard me earlier…I was not very nice to my beautiful kids.

But I have a choice I can repent and seek God, or hide from Him and wallow in my grumpiness.

What about bigger problems, you know the gut wrenching ones?

The ones which when they happen we’re left wondering, “Why God are you allowing this to happen in my life, when I’m YOUR child?”

We must choose during these most horrible times to “Hide in Him”, rather than believe the enemy’s lies and then hide from God.  I have found that there are times when I actually haven’t done anything really wrong, and yet something awful has happened…I can’t control other people or my world…but the wonderful truth is that no matter what changes around me, God doesn’t, for He is constantly faithful and sure.

So here’s an idea – let’s play Hide and seek and tag…YOU’RE IT!

So pass it on… “Don’t hide from God, Hide in Him.”

Love Mel J

 

Give Me Your Eyes!

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see…

Do you relate to the heart of this song?  Do you hear God’s call in it?

I know I do…ever since I began my new life with Christ I have heard His call to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel…and I believe that we are all called to be agents of change within the world, in whatever capacity God grants us.  I believe that the ‘great commission’ is actually for ALL CHRISTIANS…this is my belief based upon my relationship with God through Christ and scripture.

Is this a bit full on for you?  I respect if it is…perhaps it’s not the way you were raised or what you have been taught…perhaps you are used of constraints and thinking, “that’s just not my gifting.” 

Now I’m NOT saying constraints are bad, indeed God Himself helps us with self-control and with living genuine Christian lives…However when we begin to constrain God and His gospel into a box and make un-biblical excuses for ourselves…well then I’m sorry but I do not believe that this is all God has planned for you.  God is so generous in including us in His glorious work, and He abundantly provides for us in our efforts with Him for His Kingdom when we genuinely ask Him.

When we genuinely seek Jesus as Lord, He faithfully responds and gives us His heart and eyes!

Sometimes the road can be long though, so let’s not grow weary in seeing the world through His eyes…Let’s keep the desire burning bright and keep praying, “Lord, give me Your eyes so I can see!”



Today I was blessed to watch another Aussie woman, Christine Caine share her heart for the Gospel and I must say that her heart is beating in time with mine and I share her passion.

If you truly want God’s eyes for this world and need some inspiration, then watch this clip.

'Clip of Christine Caine'

In Love, Melanie :)

I Won't Budge!

Compromise…Let’s be honest we do need to be flexible and open to compromise with other people, or we’d probably resort to living as a hermit!

However I’ve been thinking lately that there are just some things that I will not compromise on...and you know what, I’m ok about it.

Call me stubborn, single-minded, a bigot or a B if you will, but be warned, I won’t be bullied into changing because God has made me stronger than that…

And yes truth be told, I have been called all of these things and they can make an impact.

However ultimately it’s God’s approval I desire and not other people’s…Yes I want to be approachable and loving…kind and generous…but I am also firm in my convictions and on some things I will not budge.

Some of you may be thinking…hmmm is this woman preaching law here or grace? 

But this is not the case…I simply am saying that with God’s help I am focusing my eyes upon Jesus and I have my Christian convictions that I will not move from because of my love for Christ, as a response to His mercy and grace.

I do not want to be swayed here and there by any different message or to be deviated from God’s plan for my life…and oh how easy it can be to be swayed…can you relate to this?

Cause sometimes I get tired and sometimes I doubt if I’ve really gotten God’s message right.

And to be totally honest sometimes I can even wonder if I am really deserving of God’s best due to my past…and it’s then that the negativity from worldly people can impact me.

However I know this is not from God as He lifts me up from those wrong thoughts when I draw near to him in prayer, scripture and spending time with His people.

Once again He lovingly reminds me that I am His daughter and am greatly valued by Him…so greatly valued that Jesus Christ died in my place, and has been raised to life, as I will also be.

This is why I now value myself enough to not be bullied or swayed by pressure from others!  God values and respects me, so I value and respect myself.  I want to be faithful to the Lord and I want God’s plan for my life above anything else…so I will not budge from my Christian convictions.

I am not going to preach to you what my convictions are…

What I will say though is this:  What are your Christian convictions that YOU are unwilling to move from? 

Is this a difficult question for you to answer?

If so I’d recommend you pray and spending time with God in His Word, the Holy Bible…because God is faithful and true and will faithfully respond to your request to lead you in His righteousness!

In love, Melanie J

 

A simple life...

Do you live a simple life?

One that is free from frills and lavish luxuries?

Or do you indulge in God’s blessings?

Do you try to find a balance?

Personally I find myself walking a fine line between enjoying life and idolatry…the line of a disciple.

This post is not supposed to be one full of my wise opinion by the way, and I am not trying to assert that I have it all down pat!  Rather I would prefer to discuss this topic to see what you think and how you walk this line…for we learn from each other.

This morning I decided to spend some time looking after myself…but then again I could say it another way…this morning I spent some time treating myself - Subtle difference in this statement, but quite a big difference in meaning.

During this time; I had a full facial, my eyebrows were shaped, teeth cleaned, fingernails manicured, body hair removed and my hair was re-foiled…

What are you thinking so far?  Is this a tad excessive or just maintenance?

Are you thinking, “What a lot of money wasted!”

Well, what if I told you I did this all myself at home in my own bathroom, and that it didn’t cost me much more than my time?  Does this change your opinion or is it still way to vain?

Well the truth be told, I did do all these things but I won’t be justifying it here, as I’d rather prompt thought and discussion!

Previously I have had an extensive period in my Christian life where I refrained from whatever I considered to be more than necessary maintenance to avoid excessive vanity and this extended even into the clothes and jewellery I wore.  Honestly I do not regret this period in my life at all, it was a good simplifying experience – however I must acknowledge that it did change some people’s perceptions of me, some positive and some not so…

Now-a-days I try to put my best foot forward when in public, but I don’t want to appear pompous!  I do take time-out to ‘treat’ myself and enjoy doing so…but I just don’t want it to take over me.

There is so much more I could write, for there are even relatable scripture passages which could be discussed…However as I said I’d rather prompt thought and discussion.

So what’s your opinion? Do you personally live a simple life?

Then we can go one step further…does this issue differ for men and women?

And what about husbands, what level of vanity do you expect, or accept from your wife?

Do you live a simple life?

Melanie J

 

 

In Him...

 

How is the State of you heart?

Who or what is your heart’s first love?

What drives you on each day?

I think these are healthy assessing questions for us all…

You see I want to walk the walk…not just talk the talk of a Christian!

As I spent time with God today I was thinking this – I don’t want to be someone who is just good at saying the right things and not so good at humbling myself before the Lord…then God gave me this scripture…

For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ Acts 17:28a

We must remain vigilant in keeping Jesus as our heart’s first love, for there is no real life without Him!

I am not asserting this as someone who is spiritually superior – far from it! 

This is coming from the depth of my heart, as a woman who knows what it’s like to feel tired and exhausted…yet who is energised by our faithful God to love…

The energy He provides is good and unlimited yet I need to keep seeking Him daily…for it is indeed only through Him that I live and move and am energised!

We are still frail in our current state, susceptible to many pressures and realities…However if we remain humble and continue to seek His face…resisting the temptation to be puffed up by our accomplishments…we can experience the goodness of the Gospel daily, for we are not saved from anything we have done or can do…it is only through Jesus Christ that we live and move and have our being…all the thanks goes to Him!

Melanie J

 

RELIGION

What do you think of religious practices?

Do you feel obliged as a Christian to adhere to certain practices, or do you think that religious practices only relate to those who enjoy High church liturgy?

What is your definition of religious practices?

Please don’t think I’m pressuring you here…I’m just wanting you to think!

I was having a conversation with a newish friend today, and I was surprised at their pre-conceived ideas about my ‘religious practices’.  Their rough ideas were based upon their previous experience with other Christian people, and also the Christian denomination I am associated with…

Now please don’t get me wrong.  I am not saying that this is wrong to do, for if we are honest we’ll realise that we all do this when we meet new people…don’t we?  Even if it’s unconsciously, we try to figure out other people as quickly as possible to ‘deal’ with them appropriately.  However I must say that I was a bit surprised at their pre-conceived ideas because they were so different from my experiences.  Again this is not to say that their ideas were bad or wrong…it’s just what it was…

We chatted a lot and one topic was legalism within Christianity… now this post is not going to deal with this huge topic.  We briefly talked about law and grace and religious practices.  I also mentioned experiencing God’s grace, my heart’s desire to no longer sin but to live in faithful obedience to God, and my continued need for forgiveness.

Later I read this passage… Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world…James 1:27 NRSV.  It got me thinking and hence this post…

Firstly the word ‘religion’ is used here in scripture as a given…so as Christians we are expected to have religious practices…hmmm interesting isn’t it J  So maybe religious practices are not something Christians should be scared of, even if they've had a not so good experiences with legalism in the past.

Then how cool is this?  The next part tells us about our attitude and what to focus on!  You see ‘pure and undefiled before God’ I believe is referring to our attitude or our heart…

If we genuinely care for other people, like orphans and widows in their distress (or people generally having a tough time) from a heart that wants to love them in response to God’s grace and mercy, then this is cool RELIGIOUS PRACTICE to God!  It is pure because our motive and attitude is honest.

When someone is stained by the world they are ‘tainted’ by sin and will serve themselves before others…

Spend a moment reflecting upon Hosea 6:6
'For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
    the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.'

Jesus even referred to this Hosea scripture challenging the pharisees.

Read it here: Matthew 12:1-8

And here: Matthew 9:1-13

So let me ask you…what is your definition of religious practices?  Did you realise that by genuinely helping out another person in a time of need is a biblical, Christian definition?  

Wow, how simple yet cool!

So how are your religious practices going lately?

Melanie J

Shoes...

As shoes for your feet…I have always loved this scripture!

As shoes for your feet...I have always loved this scripture!

Maybe because this means that I can proclaim the gospel in pretty shoes…LOL

On a more serious note, proclamation has not been the most prominent though in my mind recently, as I’m sure you’ll understand with our recent move that we have been very busy…

Yes, here we are in our new house and town, and I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know, that this little, (I am only around 5’3”) Ordinary Aussie Woman, and her 3 sons are settling in well.

Indeed we’ve been blessed to have met 3 sets of Christian neighbours so far, and received the most warmest reception from our new church family…God is indeed Good!

Have you been getting ready for Christmas yet?

To be honest, I would like a quiet, un-busy Christmas this year.  However I think experiencing Christmas does include some active participation…So it seems that yes, we still will be active this Christmas, I just hope we can keep it simple, so that this special occasion does not overwhelm and exhaust me J

Tasks like cleaning, finalising our previous property, cleaning and cooking, settling in and yes cleaning (have I mentioned that yet?), along with shopping for Christmas have been taking up my time…

While out and about yesterday Christmas shopping with my sons, I decided to get a much needed haircut, thinking that way I’ll be neat and groomed for Christmas and summer. There was an appointment available later that day, so I booked it in.

Proclamation REALLY was not what was on my mind as I slipped on a pretty pair of lime green dress shoes…I just wanted to feel pretty in preparation for my appointment!

As I was having my hair washed at the basin I could not relax, I felt rather anxious and so I decided to just focus my mind on Jesus…anyway soon I was sitting in the chair and my young hairdresser began making friendly conversation…

I think it’s important here to let you know, that a lot of the time I do intentionally share my faith with other people…however honestly this was not what I was intentionally planning to do as I sat in the chair with my new stylist, I was more concerned with her understanding my requirements.

Anyway after she started trimming my hair, the owner of the salon asked me what I did…to which I replied mothering and study…I did not feel like mentioning that I studied ministry!  Not long later my young stylist the asked me specifically what I was studying…so then I had to answer her…

What followed was one of the most interesting and invigorating conversations that I’ve had with a young non-Christian person before…twice I had to stop and think about her faith questions and acknowledge that I really appreciated her though-provoking questions.  I knew that this meeting was no coincidence, and that God was planting thought-seeds in this young woman’s mind…IT WAS TRULY A BLESSING.

So be encouraged my friends and remember “as shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace!”  Even if you don’t feel like it, and you're wearing pretty (uncomfortable) dress shoes...let God’s Spirit lead you…what a blessing.

In love Melanie J