“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 (ESV)

Sometimes it is difficult to make the time. Sometimes I cannot be bothered to make the time. Sometimes I cannot face making the time. So, I will do anything to allow time to consume me – in doing anything other than making the time, for the task I know I should be doing. I call it displacement theory: I displace the essential task with the secondary or ordinary.

Until this October, I have been able to attend our mid-week communion service that is presently held here at the university campus where I work. However, with the latest tabled changes in personnel I am not available to attend. I have to endure instead, the imposition of being placed on an inquiry desk until past the communion finish time.

Today, because of temporary staffing arrangements I have managed, for once, to get my lunch earlier, in time for the communion service. It was great to be able to attend and enjoy being in the presence of God and those few from my fellow believers who have made the effort and are based here.

It made me rather rueful for the times in the past when I occasionally did not go because something had come up and I had not made the time to attend. It has made me more appreciative of the opportunity I have had today to attend the service that I previously have taken for granted!

As we sit down today, why don’t we read our Bibles, and take the time to pray and ask the question: What have I taken for granted as a given today, such as my health, breath, faith and sanity that may not be so obvious a given tomorrow!

PRAYER: LORD, I thank you that you came into the world to spend time with us, to set us free from sin and from dissipation into the world. We rejoice that no matter what our circumstances are, You are always with us, even when we apparently cannot find the time, You do. Thanks LORD. Amen.

by Rod Marshall
Used by Permission

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“Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine…” Luke 10:30-34 (ESV)

I used to be a teacher and a caretaker so I find myself mildly obsessive about order, litter and untidiness in my place of work: home is another matter! One man confided in me that when he saw me for the first time in church, he checked to see if his mobile phone was off, just in case I told him to switch it off!

I progressed through the room at the end of my late night recently and switched off all one hundred of the machines as they became vacant. I also cleared up the discarded packaging resultant from the students’ eating, hidden from the view of my office window: bless them. As I let go of my collection into the bin, a plastic foil wrapper wafted down, a fugitive from the bin’s lip, and rested by the base. It looked up at me reproachfully. I told it to mind its own business, and to leave me alone. I told my mind not to be so obsessive about a piece of litter on the floor and hesitated for a moment.

It was no good, it drew me like a magnet, I had to pick it up.

As I did so the words of the good Samaritan came to mind. Do not ignore what God has placed at hand for you to do in the service of the Kingdom.

I believe God has put His desire into our hearts to be co-workers as Jesus’ hands and voice to the world. He has placed a burden on our hearts to bind up the broken-hearted that acts like a magnet, to do the right thing and be drawn into action: to be prepared to cross the road, to be involved.

All this from a piece of dropped litter!

PRAYER:  LORD, we ask that You cleanse and forgive us all that is past. As we worship You today, grant us Your presence to perceive Your Kingdom heart of love, wisdom and insight to this world. Let us know the call of Your Holy Spirit on our lives, so that we do not turn away from what You are calling us to do today in the authority of Jesus. Amen.

by Rod Marshall
Used by Permission

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The post Refuse can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “ O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 (ESV)

I regularly find myself distracted, detained or sidetracked by the World, often because I am materialistic. It is a hard thing to be like me – in the world but not of it. Who wants to be a millionaire? I do – until I remember I cannot take it with me and that I have been distracted from God’s purposes. He calls out to me not to take my eyes off Him and to recall His capacity for the outrageous and miraculous and not always the ordinary!

I have, through my life, known the joy of being treated with acceptance and companionship, and I have also known times and situations to the contrary. When the World, and its menu of self-centeredness squeezes my spirit, I cry out to Jesus to deliver me before I am swamped.

As I move in the will of the Kingdom, my spirit rejoices in my Sustainer and Deliverer. However, experience has shown me that I am still two persons in one body. Whilst I rejoice in one part of my being, yet with another, I am filled with dismay. I guess it is all a part of being human, spirit and flesh, having faith, yet still living with some doubt that must be given to God’s care. I gain encouragement from the accounts of Peter, Jacob, and Joseph, because I see in their life struggles encouragement for my own.

Some people have great moments of clarity that change their life, whilst for others these are but a moment’s fancy that soon pass. Such are life’s choices: to see or not; to have faith or to doubt; to believe or not.

For those who are able to see and believe, Jesus has a perfect plan for each, to lift us up and out from the waves!

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV):- “but they who wait for 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.”

PRAYER: LORD, thank You that You miss nothing and are ready to greet us once more at the beginning of the day. Thank You that You watch over us and protect us whilst we are vulnerable or incapable. Thank You that no one slips through Your Omniscience. Thank You that You do not pass by on the other side. Grant us, once more, Your Grace to lift us up today and lead us on. Let us hear Your call to us once more and not be distracted by the waves of life today. Amen.

by Roderick Marshall
Used by Permission

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The post The Plan can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?‘”  Isaiah 45:9-10 (ESV)

I went into town the other day and was attracted by the sound of a woman’s voice reverberating off the surrounding buildings. As I came closer to the point of origin, I found a very smart woman speaking on her mobile phone. By her tone of voice, I could tell she was not happy with the other person. She walked this way and then that: back and forth looking. Not wishing to get a firm rebuke, I passed by and continued on my errand.

On my way back from this chore, I was surprised to find the same person still talking on the telephone. This time her voice was almost into the supersonic sound range as her frustration discharged into the street. To me she sounded reminiscent of a gaggle of tropical fruit bats chattering away as they fight over their food. Reflecting on personal experience, I thought it best to leave well alone because she seemed not to be dismayed, just emotionally aggressive. I presume someone was in for trouble when they finally met up. I hoped for his sake, it was not a first date!

Anyway, as I wandered off, I realized that this had to be written down.

No amount of remonstrating was going to make any difference. I believe she needed to be still, listen to an understanding voice and clear directions.

Lately, I have allowed the inner little boy to get the better of me, in my talk with God. I have remonstrated with God about my personal circumstances. I have been presumptuous and proud, like the clay telling the potter how it wants to be formed. Now I have confessed my error and so I have been forgiven. What a joy it is to find my way into His presence! Jesus said:  “follow me“.

Luke 9:23:- And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (ESV)

PRAYER: Lord, please quiet our hearts and minds, enable us to let you have your way in our lives, and guide our path today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Roderick Marshall
used by permission

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The post Where are You? can be found at Thoughts about God.

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

I find that it is my calling to continue to walk the walk, and talk the talk, where I am. However, in my impatience and lack of faith, sometimes I find myself like Martha, asking for more help!

One Sunday morning I presented my case to the King of Kings. I comforted myself in the knowledge that I had said what needed to be said and thus far was untouched by thunderbolts or gaping holes in the ground. I became aware of a little girl. She stood a short distance away on her own to the side of her parents nearby. She was not more than four years old.

The following question came to mind: What is the one thing that this child you see in front of you needs above all else? Simple, I thought, every small child needs to be loved, accepted, cuddled and protected by their parents. Nothing means more to a child at that age because, untroubled by news, exams and fashion, this is the totality of their world view. They just want to rest secure in the feeling of being hugged, safe from harm.

Then, in my mind, I could see clearly the smile on a child’s face being held against a parent’s chest. It was at this point that I realized that this was not just my imagination because I was also aware of the invitation from God for me to do just that.

So, right in the middle of a Sunday service, I let go of the questions, attitude and stuff, to be enveloped with the warmth of my Savior’s love! I climbed up and I rested in God’s arms. Several weeks later as I write, the picture is clear in my mind and His Love and warmth evident.

All are welcome.

Luke 10:20-21:– “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, I thank you so much for Your Grace – Your willingness to accept us, clean us, and re-clothe us. In Your mercy keep us safe in Your care. Be with all those who need a hug from You today and grant us Your peace, because we come in the name of Jesus, amen.

by Rod Marshall
used by permission

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The post Small Child can be found at Thoughts about God.

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 (ESV)

As I walked around the block recently it occurred to me, as someone who is closer to the end than the beginning of life, how I have changed my horizons.

I prepare, plan ahead, and I look to the future, but, I find that now I appreciate the constant and the good in the present far more than I did in the earlier years of my life. Then I seemed “indestructible” and now I find that I am more prone to breaking. Now I know that the future can be changed by what happens today, then I was always looking to tomorrow. What I feel is impossible today, I have found that by rest and prayer tomorrow, or soon after, God will show me how to overcome, or provide a change of heart within to go through it.

My understanding of Jesus has changed since I was sixteen but I know He is still the Creator Spirit of God that moved across the water in the beginning. I believe He will still be there to roll up the heavens and earth at the end of time itself. A constant, like gravity, a rule that I take for granted by which I live out my daily existence. Without the influence of God in me, I would no longer be the Me that I am used to being!

So in all things I attempt, because sometimes I fail for a time, to see Jesus with me in what life brings me day by day. However, more importantly I look to see His influence within me because even when I cannot see it I know He is with me.

Hebrews 13:8:- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Matthew 10:28 (ESV):- “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body.”

All things are relative!

LORD, we rejoice that You have always been the same. You are always there as we come to You in the Name of Jesus. Have mercy on us and forgive us the past so that we can know Your presence with us today and on into our future. Amen.

By Rod Marshall
Used by Permission

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The post Forever the Same can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22 (ESV)

During the course of the day, students ask me to help them to use the software and hardware in my computer area. I attempt, by my professional application, to engender a sense of peace and quiet confidence within myself, and those who have asked for my support.

At lunchtime, I escape into the local town or park to regain my sanity, such as it is, because my reservoir of helpful energy has become as dry as a bone!

Today as I walked around the lake after the heavy rain, I spotted a swan family: a father, mother and six young cygnets. The cob followed my progress, as I passed by on the lake’s perimeter path, with a brooding look that fixed my eye in such a way as if to say: mine! Anyone who has experienced a swan, six-foot tall and flapping its wings, in full defense mode knows to respect that look.

The six cygnets continued to gently paddle and pick at organic debris with their beaks in an area corralled by their parents, in the full knowledge that their parents brooded over them to keep them safe from harm. Therefore, they were at peace as they paddled.

In contrast to this place of cygnet safety, I am mindful of the fear that robs many of their peace of mind because they do not understand, or lack the knowledge of how to achieve their aims. It is a great satisfaction to see students grow over their time here.

I believe God’s desire is to overcome any fear of the world in us. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Grace of Jesus, broods over His disciples with a watchful eye to set them free from fear. In effect, He says to heaven: mine!

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, we rejoice and praise Your Name. You brood over us and you first loved us -fallen and flawed as we are. Please forgive us when we loose our nerve and forget Your purpose in our lives. Grant us once more an awareness of Your brooding Presence and Peace, in the Name of Jesus, amen.

by Rod Marshall
used be permission

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The post Fear can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world– the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

In light of recent events, I have wanted to think about where I am before God and what He expects of me.

So I went down the imaginary stairs of my consciousness, to the inner store-cupboard of my being.

I made my way past the previously opened boxes, piled in a heap on one side. For now I was keen to find the box I hoped would still be there, so I pressed on and opened the cupboard.

Yes, there it was, the box labelled, “In the need for faith, open“. Its container was somewhat battered and torn by past frequent use and abuse but lately it had become dusty. I struggled with the box as I carried it from the cupboard to a waiting table. There, in the light of the room, I rummaged inside the box and pulled out a cassette entitled “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego“. Its tale can also be found in Daniel chapter 3.

I placed it in the player on the table. It told of three God-fearing people who, by an attitude of faith, were blessed. They built a bridge of trust with God between a time of imminent painful death in a fiery furnace by order of the king, and a time where they were to find themselves coming out of the furnace untouched. With either outcome in mind they had been prepared to face the fear of death because they loved God more than this life.

It is a reminder I re-play to myself time and again. It tells of faithfulness expected and rewarded. I believe it speaks of daring courage, self-sacrifice, in the face of a painful torture. How could they do it? They believed their life would be kept safe in God’s hands, even through death itself.

“ for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way“. Daniel 3:29b (ESV)

LORD, in your mercy hear our prayers for our world today. LORD, for those in positions of oversight faced with the impossible, unbearable, overwhelming or ceaseless, bring to their hearts and minds your Wisdom, Peace, Hope and your deliverance from dissipation.

LORD, in our time stem the tide of fear. Show us the way You wish us to go in Your Kingdom and grant us the courage to remain faithful wherever that may lead us. Give us eyes that see the need, ears that hear the call and a spirit that is willing to serve, to the praise of Your Name. Amen.

By Rod Marshall
Used by Permission

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Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

The post Boxes can be found at Thoughts about God.

“And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” Malachi 4:6(ESV).

A friend of mine was preaching yesterday. His text was on John the Baptist. He made the connection between the verse in Luke 1:17 and the corresponding verse reference in Malachi given above. What struck me was something quite simple within this verse in Malachi.

I had never noticed before this aspect of Fatherhood. Something within said that there is a danger, where parents are too busy for their children, that it can have effects on the family and on the society both present and future. The sins of the parents will be visited on the children, a self-fulfilling prophecy for the people, with a curse as consequence for the land.

I talked to my wife about this thought and in reply, she mentioned an article in her magazine entitled something akin to: “How to be a mother in 60 minutes a day“. It raised the question in my heart “Why are we so keen to have families and yet not give them the priorities given in scripture?” Yes, we need money to live but at what a cost?

Jesus was keen to receive the small children, wants us to come to Him with the uncluttered and wholehearted faith of children. They are important to Him because they are just the same in spirit as those of us who are older, in a more capacious container. Why then is the bus-I-ness (ie. being too busy for too long) of work creating an acceptability of absenteeism that is in danger of consuming the society we hoped to grow and be a part of, where there is no space for more.

I think about my own parenthood. How has this been influenced by my history? How, in turn, am I influencing, have influenced, my children? How will this influence my children’s children?

Matthew 18:3 (ESV):- and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

PRAYER: LORD, I thank You that You do not treat us as our sins deserve because we come to You in the name of Jesus the Christ. Hallelujah!
LORD today, deliver us from this evil: being too busy for our loved ones. Thank You that You are never too busy for us. Grant that we may live a good example of what may be a right balance between worship, work and play in our lives.
LORD, You love the childlike simplicity of the Young. Heal those of us who have hurts and burdens that we carry with us which make us too busy to be able to care. Amen.

by Rod Marshall
Used by Permission

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The post Children and Parents can be found at Thoughts about God.

“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13 (ESV)

Have you ever seen some phenomenon in nature that could have been put there just for you?

Years ago I was awaiting the end of term, the end of my time in school and my exam results. I was more than 200 miles away from home and still some way away from God. However, I suspected that He was about there somewhere, watching over me.

One summer’s night I looked towards the orange-gray haze of the evening horizon and wondered.

As some “what if’s” passed through my mind, my eyes saw briefly a shooting star. Maybe this was just a trick of the eye but it was so unusual I decided it must be a good omen. I do not know why. Then I asked the question: Can God talk to me through nature? Weeks later I found that, one of the “what if’s” I had pondered that twilight, had come true: co-incidence?

Neither of my parents are Christians. They do not see the need for God. They believe they will die and decompose. I love them more than I can say but it would appear that my discussions with them about my Savior and His Love for them have been a waste of time.

After one visit to see them a few years ago, I was driving back home when I saw a rainbow. Something inside said to me this rainbow was to be, for me, a reminder. It was as if God had said: “Rod, listen, I have heard your prayers and everything is in hand. Now trust in me for your parents.” I had such a peace in my heart that tears rolled down my cheeks.

Have you ever gone looking for a full rainbow? They are a lot harder to find than you might at first think.

PRAYER: LORD, You are the Alpha and Omega and the Good Shepherd. You hold the keys to Death and Hades and You delight in little children. You know the number of the hairs on our head and the cares of our innermost being. In Your awesomeness, have mercy on us LORD and this day forgive us our failures. Into Your care and great compassion, we lift our loved ones before You today. LORD, hear our prayers. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

by Rod Marshall
used by permission

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The post Rainbows can be found at Thoughts about God.