Out with the Old; in with the New

New Year's Eve is a time to reflect: on what we have achieved within the past twelve months; on what might have been; on injustices to us and others. As a nation, we might judge ourselves on how our football team performed in the World Cup; or how our elected representatives have served us. Sadly, neither of these indicators fill the author with confidence. On an individual level, we may be proud of what we have achieved in our work. We may have welcomed new-born family members or bid farewell to lifelong friends. We may be glad to see the back of this year. What makes us think next year will be any better, or worse?

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Philippi, encourages us to forget what is behind, and strain forward to what is ahead in order to win the prize for which God has called us. (Philippians 3:13, 14).

So how will we move forward? Can we manage in our own strength? Some of us may feel that is the only way. "If it's to be, it's up to me." Well, personally, I tried to do it my way for many years; only to find that I couldn't achieve what I was setting out for. My trail through life is littered with hurt, broken relationships, personal failings and bruised pride. So where do we find this confidence that Paul refers to?

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

Philippians 3:7-9 New International Version

So, the answer seems to lie in not just believing in yourself, not even believing in Jesus. Paul tells us that not until we consider our own achievements of lesser importance than actually 'knowing' Jesus, and having faith that we become righteous only due to what Jesus achieved on our behalf on the cross, can we be considered righteous.

If you find that passage of scripture difficult to follow, or you do not understand the concept of 'knowing Jesus', you might be interested in joining others with questions on the subject of the Christian faith. The Alpha Course is available around the world. My local church in Brighton has a course starting in January. If you are not local to Brighton, you can find out where you can join a course here.

So, what will the New Year hold in store for us? My prayers are for sound leadership of our nation by honourable men and women, regardless of the political party that they represent. I also pray for fairness and justice for all. I pray for members of my family to know Jesus as I have come to know Him. I pray for financial blessings and for good health. Oh, and it would be nice for Brighton & Hove Albion to grace our new stadium with Championship level football next season.

What about you? What are your hopes and/or prayers for 2011?

Whatever you seek in the coming twelve months, I wish you every success.

May God pour His blessings on you.

The Nativity Episode 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00x173n/The_Nativity_Episode_2/

Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged - an alternative Christmas message

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Not the usual Christmas message. No “A child is born” or “Peace and Goodwill to all Men”. The traditional images of Christmas depict the birth of our Lord Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Over the years our perceptions of Christmas have dramatically changed. Children of many generations struggled to sleep on the night of 24^th December as they listened out for sleigh bells. The ringing, or beeping in the digital age, of the till has replaced the tinkling of Rudolph and his chums.

Christmas has always been a time for gathering families together; for the exchanging of gifts; for gorging over turkey, Brussels sprouts, little sausages covered in bacon, Christmas pudding and mince pies; a time for drinking and eating too much and a time for falling asleep in front of the Queen’s speech and Morecambe and Wise.

These days, the whole period seems to be just a celebration of spending money not yet earned in order to try to satisfy our media-hyped hunger for the latest trinkets and toys. The iPad has replaced the train set; the wii supersedes the humble teddy bear.

Christmas increasingly becomes a daunting time for many families; more so those fragmented by relationship breakups. There never seems to be enough money to go around. The author keeps hearing people complain, “I just can’t get in to the Christmas spirit”, and empathises totally with that cry. Am I alone in the fear that my small offerings will not be sufficient when it comes to the extended family handing out of presents? I suspect not.

Divorcees and those separated from their spouses face a particularly difficult time over the festive season. Trying to please everyone, not wishing to disappoint or offend family members or in-laws, can turn Christmas into a trial for many. Before I start spouting “Bah, humbug!” at the whole holiday debacle, time for a rethink, maybe.

The message of Christmas is crying out to be taken back to its roots; a time for celebrating the birth of our Messiah. I appreciate many readers of this message will not even believe in Jesus; indeed, pagan celebrations at this time of year predate Christianity. Most will, however, recognise the erosion of family values that has contributed to turning Christmas into a retail-led feeding frenzy.

I know many families will actually be enjoying the festivities as they are meant to be celebrated. It is refreshing to hear of friends experiencing the joy of Christmas as it was intended; the celebration of the birth of a king who will lead us from repression and slavery into forgiveness and healing.

For those of us who can become anxious and saddened by the world around us at this time of the year, praise God for his promises. He goes before us and will never leave or forsake us.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Paul's Story -CCK Brighton

Weak but Indispensable

Do you sometimes wish you could be like someone else? Are you envious of those around you who seem to be so good at doing what you would like to do? Do you ever wonder why you are so useless while others can apply themselves to almost anything? Do you feel you don't fit in?

We compare ourselves to others at our peril. We can never be the way we see others. This kind of thinking leads to depression, low self-esteem and is potentially dangerous, psychologically.

When we try to measure up against others, we do ourselves a gross disservice; we also discredit our maker. The bible states that God made us in his image. (Genesis 1:27) That does not mean He made us all identical. Paul, the apostle, describes us as separate parts of one body.

(1 Corinthians 12: 12)

Paul goes on to elaborate that each part of the body is essential to every other part:

"If the whole body were all one eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were all one ear, where would be the sense of smell?"

(1 Corinthians 12:17, English Standard Version)

We also need to be careful we don't rate ourselves too highly.

In my previous career in the rail industry, I worked my way up to an influential management role with budgets of up to £1 million pounds in improvement works. I was responsible for maintenance and building work within a geographical area stretching from London to Chichester and Hastings. Later, I started my own marketing business and was a committee member in the Federation of Small Businesses. I also served as a school governor. I considered myself a pillar of society.

Within a few short years I found myself living in a flat above a kebab shop, my second marriage on the rocks. I went from self-employed to unemployed; from highly respected to no self-respect. I suffered from bouts of depression and couldn't keep up a regular job. I allowed myself to slip into the benefits trap. There was no hope for me.

But, just at the right time, when I felt I couldn't sink any lower, God moved into my life. I realised that I needed to move out of my flat; my flatmate was an alcoholic and a negative influence on me. I also needed to get back into a "proper" job. I moved into a house with some other Christian guys and then reported to the Job Centre. I got the first job I applied for: a store assistant and relief driver in a decorators' supplies store. Not exactly what I had previously been accustomed to, but a job, nevertheless.

A truly humbling experience; but both the house and the job were answers to prayer. God hadn't yet finished with the humbling process, though. I volunteered to serve on an Alpha Course, which offers an introduction to the Christian life. Having attended an Alpha Course that led to my becoming a born again Christian, I was eager to serve as a table leader. I was asked to serve on the door. a position that my still proud self thought was below my calling. I soon realised that, far from being the insignificant label that I had given the role, meeting and greeting new guests is one of the most important positions you could wish for. I was possibly the first member of the church that these dear visitors would encounter. How I made them feel welcome would influence their decision whether or not to return

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the church of Corinth, observes:

"On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."

(1 Corinthians 12: 22, English Standard Version)

So, no matter how ineffective or insignificant you may feel, God has great plans for you. Each one of us is blessed with gifts or talents that we may not even be aware. Some are good at public speaking; some are better at encouraging others; some of us are gifted singers or musicians; others have a talent for drawing or writing. Some are good listeners; others may be great networkers.

One thing is for sure. What ever talent or gift you have been blessed with, no matter how small it may seem to you; God wants you to use it for the benefit of others.

Further reading:

from the Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.

If you would like to know more about the Christian faith, you might like to attend The Alpha Course, which offers a free meal, solid teaching, the opportunity to ask questions and meet new friends in a relaxed setting. Click here for more details.

If you would like to know more about how I became a Christian, click here.

Email me at paul.forrest@articlewriter.biz