Our hope is that your heart may thrill at knowing there is an unseen work of the Holy Spirit going on in which Jesus receives the glory and the glorious Church is made manifest.

Please download the pdf here. JESUS is Building His Church.

“In this booklet I have shared my heart and life. You will have sensed my earnestness. Let me ask therefore that you don’t lightly reject anything you may not understand or may disagree with.
Please ponder these things and seek God about them. You well may listen carefully to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit, just as I have shown in what I have written. This could be more important than you know.”

How we long to experience both in this generation and the next a people so deeply in love with Jesus, and the world so powerfully touched by His grace!  My own feeling about this article is that it is significant and to be read with a wide open heart.

And spreading the flame

Song

There was a really lovely spiritual song, based on Habakkuk 3:17-19, that we used to sing in the early 1980s. I’ve been searching hard for a music copy, in the many older songbooks we have in our house, but can’t find it. If anyone is able to trace it, and make it known, I believe – especially in the light of all that Colin says in the blog – that there would be value in the song being revived among us.

‘Though the fig-tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vine,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls
yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my saviour.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength,
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer
he enables me to go on the heights’

Colin and Joyce Langran

Colin Langran lives in County Wicklow, Ireland with his wife Joyce. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I believe Colin has something to say to the Church today based upon his walk with the Lord and the integrity of his heart. In this  post Colin shares what is on his heart and this sharing comes at a time when we all need to hear what it is that the Lord is saying to his people. We would like to hear your comments on this post and your own experiences.

His Thoughts!

This morning at breakfast as is my wont I turn on the news and find myself listening to the latest episode of our on going financial crises.    Over the past two and a half years hardly a day has passed without the constant reminder over the air waves of the serious economic situation facing our world.   New words have been added to our vocabulary and  we now know about bond holders, subprime mortgages, bailouts, defaults etc.   I am very aware of the terrible human cost of our present difficulties, and it would be a truly hard hearted person who would not be moved by the stories of unemployment, emmigration, home repossessions, bankrupt businesses etc.   Very few of us have not in some way been affected and it is likely that further pain will be suffered in the future.   Add to this, the political turmoil in the Arab World, the Iranian nuclear threat and the many natural disasters which we have witnessed during the past year and we can understand why many might be asking questions as to what is happening to our world.
Another Dimension
Last night I lay awake for quite some time and found myself thinking of a scripture in Hebrews which comments on the life of Moses, by saying that he ‘persevered because he saw him who is invisible’.    Moses is often presented as the prototype of the ideal leader, he was schooled in the Royal court of Egypt, trained in the political military and economic affairs of his time, but this comment points to the fact that he had an awareness of another dimension to life and this was the key to his very existence.   We face  great challenges at this time, do we allow the constant barrage of bad news to dominate our thinking thus becoming part of the pervaiding malaise of doom and gloom or like Moses become aware of another dimension.

In 1 Samuel 9 v 9 there is an interesting comment to the effect that an alternative name for a prophet in the Old Testament was a ‘seer’; a word we rarely use nowadays, it simply means ‘one who sees’.   What did the Prophets see ?    I think they saw God’s dimension or perspective on their contemporary world and it was out of that ‘seeing’ that they spoke and lived.  Put another way they were aware that they were part of another kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven/God, and living as citizens of that kingdom they presented to their contemporary world a different approach to living.  True, they were well aware of and deeply touched by the needs of society around them but this was not what shaped their message or their lives.  I am only too aware that every World crises produces an array of so called ‘prophets’, and more often than not their ‘messages’ becomes a huge distraction to Christians and  time often discredits the things they speak.   It was no different in New Testament times as 2 Thessalonians 2 v 1-4 so clearly shows.   With information so readily available to us even a casual glance via the web will reveal the extent to which present events are being commented on and interpreted.
Habakkuk has something to say to us
I have been struck by the journey of the the prophet  Habakkuk, and feel his experience may be helpful to us, and you might like to take time to read through this Old Testament book.  Habakkuk lived in difficult times, times when there was very little to encourage, uncertainty hung over his world and the future was very bleak with the ever present possibility of the total collapse of society.   Though he was a ‘seer’ he could be confused and angry, and at times he directs his anger at God whose ways he was unable to understand; how could  the Lord who loved His people allow such horrible things to happen to them ?  Reading through chapter one you feel his frustration: ‘you do not save’, ‘you do not listen’, ‘why do you tolerate wrong’, ‘justice never prevails’, ‘justice is perverted’, ‘why do you tolerate the treacherous’, ‘why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves’. It all sounds so apt considering our situation where many feel aggrieved at the injustice and lack of accountability.  The journey of despair for Habakkuk ends in Chapter 2.   This is how Eugene Peterson describes the transformation in Habakkuk’s attitude;  “He waits and he listens.   It is in his waiting and listening – which then turns into his praying – that he found himself inhabiting the large world of God’s sovereignty.   Only there did he eventually realize that the believing -in-God life, the steady trusting-in-God life is the full life, the only life.” The resulting change is dramatic and the final part of Habakkuk is in fact intended  to be sung with orchestra and the song concludes with what is one of the most extraordinary statements of trust ever recorded in scripture, truly a song suited to the times we live in.

‘Though the fig-tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vine,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls
yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my saviour.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength,
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer
he enables me to go on the heights’

What began with despair ends with a song of trust and confidence as Habakkuk saw what was not visible to the human eye.   This is no blind optimism but it is a glimpse into the world where God reigns and where His order prevails.  Could it be that the Holy Spirit wants to  inspire in us a similar song of hope for 2012 ?  Is it not possible for us to be a people of hope in our confused and despairing world, so that in all our contacts and conversations we bring another dimension, the dimension of the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

I am sure like us you will have heard this statement quoted many times over the years. It is common place to hear these words from our own perspective rather than His.

Recently I saw David’s statement in the Psalm quite differently and how wonderfully refreshing and encouraging it is.

As we  His people, delight ourselves in Him we will find His desires being placed in our hearts. What joy and fulfilment I will experience in knowing His desires in my life and this ensures that I continually delight myself in Jesus.

After sharing this with a close friend he opened up an even fuller revelation of this statement –  “It’s an amazing promise!  I used to share that ‘delight’ and ‘desire’ come from the same root word. Hence, if I delight myself in the Lord He becomes my greatest desire, and He gives Himself to me.” Wonderful reality, how very favoured and blessed we are.

May each of us find this to be our own experience of Jesus each day.

While in a low spiritual state he heard the words of a well known song;

“Cover me, cover me, extend the border of Thy mantle over me, because Thou art my nearest kinsman.  Cover me, cover me, cover me.”

This song is based upon the words of Ruth to Boaz;  “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.”  [3:9]

I won’t spoil the read if you get around to it but one particular part of the book stood out for us which I will endeavour to share with you.

When reading the Book we begin to see more and more the beautiful and unsurpassed glory of  God’s redemptive grace towards his people.  You and me. A casual glance at the word redemption may leave us with the thought that it is only the forgiveness of sins that we are offered.  However, that is only part of God’s redemptive plan and it is so much more than that.

“Redemption is that activity of the grace of God that not only forgives a man’s sins but also restores and overrules all the loss occasioned by his sin.” With God failure is never final.  How wonderful!  Let us shout it from the rooftops so that those caught in the web of deceit may be set free by the power of God’s redemptive love.

Charles Finney says that revival is nothing less than a series of new beginnings – God doing something again and if that goes wrong, doing it yet again.

We can be certain that God’s invitation to experience our nearest Kinsman-Redeemer covers all of our sin, condemnation and failure and pursues us relentlessly with a deep affection and unchanging love.

Well worn Boots

I remember a very special pair of boots that I had owned and worn for many long years.  They were so comfortable and walked many miles through all weather conditions. They finally had great holes in the sides and with much sadness I parted with these dear ‘worn’ friends that had protected my feet over many miles.

The wearing process started from day one but went by unnoticed for years as the heel slowly, almost imperceptibly wore on the one side and the sole of my boots began to wear very thin.  The tough leather began to give way as the stitches pulled out and the leather began to tear due to walking over rough terrain and regular use over time!

There is a story in this which I want to share with you.

Recently, I was made aware of the phrase in Daniel. “…the wearing down of the saints…”

Now, it goes without saying that we are living in very challenging times and there is a process of ‘wearing’ going on amongst the saints.  It is slow, often painful but over time it can go by unnoticed.  And we may be completely unaware of it’s  danger!

This wearing or eroding of the precious life of God within us can slowly but surely be replaced by fear, anxiety, irritability, unbelief and discouragement.  However, it does not have to be so for God’s people!

After a personal experience of  ’ feeling completely worn down’ I was drawn to these statements in Isaiah.

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…”

The Lord continued to encourage me. Don’t exchange beauty for ashes,  confidence in Me for fear and anxiety, Trust in Me for unbelief  and My Presence living and real for a dependence upon your own capabilities! We need not trade His power, perfected in our weakness for intimidation and lies.  There is no condemnation, only affirmation.

How good Jesus is and how completely trustworthy during challenging times like these.  It is no wonder we are told to “…guard our heart, for it is the wellspring of life…”

We can be refreshed and revitalized daily as we walk in step with the Lord.  Finally, I reflected on this statement made by Jesus which is for you and I today.

“Are you tired?  Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn how to live freely and lightly.” [TM]

How incredible that you and I have been called to BE FRIENDS OF GOD.  And, not just friendship with God but intimate friendship.  A deep and lasting relationship that comes out of knowing Him both personally and experientially.    John tells us that “our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” and Paul reminds us that “…we have been called into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ.”

I just love the thought that we can know God and yet never stop knowing Him. He is from everlasting to everlasting, eternal and immense in love for us.  There is a deep longing in the Father’s heart to spend time with us, having our undivided attention and to pour out His affection upon us.  It is no wonder that David the Psalmist cried out,  “Give me an undivided heart, that I might fear you…”

There is also the delight of the fruitfulness of such intimate friendship.  “But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit.”

Dear friends, we are called to this relationship by the Father who longs for and has provided a way for us to experience daily intimacy with Himself.   He has cleared the way for us to know the immensity of this unique relationship.  Jesus has removed every obstacle in our lives and poured Himself into us.  He has whet our appetites by giving us a taste of what’s ahead.  There is nothing more important than to desire Jesus and enjoy the promise of  intimate fellowship with Him.  Best of all it is not for a select few……..

“I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called God In Five Easy Lessons. They’ll all get to know me first hand, the little and the big, the small and the great.” [Hebrews 8 The Message]

Jesus shows us the Way

Jesus takes the lead in showing us what friendship is really all about. He models it for us in such a way that there should be no doubt in our minds what it looks like. “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” And yet sadly, for many Christians, their world can be  one of the loneliest places to live and friendship with things rather than people becomes a priority. It doesn’t have to be like that. Jesus speaks plainly to us. “You are my friends if you do what I command.” He later says, “This is my command: Love each other.”

He sets the pace and then pours out his grace

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” This is the standard that Jesus sets for true friendship. Laying down our lives for our friends! Impossible for us, but, doable with his help. Jesus, knowing exactly what is in our hearts, looks us squarely in the eyes and says I want you to know how much I value your friendship. I want you to know just how much it means to me when you take the time to be alone with me. I desire to be with you more than anything else. You are always in my thoughts.

His Church is a family of friends whose hearts have been captivated by a higher affection and who are learning to lay down the unimportant things. May we be deeply encouraged and mindful of our calling to walk this way.

I know we know these things but as Peter says, “I have written them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.”

Colin and Joyce Langran

However, as easily as we were able to laugh and joke together we shared our hearts with honesty and openness. This aspect of friendship is vital and spurs us on in our relationship both with each other and the Lord. It is lovely to read in The Message about the Government of Affirmation. We affirm one another just as we live under this Government of Christ’s Affirmation. “And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.” [The Message]

May new friendships be continually forged with this in mind and existing ones be continually renewed and deepened.

We have put together some photos of our time together including Abbotsbury and Clavell’s Folly and coastal path walk which must have been about six miles from start to finish. The weather was very good and just right for a day of walking and picnic lunch.

Abbotsbury Swan Sleeping

History
The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040′s. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish Dorset banquets.

St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.

From mid May to late June hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. Many lucky visitors will take pictures of cygnets cracking out of their eggs within feet of the action!

Sadly, we only saw the eggs but no hatching!

The steep steps to Clavell's Folly

Our next outing was to walk up a steep path to Clavell’s Folly and then onward along the Dorset coastal path in Kimmeridge.  Clavell Tower also known as the Clavell Folly and the Kimmeridge Tower, rises some 35 feet above what is known as Hen Cliff. The cliff rises about 330 feet above the sea. There are always analogies in life and the climb to the top of the coastal path reminds us of challenges we face in life. He is there to give us the courage we need and best of all He is always with us. G.K.Chesterton was standing on a street corner in London when he was approached by a newspaper reporter. “Sir, I understand that you recently became a Christian. May I ask you one question?”

“Certainly,” replied Chesterton. “If the risen Christ suddenly appeared at this very moment and stood behind you, what would you do?” Chesterton looked the reporter squarely in the eye and said, “He is.”

We were invited around to Peer and Natalie’s home for a BBQ on the Sunday and enjoyed a relaxed time eating and sharing together. It is encouraging when folk want to share Jesus with each other in a ‘relaxed’ way. Colin shared a very encouraging story with us of a man living in J’burg who experienced the grace of God at work in his life in quite a different way that only our Father could orchestrate. He read Isaiah 35 to us from The Message and encouraged us to have prepared hearts whenever we come together. It was a very helpful time. It is certainly a day to encourage and affirm one another. Henri Nouwen said to a friend and I want to encourage you with these same words, “All I want to say to you is, ‘You are the Beloved,’ and all I hope is that you can hear these words as spoken to you with all the tenderness and force that love can hold. My only desire is to make these words reverberate in every corner of your being – ‘You are the Beloved.’ “

Peer and Natalie Kaper

Thank you Peer and Natalie for opening your hearts and your home to a motley bunch of people who love Jesus with a passion. We truly experienced church life together on that day.