Tag: #bgbg2

advent, Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, CONSOLATION – ADVENT THOUGHTS (6)

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CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

So we are nearly there. Christmas is but days away. And how precious it has been to keep Jesus at the centre of out thoughts in the Advent period. His birth meant so much, at the time of His coming, certainly, but to so many more since. He came to make things right, once and for all between man and God. In this last advent thought of the year, we look at how He came to be, and is for eternity, our consolation.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,

and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel,

Luke 2:25

There is a little story in Luke’s gospel that introduces us to Simeon. Simeon was an old man, a devout lover of God who had waited for years for the promised Messiah. He was led to be in the Temple by the Holy Spirit at just the moment that Jesus’ parents arrived with the infant Christ, and got to hold his Messiah in his arms and to prophesy over Him (Luke 2:25-35).

COMFORT, HELP, AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Luke tells us that Simeon was waiting expectantly for the ‘Consolation of Israel’. Now the word ‘consolation’ can be translated as ‘comfort’, ‘help’ or ‘encouragement’ and that is great. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was in dire need of comfort, help and encouragement and it was no wonder that Christ was longed for. He is the bringer of comfort. Elsewhere in scripture we are promised the comfort of His Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31), the comfort of the Scriptures (Psalm 119:50) and the comfort of God Himself (Romans 15:5).

But a more exact translation of the word ‘consolation’ is ‘advocate’: it has legal implication. It speaks of one ready to stand by your side before the judge and to give evidence on your behalf. Applying this meaning of consolation to the person of Jesus makes much more sense. Yes, He would be the bringer of comfort, but He was also coming as an advocate.

OUR ADVOCATE

He stands today as our advocate before the Great Judge, His Father. He is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 -16). What a comfort it is to picture Him standing beside us before God. When we know we need someone to speak on our behalf, because we mess up so easily. What a consolation to our troubled spirits, when guilt and shame threaten, to know that He gave His life, so that we can be free of those once and for all. He is our great encourager, our consolation, our advocate.

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Am I slow to take things to Jesus when I feel guilty or ashamed? Is that what God wants – for me to carry guilt or shame?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, where I have held on to guilt and shame and not come to You for forgiveness. Or when I have been slow to accept that forgiveness, or to forgive myself.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are my consolation. Thank You for the comfort that Your Word brings Me, and that Your presence brings me. Thank You that You are my advocate in heaven. Thank You that I can bring my mistakes to You and ask for forgiveness, and that You defend me, because Your blood covers all my sin.

Help me to be quick to repent when I have failed You, and quick to let go of the guilt and shame you died to free me from.

Thank you that we no longer have to wait expectantly for You to come, but that You have come, and now live in our hearts. Thank You that we can look with expectancy for Your second coming, knowing that You will come to make all things new.

Amen.

Further Reading: Luke 2:21-40

This devotional thought is an extract from:

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

Bible, christian fiction, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ

JESUS, STAR OF JACOB – ADVENT THOUGHTS (5)

joymargetts

Stars feature greatly among our Christmas decorations. More so than Santas, elves or reindeers! Of course the Christmas story features an incredible star, one that acted as an ancient GPS system, leading the Magi to Bethlehem. But did you know that Jesus is also described as a ‘star’, and in the very same passage of the Bible that features a talking donkey? Read on to find out more!

STAR OF JACOB


A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,

Numbers 24:17

When we think of the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesied about the Messiah, we might think Isaiah, or Malachi, Jeremiah or Zechariah. But did you know that an ungodly and self-serving false prophet of the god Baal was used by God to prophecy about His Son? Balaam, was his name, and if you don’t know his story, it’s worth a read (Numbers 22-24). Not least because it features a talking donkey!

I love that God used a man with ungodly intentions and put His own words into his mouth, frustrating his attempts to curse God’s people. Balaam says in Numbers 24:7,

 ‘I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob: A sceptre shall rise out of Israel’.

A BRIGHT STAR APPEARING

In Eastern tradition the image of a star was well known to refer to a great and illustrious ruler, especially used in conjunction with the sceptre. This prophecy of Balaam’s had two fulfilments: the great King David who was yet to come, but looking much further ahead, it also pointed to King Jesus. It was very likely that this prophecy informed the wise men (Matthew 2:2). The appearing of a bright and unusual star in the sky that heralded the birth of a great new King set them on their journey to find and worship Him.

He would be the one who shone with brilliance, lighting the darkness, like a bright star in the night sky. His brilliance would become a guiding light, and a symbol of hope.

BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR

Turn to the book of Revelation and there you see Him as He is now (Revelation 1: 13-17), His face like the ‘sun shining in all its strength’. So glorious that John, the one who in life had been so familiar with the person of Christ that he had laid his head on His chest, fell flat on his face as if dead before Him. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus says,

“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

No more a baby in a manger, no more a humble man, He stands as the brilliant glorious resurrected and ascended King, the Star of Jacob shining for all eternity.

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: How do I feel about God using an ungodly man to prophecy about the Messiah? Or about Him speaking through astrology to magicians from the East?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, when I have failed to hear You speaking, or failed to see what You are doing, because of prejudice.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the Star of Jacob – the promised King that carries the sceptre forever. Thank You Father that You used the words of the most unlikely prophet, and a sign in the heavens to bring the Magi to Bethlehem. Thank You that their willingness to make that journey, and the rich gifts that they brought, tell us so much about how special Jesus was at His coming. Thank You, Jesus, that You shine in brilliant glory in heaven now, and one day I will see You, just as John did.

Help me to listen for Your voice, Father, and to know how to hear You. Thank You that I have Your word to guide me, and to use as a test for what I believe You are saying. Help me to be willing to be obedient to Your Word.

May the favour of Your face shine on me and my loved ones this Christmas.

Amen.

Further Reading: Matthew 2:1-14

This blog is an extract from:

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, SON OF DAVID – ADVENT THOUGHTS (4)

joymargetts

‘Once in Royal David’s city’ we sing. It is a well loved and familiar carol, one of many that I love, being quite a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David, and of course became the birthplace of King Jesus. Another great carol ‘While Shepherd’s watched’ has the line, ‘born of David’s line’, and the hymn, ‘Hail to the Lord’s Anointed’, describes Jesus as ‘great David’s greater son.’ But why was it so important that Jesus was born of David’s line? Here are my thoughts.

SON OF DAVID

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

Matthew 21:9

The genealogies in both Matthew 1 and Luke 3 show that Jesus was physically descended from King David. This was the fulfilment of the prophetic promise given to David through Nathan the prophet,

‘And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever’. (2 Samuel 7:16)

When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary he told her that her son, although the Son of God, would also be given David’s throne,

 ‘He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.’ (Luke 1:32)

WELCOMING A KING

The people of Jesus’ time knew that the Messiah would earn the title ‘Son of David’. It is what the multitudes cried when they flocked to welcome Jesus as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). As a descendant of David’s royal line, in human terms He had a right to the throne of Israel. As they cried their hosannas they believed they were welcoming a king.

A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART

But why was it so important to God that Jesus was called the ‘Son of David’? God chose David to be King of Israel, because he was ‘a man after His own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14).

David was far from perfect, but held a special place in God’s affection, and knew a closeness with God that was ahead of his time. He was obedient to God, sought His will and direction, submitting himself to God’s care and protection. David was a warrior King who brought peace to Israel and established a strong Kingdom. But He was also a worshipper, giving us many of the Psalms, establishing 24/7 worship in the Tabernacle, and overseeing the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Jews of Jesus’ time would have looked back and revered both David and his reign.

THE HEART OF GOD PERSONIFIED

And then the ‘Son of David’ appeared. I believe David was a picture of Christ, albeit an imperfect one. Jesus was a man whose heart was completely and perfectly after God’s heart, He lived His life in submission and obedience, a life that worshipped God. Our warrior king, He would fight, to the point of giving up His life, in order to establish a new and eternal kingdom. David brought the Ark, the presence of God back into the heart of the kingdom of Israel. Jesus came to bring the presence of God into the heart of all who would receive Him.

David was a man after God’s own heart; Jesus was the heart of God personified.

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Is my heart after God’s heart? Even when I get things wrong, does my heart want to be after His?

Ask God: Show me Jesus, any areas of my life where my heart goes after things that are not of You.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that Your heart was so completely in tune with the Father’s heart. Thank you that You came to earth willingly, out of obedience to the Father’s will, but also to show us how much the Father loves us. You lived a life that worshipped God and honoured Him.

Help me to tune my heart into Yours, so that my life is lived after Your own heart, in every area of my life. Forgive me when I set my heart on things that are not pleasing to You. I want my life to reflect You and to be known as someone who loves and serves You well.

Amen.

Further Reading: Luke 2:1-20

This is an extract form my Advent Devotional, Christ Illuminated.

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, IMMANUEL – ADVENT THOUGHTS (3)

joymargetts

One of my absolute favourite descriptions of Jesus, is Immanuel, God with Us. This advent it is good to know that even in the busyness, He is right with us. And when we feel alone or overwhelmed, Jesus is still our Immanuel.

God With Us

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

In Matthew 1:18 -21 we are told the story of Joseph, and his dream encounter with an angel of the Lord. Joseph is told that He should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, as the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Then in the following verses Matthew adds a quote from Isaiah (Matthew 1:22-23). Jesus’ birth is going to fulfil another messianic prophecy. He will be called ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’ (Isaiah 7:14). It wasn’t to be His actual name, rather an expression of what His coming meant.

A God Who Understands

God Himself, in the person of His Son, descended into humanity so that He could live among us. We can put from our minds all thoughts of a distant, uninterested God. Jesus was born into poverty, hardship, shame, fear and uncertainty, under Roman oppression. He chose to experience these things, as well as injustice, hatred, misunderstanding, loneliness, physical torture and death. Jesus suffered these willingly, for our salvation, but also so that He could fully understand our pain and suffering (Hebrews 4:15).

He truly made Himself God with man, and this is our comfort. There is nothing that we can face that He has not experienced Himself. We can never believe that He does not care, because He truly knows how we feel. He also had no problem identifying with the undesirables – from the shepherds, to tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to be with those who needed Him most, God ‘with’ every person, whatever their status.

Our Battle Cry

But ‘Immanuel’ occurs elsewhere in Isaiah, in chapter 8 and verses 8 and 10. Here it is not a name but a cry of trust, from a nation facing humiliation and defeat; it is a yell, ‘God is With Us!’. Immanuel is our comfort but can also be our battle cry.

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
Speak the word, but it will not stand,
For God is with us (Immanuel).           Isaiah 8:10

Whatever we face, He, our Immanuel, is truly with us. ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ is His promise (Hebrews 13:5). We too can cry ‘God is with us’! Our protector and defender stands victorious in heaven, but also lives within us by His Spirit. We never have to face anything without Him.

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Does it comfort me that Jesus suffered as a human being, or do I find it hard to accept that He understands what I am going through?

Ask God: Show me Jesus, how and when to use ‘Immanuel’ as my battle cry.

Pray: Thank You Jesus that You are Immanuel, God With Us, in every sense of the word. You made Yourself as one of us in coming to live on earth. You are with me still, living within me by Your Spirit. Thank You that You promised to never leave me to face difficulties alone. I can stand in the face of hardship, knowing that the Victorious One stands with me. Almighty God is on my side, He is with me.

Help me to take comfort from the fact that You know what it means to suffer and that You truly care and understand. Help me to trust You to fight for me and with me.

Amen

Further Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, BELOVED SON – ADVENT THOUGHTS (2)

joymargetts

Advent is well on the way. We are making our lists, attending Christmas events, maybe even switching on our Christmas lights. Let’s take a moment today to remember the One this is season is all about. Jesus, the Beloved Son.

The following is a an extract from my recently published Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘, 24 daily devotions based on the names of Jesus.

BELOVED SON

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and declared that the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit would be called the ‘Son of the Highest’ (Luke 1:32). On two further occasions God Himself speaks confirming Jesus as His Son: at His Baptism (Matthew 3:17), and at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). On both occasions God declares ‘This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.

Loving Parent

Can you picture God the Father, looking down with His heart bursting with love and pride for His Son? Those of us who are parents can perhaps understand that feeling. I know that we can’t wait to tell people how wonderful our children, or our grandchildren are, and how proud we are of them. We see beyond their mistakes and imperfections and love them fiercely and unconditionally. Seeing God as a loving parent dispels the idea of Him being a distant figure. He was completely and utterly besotted with His son, His perfect Son, and was totally invested in what Jesus was doing. Isaiah 42:1 tells us that Jesus, His servant, delights God’s soul.

Loving the World

But not only did God the Father love His Son, He loved the world that He sent His Son to (John 3:16). So much so that He willingly gifted His only son to the world. Jesus, the Son, came, sharing the very nature of His Father. He became the expression of the Father’s love for us: love incarnate, willing to lay down His very life for us.

As parents we love to give our children what they wish for, especially at Christmas. If we could afford it, we would give our children the world. Funnily enough that was exactly what God the Father promised His Son,

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.’         Psalm 2:7-8

That inheritance includes you and me! Because Jesus came willingly and obediently to earth, and humbled Himself to death on the cross, God exalted His Beloved Son to the highest place. And every knee in heaven and earth will one day bow to His beautiful name (Philippians 2:8-11).

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Do I find it hard to see God as a loving father? Why is that?

Ask God: Reveal to my heart, Jesus, just how much you love me personally.

Pray: Thank You Father that You loved the world enough to send Your Beloved Son to live among us, and to die for us. Thank You that just as You delighted in Jesus, so You delight in me as Your child. Even when I make mistakes, it doesn’t change how You love me, and You demonstrated that love for me in sending Jesus. Thank You that I am part of Jesus’ inheritance, and that one day I will worship at His feet, knowing that I belong to Him.

Help me to see how much You love and delight in me. Help me to love Jesus as He deserves to be loved, and to walk in His love.

Amen

Further Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, The Word of God

JESUS – THE WORD. ADVENT THOUGHTS (1)

joymargetts

I love Advent. I love the excitement of preparing for Christmas; gift shopping, cake baking, tree decorating. But the main reason I love Advent is that it is a time every year when we can contemplate the wonder of Christ’s coming.

This year I am so excited to have my own Advent Devotional in print. I have decided to take some of the thoughts from ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘ and publish them here on my blog. If you want all 24 daily devotions to inspire and encourage you, you will have to purchase the book!

THE WORD

John’s gospel begins with the familiar words, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ’ (John 1:1). To know he is speaking of Jesus we only have to jump down to v14, and to these words, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’

Logos

I wonder if you have ever struggled to understand this description of Jesus? I certainly have. I love words, I love reading them and writing them. I love the beauty words can portray when used creatively. So how does this relate to Jesus? The Greek meaning of ‘word’ here isn’t so much the written word but the spoken word, or ‘logos’. It is the expression of a thought. It makes much more sense to describe Jesus in this way, as the spoken, outward expression of God’s thoughts. The manifestation of all that He is.

His spoken message

Scripture tells us that ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Matthew 12:34). God had so much in His heart that He wanted to express to mankind of His love, joy, truth, holiness, grace and mercy, that He sent us His spoken message in the person of Christ. In effect Jesus was the embodiment of all that God wanted to say to us. How beautiful is that!

The Word of Life

But there is more. John 1:1-3 tell us that Jesus was there in eternity with God and through Him all creation happened (Colossians 1:16). We know that God spoke creation into being (Genesis 1:3). It was in His heart already, but speaking the words had the power to bring what was in His heart to life. In and through Jesus, God speaks the desire of His heart, to bring life, eternal life, life in abundance to all who will believe.

Jesus is ‘the Word of life’ (1 John 1:1). In Revelation John describes Jesus as the all victorious One riding on a white horse, bearing the words ‘faithful and true’. He gives Him the name ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19:11-13). This is the One who shed His blood and rose again to purchase life for us. He wears the victor’s crown.

As John declares, of Jesus, the Word,

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: How does seeing Jesus as God, the One who created the world, and who is the human expression of God in all His fullness, change the way I understand the nature of God?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, how powerful my words are. They have the power to bring life or to bring death (Proverbs 18:21).

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the living Word. You are the full expression of God and You came to earth to show us the Father. Thank You that as God’s Word you offer life to all who will accept You. You are the Word of Life.

Help me to see You as God, to acknowledge You as the creator of the world, and to worship You as the victorious One. Help me to understand that just as Your words have power to create, and to express God’s heart, so do mine. Help me to speak of God’s love and mercy with my words, but also with my life, as You did.

 Amen.

Further Reading: John 1:1-18

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Faith

THE BEAUTY OF BEING AT REST IN JESUS

joymargetts

One day last week I was in the garden and noticed a sudden fluttering of butterflies. I don’t know if ‘fluttering’ is the correct term for a collection of butterflies, but if it isn’t, it should be! They were dipping and dancing, enjoying the warmth, showing off their spectacular wings.

I noticed one butterfly in particular. A beautiful tortoiseshell with stunning markings. It was sat on the flowerbed, it’s wings spread wide, just resting there, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. Unusually, nothing deterred this lone butterfly from it’s sun basking. Not me, nor the bouncy puppy I was playing with on the nearby grass. I was really taken by the ability of this creature to just rest and at the same time display its most beautiful side.

Photo of a butterfly resting on a flower, with its multicolored wings spread wide

Two sides

My understanding is that most species of butterfly have two sides to their wings. The upper side is beautifully decorated, to attract and appeal to a potential mate. The underside is much more muted, often designed to camouflage the butterfly from predators when its wings are closed. If that tortoiseshell had felt threatened in any way. If its rest had been disturbed. It could have closed its wings to hide itself against the colour of the soil of the flowerbed. And I would not have enjoyed the beauty of its widespread wing display.

Rest in Jesus

God used this little episode to speak something really profound into my heart. Did you know that God offers us a place of rest? A place where we be a peace, where we can give Jesus our anxieties and worries and fears, and choose instead to trust Him and all that He has promised?

Jesus said,

 “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”               

  Matthew 11: 28 -30

Entering His Rest

How often we forget. We get caught up in our anxieties, we let stress rule in our minds and bodies, we fail to enter the rest He offers. Give me the bad stuff, He says, and take in exchange my peace, my joy, my grace. When we do that. When we can to keep entering His rest, even when tough circumstances surround us and we feel threatened. That is when we display the best side of us. The beautiful side that looks most like Him.

When we forget to take those things to Jesus, when we let the things of life overwhelm us then we are much less beautiful. Like that butterfly closing its wings under threat – our reactions, our responses, our behaviour and words can be much less appealing. We can say things we don’t mean, lash out, complain, criticise, and get trapped into negative ways of thinking. And yet God offers us His rest all of the time.

Restoring our Souls

The Psalmist knew it. (Psalm 23: 1-3)  It is God’s heart to lead us into His rest, He wants to restore and revive our souls – our minds wills and emotions. Our part is to allow Him to do that by choosing to enter His rest. It is a thing we must purpose to do, regularly, especially when difficult things threaten us and cause us to worry. Has He not promised to supply all we need? To be our defence? To vindicate us? To protect us? To give us wisdom when we need it? Either we choose to believe what He has promised us, or we don’t.

Photo of a wide still river with green trees and grass surrounding and mountains in the distance. The words of Psalm 23:1-3 are displayed over the photo

His rest doesn’t mean doing nothing (although it can sometimes). It is a state of our hearts and minds, a choosing to obey and not worry. A choosing to be thankful and to trust Him. That rested place can continue through all that we do. Jesus offers to share His Yoke – a yoke indicates that there is work to be done – but only the work that is done out of a place of our rest in Him. And in partnership with Him.

When I am at rest in Jesus, then like that butterfly, I display the very best side of me. The side that looks most like Christ. The side that is most attractive to others.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride’, will be published on 20th October 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Faith, The Word of God

ROOTS THAT KEEP GROWING

joymargetts

ROOTED

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

I read these verses a few days ago, and it got me thinking about roots. Plant roots. The word ‘rooted’ in this scripture comes from the Greek word ‘rhiza’ or root. The same word from which we get ‘rhizome’  – the underground ‘stem’ of a plant, the main part of the root which sends out root shoots. Just as the above ground stem of the plant which shoots out leaves and flowers, branches and fruit. Plant roots keep growing.

Image contains a diagram of a plant root system
Image courtesy of earth.com

LOOKING BACK

I love looking back, and I guess reading this verse made me do that. Thinking about the people and things that established my faith in Jesus. My parents, the faithful Sunday School Leaders and Bible Teachers. The stories and truths of the Bible. I can look back at the roots or origins of my faith and be so grateful. I’m sure we can all look back to where our faith journeys began and be thankful for the things that established us.

Ultimately it is Jesus our faith is rooted in, of course. Our belief in Him, His death and resurrection, His mercy and grace, His forgiveness and His gift of eternal life.

ROOTS IN THE PAST

This last week our church came together to give thanks to God for the journey our church has been on in the 18 years since we began meeting together. It was part of a celebration as our founding pastors step back and a new couple takes on the reins of leadership. I was honoured to write a potted history of the church and to present that, with contributions from others who have walked the journey with us. It was so good to look back at our ‘roots’, the things that became established as God revealed to us what sort of church He had called us to be. Those things are now foundational to our identity as church. Things that we can build on going forward.

But I really felt God say – don’t neglect your roots!

ROOTS IN THE PRESENT

Roots don’t stop growing. From my limited understanding of botany, as long as the plant keeps growing the roots keep spreading. New root shoots are sent out looking for water and nutrients in the soil as the plant grows. These also provide stability for the plant as it increases in size. This is why tree roots can actually grow considerably wider and deeper than the tree itself.

If we want to continue to grow and flourish in our faith. If we want to be strong to withstand the storms thrown at us. If we want to produce fruit that is of lasting worth, we can’t just see our roots as the things of the past! We have to keep our roots healthy and growing. We need to ‘walk in Him’. To keep pursuing Him. The nutrients of His living word, the Bible. The water of His Spirit. We have to keep going deeper. This is true for us as individuals as much as it was a truth for our church as it enters a new season.

Photo of ripe cherries hanging from a tree branch
Image courtesy of Canva.com

ROOTS DON’T STOP GROWING

It’s tempting to look back and say ‘wasn’t that great’, ‘didn’t we start well’. Our roots are strong now and we can let them be.

But ROOTS DO NOT STOP GROWING, whilst the plant stays alive and thriving. They demand our attention. So we can be thankful for all we have received but must always be yearning for more. It will make as strong and keep us fruitful.

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13: 23

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Jesus, The Word of God

A GOOD WORK

joymargetts

Inside Out

Image shows a woman wearing a black cardigan over a pink top

A couple of weeks ago in a prayer meeting somebody called me a cardigan. And I wasn’t offended! I had been sharing how I felt my health limitations combined with recent demands on my time and energy had left me feeling deeply unsettled. I couldn’t clearly see what my role was to be going forward, in church particularly, where other changes are taking place. Good, exciting changes, but changes that we are having to adapt to. At the moment that I was sharing another friend entered the room and took off her coat to reveal that she had been wearing her cardigan inside out all morning. We laughed with her, but then another friend turned to me and said, ‘You are like that cardigan. Even though it looks a bit different being inside out, it still works. It still kept her warm.’ It really encouraged me. Sometimes we don’t feel we are the same people when circumstances mean we can’t do what we used to do. But God might just be turning us inside out, showing others a different aspect of us, changing our own perspective. We are still cardigans!

Valuable

I am reading a book at the moment, which I will be doing a fuller review on in time. Valuable, by Liz Carter, will be published in June 2023, and I an honored to be reading a pre-publication copy. One of the main messages the book tackles is the whole issue of ‘usefulness’. The narrative that we accept that says that somehow our value to others, and even to God Himself, is tied up with how useful we are. What we can do or achieve. When in fact God sees us as valuable even in our weakness and uselessness. It is a great book and has made me think deeply as to how we are so quick to judge others by their jobs, callings or giftings. Rather than to value them as God does, just for being them.

A Good Work

In the week leading up to Easter I re-read the story of Christ’s passion. This time as I was reading Matthew’s account one verse hit me like never before. The story is beautiful and probably familiar (Matthew 26 : 6 -13) Within hours of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, whilst He is at the home of Simon the Leper, a woman comes with an alabaster jar of costly perfume and pours it all over Him. It is an act of adoration and worship. An act of love, the fragrance of which stayed with Jesus as He faced the agony of rejection and crucifixion. But it was Jesus’ words that stood out to me anew. When His disciples criticised her extravagant waste, He said “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.”  ( Matthew 26:10)

The word ‘WORK’ leapt out of the page. I even went back to the Greek, and yes the word Jesus used of that woman’s act of worship, was the word ergon – that means work, task, employment, accomplishment. How often do we believe we have to do some great work for Christ, to be useful and fruitful to make Him pleased with us. All that woman did was pour perfume and love all over Him. Sure it was costly, and sacrificial, but it was her genuine heartfelt response to her Saviour. And He honoured her for it.

Cropped image of a person dressed in simple white robes pouring liquid from a decorated jar.

Image courtesy of https://the-alabaster-jar.com/

Pour out our Love

It is still mind blowing to me that Jesus called her love act ‘work’. And it is something that I will have to continue to meditate on in the days going forward. As I think about who I am, what I can do or not do. What roles I will take going forward. Perhaps the very best work I can do for Jesus is to just sit at His feet and pour my love over Him. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that I should do nothing else. But that what I do actually do for Him should flow out of that love response, rather than the quest for approval. Maybe, just maybe, it is enough for Him, for me to worship and adore Him, and to revel in His love for me. It is good work enough.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Book Review, Books, Christian Writer

BOOK REVIEW: FRIEND OF GOD by Rachel Yarworth

joymargetts

THE FRIENDSHIP OF GOD

Front cover of the book 'Friend of God' featuring a woman in silhouette, standing on a hill gazing at a night sky, with a purple background.

Friend of God is subtitled ‘The miraculous life of an ordinary person’. What brave debut author Rachel Yarworth has done has poured herself into the pages of this book. It is her own story of a life of friendship with God. Written in response to what she describes as a call on her life to ‘make God known’. Her desire in writing this book is to describe the ‘incredible love, goodness, kindness and amazing friendship of God’ to her readers. To show through her life stories what an incredible God He is.

The book does that. Searingly honest in places, it is not all miracles and blessings, Rachel has been through some difficult things too. Where God hasn’t worked the miracle in an instant, but has proved faithful in His presence and provision. But then there are the miracles that inspire our faith. The supernatural, unexplainable protection of her and her infant son during an incident that could have killed them both. The babies born naturally after years of infertility. The healings seen and experienced.

HER SAVIOUR

Rachel’s story begins with a simple encounter with God in her childhood. Her understanding of God was naïve  – she did not grow up in a home where He was known. It was only after difficult teenage years, marked with rebellion and the desperate search for acceptance, and as she entered young adulthood, that she met other Christians. Then her understanding blossomed into accepting that the Father God who loved her was also her Saviour. And He wanted her whole life, which she gave willingly.

BUT GOD

Each chapter of the book is a glimpse into Rachel’s life journey with God. I love that each chapter is ended with a ‘But God’ statement. These are sometimes celebratory

‘The doctors said we could not have babies naturally…

But God gave them to us supernaturally’

And sometimes heart-breaking and yet faith affirming,

‘I was completely devastated…

But God healed my broken heart in an instant’

These ‘But God’ statements resonated with me, as they reflect my own journey with God. We often mess up, or find ourselves in situations beyond out control. Or in places of confusion and pain. But God is always there, always faithful, always merciful and compassionate. And when we look back at our lives, as Rachel has, we can see over and over how God has come through for us.

GOD WANTS TO JOURNEY WITH US

Image of back cover of the book 'Friend of God' with blurb

There is pain as well as joy in the pages of this book. I was particularly touched by how God ministered to Rachel after the loss of her babies. The first time the grief was played out over many, many months, but in a process that deepened Rachel’s reliance on God, and her understanding of His love for her. The second time the healing process happened almost instantly after she received prayer. She rejoices in both. And this spoke to me. How often we want the instant healing, the immediate relief, when God wants us to journey it through with us. To teach us more about Himself and His heart towards us. To deepen our friendship with Him.

I enjoyed this book and was pleased to be able to review it for Rachel. She has done a very brave thing as a debut author in publishing her own story, and I really do hope it reaches the people God wants it to. If I have one, very small apprehension about the book, it is that Rachel talks a lot about hearing directly from God, which may be something some readers struggle to relate to. I believe it is possible to hear God speak personally to us, but His written Word is the failsafe we always need to go back to, to test what we have heard. God never contradicts Himself.

All in all Friend of God is a lovely faith building book. If you want to be encouraged, go get yourself a copy! Thank you Rachel for sharing your life with God, with us.

I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

John 15:15 NLT

Image of the author, Rachel Yarworth

‘Friend of God’ by Rachel Yarworth, ISBN 978-1739257705 RRP £8.99 Paperback, £ 2.99 Kindle (free on KU) available to purchase through AMAZON here

For more from Rachel, visit her personal blog here

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com