Tag: Jesus

Bearing Fruit, Bible, Connected to God, Faith, Holy Spirit, Rooted in Christ, The Word of God

ROOTS THAT KEEP GROWING

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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

Alabaster Jar, Anointing Jesus' feet, Bible, Christian Writer, Glorifying Jesus, Jesus, Loving Jesus, The Word of God

A GOOD WORK

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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

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, God in control, Grief, In His image, Jesus, Seasons of life, Steadfast heart, The Word of God

A CONSTANT HEART

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UPS AND DOWNS

Image shows a tiny hand of a newborn baby grasping an adult's thumb

A little over a month ago I posted an emotional blog about the loss of our dog, and our grief over it. Our feelings of sadness at the time were really intense, coming on the back of a difficult few months. And then suddenly, within weeks, everything changed and joy replaced grief. Busyness replaced loneliness, and the unwelcome quiet was replaced by the longing for a little peace! Life is like that. You can step from sadness to joy in the matter of weeks, and then sometimes back to sadness again. Or worry, or excitement, or frustration, or fulfilment. Sometimes the ups and downs can leave us feeling pretty storm-tossed!

GOOD THINGS

Image shows a phot of the author signing a contract

In the last month some really, really good things have happened in our lives. Firstly we welcomed our second grandchild into the world. She came early, and came tiny, but she also came healthy and everyone is doing great. We are overjoyed to be invited to be so involved in our grandchildren’s lives – it is such a privilege. They are a delight to be with, and being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of my life.

A second thing that brings me joy (and not a little anxiety) is my writing. In the same week that our grandchild was born, I signed a contract with my publisher for a third novel, that will be out later this year. This is exciting, and I am thrilled, but it also brings with it pressures, deadlines, stress. Publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride all of its own.

A CONSTANT HEART

Life is never all about one kind of emotion. We have to learn to navigate the seasons, or sometimes, the moments that we are in. We need to guard our hearts to ensure that extremes of emotions don’t derail us. That we remain constant, in our faith, our trust in God, our belief that He is in control, in being who He has called us to be.

One passage of scripture that always speaks to me is from Matthew 14: 13 – 21. Jesus hears about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. That he dearly loved John, and deeply grieved his loss is evident. He goes away by Himself to find a deserted place to be alone, with the Father, to process His loss. Only He is not alone for long, because the crowds follow Him. Did He send them away? No, v 14 tells us that He was ‘moved with compassion’ seeing how many of them needed to be healed. So after hours of healing and teaching them, does He send them away to find food for themselves, as His disciples suggest? No. He feeds them – and what a 5,000 guest party that was! So in a matter of a few hours Jesus grieved, was filled with compassion, poured Himself out, and then celebrated an extraordinary miracle. All the time He stayed right in the centre of God’s will for Him.

A STEADFAST HEART

Jesus’ example is hard to follow. I’m not saying that we should not take time to grieve, or to celebrate, but that whatever life throws at us, we can still seek to be at the centre of God’s will. We can listen to Him, trust Him, look to the needs of others, and keep our hearts constant. Or steadfast, as the Psalmist did – always finding a reason to praise. Psalm 57:7

Image contains the words of Psalm 57:7 against a background of abbey ruins and green leaves.

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

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

ADVENT 24: LOVE CAME DOWN

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LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS

He has many Names

And the greatest of all is Love.

Love came down at Christmas

Love all lovely, love divine.

Love, He is Love.

Love incarnate

Love clothed Him with human flesh. Love planned it before the beginning of time. Love humbled Himself and crept silently, yet powerfully, into a troubled world. Love challenged hatred, fear, shame and oppression. Love took a willing girl and grew within her. Love spoke to a troubled man and calmed him to obedience. Love drew shepherds in wonder and kings in worship.

The word LOVE in a white heart, on a background of all the Names of Jesus in lilac coloured script.

Love opened His arms wide and embraced a world yet to know Him, giving all of Himself. Love that was, and is and ever more will be. Love that saves, redeems, restores and sustains. Love that embraces us still, every day and into eternity.

Love came down at Christmas. Wonderful Love, we embrace you, we bow in reverence before You, we worship You, we give ourselves to You.

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

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

ADVENT 23: JESUS – I AM

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BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS

In John 8 :58, Jesus said something extraordinary which astounded His listeners; ‘Before Abraham was, I Am’. This would have shocked them because He was claiming to have existed before Abraham lived on earth. The Jewish leaders and scholars could make no sense of that, how the man who stood before them could claim to have also been alive before the man who was the great father of their nation. Unless… He was claiming to be more than a man.

Text of John 8 v 58 on a blue background surrounded by Christmas tree decorations

I AM WHO I AM

His wording was no mistake. He did not say ‘Before Abraham was, I was’. He said ‘I AM’.  In fact He had already used the phrase ‘I am’  twice in this discourse, in John 8:24, and John 8:28 (the ‘He’ is not there in the Greek). If they hadn’t got it before I believe they would have heard it for sure the third time. And it angered them so much that they wanted to stone Him. Because His listeners would have known those two words as the title God used of Himself when He talked to Moses from the burning bush, ‘I AM who I AM’ (Exodus 3:14). That is, the One that just exists, the One that is, and always has been, and always will be. The eternal One who is all and holds all in His hands.

THE GREAT I AM

Jesus was claiming deity. He did it again in John 18: 5-6, when the soldiers came to arrest Him in the garden, and either consciously or sub -consciously, they knew the power in His words. When He said, ‘I AM’ (again, the ‘He’ is not there in the Greek), the soldiers fell back to the ground. God in human form allowed Himself to be taken by cruel human hands and led to His death, for our salvation.

Image of a blue sky with white clouds that have taken the shape of a lion and a lamb. The words 'I Am alpha and Omega' in blue text

Be in no doubt, the baby that shepherds ran to find, and kings knelt to worship, was and is the great I AM. The same God of the burning bush, who delivered His people from Egypt and parted the Red Sea, came in the form of a baby to Bethlehem. God the Son was not a lesser version of God the Father. He was, and is, God eternal. ‘I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End’ He declares from heaven (Revelation 1: 11).  This is the One who deserves all our honour, all our praise, and our very lives in worship this Christmas. So, so much more than a baby in a manger.

Text of Revelation 1 v 11 on a blue background surrounded by Christmas tree decorations

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, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 22: JESUS – THE WORD

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THE SPOKEN 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 jump down to v 14, ‘and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father.’

Text of John 1 v 14 on a background of an open Bible and Christmas lights

 I wonder if you have ever struggled to understand this description of Jesus? I certainly have. I love words, I love reading them, writing them and the beauty words can portray when used creatively. How does this relate to Jesus? The Greek meaning of ‘word’ here isn’t so much the written word but the spoken word, ‘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.

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. So 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!

An open Bible against a background of soft focus Christmas Lights

THE CREATIVE WORD

But there is more. John 1 : 2-4 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, it was in His heart, 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. He is ‘The Word of Life ‘(1 John 1: 1). Pictured on a white horse in the book of Revelation, the all victorious one, Jesus is given the name ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19 : 13). He shed His blood and wears the victors crown to purchase life for us; ‘In Him was life’ (John 1: 4), and in Him IS life.

Text of John 1 v 2-4 on a background of an open Bible and Christmas lights

‘I believe that God speaks all the time to us, brother, but often our hearts are closed to hearing Him. Perhaps you have consciously opened your heart towards God more as you have journeyed on this pilgrimage, and so you have heard Him speak. Not in an audible voice, perhaps, but through the things you understand and relate to.’

‘So, I might hear God more from now on?’

‘I pray so, son. That’s why you are on this journey, after all. We are all on a journey closer to His heart. For you, it is treading the path of pilgrimage; for others, like me, it is serving Him in the everyday and doing the best with the life He has given us.’

‘How do you hear God speak, brother?’

‘Like you, sometimes in the things I am doing, just naturally; a thought comes to me that I believe is from Him. Other times He speaks to me through the wise words of others; sometimes through songs and liturgies, most often when reading and meditating on His word.’

THE PILGRIM

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

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

ADVENT 21 : JESUS – BELOVED SON

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THIS IS MY BELOVED SON

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and declared that the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit would be 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’.

Text of Matthew 3 v 17 against a gold background with Christmas stars.

LOVE AND PRIDE

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 understand that feeling. We can’t wait to tell people how wonderful our kids, or our grandkids are and how proud we are of them. We see beyond their mistakes and imperfections and love them fiercely and unconditionally. This dispels the idea of God as a distant figure. He was completely and utterly besotted with His son, His perfect Son, and totally invested in what Jesus was doing. Isaiah 42 : 1 says of Jesus, this is ‘My Chosen One in whom my soul delights’.

Painting of Jesus coming out of the waters of Baptism, with his arms stretched out to heaven. He is gazing up at a bright light in the form of a dove.

GIVEN THE WORLD

But not only did God the Father love His Son, He loved the world that He sent Him to (John 3: 16). Jesus, the Son, shared the very nature of His Father. He became the expression of the Father’s love for us: love incarnate. 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 gave 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 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 in heaven and earth. And every knee will bow to His beautiful name (Phil 2 : 8-11).

Text of Luke 1v32 against a gold background with Christmas stars.

Image of front cover of the book The Healing

‘It isn’t the end of the story, though,’ Hywel continued. ‘For the whole time that his son had been away, the father had looked out for him. Every day he would go out and search for him, or stand at the threshold of his property just looking out, watching and hoping for his wayward son to return. He still loved him, and was deeply concerned for him. He desperately wanted him home, despite what he had done. Sitting in his pigsty one day, the boy looked around at his surroundings and realised something – that even the servants in his father’s household lived better than he was living. He was desperately ashamed of what he had done, and wondered if there was any way he could return to his family, even if he could perhaps become a servant. He decided he would return home, and beg his father’s forgiveness, and take his chances. He got himself up out of his self-made pit and headed home.

‘Before he had got anywhere near his old home, he saw a figure come running towards him. Terrified, he thought his father had sent out a guard to beat him off. He fell to his knees sobbing in desperation. But then he realised it was no guard, but his father himself. And he carried no weapon, but instead his face was wreathed with joy. The father ran to his son, grabbed him, stood him to his feet, and then gathered him into his arms and wept on his neck.’

THE HEALING

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

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

ADVENT 20: JESUS, ‘SON OF MAN’

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SON OF MAN

How did Jesus refer to Himself in the Gospels, more than any other title? According to biblical scholars He refers to Himself as the ‘Son of Man’ 78 times. I haven’t counted! But it is interesting that Jesus chose to associate Himself with mankind in this way, rather than calling Himself the ‘Son of God’. He who created humanity, loved human beings so much that He chose to humble Himself to come to earth to live among men. To experience life as we do and to ultimately die for us. He describes Himself, the Son of Man, as coming not to be served but to be served and to give His life for many (Mark 10:45).

Text of Mark 10:45 against a white background with wrapped Christmas parcels on the left side.

HUMAN CLAIMING DIVINITY

But in Mark’s gospel Jesus also describes the Son of Man as having the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10) and to be ‘Lord of the Sabbath’ (Mark 2:28), so even as Son of Man He claims divinity. He tells his followers that the Son of Man will suffer and die (Mark 8:31) will rise from the dead (Mark 9:9), will one day return (Mark 13:26) and will sit in judgement with the Father (Mark 8:38).

Photograph of a stone carving of the face of Christ wearing a crown of thorns.

EXALTED CHRIST

This is where we see that Jesus was not just using the title to emphasise His humanity, but also because of a prophecy in Daniel 7 :1-14. Daniel saw an image of the Ancient of Days (God the Father) on His throne (v9). And then someone else is brought into the heavenly throne room – ‘ one like the Son of Man’. And it is to Him that all glory and dominion over the nations of the world are given. A Kingdom that will last forever. This is an image of the exalted Christ, prophesied hundreds of years before Jesus even walked on the earth, and a familiar prophecy to those of Jesus’ time who were awaiting their Messiah. They knew that when Jesus used the term ‘Son of Man’ Jesus was claiming to be the Anointed One.

Daniel’s vision echoes that of John’s in Revelation 5. The Lamb is brought forward as the only one worthy to take the scroll, because He was the one who died and rose again. To Him is given all the glory and honour and praise.

Text of Revelation 5 v 13 against a white background with wrapped Christmas parcels on the left side.

Jesus, the Son of man, came as the servant of humanity, but is also the forever exalted One, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Later, as they lay looking up at the stars through the branches of the trees, listening to the river lapping gently on the shore, and to the horses munching contentedly close by, Philip sighed.

‘Now, this is peace. It’s amazing how the things around us can either make us feel at peace inside, or can steal our peace. Storms without can cause storms within.’

‘It is true,’ Hywel replied. ‘The kind of peace I want more and more is the kind that Jesus had, that He promises can be ours. A peace that stays true despite our circumstances.’

‘The peace that Jesus experienced during that storm; how do you think He came by that?’ Philip was keen to know the answer. Was that a kind of peace available to him, he wondered?

‘Several things, I think. It was a gift from God, obviously, but I believe Jesus accessed it by His own will. He trusted God to protect them. He knew enough about God’s plan for His life to know that it wasn’t His time to die, and also that God had a reason for wanting Him on the other side of the lake. He had a God-designed destiny, and a God-arranged destination, and an appointment with a demon-possessed man needing to be freed. He also knew who He was, and that He had the God-given authority to calm the storm. He chose to believe in those things, and not the evidence to the contrary that the storm seemed to present.’

‘So,’ Philip thought out loud, ‘inner peace comes from faith in God.’

THE HEALING p 94

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

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

ADVENT 19: JESUS – THE VINE

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I AM THE VINE

In John 15 :1 Jesus makes another statement about Himself; ‘I am the Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser’. In v 5 He repeats the statement, but this time He says to His followers – ‘you are the branches’. Branches that need to stay connected to the main vine in order to produce fruit for Him.

Text of John 15 v 5 on a white background with Christmas baubles of assorted colours hanging to one side

GOD’S VINE

Have you ever wondered why Jesus used the picture of a Vine? Could he not have said that He was an olive tree, or a fig tree, perhaps. The picture still would have worked for a plant with fruit yielding branches. His listeners would have understood why. In the Old Testament, vines and vineyards were often used as pictures for Israel. Most notably in Psalm 80: 8-19 we have the description of a vine, brought out of Egypt, planted so that it took deep root and flourished. This is an obvious reference to God’s chosen people of Israel. Yet the Psalm goes on to lament that God has let the hedges surrounding this vine/vineyard be broken down so that the fruit can be stolen, by thieves and wild beasts. The cry is for God to restore His vine and His vineyard.

Israel had been God’s chosen people, to carry His presence and declare His glory. But they had failed to do so through their sin and disobedience. Here in the New Testament we have Jesus saying ‘I am the Vine’, and you can be a part of Me. He was the new vine that God had planted – and those who believed in Him would become the God’s chosen people to carry His presence and reflect His glory.

Photograph of clusters of grapes hanging from a vine, with the words 'I am the Vine'

BEARING FRUIT

Vines are planted in order to produce fruit, so it is with the Vine that is Christ Jesus. It’s branches must bear fruit, fruit that glorifies God. As branches of the Vine we don’t produce fruit of ourselves, He produces His fruit from our submitted lives, the fruit of His spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Sometimes He needs to prune things from our lives that prevent us bearing fruit. Sometimes He has to bind up the branches so that they can bear the weight of the fruit. Always His Word brings the truth we need to keep our lives clean and attached to Him (John 15:1-7). Jesus, the Vine, asks us to abide in Him. To make Him our first focus and be willing to submit everything to Him. Then we will see His fruit flourish in our lives.

What does abiding in the Vine look like for you?

Text of Galatians 5 v 22-23 on a white background with Christmas baubles of assorted colours hanging to one side

‘Huw, do you know my story?’

‘In part. You considered taking vows yourself, did you not?’

‘Yes. Truthfully, I did. I too thought it was the only way to live a life of devotion to God. And God had spared my life miraculously, so I believed it was my only reasonable response to Him. And then Efa came back into my life.’ Philip paused, a look of quiet joy crossing his face. ‘A wise friend showed me then that a life of devotion to God does not always have to be inside abbey walls. I realised that my path lay in being a husband and a father. And that I could still live each day serving God and others.’

‘You and your wife are well known and loved for the way you serve others, and care for the needy. And for your godly lives and wisdom,’ Huw said with quiet respect.

THE BELOVED

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

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

ADVENT 18: JESUS -THE DOOR

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THE DOOR TO THE SHEEP

In the same chapter of John’s Gospel where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, He also describes Himself as the Door, or Gate, to the sheep (John 10:7). This would have conjured up a wonderful picture for those listening to Him. Sheepfolds of the time were roofless, and constructed of stone walls with a gap left for the sheep to enter and exit. This gap would have no physical gate. Once all the sheep were safely herded in, then the shepherds would take turns to sit in the gap. They would protect the sheep with their own bodies, keeping them in peace and safety, and only letting other shepherds who they knew near the sheep. They were a physical barrier against thieves and wild animals. So the door and the shepherd were one and the same thing.

The text of John 10 v 9, on a white background surrounded by Christmas decorations

THE WAY

The Greek word for door used in John 10 :7 and again in v 9 can also be translated as ‘entrance, passage, or way’. In calling Himself the door, Jesus was re-emphasising the truth that He had come to be the only way to the Father. In John 10: 9 He states that those who ‘enter’ through Him, will be saved, and be a sheep of His sheepfold. Free to go in and out, following Him to the best pastures, and following Him to the best places to rest. In John 10:10 He promises those who become His that they will have life in abundance. In John 14:6 Jesus says ‘I am THE WAY, the truth and the Life. No-one comes to the Father except by Me.’

The text of John 10 v10, on a white background surrounded by Christmas decorations

THE NARROW GATE

There is a warning though. The gateway is a narrow one and not always easy to enter. It might be off-putting to some. Believing in Jesus demands we lay down everything else at His feet. Yes the life He promises is one of abundance, a life that will last for eternity, but it might cost. It may not be easy to follow the Shepherd. Luke 13 :22-28

How beautiful a shepherd He is that He laid down His life to be the Doorway to the fold that is His kingdom!

Painting of a rectangular ancient sheepfold, with stone walls and sheep within. A Shepherd sits across the doorway. The words beneath are I am the door.

How wonderful that we know we are secure in Him, and that although following Him might not always be easy, He will always protect and guard us. And His gift to us is life in abundance.

Pray today for those you love who have yet to find Jesus the Door.

image of front cover of the book, The Healing

‘We can all know God’s love and blessing, but some of us choose to take what He has given us and squander it, while others live with ingratitude and a feeling of entitlement and self-righteousness. All He wants is for us to come back to Him with repentant hearts and He will embrace us and celebrate us, and restore us to right relationship with Him. Living as God’s son in a close, love relationship with Him, is the absolute best. It is what we were designed for.’

‘But that Father in the story didn’t even care what the son had done. He didn’t judge him for it or hold it over him. That boy didn’t get the punishment he deserved, and instead got the honour he didn’t deserve. God surely can’t turn a blind eye to our sin?’

‘That is the point, Philip. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that you or I, or anyone has done that will stop God from loving us and welcoming us back to Him with open arms. We need to repent, to admit our wrong, but He couldn’t stop loving us and wanting us, not for anything. He is calling all His sons back home.’

THE HEALING p 71

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