Learning to Ride!
I was looking at this recent picture of the kids on their bikes and I was reminded of how I first rode a 'proper' bike when I was a child. We used to live on an road that was on a hill. I used to go up and down the drive on my bike that had stabilisers on it. I was a bit reluctant to let my parents take the stabilisers off but really I was ready to ride that bike properly but I was a bit scared to take that step.
One day, my Dad decided it was time to take the stabilisers off and then he pushed my down the hill! - Sure enough, I could ride the bike no problem and have done ever since!! (only when it's not raining though. I admit, I am a fairweather cyclist!)
The Holy Spirit spoke to me through this and reminded me that our heavenly Father knows more than anyone of what we are capable of and also when we need a bit of a push to do something. He loves us so much. He loves enough though to ensure that we grow, move forward and change to be all that He has created and called us to be. Sometimes this can stretch us and God ultimately knows what we need and what we can handle. The 'push' of the Holy Spirit in our lives will always lead to life, growth and blessing.
I certainly don't want to slow down God's purposes in my life by holding onto anything that restricts or hinders that which God wants to do in me and through me for His glorious Kingdom.
Have a great weekend!
Labels: Amy, Daniel, Family
Covenant Life
Well, the media fast was a great success. It was great to not watch TV for two weeks or use facebook. It certainly released more time into my life for reading the Bible, prayer and generally enjoying all that God is doing in my life and that of my family - He is so Good!
Last weekend, Rachel & I went to two weddings in two days! At one of the weddings, I heard this great quote about the difference between a contract and a covenant in the context of marriage.
"A Contract is about limited liabilities, Covenant is about endless possibilities. A Contract is concerned about what you can get out of it, Covenant is more about what you can put into it"
I thought these were both good insights for marriage but also for all Christians who are partakers of a new covenant in Jesus Christ. A covenant of life. A covenant of endless possibilities where all things are possible. A covenant where you lay your own life and self-interest down for the glory of knowing Christ more and more each day.
If there is any limit or hinderance to what we allow God to do, say or work in our lives, then we haven't come into the full understanding and experience of the new covenant life that Jesus achieved for us in His death, resurrection and ascension. He went to the cross for you and for me, not only that our sins could be forgiven but that we could know life in all it's fullness. This life comes from the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 8:11)
If you're a Christian, this same Holy Spirit lives in you. God is for you, He is with you but most of all He wants you to know that He lives in you - Hallelujah!
Labels: Covenant, Easter, Marriage
I was looking at this recent picture of the kids on their bikes and I was reminded of how I first rode a 'proper' bike when I was a child. We used to live on an road that was on a hill. I used to go up and down the drive on my bike that had stabilisers on it. I was a bit reluctant to let my parents take the stabilisers off but really I was ready to ride that bike properly but I was a bit scared to take that step.
