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"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands. My times are in your hands."

Psalm 31: 14,15a

When I Say I Am A Christian

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I am saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost; that is why I chose this way."

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Someone to be my Guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging I am strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak, and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are all too visible, but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, which is why I cry his name.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority; I only know I'm loved.

Book Review

Confidence in the Living God - David and Goliath revisited
by Andrew Watson, BRF, £7.99

Confidence lies at the heart of society, determining the success or failure of the economy, the government, companies, schools, churches and, of course, individuals. As Christians, we are called to proclaim our faith in God, but how can we build and maintain this confidence in an increasingly secularised culture where such faith is often seen as marginal, embarrassing or even downright dangerous?

Using the story of David and Goliath, Andrew Watson explores Goliath’s misplaced overconfidence, Saul’s tortured self-doubt, Eliab’s patronising superiority and David’s modest, inspirational trust in God.

Using the narrative of the battle, he applies the story to the Church and individuals, showing how our nerve can be tested both by personal troubles and through public assaults on faith, especially the recent attacks from humanists and atheists.

He considers, too, how we can confidently tackle the challenges of day-to-day living, whether a difficult work situation or family relationship, or simply anxiety about the future. The book includes a study guide and is ideal as a whole-church course on the subject of confidence.

Trust God! Trust God! Trust God!
'"You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living..."' Psalm 142:5

Hard times energise some people, yet paralyse others. Look at David. Everything he touched turned to gold: Samuel anointed him to be king; he defeated Goliath; Saul chose him as a musician and warrior; the army loved him and wrote songs about him. Then his life fell apart. He lost his job and his marriage failed; Samuel his old mentor died; his best friend Jonathan couldn't help him, and Saul's soldiers hounded him until he had to hide in a cave. 

At some point we all do time in the cave! It's where you end up when all your earthly supports are gone. It's where you learn important things about yourself that you can't learn anywhere else. It's where God does some of His best work in moulding you into the likeness of Christ. It's where your worst inadequacies confirm that you're out of your depth, and where God sends His power to flow through your weakness. 

When David prayed, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living,' he'd no way of knowing there was a crown in his future, or that he wasn't going to die in hiding. For all he knew, this cave he was in right now might be as good as it gets.

When you're in a situation you can't fix, can't change and can't escape, trust God! Trust God! Trust God! As long as your sense of security is tied solely to your success, it'll always be fragile. But when you know that God is with you even at your lowest point, you can handle the cave and come out stronger!

This extract is taken from The Word for Today. Free issues of TWFT  daily devotional are available from UCB Tel 0845 60 40 401 www.ucb.co.uk

 

 

Rev Hilary Howarth BA  Tel. 01606 42814 - Northwich Church/Circuit Office Tel. 01606 350764 (office staffed 2 days a week)