The Secret Place

Mysteries, Revelation & Knowledge

I simply love this topic. In case it's not clear from the title what the topic is, to my mind it is this - living in revelation knowledge. Gods people are called to live in the realm of revelation, and that doesn't mean for one minute that we are "so spiritually minded that we're no earthly good" (as my old Mum used to say...sometimes about me...) Anyway, as we read through Paul's letters, and as we mature and begin to consume the full counsel of His word, we see that his people have carried revelation through the ages. This revelation has been passed down through the generations and began with a cry for deliverance thousands of years ago. The cry for a saviour entered the heart of man immediately after we feel. Our God responded and promised that one would be born who would crush Satan and deliver mankind from the penalty of sin. The revelation of the Messiah is weaved intricately through the old Testament. Then, the wonderful saviour is revealed and he lives out every revelation, and much more, he is the fulfilment of all the law and the prophets.

As we enter the New Testament letters we see the man Paul, so struck with a revelation of Jesus that it blinded his earthly eyes. But the wonders that Paul was seeing in his Spirit are poured out for us in his letters. We are dealing with mysteries, but mysteries become knowledge through the process of revelation.

Consume the Word!

I know it's been quiet lately...but there's a series of blogs I want to roll out on the importance and effect of the word of God in our lives. I love God's word - it's alive, and there's only one book that can say that! Sometimes it cuts me, sometimes it comforts me, sometimes I dance, sometimes I fall on my face and simply say "you are right".

Just as the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus and was suddenly healed when we engage with the word it effects our lives. When we're dealing with the word we're entering what Paul describes as 'revelation, knowledge and mystery' (Eph 3). I want to get into that in some more depth but for now lets very generally look at the link between the word and revelation.

In Revelation 10:8-11 we see John instructed to eat the book, or consume the word! The immediate instruction following this is to prophesy. Praise God for word based, prophetic ministry that brings revelation to the Church. I want to  live in revelation knowledge, which means I've got to live by every word that proceeds from God! God is speaking every day, and he's calling us to be a people who live according to his word. Consume the word!!

Easter 2006

Easter 2006
Originally uploaded by samolia12.

Just testing the blog feature on flickr...

Self Control...

I was well impressed with the kids today. They resisted eating their easter eggs before they'd finished decorating them...

Big Day...

Today was a big day as I had to give three months notice and let my employer know Carolyn and I are off to School of the Word this September!!

We're very excited about it - and continue to know Gods peace that passes understanding.  One big piece that still needs to fall into place is the sale of our house so please pray...

I also want to testify to the goodness of God in my work situation.  I've been thoroughy blessed, encouraged and supported in this decision. God's favour is a wonderful thing!!

God is good!!

Stand firm...

Spring is officially here, but it wasn't that long ago when we were battling against snow and ice. We had a fantastic time with the Lord this morning. Hugh expounded on two specific prophesies that have come to the Church in recent months. The second prophecy relates to the unchanging nature of God. He never changes and his feet are firmly set. He's not going to slip, trip or fall, and his will is to set our feet on high places. Now, sometimes the climb to high places can be treacherous and that's why we need to experience feet like 'hinds feet'. (Psalm 18:33) Its God's will for us to stand, and not to fall. God doesn't want us to slip, and lose our footing. Thank God that we  have our feet on the rock that is Jesus Christ.

I remember when the mornings were icy. I arrived at work one morning, carefully drove into the car park and stopped the car. I looked over, grabbed my brief case and opened the car door. Stepping out I was ready for work, suit on, tie on straight and briefcase in hand. However, the conditions underfoot were icy and I began to slide...

It struck me that it makes no difference what we look like, or what we're wearing. When the conditions are treacherous we may look like we're in control and ready for anything. But if our feet aren't on solid ground, regardless of what we look like, we can still fall over. I don't know how it goes with you, but my body tends to follow my feet. If they slip, the rest of me follows. Praise God for the rock that is Jesus Christ. When we stand firm in Him, we're not going to fall.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Regional Sunday...

Had a great time with our neighbours from Merthyr and Cardiff at the regional service in All Nations this morning. Tony Ling brought rich revelation, and spoke about many things. However, there was one thing that particularly touched me. Tony spoke of Solomon dedicating the temple (2 Chron 6) and his frequent reference to 'my father David'. Solomon understood he was fulfilling the purposes of God because someone had gone before him. Maybe this is a generilasation but it's easy for us 'younger' ones to think we're the answer and that revival will finally break out when we have our moment of glory. In fact the opposite is true. None of us is here because of ourselves. We're here, feeling the sense of God's call because men and women of faith laboured before us, died before us, prophesied before us, and obeyed, before us. That's not to say we're insignificant but we should honour 'our fathers in the faith'. I'm grateful that I have so many fathers, and like Solomon I want to say I'm only here because my fathers went before me. Lets serve the purpose of God in our generation, but as we break new ground lets honour those who went before us. We can only reap where seed has already been sown.

Secret Prayer

Carolyn came across this hymn by Charles H. Gabriel (1922). We really liked it so we thought we'd share it with you...

Sweet secret prayer, comfort divine,
There, O my Lord, I know Thou art mine;
Great Master, there in secret with Thee,
Heaven comes nearer and nearer to me.

Blessings attend and follow us there;
Heaven comes nearer and nearer in prayer.

Sweet secret prayer, comfort divine,
There do Thine arms, Lord, round me entwine;
Rivers of love and mercy there flow,
Balm for all sorrow that mortal can know.

Sweet secret prayer, comfort divine,
There do I feel I truly am Thine;
Heav'n's windows open, Jesus is near,
Near to my soul, and the Father will hear.

A Merry Heart

I read an interesting report on the BBC website that suggests optimistic people are less likely to suffer serious heart disease. Dave Lavery recently posted on Proverbs 4.23 "Above all else, guard your heart , for it effects everything you do"

Another proverb says "A merry heart does good, like a medicine" (Prov 17:22)

The British Heart Foundation said "This new study adds weight to the argument that if we feel optimistic and supported it may have a positive effect on our health and hearts"

The BBC's article simply confirms God's word. It's great when that happens!

One for the family

....well not all traditions are wrong. St Davids day in Swansea was snowed in so the kids didn't get to school. Anyhow, for the family members that check in from time to time here's some shots of the kids (apart from the last one!).