thoughts by Rod Marshall Archives - Page 2 of 3

Published October 3, 2016

Where are You?

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?‘” Isaiah 45:9-10 (ESV)

I went into town the other day and was attracted by the sound of a woman’s voice reverberating off the surrounding buildings. As I came closer to the point of origin, I found a very smart woman speaking on her mobile phone. By her tone of voice, I could tell she was not happy with the other person. She walked this way and then that: back and forth looking. Not wishing to get a firm rebuke, I passed by and continued on my errand.

On my way back from this chore, I was surprised to find the same person still talking on the telephone. This time her voice was almost into the supersonic sound range as her frustration discharged into the street. To me she sounded reminiscent of a gaggle of tropical fruit bats chattering away as they fight over their food. Reflecting on personal experience, I thought it best to leave well alone because she seemed not to be dismayed, just emotionally aggressive. I presume someone was in for trouble when they finally met up. I hoped for his sake, it was not a first date!

Anyway, as I wandered off and I realized that this had to be written down.

No amount of remonstrating was going to make any difference. I believe she needed to be still, listen to an understanding voice and clear directions.

Lately, I have allowed the inner little boy to get the better of me, in my talk with God. I have remonstrated with God about my personal circumstances. I have been presumptuous and proud, like the clay telling the potter how it wants to be formed. Now I have confessed my error and so I have been forgiven. What a joy it is to find my way into His presence! Jesus said: “follow me“.

Luke 9:23:- And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, please quieten our hearts and minds, enable us to let you have your way in our lives, and guide our path today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Rod Marshall

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Recognizing the Truth

Published August 14, 2016

Recognizing the Truth

“Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.” Acts 9:17-18 (ESV)

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

During the move to our new house the bathroom scales were broken inside. Now those scales tell me that I am a little over eleven stones (150 lbs.). This is so untrue that I cannot swallow their declaration. My body has not seen eleven stones (150 lbs.) for thirty years. Of course, I might like to let myself be deceived by the odd stone or two but not by a third of my weight!

The inner-self declared the scale’s error as I hesitated near the full-length mirror in the bedroom! I could not get away with believing the untruth unless I set out to deliberately avoid my reflection, shadow etc.

There are plethora criteria with which we all attempt to measure up: our parents; fellow workers; people in our church – or the one down the road; our neighbors; those older; those younger; those with features and assets different to ours in any and every way. For each of us the list is personal and potentially unlimited. We can be deceived, deluded or obsessed by our comparison and judgment with values from this world once we let our minds stray from the truth.

I remember the story of Belshazzar who was weighed in the balance and found wanting by God (Daniel 5:27), and in the same night slaughtered. If we believe the world alone, how will their values stand up against God’s rule when we come to our day of judgment?

Jesus – who sees us for who we really are – will one day take us into a new perfected eternal bodily form, free from comparison, sin and sorrow, with all our imperfections dealt with and cleansed.

In the interim, I believe Jesus died to set us free from enslavement to this world, its false declarations, deceptions and judgments. Today, by Grace, we can hear the truth in Him.

PRAYER: LORD, we thank You that You have given us an inner voice for You to speak into our lives today, words of guidance, life and encouragement. Set us free from delusion, doubt and sin so that, by Your Holy Spirit, we can live and move in Your will for our lives again. Amen.

By Rod Marshall

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published March 19, 2013

Book of Life

by Rod Marshall

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28(ESV)

I hoped that being a Christian might save me from living in a marred world. Now I can say, in as far as I have the direction, peace and protection of God: it is true. In as far as, I still see, know and have bad things happen: it is false. This can seem a bit of an insult at times, as when a friend of mine was murdered or a work colleague committed suicide.

Unsuspecting, I soak up the world on my way to glory; I become captivated by its unwanted attentions and temptations and fail. Yet, I am called not to withdraw from life, to pass by on the other side of the road and avert my gaze. I am to be whom God has made me: fragile, fallible and dependent on Him in the mess and muck of life but not sucked in by it.

Jesus incarnate lived, ate and breathed in the midst of the mire of this world (Eg. Jesus eats with sinners Mark 2:15-16). He experienced the full range of emotional pain and suffering including his betrayal by Judas (Eg. last supper: Matthew 26:21-31). So failure comes as no surprise to Jesus because He has seen it all before.

However, this is not the whole story because I also succeed. Like Zacchaeus (cf. Luke 19:6) I rejoice in being accepted as a follower of Christ.

Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into the surrounding countryside and heal the sick, deliver people from evil and most of all to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God. How excited they were about the events they had experienced. On their return, Jesus reminded them of a more important issue:

Luke 10:20: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (ESV)

Without our names written in the Book of Life, all the rest counts for nothing both then and now!

PRAYER:
LORD, before we go out into the world once more today, grant us Your focus on what is important to You and Your vision for us to see how we can bring Your Kingdom’s Light to bear in our hearts and where we are. Amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published October 31, 2012

Listening

by Roderick Marshall

“For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness.” Psalm 95:7-8 (ESV)

I hope to reach the terminus of my Bible journey as I read from the book of Genesis towards Revelation. It has been a familiar task in the past, though, if I am honest, perhaps not so familiar to me now as it once was. Sporadically, I have shed some of the enthusiasm I once had when I first discovered that the prayerful reading of the pages of scripture revealed glimpses of God’s nature.

Last night was one of those occasions. My problem was that I was not truly focused on the task: reading the Bible. My lack of prayerful preparation had prevented me from going deeper into the Word.

I can imagine the order ringing out from below: “Christian without prayer or preparation reading the Bible – send out the befuddlers!” They were to build on my folly by speaking a disparaging word or two to tell me that it was all a waste of my time.

In a reaction, a word from God rose up to the surface of my being. Found in Revelation 3:15, it was originally spoken to the Church of Laodicea, stored in my mind from an earlier reading. I was like them in danger, too cool in my attitude towards my God. Like them possibly no longer worthy of his Loving embrace. They had tolerated compromise and indifference in their relationship with God. Quickly, I went back into God’s presence to offer a more focused heart and mind. There I found Him waiting.

I would like to think that He smiled approvingly, as a father, who sees in the action of his child, evidence they have heard and understood His call to Wisdom.

Psalm 95:7-8 (ESV) – Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..

If unwittingly, like me, you find yourself with some apathy, hear the call to wisdom.

PRAYER: Lord, we rejoice that You are not the distant and indifferent God some would tempt us to believe in. Guide us, as we travel through today, encourage us to be whole-hearted for Your Kingdom trusting in Your Love. May Your Fragrance fill our being. Please promote in us a pleasing desire for Your Word today. Amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published April 29, 2012

Living

by Rod Marshall

“He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Matthew 17:5 (ESV)

In 2011, life gave me a little squeeze, to find out what is really inside, where and what my priorities are, when push comes to shove.

I have been busy both at home and at work. At home, with the addition of two toddlers, whilst being a great joy and pleasure for a maturing father, they are nevertheless all-consuming for Caroline and I, so we find it hard to find the time for us. At work, with the closure of one of the university’s campuses, and the arrival of a large proportion of students to my site, I find myself under a new review, the third in twelve months!

With all this continued uncertainty hanging over me, I have been getting depressed. Apparently, it became obvious, because once, Caroline even suggested that I go to the doctor for help. However, I praise God that when I called on Him as I found myself on the threshold of being sucked down the plughole of despond again, He answered my prayers and plugged the drain. I am aware, too, that others must have been praying, for which I am thankful, because intercession really does matter.

There were no shining lights or angels, no instant change. He simply reminded me of what He has done for me in the past in seemingly impossible situations that were outside of my control. I remembered a time when I was unemployed with a small child and I was down to my last ten pounds in the bank, with a mortgage, and then I “found” the right job for me. It was exactly what was needed for what happened next. I am clear that it was this insight and grace given to me over the course of a day, and not my will, which delivered me back into my right heart and mind, putting my faith in my God above how others plan. All praise be to God who inhabits our praises and our beings: at least the parts we are willing to give into His care!

So as God reminded me that He has a plan for each of us, it encouraged me that I do not have to be in control all the time, because we cannot plan for the unforeseen. As Christians, we must do what we can and then submit it to God. As I returned my trust to His will for me, He drew me back from the precipice, and I found His inner peace waiting for me.

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV):– “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Prayer: Lord, forgive us because we have erred again. Whenever You come to us, You clear away the fog and bring inner peace. Please direct our paths and instill in us today Your God-with-us by the Holy Spirit, so that no matter how things appear, we may know that when the living gets tough, You are with us always, willing to make a difference. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Published August 22, 2011

Presumptions

by Rod Marshall

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)

I have been a witness to some extraordinary moves of God in my lifetime but, as said, they were extraordinary. Like many I live, bound up in life’s issues day-to-day, coping with the curve balls that speed my way. I have not been saved from life’s shortcomings, as I might be tempted to believe I deserve, so I just keep moving on.

With the arrogance and curiosity of being willful I stopped looking to Jesus and looked over the edge of the Narrow path where safety lies. Out of nowhere arose inner-conflict, a disparity between what I know to be true and what were my expectations for God’s will. As I teetered on the edge I looked, and it seemed to be a long way down. Like a party balloon that has hung too long, neglected on a wall, the life in me became limp. I had been distracted by life, from seeing my Savior’s love.

For me this has physical consequences, the signs of a stress shutdown in progress! Before my mind went into total hibernation I knew I could do only one thing to redirect my steps back to higher ground.

By prayer and a very little faith, I reached out once more to Jesus, my Rock leaving the presumptions for His will for me behind. Gradually, the preoccupation about life’s unsatisfactoriness diminished because I knew in my heart that His steadfast Love had brooded over me all the time. Inside I imagined He smiled reproachfully, as I stepped back from the edge of the abyss and once more focused in faith on His love.

It took a further day for my body to function normally and to live in that faith. So let our eyes be centered on Jesus, and keep watch, because life is difficult enough!

PRAYER:
LORD enable us to see Your priorities for our lives more clearly looking forward and direct us in the way we should go. May we be vessels of faith, light and hope, not broken pots, because we go in the Name of Jesus.

LORD, we lift up to You those who are not able to make this necessary step of faith yesterday, or today. Enable them to break through their situations and find that You have loved them all along. May You soften their hearts so that they might receive the warmth of Your Love, and find that they are no longer alone, in the Name of Jesus, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published May 4, 2011

Small Child

by Rod Marshall

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

I find that it is my calling to continue to walk the walk, and talk the talk, where I am. However, in my impatience and lack of faith, sometimes I find myself like Martha, asking for more help!

One Sunday morning I presented my case to the King of Kings. I comforted myself in the knowledge that I had said what needed to be said and thus far was untouched by thunderbolts or gaping holes in the ground. I became aware of a little girl. She stood a short distance away on her own to the side of her parents nearby. She was not more than four years old.

The following question came to mind: What is the one thing that this child you see in front of you needs above all else? Simple, I thought, every small child needs to be loved, accepted, cuddled and protected by their parents. Nothing means more to a child at that age because, untroubled by news, exams and fashion, this is the totality of their world view. They just want to rest secure in the feeling of being hugged, safe from harm.

Then, in my mind, I could see clearly the smile on a child’s face being held against a parent’s chest. It was at this point that I realized that this was not just my imagination because I was also aware of the invitation from God for me to do just that.

So, right in the middle of a Sunday service, I let go of the questions, attitude and stuff, to be enveloped with the warmth of my Savior’s love! I climbed up and I rested in God’s arms. Several weeks later as I write, the picture is clear in my mind and His Love and warmth evident.

All are welcome.

Luke 10:20-21:– “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, I thank you so much for Your Grace – Your willingness to accept us, clean us, and re-clothe us. In Your mercy keep us safe in Your care. Be with all those who need a hug from You today and grant us Your peace, because we come in the name of Jesus, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published March 8, 2011

A Thorn in the Flesh?

by Rod Marshall

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21(ESV)

I have been wearing a shirt for work during the warmer months. However, each time I wore it I was aware of a stinging sensation in my back. I thought it was something catching on the join of my braces (suspenders) in the middle of my back? No, nothing there, so I shrugged it off.

After several attempts at wearing the shirt I thought I would try and tie down what the cause was. Maybe it was a spot, growth or wrinkle catching in the center pleat of the shirt? No, it was not. Anyway, after several weeks of enduring the sensation of being pin pricked sporadically in the middle of my back I decided, having eliminated everything else, that it must be something in the shirt itself.

I used a ruler and mirror to pinpoint the area on my back and removed the shirt to investigate. Lo, and behold, I found a tiny piece of hard green plastic hidden inside the weave of the material. I guess it was like a shard from a tag you get on bags of fruit. Probably a label from the original roll of cloth caught up in the machine when it was woven.

Aha, finally success! I had found the cause and so it could be removed. Now, having remedied the shirt by pulling the plastic splinter out, I have regained a slightly damaged but good shirt. I have never heard, read or seen anything like this before so, I mused.

It has made me consider how I can cause pain to a God who loves us, but cannot abide our sinful and flawed nature. Through our supplication, Jesus’ Love and Grace, these causes of pain may be removed, or remedied, so that God can regain a slightly damaged but pleasing disciple!

PRAYER: LORD, we are truly sorry for being a pain, again. It dismays us to think we can continue to cause You sadness. Please forgive us all that is past. Sanctify us through Jesus’ blood, and, via the agency of the Holy Spirit, You might be pleased to walk with us once more today and grant us Your Peace because You love us, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published October 27, 2010

Reclaimed?

by Rod Marshall

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10(ESV)

One of the things that have to be done by me at work is to reunite the USB flash memory storage sticks with their owners, usually tired and forgetful students.

Sometimes there is no identification on them anywhere to be found. Then, we are reliant on the student to realize they have lost it, and they have to come and seek it out from the collection of other orphaned USB’s here in our office.

Some students come here straight away all in a fluster, because they know their loss: a USB stick which has the only copy of their dissertation, or latest assignment saved on it! Sometimes students are just unaware that they have lost it, until I send them an email!

I have looked upon this pile of USB’s, which sit here uncollected, labeled with their owner’s names, and wondered. As I contact students to let them know we have their USB stick, when they were not aware of it, so in some way, Jesus wants to connect with those whose lives are not safe in Jesus. Possibly, they may never have had the opportunity to hear the story of God’s Love for them, or even have been aware that they are listed in heaven as: missing in action!

Peace and reconciliation in Jesus is profound, and those of us already in the Kingdom may be lured to take it for granted, and yet Jesus, as He reveals in the parable above, will not give up until He finds them, or us. Finally, when they wake up to His searching them out, the rejoicing in heaven will start as the Holy Spirit flows!

Jesus treasures the unsaved, or wayward, their uniqueness and all they are, and we may be called today to bring them His Word of Hope. Sometimes it is the most worldly successful that need to hear His word the most!

PRAYER: LORD, thank You for not leaving us here to be unwanted, collecting dust. Enable us to play our part in bringing the Good News of Jesus to those who presently may not know they are being diligently sought out by Your Love for them.
We rejoice with praise and worship as You chose to reach out through us, to bring a message of reunion with God, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published October 17, 2010

Self on the Shelf!

by Rod Marshall

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:19-21 (ESV)

I have been busy lately – doing – so although things have been stressful and protracted, I thought I was fine.

This last Sunday arrived as a wake-up call as my body, mind and spirit came to a complete stop, the spirit-o-meter in my being read empty. I had some flu virus, which laid me out totally. Even breathing was an effort, with my ribs feeling sore. I sat still for twelve hours and watched Caroline move around me, whilst inwardly I prayed my fever would get no worse.

It was at this point that my inner-self reacquainted me that ‘he’ was not crucified and was definitely feeling limited by this lack of activity. He wanted this canister of a being to be well – now! I do not do being ill very well.

To my great surprise and rejoicing, on Monday, my recovery was progressive and so rapid that I went to work in the afternoon to cover my evening session, having earlier thought I would be off most of the week.

In the stillness of the Monday morning not yet well, but rising, I wrote a song. I began to ponder what it meant. God was tangible, like after a heavy thunderstorm the freshness of His presence permeated the room as His Spirit poured over my consciousness. For this moment, my mind was still so I could receive what I had been given and so I wrote it down as I played it.

…So you’re free to worship me, whenever you choose Even when you get the blues, lean on me…

Like Peter reaching for Jesus’ out-stretched arms as he sank into the waves, looking elsewhere is a bad idea. So today, I ask myself the question: doing is good, but for whom are you doing it?

PRAYER: LORD, I thank You for the gift of words through which we can touch each other even when we are lifetimes or oceans apart. I rejoice in Your patience with me that allows my approach even when I am too embarrassed to run forward. Grant us Your understanding of what is good, pleasing, proper and appropriate for You to reign in our lives. Amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published October 8, 2010

Broken Glass

by Rod Marshall

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away…” Matthew 13:24b-25 (ESV)

I have noticed broken glass on the tarmac where I ride my bike. I guess it is from broken fizzy drink bottles, or wine and beer glasses all of which have been discarded by revelers.

I had to repair a puncture to my wheel from some such glass.

I followed a fellow cyclist into work the other day and I noticed that he swerved violently at the last minute to avoid a spill of glass. On further investigation, I saw the glass had no impact zone, or the splatter characteristic of a dropped bottle or glass.

It was all of a small, and even, size which betrayed an intent that someone had placed the glass there deliberately to catch out an unwary cyclist like me who was off-guard. Further down the route, now that I was looking, I found another patch of glass shed in a similar manner. No wonder that I had had a puncture. Humph! I thought what a sad and messed up world we live in.

However, and to my surprise, as a rode to work yesterday I found that all the glass had been swept up by some of the army of council litter pickers and local volunteers who seek to keep Cheltenham tidy.

It made me mull over how the powers of evil seek to lay traps for the unwary Christian to cause them to falter on their journey. So we need to be alert as we travel and not be unwary.

I am glad to say that there is also the greater army of Jesus, King of Kings, who sends out His workers – you and me, as we are able – into the world to pick up the pieces, clear the path and set people safe on their journey.

PRAYER: LORD, I thank You for Your sovereignty over us as we name You our Saviour and Deliverer. We rejoice in the freedom found in a love that You have provided in abundance because we look to You.

Please light our path and open our eyes to the dangers where we are today. As we go grant us the faith, wisdom and strength to know how best to deal with these situations for ourselves and those You take us to, in the Name of Jesus, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published July 10, 2010

Fear

by Rod Marshall

“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22 (ESV)

During the course of the day, students ask me to help them to use the software and hardware in my computer area. I attempt, by my professional application, to engender a sense of peace and quiet confidence within myself, and those who have asked for my support.

At lunchtime, I escape into the local town or park to regain my sanity, such as it is, because my reservoir of helpful energy has become as dry as a bone!

Today as I walked around the lake after the heavy rain, I spotted a swan family: a father, mother and six young cygnets. The cob followed my progress, as I passed by on the lake’s perimeter path, with a brooding look that fixed my eye in such a way as if to say: mine! Anyone who has experienced a swan, six-foot tall and flapping its wings, in full defense mode knows to respect that look.

The six cygnets continued to gently paddle and pick at organic debris with their beaks in an area corralled by their parents, in the full knowledge that their parents brooded over them to keep them safe from harm. Therefore, they were at peace as they paddled.

In contrast to this place of cygnet safety, I am mindful of the fear that robs many of their peace of mind because they do not understand, or lack the knowledge of how to achieve their aims. It is a great satisfaction to see students grow over their time here.

I believe God’s desire is to overcome any fear of the world in us. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Grace of Jesus, broods over His disciples with a watchful eye to set them free from fear. In effect, He says to heaven: mine!

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, we rejoice and praise Your Name. You brood over us and you first loved us -fallen and flawed as we are. Please forgive us when we loose our nerve and forget Your purpose in our lives. Grant us once more an awareness of Your brooding Presence and Peace, in the Name of Jesus, amen.

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published June 1, 2010

Have I got Talent?

By Rod Marshall

“To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.” Matthew 25:15 (ESV)

I skimmed over Matthew’s Gospel parable of the Talents this morning, knowing the parable’s content, yet I gained a new insight.

As someone who has sympathized with the poor chap given a single talent as a reluctant servant, I have always found it a discomfort to see in the seed of his reluctance, his downfall.

Although it has been many a year since I was a RE teacher I taught there is only a single purpose in a parable: a story with a single meaning, to portray the significance to its listeners of the new paradigm Kingdom of God. They are not to be allegorized because they were meant to be vivid and immediate — attention grabbing. Parables simply take you by the hand and guide you over a bridge from our worldly view into His, to illustrate a part of the Kingdom of God on earth through Jesus’ Sonship.

There are various talent search shows in vogue at the present time, both here in Britain and also in the USA. They allow those who seek it, the opportunity to display their talent to the awaiting judges and audiences. They have been a rich vein of entertainment to some.

Today I recognized a complete contrast between the man of the single talent, given according to his ability, and the other servants. They unlike him, but like the hopefuls on the TV, wanted to make the most of what they have been given. They want to be recognized as able, to demonstrate their abilities. To shine, to be lifted up to greater things.

No lime light for me, but neither will I bury my talent in fear, because I know God Loves me and Loves those I meet. He gives to us according to our abilities, so that we can rightly bring forth fruit.

PRAYER: LORD, we rejoice in what has been given to us. Let us not be deceived into desiring what is not of You. Grant us courage to mature the gifts given to us so we can be found bearing fruit when you call us to account, in Jesus’ name, amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/06/01/rm_talent/

Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published April 24, 2010

Identity?

by Rod Marshall

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:6-9 (ESV)

We have a new phenomenon in our vicinity: Identity theft. Thieves can raid our bins left out for the refuse collectors to remove. They scavenge for paperwork that might give away your personal account details. They set up mobile phone or credit accounts on the Internet with these particulars, and purchase products in your name, with your details as collateral, until the money or your credit is all used up!

Similarly, we know the Devil is on a quest to catch us out when we fall, become proud, willful, or reckless. Maybe it is because we have not been wholehearted in prayer or careful enough with the gifts we have been given? Anyway, I believe he wants to steal our potential as Christians, given half a chance.

Yes, specifically Christians, because they are at a premium as spiritual prey. Put simply he desires to pervert and quench our spirit long enough to bring sorrow to our Savior. If the Devil can use unwary Christians as pawns to bring harm to The Church as the body of Christ, he will. When we are sidelined into worldly preoccupations we become rendered useless, just like the five foolish virgins that were unprepared when it mattered (Matthew 25:2). At worst, we might cause real harm and destruction to others around us, like a Judas.

If we test our thoughts and attitudes against biblical standards, before we bring anything into public view, we might just stop our identity from being misused!

If we do get it wrong, let us be honest and go to our Savior, kneel and ask His forgiveness. Maybe someone else might need to be involved in the process too? Anyway, He will in return restore to us, by Grace, a new Kingdom identity that He has kept safe in heaven.

PRAYER: LORD, we ask today for You to repair our broken-down defenses and return to us our true identity kept safe in You. Please grant us the confidence to use the weapons of spiritual warfare You have prepared for us, to be able to stand up for Jesus once more today.

Then may we dismiss with a shout of declaration and praise, the evil that preys around our streets seeking to trick and rob us of Your eternal Love. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/04/24/rm_identity/

Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

Published March 25, 2010

Rainbows

by Rod Marshall

“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13 (ESV)

Have you ever seen some phenomenon in nature that could have been put there just for you?

Years ago I was awaiting the end of term, the end of my time in school and my exam results. I was more than 200 miles away from home and still some way away from God. However, I suspected that He was about there somewhere, watching over me.

One summer’s night I looked towards the orange-gray haze of the evening horizon and wondered.

As some “what if’s” passed through my mind, my eyes saw briefly a shooting star. Maybe this was just a trick of the eye but it was so unusual I decided it must be a good omen. I do not know why. Then I asked the question: Can God talk to me through nature? Weeks later I found that, one of the “what if’s” I had pondered that twilight, had come true: co-incidence?

Neither of my parents are Christians. They do not see the need for God. They believe they will die and decompose. I love them more than I can say but it would appear that my discussions with them about my Savior and His Love for them have been a waste of time.

After one visit to see them a few years ago, I was driving back home when I saw a rainbow. Something inside said to me this rainbow was to be, for me, a reminder. It was as if God had said: “Rod, listen, I have heard your prayers and everything is in hand. Now trust in me for your parents.” I had such a peace in my heart that tears rolled down my cheeks.

Have you ever gone looking for a full rainbow? They are a lot harder to find than you might at first think.

PRAYER: LORD, You are the Alpha and Omega and the Good Shepherd. You hold the keys to Death and Hades and You delight in little children. You know the number of the hairs on our head and the cares of our innermost being. In Your awesomeness, have mercy on us LORD and this day forgive us our failures. Into Your care and great compassion, we lift our loved ones before You today. LORD, hear our prayers. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/03/25/rm_rainbows/

Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Rod Marshall

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