Deeper Blog

Saturday 18th July

2009-07-18T00:01:00.007+01:00

You know what it’s like. You’ve had a hard day. Its been hot and tiring. And phones have been ringing. And traffic has been building up. And you’ve been late for every meeting. And you didn’t do that job you were meant to do. And the boss shouts at you. And the teacher wants a ‘quick word with you about your son’. And the car wouldn’t start. And the phone rings again. And you just want to get home. To kick your shoes off, to slump on the sofa and breathe.

As we come to the end of our time together in Ruth, think eleven hundred years down the line from Ruth (whose Mother in law was Rahab, the prostitute?! It was you know) to the birth of jesus. Think of all the character qualities we admire in Jesus : integrity, compassion, stickability, hard work, honor."

I wonder where He got that character from? Yeah of course I know ‘From His heavenly Father.’ I know ‘Because He was the Son of God’. But you and I also know that in a very real human sense, genes and character are passed down from generation to generation. Who else do we know who had integrity, compassion, stickability, hard work, and honour … yes of course, it was Ruth.

Gods plans since before the beginning of time come to birth literally at the birth of Jesus. And where ? In a little town in Israel called Bethlehem. Where was Ruth from originally ? Bethlehem. Finally, eleven hundred years later she comes full circle and makes it home through her distant distant son.

Late next week I will be heading off to Guatemala & Honduras to spend some time with some street children who are dear to my heart. (For more details check out streetkidsdirect.org.uk) Now before any of you comment, I know its the region where swine flu originated, and I also know the political situation in that region is very precarious to say the least. That doesn't worry me too much either. No the concern is that it's not home. Even though I lived there for a bit, its not home. I'll be living in the poorest of communities and spending most of my days sitting in amongst squalor. I'll be eating strange food, trying to avoid catching lice whilst trying to communicate something of Gods love in a strange language. Being the best witness I can be in a place that is not home.

But isn't that what we do everyday ..... ? Home for us as Christians will never truly be Mendlesham or Debenham or Stowmarket or Diss or anywhere else on planet earth. Home is heaven. And one day we will come full circle like Ruth and finally make it home.

Never underestimate your God, and never underestimate what God wants to do through you as you make yourself available to Him. And one day He will call us home and we can finally kick off our shoes and breathe.

And then every day will still feel never-ending, but there will be no more tiredness or frustration or anguish or death or squalor or mourning or tears or pain and there will be no more 'until tomorrows' because the old order has passed away. And we will be home.

Friday 17th July

2009-07-17T00:01:00.008+01:00

A shorter blog today.

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time and something amazing, something extra ordinary has happened ? Those snapshot moments of real joy or moments of memory making intensity. The day I scored a winning try in the last seconds of the rugby match to clinch the cup. The time I was surfing and a dolphin appeared next to me. The day I kissed Rachelle Thackray. The evening on a hillside in Chile where the wild eagle landed and took food from my hand. That sunset over lake Malawi. The time I saved Mark's life when he fell through a window. The surprise gift of a days rally driving just 'because we think you're great'. The day she said she loved me.

One of the greatest themes that runs through the Bible is how a great God takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things with them to accomplish His incredible purposes. This enduring theme of scripture is played out time and time and time again. But its not just in scripture. The principle is true for us too. No matter who we are, no matter where we've been, no matter what we’ve done, we are ordinary people who can do extraordinary things for God. It's been said that most people that we call heroes don't really know that they are heroes. Because real heroes don't know that they're heroes. They are simply men and women who do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason.

Wonder Woman (I knew I’d get her into my blogs somehow!) was once talking with Wonder Girl (vol. 10 of DC’s JLA 'Golden Perfect' mini-series if anyone is interested?!) who was feeling the weight of the responsibility of the ‘Wonder’ mantle she’d inherited. Wonder Girl said “How can I be a hero?” Wonder Woman replied …. wait for it …

“A hero is just someone who does the things a hero would do” And Wonder Woman is right. (She’s never wrong by the way) The way to become a hero is just to act and react in the way a hero would. The way to be a Christian is just to act and react in the way a Christian would. The way to do extraordinary things for God is to do extraordinary things for God. I know it sounds crazy or obvious or both but it’s true.

Ruth & Naomi & Boaz are just very ordinary people who did extra ordinary things for God.

And I think sometimes we spend so long waiting for exactly the right set of circumstances to arise before we do the extraordinary thing, that the time never arises. We live for God now. Today. This instant. And the ordinary becomes the extra ordinary.

Until tomorrow.

Thursday 16th July

2009-07-16T00:01:00.007+01:00

I want to share a quick thought with you today. We know the name of Ruth, we know the name of Naomi, and we know the name of Boaz. But we do not know the name of this near kinsman. What an opportunity he missed. It was all well and good while it was to his advantage to acquire more property, but when Ruth was thrown into the deal, and Boaz knew it was coming, the bet was off. "No, I'm not going to do that. There is no gain for me here. There is no gain by marrying a foreigner, by marrying a gentile, by marrying one that has been outside of the camp. She brings nothing to the relationship. I will lose, and I will lose everything that I have." Boaz, on the other hand, accepts that lovingly because he's a man of compassion. He's a man that keeps the law. He's a man of integrity, and therein he becomes a type of Jesus Christ. (As mentioned yesterday).

Jesus does not want us for what we have. Because we have nothing. He does not choose us because of what He will gain by it because He gains nothing. In effect we were outside the camp and we were dead. But Jesus comes along and says, "Father, I know they're nothing. I know they're not a part of our family. I know they've been outside the camp, but I'm willing to to redeem them and I'm not worried about losing everything." Flip. That’s amazing.

And it’s more amazing when we know that Jesus did lose everything. He gave up everything. He gave up his glory and His seat in heaven (for a time) when He came down to walk on the earth. When he died he even lost his fathers pleasure for a time when God turned his face from him (Mk 15:34) And He had no shame in that. Because He considers us worth it. But never forget that it cost Him.

Forgiveness is free but it’s not cheap.

Until tomorrow.

PS. For those of you in the know, Lily the Chihuahua has gone home. I'm relieved she was still alive when I handed her over, and even more relieved that I managed to escape without being seen walking it. Although I'm told there are several illicit photos around the 242 department ...

Wednesday 15th July

2009-07-15T00:01:00.003+01:00

Kinsman – Redeemer.

Ive got two brothers. One a twin (Ben) and my elder brother (Jon). Jon tells a story of when we were all much younger – picture the scene, 3 levett boys all at primary school ?! Jon apparently was backed into the corner of the playground by the 4 older bullies of the school and was basically being given a real beating. Jon says he managed to look up and caught my eye across the other side of the playground. He was hoping for a bit of brotherly help. Seemingly I looked at him then ran off in the other direction. Jon said he felt so alone at that moment. Alone, betrayed and abandoned.

Then he says he heard a shout, more a roar actually, and the older boys stopped their beating and turned round to see Matt, Ben and about 20 of their friends tearing across the playground – sticks held high, battle cries resounding! I hadn’t actually abandoned him I’d gone for help and this was war. Now, I don’t actually remember the reason I was doing it but I remember that feeling of charging across the playground to help my brother. It was glorious. It was a revolution. And I was only 8! We started a fight that is legendary in the annals of Chestnut Lane Primary School history. People still talk of the day that the dinner ladies ran inside the school rather than break up the pitched battle between the Levett boys and the school bullies. It still brings a tear to my eye as I tell the story some 30 years on. (Rumour has it that there is still a blood stain on the inside of the swimming pool gate post from that day but I’ve never been back to check)

I think it was the only day of my school life that I wasn’t apprehensive about going home to tell my mum id ripped the knees of my trousers (again!) I was proud. The blood and the bruises and the torn clothes were a badge of honour. Standing outside the head teachers office that day was a joy and a privilege. Nothing Mrs. Leahy could say or do to us would matter.

And in fact I think it was the only time that we weren’t told off by my mum and dad for fighting. She said well done for looking out for your brother. And although the bullies didn’t miraculously change over night there was a renewed sense of fun on the playground.

Kinsmen – Redeemer

If you delve beneath the surface you can often see pictures, or shadows or vague foretellings of Jesus throughout the whole of the OT. Commentators call this a ‘Christ type’. And many of our favourite OT characters are Christ types to their peers. Characters which hint at a fulfilment, a Messiah to come.

Ruth characterises Boaz as a “near kinsman.” The Hebrew term is goel, and it signifies a relative with “the right to redeem” Boaz thus was a “kinsman-redeemer.” Now as we know was actually a closer male relative to Ruth than Boaz. (3:12) he should have been kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. We don’t know his name but it is clear by chapter 4:1 that he had abdicated his responsibilities. Why ? Probably because it was that if he later had a son by Ruth and that son was his only surviving heir then all his land and property would transfer to Elimilechs family ? (4:6) Whatever the reason he ducked out of his responsibility. Leaving Boaz to become kinsman and redeemer. Being a kinsman-Redeemer for Boaz involved sacrifice and misunderstanding from his contemporaries.

Now just because I stuck up for my brother, in no way am I announcing myself to be a kinsman-redeemer … but I’d like to be. I’ve got a long way to go before I’m a Christ type … but one day I’d like to be.

Paul once said ..” Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ“ (1 Cor 11:1) and “Join with others as they follow my example brothers..” (Phil 3:17) that’s incredible. Its sounds almost arrogant. But that is a mark of a man who knows he’s living as Christ intends. I’d love to be able to say that sort of statement with the confidence that people could actually follow me and see Christ.

Kinsman –Redeemer is shown to us completely in Jesus. But is shadowed my many many men and women in the OT. Could you be a kinsman redeemer to those around you ? a Christ type for those who may never come to the Forge. Who may never pick up a Bible, who may never hear a sermon or who may never listen to a worship song ?

Until tomorrow.

Tuesday 14th July

2009-07-14T00:01:00.002+01:00

Now I want us to go back a chapter. Ruth & Boaz at the threshing floor. Ruth is laying at the end of his bed.

That actually happened to me once. Yes its true, I know you won’t believe me but it did. And it was in a honeymoon suite. And the bed was occupied. By the bride & her new husband. Yes, I spent their wedding night with two of my friends ?! Very long story but essentially it was some great friends of mine from Bible College (Viv & Chris) and we’d not seen each other for a long time so the wedding was a HUGE catch up session for the gang. She invited all 6 of us up to take advantage of the facilities in the wedding suite – hot tub, food, complimentary drinks, etc… After much hilarity and reminiscing we realised the clock was ticking and it was now 2am. Viv announced it was time to go to bed. We all went to make our leave so the real business of the wedding night could ensue but she said “oh no, you can all stay”. She asked if I would take them to the airport the next morning and then she went and got changed into her old comfortable pyjamas (no wedding night lingerie here) and then got into bed?! So we all dossed down in the wedding suite. And I was on the end of the bed. Covered by her blanket. I think the only disappointed person was Chris …. !

So why was Ruth doing it ? Why did she lay down at the foot of a mans bed. What is happening is Ruth is submissively at the feet of Boaz. She willingly and voluntarily submits herself into that position. And then Boaz says he will stretch his garment or his cloak over her. Now this is cultural and it normal for them even though it seem way too forward for us - but even though it’s normal doesn’t mean it was without meaning. There's a lot of symbolism going on here. Stretching his garment over her meant she is now, in a very real sense, coming under his wing and under his protection. Remember what Boaz told Ruth, "May you come to trust under the wing of God."

What’s interesting is that he prayed a blessing prayer and God took him at his word and Boaz himself became the answering prayer. He actually became the wing of God.

(Now I know Sam mentioned this last week but lets develop it a little more.) How often do we pray for individuals or friends? We say, "We know God's got something good in store for you. God's got something great for you. I know God's going to make a breakthrough for you. He’s got someone special just for you. I know God's going to cover you with His wing," - but when God selects you to be the wing, you and me to be the wing for the person that we're talking to, do we kind of back track, "Oh, wait a minute, I don't know if I'm ready for this or not. You know, I was into the God talk thing and the blessing, but I didn't realize it was me that God was talking about."

I mean, God uses people to do His will. He doesn't always do the "angel thing." ....... He uses people to serve people. He uses people to help people. People like you and me.

I want to be blessed by God I really do. But I want to be a blessing more.

Until tomorrow.

Ps. I still have the letter she sent me after her honeymoon. It reads “Thanks for making the wedding night so special” It still makes me laugh.

Monday 13th July

2009-07-13T00:01:00.003+01:00

I’m sure you’ve all heard about he weird scientific fact that says that if you place a frog in boiling water it jumps out, but if you place it in cold water and slowly heat it up it wont appreciate the danger in time and will boil itself to death (Nice!)

Well actually that is just one of those urban myths. Frogs aren’t stupid. When the water gets too hot they jump out. I know they do because I conducted a scientific experiment when I was twelve - well as scientific as you can get with 3 frogs from the garden and your mums best saucepans.

I was bored and it was Sunday morning and no one else was up. Now for those of you who are interested - the one put in hot water jumped straight out. The one in cold water stayed there for a bit and then jumped out when I turned on the heat and it got hot. The one in the pan which I slowly boiled tried to jump out but kept hitting its head on the lid I had weighted down with 2 tins of beans. It died. Conclusive evidence! Incidentally, to teach me a lesson, my mum made me eat the cooked frogs legs for tea. She said I shouldn’t kill animals needlessly (as if eating it afterwards makes it ok ?! Strike one for the The Mrs. Levett school of mothering)

Now as far as I know Naomi or Ruth or Boaz didn’t have to eat frogs legs. But go way back to chapter 1. Naomi tells Ruth & Orpah to go home. About verse 8. Okay, you're with me. Something beautiful happens here. A few verses on. Verse 14. Notice what it says, "... but Ruth clung to her." Clung.

Just think about this for a second. Was Orpah a bad individual? Had Orpah done something wrong by going back to Moab? Was it a sin ? Did she do something wrong by the third time her mother-in-law said to go home, to actually go home?! No, it's not that Orpah did something wrong, it's that Ruth did something better and there's the simple choice.

Eating frogs legs is not wrong. But there is always something better. And it's the same choice that is made apparent in the New Testament when the Paul, at the end of I Corinthians 12 says, "with everything that's happening here, and all the abilities that you have, now I want to 'show you a more excellent way.' " I want to show you the way of love.

We can settle for the easy way. We can live in mediocrity. We can live on the fence between our old life and our new one. We can follow the Bibles way until it gets too tough or until it gets in the way of what we want. Verse 17. " 'Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried." There is more than symbolism; there is reality in this. Even with her young husband dead and the chance to go home, Ruth is abandoning her past. She is fully clinging to this new family of Naomi and saying, "I will be buried with your family. I'm giving up on Moab. I'm giving up on the old world, the old ways. And starting afresh.

Are you ready for the ‘more excellent way’ ? To leave behind the past and move on into new undiscovered lands.

Until tomorrow.

Ps. Everyone says they taste like chicken. They don’t, They taste like frogs legs. Nice. But still frogs.

Sunday 12th July

2009-07-12T00:01:00.002+01:00

We’ll I’m not sure if the team left me ‘til last because they had supreme confidence in me or no confidence at all. I get the grave yard shift as it were. The slot when no one will read the blog cause we’ve finished looking at Ruth in the services … I suppose the advantage of going last is that I can look at the story of Ruth as a whole; but don’t worry I will still look at Chapter 4, because Chapter 4 is important. At first glance you may think it’s just the tail end of the story; the ‘happy ever after’ last song at the end of the musical - but some important things happen in chapter 4. Some important theological points are made. And whilst we may have heard the talk at Church today, how it impacts our lives this week is the important thing. Head knowledge is great, heart knowledge is better.

Now some confessions as we start this blogging week together…. Just so you know what you’re letting yourself in for –

I start sentences with the ‘wrong’ words a lot, and that annoys some people. And & Because & But. I know my English teacher told me I couldn’t do it, but he never actually convinced me as to why I couldn’t (I’m sure someone out there will) and I think if its good enough for the Bible (Rmns 3:21) then it’s ok for me. And I’m not very good with apostrophes (or is it apostrophes’ ? or apostrophe’s ?) just so you know.

I also get distracted when I’m writing. In fact I get distracted a lot. I wonder if my life is just one big distraction actually, but then again its what we do in our ‘distraction’ moments that tells us most about who we are doesn’t it ?

And now I’ve been at the Forge a year or so you’ve probably noticed that I tell stories alot. Not lies but stories. All the stories I tell have really happened to me. But I embellish and take artistic licence. I believe hyperbole is okay in its right place – after all Jesus did it. In these blogs you’ll read lots of stories about me and my life and my family and my loves and my passions and my joys and my heartaches. What I am saying is that these blogs are about my reflections on Ruth. Sorry but that’s the way it is. Hopefully some of what I say may resonate with you and where you are at.

Boaz marries Ruth and, after a slight hiccup with a sandal, all’s well that ends well. Isn’t it ? I mean they are now married, and that as we all know means no arguments. No fighting. No despising. No frustration. No pain. No looking at the other person asleep next to you and having the faint wish of “I wonder what would have been if I’d never married you”. Because as Christians our lives are perfect aren’t they ? Aren’t they ?

I am sure beyond all doubt that life for Boaz & Ruth wasn’t all plain sailing from this moment on. That they argued and fought and cried and sometimes in the dark night of the soul wished they’d never married.

Well welcome to my world. My life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Of extreme ups I think, and the downiest of the downs. Maybe one day I’ll tell you my story.

But the key is not letting those moments hold us back. The lessons from the book of Ruth demonstrate to you and to me the power of effective ‘closure’ (to use a naff American phrase) of whatever has occurred in our past. Closure of that ‘something’ that troubles a lot of us. Each and every one of us has a story. Each and every one of us has a past. Mine is probably no worse and not better than yours. Each and every one of us has something that we're still dealing with. The story of Ruth & Boaz & Naomi & Elimilech & the unnamed characters provides an answer. A way to not let the normal stuff of life hold us back as we walk with our God.

Until tomorrow

Ps. Steve has been boasting in the office that his blog has had the most readers, but I reckon that is just because of his ENORMOUS extended family reading it out of familiaral loyalty. I personally think its hilarious that not one of his kids read it.

2009-07-11T00:01:00.000+01:00

So, it’s my final blog. And I have tiptoed around it. I pushed it to one side and brushed it under the carpet. I turned the other way and not even acknowledged it’s existence. I have put it off and refused to… and now I am doing it again.

The question is… what did happen that night between Boaz and Ruth? Let’s have a look at what the Bible says.

1. Ruth visits Boaz in the middle of the night.
2. Boaz wakes up to find strange woman at his feet.
3. Boaz realises aforementioned strange woman is the more aforementioned Ruth.
4. Conversation ensues.
5. Boaz promises to be Ruth’s redeemer if possible.
6. Ruth goes back to sleep.
7. Boaz gives Ruth gift to bring back for Naomi
8. Ruth leaves early in the morning, so as not to be seen.

That’s it. No, really. Maybe I just like Boaz, but he seems to me to be absolutely impeccable in his behaviour. Let me explain…

When Boaz first finds Ruth at the bottom of his bed, after the obligatory “Who are you?”, and Ruth’s explanation, his first words are “The Lord bless you!” This is in complete contrast to the “Nice, one I’ve pulled..” which I guess would probably be muttered under the breath of most guys if they found themselves in this position.

Next, he compliments Ruth and, rather than taking advantage of woman in obvious desperate need, he explains the situation to her, but promises to do all he can.

Then he tells her to go back to sleep. At first I though this was a little weird. Why not just send her home again? – She got what she came for. But then again, sending a woman out to walk alone at night is never the best idea, especially at this time of year when men are celebrating after bringing in the harvest. Again, good move.

And then came the morning. Boaz sends Ruth off home before daylight. This was not only to protect his reputation, but also hers. Of this I have no doubt.

And finally, in what has to be the best move yet – Single men, take note – he sends a huge gift back with Ruth to his future mother-in-law! Bang, wallop, Checkmate, Game over, Thank you very much!

This guy was a genius and my eyes, above reproach. He is always gentle, kind, patient and loving. What a role model for us today. I am always a little annoyed that we don’t find out more about Boaz. Come on, even Jeremiah had a book named after him, and he wasn’t exactly the most inspirational person in the Bible…

But then again, that is often the way it is. The kindest and most faithful people are often those who toil endlessly and quietly in the background seeking no reward or thanks for what they do. But that does not mean that they don’t deserve it! So let me end this week of Blogs with a thank you.

Boaz, you are fantastic!

Now it’s your turn. Find someone (do it now, don’t just sit there thinking about it, unless of course it is 6.30am) and tell them how much you appreciate what they do!

Thanks for reading,

Over to you, Matt!

Sam

Fri 10th July

2009-07-10T00:01:00.000+01:00

On February 27, 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, ordered a 49¢ cup of coffee from the drive-through window of a local McDonald's restaurant. Liebeck was in the passenger's seat of her Ford Probe, and her grandson Chris parked the car so that Liebeck could add cream and sugar to her coffee. She placed the coffee cup between her knees and pulled the far side of the lid toward her to remove it. In the process, she spilled the entire cup of coffee on her lap. Liebeck was taken to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered third-degree burns on six percent of her skin
Her lawyer, Reed Morgan, filed suit in a New Mexico District Court accusing McDonald's of “gross negligence” for selling coffee that was “unreasonably dangerous” and “defectively manufactured.”

In today’s society everything is the responsibility of someone. In the case of this accident, the jury found that McDonald's was 80% responsible and Liebeck was 20% at fault. Therefore Liebeck was awarded a total of $640,000...

In Ruth’s time, responsibility was taken no less seriously, especially within families.

The nearest of kin had the responsibility of redeeming his kinsman's lost opportunities. If a person was forced into slavery, his redeemer purchased his freedom. When debt threatened to overwhelm him, the kinsman stepped in to redeem his homestead and let the family live. If a family member died without an heir the kinsman gave his name by marrying the widow and rearing a son to hand down his name. When death came at the hands of another man the redeemer acted as the avenger of blood and pursued the killer. To avoid doing this, especially if asked to do so brought great shame upon that relative.

And, in many places, this is given as the reason for Boaz taking Ruth under his wing. But this is not the case. Boaz was not the nearest kinsman. He was not the one who was responsible. He could say no, and not face any backlash because of it. Boaz redeemed Ruth because he wanted to. He went above and beyond the call of duty. The extra mile. He made Ruth his responsibility.

In a few weeks I will be sitting in someone’s home in Zambia.

Chances are, that home will have gaping holes in the roof and walls.

Chances are, that they will struggle to find enough food for one meal a day.

Chances are, that person will be dying of AIDS…

In sending teams to Zambia, The Forge has stood up and said that the poor, the sick and the dying are OUR responsibility, and I love being part of a church that is willing to do that.

Our healthcare team are out there at the moment. Please take some time today to pray for them and the work they will be doing.

Where will you take responsibility today to help others?

“If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”
1 John 3:17-18.

Sam

Thursday 9th July

2009-07-09T00:01:00.000+01:00

The last few chapters of the Book of Judges are some of the darkest in the Bible. They are full of murder, idolatry, war, incest and rape. The worst part of all this is that it’s not due to some invading army or foreign influence; the Israelites are doing this to themselves.

The whole situation is summed up by one verse in chapter 17. “All the Israelites did whatever they thought was right.” They had no leadership or vision and things were looking bleak. And then we have the story of Ruth. In complete contrast to the stories told in Judges, the book of Ruth is uplifting and beautiful – a shining star in the dark night sky.

And why is it like this? Because of Ruth and Boaz. Two people who loved God, followed His laws and were faithful and kind to those around them.

Boaz demonstrates this beautifully in his first encounter with Ruth. He somehow manages to befriend, comfort, encourage, and provide for her all within a couple of verses. And within this he prays that she would find cover and protection under the wings of the God of Israel. Smooth…

I don’t think that it is any coincidence that Ruth ends up with Boaz on the threshing floor asking him to cover her with his blanket. Boaz has become the answer to his own prayer! He is the one that God will use to give that protection to Ruth.

It is so easy to use prayer for the wrong reasons “I’ve prayed about, so now it is in God’s hands…” not remembering that we are God’s hands on Earth.

I can recall many times that I have ended up being the answer to my own prayers; “Lord, I pray that you would raise someone up to lead the youth work.” Three weeks later it was me.

I don’t want to devalue prayer in any way. Everything we do must be thoroughly soaked in it. However, it cannot stop there. I am sure Moses spent hours praying with God, but if that was all he did, we would have been left with a very short (and rubbish) story, and the Israelites would probably still be in Egypt!

As you go through today, take a look around. See where God’s hope and love is needed and then BE the answer, instead of just looking for one.

Sam

Wednesday 8 July 2009

2009-07-08T07:22:00.002+01:00

I’m not a huge fan of romantic type movies. I’m more of a blow up a car, jump off a moving train, fight your way through before taking out the bad guy (in a spectacular way of course) and rescuing the girl.

Is that not romantic, but just in a different way? I am not sure my wife would agree. Although it is probably because of her that I have taken in a huge number of romantic comedies, romantic tragedies, romantic dramas…

However as you watch these movies a certain plan seems to develop…

1. Girl meets boy
e.g. Maria and Captain Von Trapp, or Jack and Rose
2. Girl and boy have large barrier stopping them getting together.
e.g. She is a nun and he is her boss, or they were born into different classes and so could never get together.
3. Girl and boy realise that they do actually love each other (finally) and that the problem that exists is nothing compared to their love for each other.
4. Girl and Boy face sudden new problem, which throws them apart.
e.g. The war comes to Austria and Captain Von Trapp is to be forced to go back to war which would have terrible consequences, or boat sinks.
5. Girl and Boy make it through this and can only be parted by death itself…
e.g. Fleeing across the mountains, into the sunset. Dramatically making it off the boat together.

It has to be said though, Jack and Rose were separated by death about 2 hours later, but you get what I am saying.

On another point , you may not know this but, during the Cold War, the BBC planned to broadcast The Sound of Music on radio in the event of a nuclear strike on the United Kingdom. The broadcast would be part of an emergency timetable of programs designed to "reassure" the public in the aftermath of the attack. (?)

This 5 point plan seems to work well in Hollywood and we see pretty much the same story in Ruth. Now that they have finally got together there is, suddenly that new problem which appears – there is someone else who is a closer relation to Ruth and therefore Boaz is trumped. (See point no.4 above).

This happens in life all the time. Something is sorted, and then suddenly it is not. I heard someone say once that “Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it”. I admire those people who make life happen for them, but I admire even more those who have had life change through death, crisis or failure and take it in their stride, knowing God is with them and believing in His bigger plan. What an example! S0… get out there and, today, when your car doesn’t start or you forget your keys or lose that important page – smile and keep going! (See point no.5 above) Your example could change lives.

Until tomorrow,
Sam

Tuesday 7th July

2009-07-07T00:01:00.000+01:00

In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he asked.

“It’s Ruth, now listen up. Life has not been easy for me, right? I have given up my home, my family and my country to come here to look after Naomi. I am a stranger in a foreign country, left to gather up the leftovers in people’s fields. So, Naomi has sent me over here to try and get hitched in an attempt to try and feed ourselves, see… cause we ain’t got enough to live on, being widows and all that. She told me that you were, like, a redeemer type and it’s your job to sort us out. Right? Now, on the plus side, you get me as a wife. OK, I’m from Moab and all that , but I’m a good laugh and I’ll keep your house clean, and on top of that you will get all our land. It’s a good deal. Works on both sides. Go on, you know you want to…"

I wonder what Boaz’s answer would have been! (Or if she even would have got one!)
The Ruth we see in the Bible, however, is straight to the point, but at the same time, gentle and humble. Boaz is delighted and tells her how kind she is in picking him rather than a younger man. Yes, you did read that correctly! Ruth has asked Boaz for his help and he ends up thanking her! What an amazing woman Ruth must be. Now, I think I know why Boaz had not moved their relationship on further. It wasn’t because she was a Moabite, or a widow, or poor – it was because Boaz thought Ruth was out of his league!

Boaz’s words are just another one of those little phrases that are so easy to miss, yet make the story completely different. That’s why I love the Bible. I am sure I could go on to pull some deeply theological point from this. Something about relationships, or faith or knowing when to shut up, but all I want to say is this: Read your Bible. Just about every time I open mine, I find something new, and I don’t just mean another bookmark. I am faced with deep truths and challenging thoughts. I see themes running from cover to cover alongside single sentences that can change lives. The more you read, the more the stories and ideas become entangled in your everyday life and as you get deeper the urge to go even further only increases. Blogs, twitter, Church services and books are wonderful, but nothing comes close to getting your nose stuck in THE Good Book!

What will you find in there today, and what are you going to do with it?

Sam

Monday 6th July

2009-07-06T00:01:00.001+01:00

I have done a fair bit of moving about in my short existence, having now lived in Northern Ireland, Wales, The Isle of Man and now England. In that time I seem to have made hundreds of friends and then lost many of them just as quickly. There are loads of people that I love dearly, but have not seen in many years. Yes, of course, I am friends with them on Facebook, but that’s not quite the same. The majority of my 196 Facebook “friends” have never received so much as a comment from me since I accepted them.

The thing is that I only ever see a snapshot of a person’s life. That few years that I spent with them living next door…that couple of weeks on holiday…that conversation on the park bench.

It leaves me wondering what they were like before I knew them. I find out things about people’s pasts all the time, which surprise me. Hands up if you knew I used to play the bagpipes? Even more shocking, I saw a video of Martin Welham yesterday…and he had hair!

In the first couple of chapters of Ruth we see a snapshot of Naomi as a broken person. A widow who says that God has turned against her. A hardly recognisable shell of the person she once was.

But in chapter 3, there is a turning point. Naomi’s bitterness and her inclination to depend on Ruth seems to disappear as she starts to plan. Instead of Ruth suggesting what to do, it is now Naomi leading and looking to the future.

It makes me wonder. Is this the Naomi of years ago, before the famine and time spent in Moab? Was she a bit of a schemer, a John “Hannibal” Smith, before life knocked her down? I would love to know. But I do know that things have now changed, again. She even finishes the chapter with the words “Don’t worry, be patient”. What a difference!

I have read the book of Ruth many times, but I have always missed it, until now. This story is not just detailing the redemption of Ruth, but also that of Naomi.

Today, know that God is not just wanting to free us from “sin” but also from our hurt and our bitterness. Now that’s Amazing Grace…

“God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1v6)

Have a great day.

Sam

P.S. Please leave a comment!

Ruth Chapter 3 (With Sam)

2009-07-05T00:01:00.001+01:00

It’s terrible when a guy doesn’t call. You have spent time together, felt that spark, that element that there may be something more, a possibility… and then… nothing!

And this was exactly where Ruth was at the start of chapter 3. Boaz has singled Ruth out and initiated the relationship and now she is left wondering. He hasn’t called, he hasn’t emailed. Not even a message on Twitter!

And so, a plan is hatched. A daring plan which definitely pushes the boundaries of how a Godly woman should act… No, I am not saying that all Naomi suggested was wrong . Taking a bath every so often is a great idea! I am just aware that waiting till a man has had his fill of food and drink and then sneaking into his room in the middle of the night may not be the best way to go, then or now!

It was a huge risk to take and that, I think, is the essence of this chapter. I love it. And it doesn’t just stop there. Ruth was a Moabitess. The nation of Moab was known by the Israelites as somewhere that was rife with sexual sin. Indeed Moab was descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters. The fact that these threshing parties were often frequented by prostitutes multiplied the risk involved. Would Boaz take Ruth for one of these? Would her good reputation be destroyed?

Just about every one of the great stories in the Bible involve huge amounts of risk. The thing is, that when God is involved, things are never exactly as we see them. Things do seem to go wrong sometimes – Jim McMahon said

“Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.”

But "a man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." (Andre Gide).

So, do it. Step out and take a risk for God today. Who knows what can be achieved…

Check this out on Youtube

Disclaimer: It’s a little country...but stick with it – it’s worth it!

More tomorrow,

Sam

Saturday 4th July

2009-07-04T00:20:00.006+01:00

It has been an interesting week for me in that I don't think I've hung around in one chapter quite as long as I've done with Ruth Chapter 2. It's pushed me to take note of things that I would probably have skipped over in the past - certain phrases, words, themes, character traits. Usually, once I've read something, I move on to see what happens next but this has done me good and I feel as if I'm getting to know this chapter pretty well now. How has it been for you?

I guess my final question before we all move on to Chapter 3 is this... where do you find yourself in this story so far?

You've heard me use this quote of Rob Bell so often but I'm going to use it again because I think it so profound. It's found in his book 'Velvet Elvis' and Rob makes this observation..
"Their story is our story. We see ourselves in them. The story is true because it happened and because it happens. It's an accurate description of how life is. The reason it resonates with so many people over the years is that they have seen themselves in these stories...
He goes on to say:
And this is why the Bible loses its power for so many communities. They fall into the trap of thinking that the Bible is just about things that happened a long time ago. But the Bible is about today."

Where do you see yourself in Ruth 1&2? Is it:

in the famine experience where you feel that no growth is happening in your life - you're hungry for more but it's just not happening?
that you think God has dealt you a bad hand in recent life; that you can join with Naomi in saying "I went away full but the Lord has bought me home empty."?
in the way God has provided for you and protected you recently, just as Boaz provided and protected Ruth?
in the way God is working behind the scenes in your life so that certain things are fitting together as if by chance, but you're starting to see God planning behind it all?
in the loyalty and devotion that you show to/are being shown by someone else?

Before you rush away, take one last look at Ruth 1&2 and see where you find yourself in this story so far. You'll be there somewhere because the Bible is about today.

For me, I think I find myself in the place that Ruth did - enjoying the generosity and favour of The Boss. Throughout my life and leadership at The Forge (and MCF), it seems to me that God has been so kind and generous. As we have moved forward, it's as if God has intentionally dropped the heads of barley/resources that we've needed. I think he's put the word around to not give me a hard time - even when I get a driving ban! I do feel safe (not neccessarily comfortable) and he's put some fab workers around me to provide a level of protection.

Ruth 2 is a good chapter because it is about today.
I would love to know where you find yourself in the story? Why not share it with me and others through clicking on the 'comments' icon at the bottom and adding your own thoughts.
Have a great Saturday and I'll see you in the morning - 10.30am sharp!

Friday 3rd July

2009-07-03T00:00:00.002+01:00

Well, there are just today's and tomorrow's blogs from me before our techno wizard and kids worker extraordinaire takes over the 'Blogger of the week' role. It's been fun doing this and I confess to logging on fairly frequently to see if anyone has left any comments! For those of you who have - thank you for being gentle with me!

So far this week, I have stayed quiet about Naomi. She's the one who lost her husband and two sons and then wanted to change her name to 'Mara' (meaning Bitter) because so much had gone wrong in her life. She is very honest about her feelings towards God and his actions in Chapter 1 and appears to blame him for the bad stuff happening. But she doesn't turn her back on him, or lose the fact that he is Sovereign, the Almighty; she doesn't stop trusting him.
I love the way she turns to God as soon as something good happens - she wants God to bless the one who has provided so much - Boaz.

When things don't turn out well for me, I can easily find myself blaming God (I tend not to do that publicly in case I lose my job!) but when things go well, I get amnesia and forget that God not only 'takes away' but that he 'gives', too. (I bet some of you are hummin' that worship song already?)

There seems to be real integrity in Naomi's life. I am not sure I can never be as bold as Naomi in pointing the finger at God for sending the tough things in life, even though I know he uses those times to grow my faith but I do want to capture the speed at which she calls on God to bless those who do good; to recognise that God loves to bless, smile upon, reward those who are kind, generous, loving, who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The Forge is full of kind, generous people who go above and beyond the call of duty - from those who serve abroad, lead small groups of Christ followers and give practical and spiritual support to those who are struggling, to those who arrive early on Sunday mornings to set up, rehearse, prepare breakfast and refreshments. I am grateful to every one of you but I want to go a step further - I want to ask for God to bless you today - Friday 3rd July 2009.
"I pray that the LORD will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the LORD be good to you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Thursday 2nd July

2009-07-02T00:00:00.001+01:00

I read an article about an incredible Church leader today. John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist movement. Listen to this...

"John Wesley traveled 250,000 miles on horseback, averaging twenty miles a day for forty years; preached 4,000 sermons; produced 400 books; knew ten languages. At eighty-three he was annoyed that he could not write more than fifteen hours a day without hurting his eyes, and at eighty-six he was ashamed he could not preach more than twice a day. He complained in his diary that there was an increasing tendency to lie in bed until 5:30 in the morning."

Wow, what a man! But how did he do it? I think part of the answer lies in the fact that he was incredibly proactive. He didn't just wait for God to bring people to him. He took the initiative and went for it! And the results were incredible - conversion after conversion. God blessed his proactivity.

I like spending time with proactive people; it's why I love working with the staff team here at the Forge. Rather than just letting things happen, they all take the initiative and move things forward. It's exciting; it's exhilarating; it's how it should be!

Every church needs to be proactive. If not, it quickly stagnates and its vitality is lost. Somehow, proactivity and God's blessing seem to be intrinsically linked. I think it is called 'partnership!'

I really warm to Ruth in Chapter 2 (not as much as Boaz does in Ch 3&4, but that's another story!) She doesn't just depend on Naomi or wait for life to get better. She becomes proactive, takes the initiative and heads out to the harvest fields to get food. (Ruth 2:2-3) And look what happens... as she works, God blesses and provides! It's partnership again. Ruth is proactive and God rewards.

Do you feel stuck in some area of your life? Are you waiting for God to turn up and act on your behalf? Well, maybe we can all follow Ruth's example and learn to take the first step of resolving the problem by being proactive. And when God acts, celebrate your partnership together.

A final thought... when were you last proactive in overcoming a difficulty, growing your marriage, sharing your faith, getting back in contact with an old friend? Go on, take a risk today and go for it!

Wednesday 1st July

2009-06-30T22:33:00.004+01:00

Police were called out to a major incident in Mendlesham last Friday evening. No, it wasn't a speeding offense involving a Church leader, it was something much more dramatic than that, but it did involve a member of The Forge - our very own drama queen, Sam Lee!

Sam arrived home from work on Friday evening and heard a knock at the door. "Three young boys were standing there," Sam explained, "and they asked me if I owned a cat called Tallulah. I said that I did and recognised the boys as being some of the many children living locally who like to play with the cat. They went on to say that something bad had happened. An older boy had been cruel and pulled the cat's tail, and repeatedly thrown the cat into a nearby field. The three boys had told him to stop but he wouldn't so they called the police! The police had arrived at top speed and were presently questioning the offending boy. The three little law abiding youngsters then explained where the cat was (hiding and frightened in some bushes) and that the youngest had helped pull a thorn out of the Tellulah's paw." So on Friday evening, the Suffolk constabulary sent out some of their highly trained police officers to make an emergency call to protect and rescue... a cat! It's one long adventure living here in Mendlesham!

The possibility of assault and cruelty doesn't just reside with Mendlesham cats. Ever felt scared and unsafe - maybe walking home at night or through some back streets of town. The fear can be quite legitimate as the news is full of 'nasty incidents' such as stabbings, shootings, muggings, etc.

If we feel fearful, it must be nothing compared to how Ruth felt, being a woman, a foreign woman at that, working amongst people she didn't know. She was vulnerable and would have been easy pickings for the less desirable members of the community. Yet Ruth is kept safe. How? Because of a kind and generous landowner called Boaz.
He warns off potential harassment through talking to his male workers v 9/v 16; he tells Ruth where to glean so that she has 'safe' people around her v 8/v 23.
He not only provided food and water for Ruth, he actually provided protection, a safe place in which to work.

Once again, Boaz was mirroring the God he followed and worshipped. God is our protector!
Years later, the King David would look back on his life and write these words:
"My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety.He is my refuge, my Saviour, the one who saves me from violence." 2 Sam 22:3

Where do I need God's protection? From my own driving or the Mendlesham mafia? Possibly but I need Him to protect me from fostering a selfish heart, an inflated ego, being too busy, etc.
"Lord, be my rock, my protection, my shield."

Oh, just in case any cat lovers are reading this, Tellulah has made a full recovery and is back playing with the Mendlesham kids again. And the police? They're recovering from the excitement of their visit to the Mendlesham metropolis!

Tuesday 30th June

2009-06-30T05:52:00.003+01:00

Picture the scene. It's late morning, the sun is getting high in the sky and Boaz, the boss, arrives at the harvest field. It's a hive of activity and the workers only have time to return a greeting to Boaz before carrying on the back breaking work of harvesting the barley. Other people, not his employees, are also busy gleaning what they can from the corners of the field or from what has been dropped or left.

A discussion takes place between Boaz and his foreman and then Boaz strides forward towards one of the 'other' people in his field. Panic fills this 'other' person. What has she done wrong? Does this man just hate foreigners? Is she going to be asked to leave?

And then he speaks to her. His words are gentle, warm, kind. He calls her 'daughter.' He offers her easier pickings and a level of protection. On another hot summers day, he makes water available to her.

Why? Why should he say these things to her? Why be so kind? Doesn't he know that she's a foreigner?

I love what Boaz gives as an answer.
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. v 11

How did he know? Because news travelled fast; because Ruth had become the talk of the town. Her sacrifice and love was being talked about, not because she had employed Max Clifford as her publicist, but because her character and good deeds shone out for all to see. Her reputation in the community and with Boaz was at an all time high. Was she looking to get a good reputation? Of course not. It just happened because she concentrated on loving and showing kindness to her mum in law. Her sacrifice was being rewarded.

I would like a great reputation. I would like people to speak well of me. (I am looking at getting some therapy for this!) And if I strive after this, I'll fail cause that's not how it works. It seems to me that my focus shouldn't be on my reputation but on my character, on my levels of love and kindness demonstrated. It's what Ruth did. Reputation meant nothing to her. I think it was Billy Graham who said in an interview a number of years ago, "If you look after your character, God will look after your reputation." He did for Ruth and what a reward she got!

Pray for me.. I am worried people won't like this blog and that my reputation as a blogger will diminish and that... (Now, where is my therapist's number?)

Monday 29th June

2009-06-29T05:44:00.004+01:00

It's 5.40am and as usual, Fenning has left it til the last minute to blog. Sorry if this hasn't arrive until after you've got up. Please feel free to have a lie-in every morning this week, just in case I have to do the 'early shift' again through my lack of good time management! (I'm guessing this blog might be a short one, too!)

I wonder how you're feeling about school or work today. I guess some of that will depend on how last week went for you and and what is in store for you this week.

I love the way chapter 2 begins with Ruth being proactive, choosing to head out to 'work' at harvest time to gather the left overs from the harvest field. And boy does she work. Her workrate and commitment is noticed by the foreman who then tells Boaz. "She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

Most of us work for a living, whereas Ruth went to work for survival. If I have a bad day at the office or don't achieve much, I'll still get paid (hopefully). If I have a bad day and don't get all the jobs done around the house and garden that I'd hope to do, they can wait. If Ruth has a bad day in the fields, she won't have food. Her attitude and work rate would probably put many of us to shame. Why? Because something was at stake here - it's called 'the survival of Naomi and Ruth.'

This week could be a very ordinary week for us. We could drift through it doing the minimum amount of work in order to get by. Or this week could be an extraordinary week where we work hard and act with purpose because of having something at stake. What's at stake?

"...don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." Col 3:22-25 MSG

Following on from yesterday morning's reading, I sense a song coming on...
"Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen. Pour myself a cup of ambition
Yawnin, stretchin, try to come to life (sing it Dolly!)
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin. Out on the streets the traffic starts jumpin
And folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
(Everyone together...)
Workin 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin...

Sunday 28th June

2009-06-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

Well, here it is; my first ever blog. I confess to feeling a little excited as I have never ventured into the blogging world before. Sam has shown me what I have to do to 'upload' it and it's actually quite easy! You just type in the box and then hit the 'publish' button. Amazing!
But I'm also a little nervous as I'm having to follow the master blogger, Mr Dan Waspe. What a fantastic job he's done over this past week. I've loved his insight, his humour, his challenge - well done Dan.

Over the past month or so, I have been reading Ruth 2 over and over again - primarily because I am speaking on it this morning - but one phrase stood out to me every time I read it. It's found in verse 3. "So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech."

"As it happened" implies that it was lucky, jammy, a fortunate fluke, a coincidence. It's a strange phrase to have in the Bible. You see, I didn't think things just happened. I was certainly brought up well enough to know that I shouldn't say 'Good luck' to anyone - there is no such thing as luck. And yet here in the story, the author decides to explain away a monumental work of God by saying "As it happened!" Yet, that is how it appeared. Ruth wasn't looking for Boaz (She'd never heard of him) and she certainly didn't know he was a family relative. She just went out and found a field where she could glean, and it just so happened to belong to Boaz.

So was God involved in this scenario? Of course he was. He was there working behind the scenes, almost unnoticed by Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.

It seems to me that this is how I live much of my life. Things just happen. It's only when I look back and reflect on things that I begin to see the bigger picture of what God is doing and how He makes things happen.

As it happened, I went to Writtle Agricultural College to learn farming (I hated it and learned little!)
As it happened, I went with the CU there to the Keith Green memorial tour.
As it happened, it was there that I sensed God calling me to do what I am doing now.
Without Writtle and the CU, you'd be listening to a proper sermon this morning!

There are so many "As it happened"s in my life where, unbeknown to me, God was working and leading. It just takes a bit of time to stop and reflect and begin to see the chain of events God uses -it can be quite an eye opener! (Joseph did it in Genesis 45:1-8)

So why not have a go and do it. See how your "as it happened" events are bought together by God to shape who you are, what you do. Go for it! Good luck!

2009-06-27T06:49:00.001+01:00

Over the week as we've looked each day at the first chapter of Ruth I've learnt so many different things. Sunday we looked at Ruth's situation however surreal it seemed to us was real life for millions across the world. On Monday we looked at how we can so often miss those glimmers of hope or seeing God's presence in our pain. Tuesday we looked at God's grace in our pain and then we we looked at how Ruth kept her promise to Naomi. Thursday we looked at Ruth as the most tenacious and loving friend moving to Friday when we heard how Ruth was a Moabitess a despised immigrant woman from a cursed race.

But God still used her

Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of “the brightest and best” among you, not many influential, not many from high society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? 1 Cor 1v 26-29 (Msg)

Ruth believed so strongly, even when it seemed Naomi didn't, that God was worth clinging on to. That he was a God that would love her despite the worlds view of her.

See at Hands at Work we have a phrase called “diamonds in the dust”. You can read more about how our community based projects are started by going to http://www.handsatwork.org/who-what-where-how/ but we go into the poorest communities and as we gather together christians, pastors and leaders from the communities we share God's passion for the orphans, widows and dying and how it's his plan for the church to start providing some answers. But most importantly we watch and listen and dig around a bit and then God shows us a diamond right there in amongst the dust of human suffering. Ninety percent of the time it's older woman who have a fire in their heart to serve the poor and the dying and are already doing so. It's these woman who are giving their lives to serve others in Africa.

My prayer for us at the forge is that we would be a community where we see this happen. We can see modern day Moabites (those abused, looked down upon and hated) being allowed to shine like Ruth was.

So lets go back to where it all started a week ago, let me introduce you to some more people.

This is fifty-two-year-old Agnes Kunda who began volunteering in the Shalom community organisation of Kabwe, Zambia in 2003. The divorced woman’s children were grown and moved out of her home when she became a volunteer and she showered all of her motherly love and care onto the patients and vulnerable children she dedicated herself to visiting. In 2007, Agnes became ill and tests revealed that she was HIV positive. This former volunteer of the home-based care suddenly became a patient, who with the help of her fellow volunteers began taking medication that would keep her alive. Today, Agnes continues to battle her illness, but her active devotion as a volunteer has not ceased. Though unable to visit children and patients like she used to, Agnes has taken two orphaned children into her own home to provide them a place to live safely and be cared for lovingly. (taken from www.handsatwork.org).

Agnes and thousands of others here in Africa are the unlikely heroines, the diamonds in the dust. I pray you have fun hunting diamonds.

2009-06-26T06:18:00.000+01:00

My penultimate blog on Ruth. “Please say it isn't so” hear you cry and wail. Well I'm not going to lie to you Matt, Sam and Steve are intensely nervous that you'll all stop reading when I stop blogging. Now can I please please urge you not to. I think it's fair to say that of course the wit and repartee will be lessened as too will the hilarious little anecdotes about drug usage. I also believe I'm not speaking out of turn when saying that Steve may need a small team of highly trained professionals with Doctorates in Computer science to help him unblock or restore his computer in order to be able to blog without taking down google with some mega virus. Matt of course, well lets be honest, he's never really needed to blog to communicate with the world he just raises his voice a little. And Samuel, I love him to bits but will take bets on how many times he either mentions Crocodile dock (all right Sam just for you...www.crocodiledock.co.uk ) or I wouldn't be surprised if the Irish genius hasn't inserted subliminal messages into his blogs getting us to help out.

Ok Ok enough of the fellow blogger bashing Dan, I apologise.

As I said this is my penultimate blog and I'm afraid it's going to be a confusing one. A blog of questions rather than any answers. A blog where I honestly ask questions that maybe together we can answer.

Yesterday I talked of Ruth meaning friend (as that's what her name means) but today I want to use Ruth to symbolise what the Israelites would have heard, Moabitess or enemy, despised, having caused hurt, cursed.

Who is your “Ruth the Moabitess” now?

As I've looked into Ruth I found myself reading Deuteronomy 23 1-8. It's God saying “No Moabite is to enter the congregation of GOD, even to the tenth generation, nor any of his children, ever.” Then God says “Don't even try to get along with them or do anything for them, ever.”

Wow

Fast forward through Joshua and into Judges 3 13-30 we can read about the Israelites (Gods people) being controlled by The Evil Moabites. There is a left handed gentleman called Ehud who kills a fat man (the Moabites leader) and then the Israelites kill ten thousand Moabites!

Next we're in the book of Ruth with a Moabitess heroine! What's going on here? God says have nothing to do with them, they're bitter enemies due to a war in which ten thousand Moabites die. And now we have Ruth one of those same Moabites committing herself too and being used massively by God?

To make things even more confusing it's not my superior and incredible skill for uncovering hidden lessons in the bible that has brought this to our attention. The Book of Ruth is four chapters long but it's mentioned that she was a Moabitess seven times! The author is making it pretty clear that this is a key point she/he wants us to understand. The Authors shouting to us “look Ruth's one of those hated, despised and cursed Moabites”

So as Ruth arrives in Bethlehem, she's an immigrant, from a despised, cursed people who worship other Gods.

What's our equivalent in modern Britain? Sometimes I find it easy to read bible stories from the hero or heroine's perspective or even from the victim or in Naomi's situation the other persons perspective but I don't very often read them from the sinners perspective. I never read David and Goliath from Goliath's point of view. But imagine we're in the crowd at Bethlehem and Naomi turns up with Ruth. She (Ruth) represents everything that's bad in society and the world. Her race and people have been responsible for pain in our past. What's more we've heard it preached have nothing to do with them, ever! We've been taught by our parents, grandparents and great grandparent to hate, be hostile to and stay away from these people.

Now imagine we're sat at the Forge and in walks our modern day equivalent? Who is that? Who could stir those sorts of emotions in us? What if, as I think we all suspect, God wants to use them to change us?

2009-06-25T14:09:00.001+01:00

I'm unsure whether there are any rules on blogging more than once a day but I saw this article and thought it may help describe that 'Ruth' like friendship - I shared it on twitter but just in case your not following here it is for you. http://bit.ly/ecfMp

2009-06-25T06:32:00.004+01:00

People love me. People know that what I feel, think and experience is incredibly important. People will put up with my irritating personality traits just to be my friend. People want to know more about me despite being party to all the available information on me. People find me hilarious. People laugh when I laugh and cry when I cry. I can pretty much make any mistake I want and still be cared for. People are thankful for my friendship. People think I'm great. People want to spend time with me. People miss me now I'm in South Africa. People think what I'm doing is so important they give their money to enable me to do it. I'm being totally serious without any of my normal arrogant alter ego or without the a single bit of irony. I believe those statements to be true.

These “people” are my Ruths.

I don't deserve these “Ruths” in my life and I'm unsure why they feel that way, but like Naomi I journey through life with a group of “Ruths” who for some reason have clung to me and not let go. And the worst thing is some times like Naomi I don't even see them.

I find this bit hilarious and awful at the same time as Naomi almost goes Andy Millman (Extras) on us in verses 21. I imagine the scene, everybody in Bethlehem has come out into the village square to say hello to Naomi and her immigrant friend whom they automatically hated. As people greet Naomi she publicly tells everyone she is empty and has nothing! Ruth, having just spoken those beautifully stirring and powerful words “your God is my God. Where you die I will die” and effectively given her life to Naomi, is stood there looking at the ground. I'm watching on just thinking “go on give her some kind of a mention Naomi” and Naomi says “The Lord has afflicted me, the almighty has brought misfortune upon me”.

Can you imagine if a colleague or acquaintance was distraught because she had an invite to a party but the friend she had planned to go with had just dropped out, to go on your own would be social suicide. You are fully aware that you're not going to know anyone and it's a bit out of your league but to help her out you agree to go. You arrive and everybody is in dinner suites and cocktail dresses and you're in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. You thought it couldn't feel anymore horrible until people start approaching your friend to talk. To each person your friend explains that she is hating being at the party without a guest and feels so lonely and wishes she had asked her neighbour. You just stand there.

Now I know this is probably the most obvious place to go with the book of Ruth and I really wanted to dig deep and stay away from the Sunday school/bumper sticker slogans that it would be easy to write down but developing friendships is key to making life work. Again I say this in all seriousness I am a failure! If making mistakes was an Olympic sport I'd have beaten Michael Phelps' record hands down and that's with no training regime. I'm not even a particularly good friend but due to the fact my God is so full of mercy and grace despite my failures he provides me with Ruths.

I'm here in Africa because of my Ruths, it's not an exaggeration to say I'm probably here full stop because of my Ruths. I'm definitely still following Jesus because of my Ruths.

So my challenge is now that I need to be other peoples Ruth. Who do I need to cling on to? Maybe I've let go of someone? Ruth's name means friendship. My prayer for us is that we're able to seek out, to see, to be Ruths in a world where loneliness kills,

For the next recipe see www.thewaspes.com on "Thursday - Happy Birthday Marley" for crazy cake recipe

2009-06-24T06:31:00.000+01:00

Those of you who yesterday rose early with single-minded determination to read my blog before midday may have noticed my accidental attempt at defaming Naomi and suggesting she had a class A drug problem. By mistake I may have insinuated that God provided her with unlikely heroin not heroine! The worst part was that it was pointed out to me via my Mum! It wasn't a problem that my Mum pointed it out more that she was the only person to have pointed it out. Picture a small child performing his first recorder recital, looking out at an empty auditorium with just his Mum watching swaying along to London's Burning! Or a teenage boy performing his first gig with his band and looking out at the pub dance floor and the only person there is his Mum sipping a cup of Horlicks she's smuggled in, in her flask That's how I felt.

Hopefully my last few blogs have made it clear that I can see myself a little in Naomi, there's a fallibility about her that I can relate with. Now having spent the last few weeks with Ruth I have to admit she astounds me. She is absolutely amazing but also a little confusing/weird. Why did she stay with Naomi ? Why did she commit herself and swear allegiance to Naomi's God who to be fair Naomi didn't speak of highly. Why did Ruth think Naomi and her God were worth committing to even though it meant the end of her life as she knew it. When she swore she'd stay with Naomi she effectively signed away any lingering opportunity of hope left and went to a foreign land where she was hated,I mean really hated.

Why someone would selflessly lay down their life for another I don't understand! But at that moment, when Ruth says “May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” she swears her allegiance to God and makes a promise to Naomi.

Now fast forward to Matthew 5: 33-37 and Ruth's descendant is speaking about promises. Jesus seems to me to be saying “you don't have to swear before God like you used to because every Yes and No should be like a promise. I'm living inside you so effectively you are swearing before God.” Wow imagine if I kept promises like Ruth did! Imagine if I realised every time I agreed to something it was as if I swore before God. If I prayed for people every time I said I would.

That's what integrity is isn't it? Amongst other things Ruth was a woman of integrity. She kept her promise and maybe I need to keep my promises. Maybe I need to start making some. Maybe when I say “yes or “no” people should know that I'm the sort of man to whom that is a promise.

Another recipe tomorrow and five hundred pounds to the first person to leave a comment!! Oops what was I saying about speaking promises. Oh well my Mum will understand if I don't pay her.

2009-06-23T06:41:00.003+01:00

Glimmers of hope

Slivers of sunlight in a darkened room, catching a branch as you fall. A gulp of air during suffocation. A position of comfort in excruciating pain. The sound of friendship when you only hear hate. A truth in amongst lies. A solid foothold in the mud

The granting of our wishes as we blow out the birthday candles, the eternal father christmas responding YES to my list. The restoring of things to how they were. Comfort being normality.

Glimmers of who's hope?

I can see clearly that without any swallowing whales, talking donkeys, burning bushes or loud booming voices God is still present, working in the very normal and tragic events of Naomi's life. He set about breaking the famine to show the way home for Naomi, he prompts Ruth to stay with Naomi and he does even more in the other chapters but I won't spoil Steve, Matt or Sam's fun.

But it seems that Naomi is oblivious to these times when God is present. I wonder whether looking back she can see it? I wonder if you'd have pointed them out to her, would she have been thankful? Because if I try, with a lot of imagination, to put myself into the horrific hurt and pain that Naomi experienced, would she really be happy with someone saying “No look Naomi, God hasn't abandoned you, he's brought about an end to the famine so you can go home, and what's more he's nudged Ruth, your daughter in-law to stay with you forever! I mean yeah I know Moabites are despised in your home town but least it's some company. Chin up Nay (that's what I imagine her name was to her friends) God's working things out.”

When I experience pain the only thing I hope for is it to go away! In hindsight I can look back and see how the rough times have shaped me and on some occasions even be thankful for them but while it's happening, I'll be honest, almost always I want out.

Naomi sends her daughter-in-laws away saying there is no hope for them with her! She doesn't see God at work, she's not holding out for a happy ending she's reached the point of resignation, no hoping for things to get better, no praying for transformation in the pain just “go away daughter-in-laws, there's nothing for you here with me”. Yet God shows remarkable grace to Naomi and provides her with the most unlikeliest heroine.

Naomi's not the heroine of this story she's just a normal, hurting person who doesn't see God at work in her suffering yet still God showers grace on her and transforms her life using the selfless love of another.

And God does the same with me, despite wanting out, despite my running from tough times and despite only wanting Gods involvement if He resolves things the way I want. God still works and doesn't give up. Grace shows up.

“Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exists, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colours” The Shack. William.P.Young

P.S I haven't forgotten the recipe but in the interest of not wanting you to see pages and pages of writing please see “My new third favourite soup” entry at www.thewaspes.com

Monday 22nd June

2009-06-22T04:00:00.000+01:00

So your back for Monday's instalment of my ramblings. Hope all you Dads had a good Fathers day. We attended a church service yesterday that included elements of The Forge, Willow Creek, a Billy Ray Cyrus concert and a baptist church in the 70's! A heady mix I know. We had some Win Fenning-esque art created before our very eyes (stunning), set in a beautiful auditorium (cold) with some country western sung worship (got CD for Duncan) rounded off with “bind us together” sang while we all linked arms and swayed (no comment)!! I trust your Sunday was slightly different.

Now I know that some of you are used to this blogging thing and will enjoy reading other peoples thoughts as well as typing down your own. Others of you will go along with it but some of you will be plain cynical and have said to yourselves “I'll give it till Wednesday, then not bother”. (I know this as my wife is one of those cynical people.) Well thank you for making it to Monday all you cynics and even if you can't stand what I write I will include a free recipe with my next blog so at least you're getting something in return.

So Naomi's lost everything literally everything. Widows' back in those days had three options, go back and live with your parents – Naomi's were dead, marry again – Naomi was to old, Rely on your adult children looking after you – Naomi's were dead. As Duncan pointed out yesterday Naomi is now without hope or a future, bottom of the food chain. As I read how she speaks about God I find myself confused and wondering what does she really believe about God? Does she feel like she's lost him too?

I hear her saying “look I've lost all my possessions, the man I loved, the two boy's whom I adored and cuddled as babes. I feel like the God who is on the throne, in charge of everything, hates me and has deliberately hurt me”. The author (I'll give a prize for anyone who can tell me who it is) quotes Naomi as referring to God as “LORD” meaning promise keeper. Or as “the Almighty (Shaddai)” meaning All Powerful one. But in the same breath she talks of how this almighty, all powerful, promise keeping God seems to have decided to ruin her.

What does she think of God? Does she really believe he's a promise keeper and all powerful? Or an evil God throwing down lightning bolts aimed at her family. Is it possible to believe both?

All this pondering has reminded me of few things I need to work on. When things go wrong for me I often deep down assume God is punishing me. I do the normal saying sorry and pleading for forgiveness for the things I've never really let go of. The things I've asked to be forgiven for time and time again. I bargain with God and clean up my act (try harder). This view of God as a strict school teacher has the knock on effect of meaning I view God as someone who's love has to be earned and who's happiness and love for me is directly affected by my actions. And for a while I miss (maybe like Naomi did) the glimmers of hope God is providing for me in my pain.

More of those glimmers of hope tomorrow, Oh and a recipe for those already bored of my thoughts.

Dan

2009-06-20T20:17:00.004+01:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening. I do hope you know why we're here today. Incase there is any doubt let me be so bold as to explain. Due to my incredible intellect and maturity I have been hand picked to further educate you in all matters relating to the first chapter of Ruth. The wise people of The Forge also felt it would help having someone slightly more “A list” on the blogging bill to counteract the “I'm a celebrity fodder” of Steve, Matt and Sam.

Ok That was not entirely true (although I still believe the A-list story) I do not have anything mind blowing or new to enlighten you with regarding Ruth and anyone that knows me will vouch for the fact that I certainly don't have an incredible intellect. But I have been reading Ruth for the last month and have been given the chance to try and explain some of what I'm learning and being challenged with as I read. I will ask questions rather than give answers and some stuff I write will be wrong, obvious or just plain stupid. I hope this will be like a window for you to look into my life, thoughts and journey with God as I read Ruth and try and apply it to my life here in South Africa.

Let me introduce you all to someone. I'll change the name so lets call her Annabelle (I need one of those disclaimers that say any resemblance to someone in the Forge is coincidence). Anyway although I've re-named this person Annabelle it's a true living person who I've met and will met again and again. Annabelle was married and had four children, like any Mum she had hopes and dreams for her kids. Annabelle's parents died when she was only 11 and she was left to care for her two younger brothers. This meant doing “anything” to get food. In reality when your a teenage girl with nothing and three mouths to feed it's surprising how many older men will “help you out” and give you food. In the same village lives Julia. Julia is a Gogo (Grandmother) and unwell. Her husband is extremely ill and needs lots of care. Julia had four children all who would still be younger than me if they we're alive. She looks after several of her orphaned grandchildren including one called Bill who is 6 and has Cerebral Palsy.

Now I know I'm running the risk of turning you all off this blog idea at day one and believe me I really wanted the first one to be hilarious, life changing and a real “wow I never knew that” moment. But when reading Naomi's story I couldn't help but be struck every time I read this of how 3 months ago I would have just skipped over the part about her husband and two sons dying as just a metaphor for suffering. I mean it's biblical times, right? that sort of hideous tragedy was common place and what's more needed to happen for us to learn things. I mean, yeah it's a story in the bible and we can learn from it but they're not real people, are they? If it's just me that feels like this then I'm sorry but I have the ability to read stories in the bible, learn from them and even apply them to where I am in life without ever really acknowledging that this story was actually real. You see, now my problem is they are real people. I know Julia, I've sat and prayed with her in her house. I've played football with some of the orphans she looks after. I know that, like Naomi must have experienced, Julia lies awake crying. I've seen Julia cling with her fingernails to a faith in a God that she doesn't understand.

I'm not in any way trying to enter into a “the suffering here is worse than the suffering there” discussion. Suffering can be heartbreaking, hideous and painful whether it's the death of one grandparent or four of your children, whether it's illness or divorce, redundancy or stress. All I think I'm trying to say is as I start looking at Ruth I need to remember that firstly she was broken, really broken and it was real. Secondly that this story is reality for millions across the world. We do have suffering on a biblical scale literally! There are real life Naomi's.

Speak to you all tomorrow. I've just spent my Saturday giving out school bags to 114 orphans and am now off to listen to a Radio 4 podcast! Oh how I've changed.