The quote above comes from Nelson Mandela's statement given at his trial in 1964. Upon the news of his death this evening, I wanted to find out a bit more of the man that the whole world seems to be praising tonight. Sure, I knew he helped to end apartheid but what did that look like? Find out more in his statement here --> http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mandela/mandelaspeech.html
Social media seems to have exploded in the hours following the announcement of Mandela's death, speaking of the grace he showed, the life he lived to the full and the 'shining light' that he was to many. All so wonderfully fitting. However, it's this line that stopped me as I read the articles, news reports and Facebook posts.
'But if needs be, I'm prepared to die'
Wow.
This man not only commited himself to peace, harmony and cohesion during his lifetime but believed in his cause so much that he was willing to lay down his life to see equality achieved.
As a Christian, this line has particular resonance. In the Bible, it says 'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for me will find it'. (Matthew 16:25). Numerous Christian writers such as David Platt and Francis Chan have picked up on this theme, the idea that we need to be prepared to radically commit to Jesus. The fact is, it's true.
You may think death is a bit extreme. Maybe we'll be called to die for our faith. Maybe we won't. But perhaps dying sometimes means more than physical death. Maybe dying is forgiving someone who's really hurt us even when we don't want to. Maybe it's loving that person who we find really difficult. Maybe it's choosing to keep going even when our circumstances look unlikely to ever change.
I'm writing this not from a place of sortedness but from a place of brokeness, So often, I need to die to what I want to do, how I feel and ultimately to my self. What a challenge.
Thank you Mandela for your life, your love and the lessons that you leave us.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
hearing/reading/thinking/living
You know when you watch a film that you've seen about a million times? For me, Mean Girls, Bruce Almighty and Monsters Inc are some of the more popular contenders. You watch such films but, at the same time, you kind of don't. You text, you chat, you scoff a bowl of popcorn and think about tomorrow. Why? Because you've seen it before. You know the story. You get the characters. In the case of Mean Girls, you know all of the classic lines (Glen Coco, anyone?) and have probably recited them to your fellow movie watchers within the first ten minutes of the film.
Sometimes, I feel the same way when I read the Bible. Recently, I realised that I engage with this book a fair bit; on a Sunday at church, when I'm reading it on my own, maybe even via Twitter or Facebook when someone includes a bit of Bible in their status or tweet.
But do I really listen or do I go into autopilot, even with good intentions?
Take a Sunday church service. On a good day, I nod and make a mental note to take on board whatever the preacher is talking about then walk out of church and (more often than not) forget all about it. On a bad day, I spend the preach daydreaming and thinking about what I might have for lunch/dinner. Seriously.
I read something the other day about the Israelites and how, because of their sinfulness, God chose to take away His Word and revelation from their lives. Specifically, in Amos 8, it is so clear that this is the biggest loss for the Israelites, despite the physical problems and challenges that they face. This got me thinking - how often do I view the Bible in this way?
James 1:22 says 'Don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says'. It then goes on to say that we deceive ourselves if we don't do this. Eek. All the good intentions in the world can never equal actually applying what we hear or read. That's why I'm trying (and often failing) to more intentionally let the Bible change me and the way I live, in a bid to recognise how privileged I am to be able to readily access God's word and to be obedient.
Join me?
Love Rhi x
PS. Picture of the post...
Proper cute.
Sometimes, I feel the same way when I read the Bible. Recently, I realised that I engage with this book a fair bit; on a Sunday at church, when I'm reading it on my own, maybe even via Twitter or Facebook when someone includes a bit of Bible in their status or tweet.
But do I really listen or do I go into autopilot, even with good intentions?
Take a Sunday church service. On a good day, I nod and make a mental note to take on board whatever the preacher is talking about then walk out of church and (more often than not) forget all about it. On a bad day, I spend the preach daydreaming and thinking about what I might have for lunch/dinner. Seriously.
I read something the other day about the Israelites and how, because of their sinfulness, God chose to take away His Word and revelation from their lives. Specifically, in Amos 8, it is so clear that this is the biggest loss for the Israelites, despite the physical problems and challenges that they face. This got me thinking - how often do I view the Bible in this way?
James 1:22 says 'Don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says'. It then goes on to say that we deceive ourselves if we don't do this. Eek. All the good intentions in the world can never equal actually applying what we hear or read. That's why I'm trying (and often failing) to more intentionally let the Bible change me and the way I live, in a bid to recognise how privileged I am to be able to readily access God's word and to be obedient.
Join me?
Love Rhi x
PS. Picture of the post...
Proper cute.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
A new church experience.
So Britain has been experiencing a heatwave these past few weeks (the rest of the world just call it summer!). I've got to that stage where I'm so hot that I don't know what to do with myself...so I decided to blog!
This morning, myself and the wonderful Amy decided to mix it up a little bit and go to the local gospel church just round the corner from where we now live. Neither of us really knew what to expect and as we walked in, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly we were greeted and welcomed (cue a shout out to the stewards!). We watched countless people (including a VERY cute little boy) spend their time of worship dancing, flag waving and genuinely celebrating Jesus. What a beautiful thing to witness. I loved their joy (though it's good to remember that joy comes in many forms...) and I loved their passion for Jesus.
However, I want to emphasise the word 'new'. Church this morning was so different from anything I've ever experienced before and, if I'm honest, I wasn't 100% comfortable. For one, I've definitely now had my annual dose of the phrase, 'Can I get an Amen?'. Being frivolous aside, there were some things I didn't get and some things that I wasn't sure about. But that's okay. As I came out, I felt pretty overwhelmed and found myself asking the question, 'What just happened?'. The point is, it doesn't matter that I don't get it because I knew wholeheartedly that, despite some differences, these people love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation like I do and want to see His kingdom advanced like I do. Surely that's what's important? Of course, we all have personal preferences but beyond that, we are united because God Himself says we are, as His body and as His representatives on this earth. I'm so glad that God's church goes further than my own understanding and sometimes surpasses my own comfort. Today, I was reminded that God's family is diverse and that it is beautiful when people of all nations, ages and traditions come together to proclaim Jesus.
Thankful for the congregation of believers I encountered this morning and thankful for you!
Much love,
Rhi x
In other news...last week I got into the Wimbledon spirit (wasn't Andy Murray insanely good?!)...
(to clarify, Fedz is definitely not a failure!)
This morning, myself and the wonderful Amy decided to mix it up a little bit and go to the local gospel church just round the corner from where we now live. Neither of us really knew what to expect and as we walked in, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly we were greeted and welcomed (cue a shout out to the stewards!). We watched countless people (including a VERY cute little boy) spend their time of worship dancing, flag waving and genuinely celebrating Jesus. What a beautiful thing to witness. I loved their joy (though it's good to remember that joy comes in many forms...) and I loved their passion for Jesus.
However, I want to emphasise the word 'new'. Church this morning was so different from anything I've ever experienced before and, if I'm honest, I wasn't 100% comfortable. For one, I've definitely now had my annual dose of the phrase, 'Can I get an Amen?'. Being frivolous aside, there were some things I didn't get and some things that I wasn't sure about. But that's okay. As I came out, I felt pretty overwhelmed and found myself asking the question, 'What just happened?'. The point is, it doesn't matter that I don't get it because I knew wholeheartedly that, despite some differences, these people love Jesus and trust Him for their salvation like I do and want to see His kingdom advanced like I do. Surely that's what's important? Of course, we all have personal preferences but beyond that, we are united because God Himself says we are, as His body and as His representatives on this earth. I'm so glad that God's church goes further than my own understanding and sometimes surpasses my own comfort. Today, I was reminded that God's family is diverse and that it is beautiful when people of all nations, ages and traditions come together to proclaim Jesus.
Thankful for the congregation of believers I encountered this morning and thankful for you!
Much love,
Rhi x
In other news...last week I got into the Wimbledon spirit (wasn't Andy Murray insanely good?!)...
(to clarify, Fedz is definitely not a failure!)
Monday, 27 May 2013
I am second.
Recently, I decided to take up the I am Second challenge because I can be quite selfish and I don't like it! I don't mean that in a self deprecating way but just as a result of a realisation that ,too often, I think about myself - what I want, desire and lack rather than God's priorities and other people.
The idea is that you watch a video of somebody telling their story everyday and then complete the challenge that accompanies it.
Here's today's video...
http://www.iamsecond.com/challenges/22day/22day4/
What really struck me today was when the girl sharing said 'It is God, all along who is defining me'. I love the fact that it's not my own efforts, faults, achievements or qualities that define me but Jesus. I'm really hoping that, through this challenge, I'm reminded about this more!
'It's your victory. Jesus, you are enough'.
xx
The idea is that you watch a video of somebody telling their story everyday and then complete the challenge that accompanies it.
Here's today's video...
http://www.iamsecond.com/challenges/22day/22day4/
What really struck me today was when the girl sharing said 'It is God, all along who is defining me'. I love the fact that it's not my own efforts, faults, achievements or qualities that define me but Jesus. I'm really hoping that, through this challenge, I'm reminded about this more!
'It's your victory. Jesus, you are enough'.
xx
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Seeking.
When I'm in the nursery (where I work!), one of the kids' favourite games is hide and seek. So, they make me count to like 7 (don't ask me why they choose such a random number!) and then I have to follow their muffled giggles in the hope of finding them.
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Why am I telling you this? Just because the kids I work with are ridiculously cute?
Nope - because seeking's important.
The more I think about it, I guess that we're all seeking something. Whether it be the right grades, the perfect boyfriend or the latest IPad. Or maybe a massive fortune or everyone's approval. The list could go on.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to 'Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added as well'. I'm loving this verse at the moment. But it's also really challenging me. So often, I find myself seeking after things which, in themselves, aren't wrong but which don't satisfy or fulfil me. That folks, is called idolatry. After all, why would you seek the gifts when you can seek the Giver?
The Westminster Catechism says that 'man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' I read a book by John Piper (obviously said in an American accent because how else can you say that name?) about this subject a few months ago. It made my brain nearly combust but it was so good! The point is, He is enough. It's not about wanting more of this, that and the other. It's about wanting Him. About wanting to be like Jesus - the Jesus that my friend, who is currently struggling, so beautifully proclaimed as her Saviour. About aligning what we want with what God wants so that His kingdom advances.
When I was reflecting on this verse and how it speaks into my life, I just thought 'Rhi, haven't you grasped this yet?' Then I remembered. It's not about getting to a certain point in our faiths but about journeying with Him and letting Him sanctify you in the process. Ultimately, it's about grace - for ourselves and for each other - something I pray I'll increase in as I focus on pursuing the only One who is worth it.
But in the meantime, can I encourage you to pray this prayer?
'The one thing I ask of You, the thing I seek most is to live in Your house all the days of my life, delighting in Your perfections and meditating in Your temple'. Psalm 27:4.
Love Rhi xx
Picture of the post --:
The perfect revision beveragini! x
Saturday, 13 April 2013
I'm not condemned.
So, this last week, I've been at New Word Alive in the north of a beautiful country called Wales! It was my first time at this particular event and I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved it! Quality teaching, great company and inflatables! What is there not to love?! Check it out and access some of the great Bible teaching at http://newwordalive.org/ :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
Anyway, when I woke up this morning (ridiculously early, may I add, for someone who hasn't slept that much in the last week), a Bible verse hit me loud and clear. For those who now think that that sounds super holy, let me assure you that such an event is hardly a regular occurrence! Anyway, the verse was Romans 8:1 which says 'So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus'. One of the things I was taught this week is the need to remind ourselves of Biblical truth. What I love about this verse is that it says 'no condemnation'. So often, I get caught up in what the stuff that I do or don't do in my Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that because we're told to pursue righteousness and David asks God to search his heart and refine him in the Psalms, perhaps an example to us today. But what has made my heart glad this morning is that 'there is NO condemnation'. Whatever you've done, no matter how bad you rate it on an often human created sin scale, if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, the price has been paid and you stand forgiven. Incredible.
Ich bin encouraged and I hope that you are too :)
Picture of the post:
SUCU enjoying the inflatable slide!
Shameless book plug of the post...
Last week, I grabbed half an hour and read a book that I've been meaning to read for ever -- 'Will you be my Facebook friend?' by Tim Chester. So insightful on the pros but particularly the cons of social media. £2 ish off Amazon - go go go! :)
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Misplaced confidence.
This week, I've been really challenged about something. Have you ever had a week where the same thing just keeps coming up again and again and you start to question whether it's a coincidence? It's been a bit like that.
Let me explain.
At church on Sunday, 4 people got baptised. Something I learnt - I LOVE BAPTISMS. I love hearing how God works in people's lives and love watching them declare it publicly - so great! After this happened, there was inevitably a talk which was all about the idea that Jesus' death was pointless if we aren't justified by it.
If you're a bit new to all this God stuff, Christians believe that we, as people, can't do anything ourselves to be right with God since we've all sinned (messed up/done stuff that we know is not good etc.) and because God is just and holy, this separates us from Him. However, because He loves us SO much and desires to know us closely, He sent Jesus to die for us so that we can be restored and can walk in relationship with God. That's the main difference, I guess, between Christianity and other religions which so often demand that their followers conform to a certain set of rules in order to be accepted. Pretty cool huh?
Anyway, this talk and some of the stuff that was said has really stuck in my head the last few days and I've been thinking it through a bit. Also, the daily devotion emails that come to my phone everyday at some ridiculous time in the early hours of the morning (don't ask me why it comes so early!?) have been talking about similar things. Strange right? Or not.
The thing that's been getting me this week though isn't whether I believe that Jesus has justified me and made me right with God (because I definitely do!) but whether this is actually reflected in how I live?
On Wednesday night, at Hungry (our church's student small group), we looked at Philippians 3:1 -11. In that bit of the Bible it says that we shouldn't place our confidence in anything else but Jesus and should consider everything else in our lives as rubbish compared to knowing Him. The word that really fascinated me in all this was the word 'safeguard'. To give this context, in Phillipians, Paul starts this bit my explaining how the idea of prizing nothing but Jesus is actually a safeguard for us. I started to think about that word and realised (as Ruth pointed out) that the only time that I ever use it is when talking about protecting young people and children/CRBs! Maybe then, God knows that when we place our confidence in other stuff that isn't Him, it can harm us, hence why He says this stuff to protect us?
The problem for me though is that I don't always place my confidence in Jesus. You see, I love many things -- Sprinkles ice cream, good music and onesies to name a few -- but one thing I really love is relationships. Nah, I'm not talking mushy smushy rom - com boy girl shizz (though I'm not totally opposed!) but friendships with people in general. I know that sometimes I base my confidence in them - when I percieve them to be going really well, I feel confident. When I don't...well I feel pants. Also, sometimes I beat myself up for not being where I percieve I should be with God or for failing Him.
So now I've convinced you that I'm an over - thinking, over - analysing 20 year old Sociology student, what did I learn from this?!
I learnt that this kind of thinking is religion (Jesus wasn't a massive fan of 'religious' people in the Bible) and arrogantly presumes that we could ever do anything to make ourselves right with God. I learnt that when I put my confidence in stuff that isn't Jesus, life gets a little bit shaky. That's why I'm so glad to be able to say that
'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness'
and to, once again, learn what it looks like to live like that.
Much love,
Rhi x
Picture of the post...
So, the momentum to take pictures everyday has waned a bit this last month and some of my 'quick, I need to take a picture' snaps have made my life look ever so dull (it's not, I assure you). :P Anyway, here's the cute campus gardens that I finally got to the other day...
Hope that this month is wonderful for you! xx
Let me explain.
At church on Sunday, 4 people got baptised. Something I learnt - I LOVE BAPTISMS. I love hearing how God works in people's lives and love watching them declare it publicly - so great! After this happened, there was inevitably a talk which was all about the idea that Jesus' death was pointless if we aren't justified by it.
If you're a bit new to all this God stuff, Christians believe that we, as people, can't do anything ourselves to be right with God since we've all sinned (messed up/done stuff that we know is not good etc.) and because God is just and holy, this separates us from Him. However, because He loves us SO much and desires to know us closely, He sent Jesus to die for us so that we can be restored and can walk in relationship with God. That's the main difference, I guess, between Christianity and other religions which so often demand that their followers conform to a certain set of rules in order to be accepted. Pretty cool huh?
Anyway, this talk and some of the stuff that was said has really stuck in my head the last few days and I've been thinking it through a bit. Also, the daily devotion emails that come to my phone everyday at some ridiculous time in the early hours of the morning (don't ask me why it comes so early!?) have been talking about similar things. Strange right? Or not.
The thing that's been getting me this week though isn't whether I believe that Jesus has justified me and made me right with God (because I definitely do!) but whether this is actually reflected in how I live?
On Wednesday night, at Hungry (our church's student small group), we looked at Philippians 3:1 -11. In that bit of the Bible it says that we shouldn't place our confidence in anything else but Jesus and should consider everything else in our lives as rubbish compared to knowing Him. The word that really fascinated me in all this was the word 'safeguard'. To give this context, in Phillipians, Paul starts this bit my explaining how the idea of prizing nothing but Jesus is actually a safeguard for us. I started to think about that word and realised (as Ruth pointed out) that the only time that I ever use it is when talking about protecting young people and children/CRBs! Maybe then, God knows that when we place our confidence in other stuff that isn't Him, it can harm us, hence why He says this stuff to protect us?
The problem for me though is that I don't always place my confidence in Jesus. You see, I love many things -- Sprinkles ice cream, good music and onesies to name a few -- but one thing I really love is relationships. Nah, I'm not talking mushy smushy rom - com boy girl shizz (though I'm not totally opposed!) but friendships with people in general. I know that sometimes I base my confidence in them - when I percieve them to be going really well, I feel confident. When I don't...well I feel pants. Also, sometimes I beat myself up for not being where I percieve I should be with God or for failing Him.
So now I've convinced you that I'm an over - thinking, over - analysing 20 year old Sociology student, what did I learn from this?!
I learnt that this kind of thinking is religion (Jesus wasn't a massive fan of 'religious' people in the Bible) and arrogantly presumes that we could ever do anything to make ourselves right with God. I learnt that when I put my confidence in stuff that isn't Jesus, life gets a little bit shaky. That's why I'm so glad to be able to say that
'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness'
and to, once again, learn what it looks like to live like that.
Much love,
Rhi x
Picture of the post...
So, the momentum to take pictures everyday has waned a bit this last month and some of my 'quick, I need to take a picture' snaps have made my life look ever so dull (it's not, I assure you). :P Anyway, here's the cute campus gardens that I finally got to the other day...
Hope that this month is wonderful for you! xx
Sunday, 10 February 2013
What a story.
One of the many highlights of my birthday this year was seeing The Mark Drama performed at uni. What basically happened was that the Gospel of Mark was retold through improvised drama over 90 minutes. The cast had us sit in a circle whilst they acted around us, complete with many laughs and jokes as they showed the lives and behaviour of disciples called to follow the man who claimed to be God. The performance itself was so exciting but also incredibly moving and I would totally recommend it to anyone!
But it was more than just a great piece of drama.
I went into the performance thinking that I knew what to expect. My Bible knowledge is far from perfect but I felt like I'd recognise most of the key parts of Jesus' story. And, fair play, I did. However, I loved the bits that made me think and there were a couple of 'Eureka' moments where I suddenly understood something I'd read in a new way. When it got to the portrayal of Jesus' death, the whole room watched in silence as the story unfolded. During parts of it, I wanted to yell 'Stop' and some of it was pretty uncomfortable. It struck me that I was reacting in such a way to a narrative that I know so well. If I've learnt anything this week, it's been a reminder that this story that we call the Gospel never gets old - it's always wonderful, it always challenges and it always speaks. If you've never heard this story, then I reckon you should - go see the Mark Drama in March or pick up the Bible and give it a chance - what have you got to lose?
In other news, Sprinkles ice cream parlour is amazing, especially when you go with great friends!...
Hope that your February is going fabulously,
Love Rhi xx
But it was more than just a great piece of drama.
I went into the performance thinking that I knew what to expect. My Bible knowledge is far from perfect but I felt like I'd recognise most of the key parts of Jesus' story. And, fair play, I did. However, I loved the bits that made me think and there were a couple of 'Eureka' moments where I suddenly understood something I'd read in a new way. When it got to the portrayal of Jesus' death, the whole room watched in silence as the story unfolded. During parts of it, I wanted to yell 'Stop' and some of it was pretty uncomfortable. It struck me that I was reacting in such a way to a narrative that I know so well. If I've learnt anything this week, it's been a reminder that this story that we call the Gospel never gets old - it's always wonderful, it always challenges and it always speaks. If you've never heard this story, then I reckon you should - go see the Mark Drama in March or pick up the Bible and give it a chance - what have you got to lose?
In other news, Sprinkles ice cream parlour is amazing, especially when you go with great friends!...
Hope that your February is going fabulously,
Love Rhi xx
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Reading that book called the Bible.
At the beginning of this year, I tentatively told myself that I'd blog more frequently then got bogged down with revision and forgot all about it! Yes, I'm still revising but I've decided (in a bid to get away from all things sociological for a bit!) to write 2013's first post :)
Recently, I've been having reading some of David Platt's stuff on Bible reading which is well worth a look if you get the chance! One of the best quotes that he said (in my opinion) was that 'What you read in the Bible can never mean now what it never meant then'. Now this may just be me...but I realised that, so often, when I go to the Bible, I start from a place which basically says 'What does this mean for me and what am I going to do as a result?'. I'm not saying that this isn't great because obviously you're not supposed to just read the Bible and then get back to your life without letting it impact you. But what he said challenged me. What he was getting at was that the Bible was never primarily written just for us - it was written for generations of God's people and that we so often misinterpret and misunderstand Scripture because we don't recognise that fact. It all goes back to that word again - context! As I said, I've been giving this some head space recently...here's the link to Platt if you want it ---> http://www.radical.net/media/schurch/series_list/?id=53
In other news, as Facebook may have already hinted at, I'm involved in Text a Toastie on campus which is just such a great way to begin conversations about faith/God/zombie apocalypses/whatever else anyone wants to ask about (and I'm not just saying that because food is involved!). I love it - it challenges me to think about questions that I don't always consider and has naturally expanded my cooking repertoire :P Proud to say that no horsemeat is used in the making of our toasties!
Also, I'm doing Project 365 this year (taking a picture every day) so thought I'd do a photo of the post. Just before I left for uni, I finally caught up with the first Lord of the Rings (after much disbelief from certain people that I'd never seen it!) and naturally this needed photographic evidence!
Much love!
Rhi x
Recently, I've been having reading some of David Platt's stuff on Bible reading which is well worth a look if you get the chance! One of the best quotes that he said (in my opinion) was that 'What you read in the Bible can never mean now what it never meant then'. Now this may just be me...but I realised that, so often, when I go to the Bible, I start from a place which basically says 'What does this mean for me and what am I going to do as a result?'. I'm not saying that this isn't great because obviously you're not supposed to just read the Bible and then get back to your life without letting it impact you. But what he said challenged me. What he was getting at was that the Bible was never primarily written just for us - it was written for generations of God's people and that we so often misinterpret and misunderstand Scripture because we don't recognise that fact. It all goes back to that word again - context! As I said, I've been giving this some head space recently...here's the link to Platt if you want it ---> http://www.radical.net/media/schurch/series_list/?id=53
In other news, as Facebook may have already hinted at, I'm involved in Text a Toastie on campus which is just such a great way to begin conversations about faith/God/zombie apocalypses/whatever else anyone wants to ask about (and I'm not just saying that because food is involved!). I love it - it challenges me to think about questions that I don't always consider and has naturally expanded my cooking repertoire :P Proud to say that no horsemeat is used in the making of our toasties!
Also, I'm doing Project 365 this year (taking a picture every day) so thought I'd do a photo of the post. Just before I left for uni, I finally caught up with the first Lord of the Rings (after much disbelief from certain people that I'd never seen it!) and naturally this needed photographic evidence!
Much love!
Rhi x
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