August 14

“Why are you so downcast my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour” - Psalm 42:5

I was reading an article by Jan Dravecky, in it she wrote about her husband Dave and his friend, who could be described as a mechanical nerd. This friend fancied his DIY skills and fitted a new engine in one of his cars. Apparently it looked impressive under the bonnet – that is, until the engine was turned on. That was when the concept of “setting the timing” was discussed at length.

Strange isn't it, how little things arouse memories? Reading this my mind went back some years to a young man I was going out with at the time – we'll call him Roger in case he should happen to read this, and another car in need of “setting the timing.”. Roger was the proud possessor of a station wagon that had seen better days despite some renovation work. Eager to show off his limousine and prowess as a driver, I was invited by Roger to take a trip to Rutland Water. Packed lunch and picnic chairs in the back, we set off. It was wonderful....fresh air, open countryside, and the road ahead. Then, we came to a hill.

I'd noticed the 'limo''was sluggish on inclines, but put that down to Roger failing to select the correct gear. Oh, if only! In front of us was a steep hill, one of many. There was no way that vehicle was going to get up that hill. Suddenly, the light of inspiration lit up Roger's face. Turning the gallopy around at the bottom of the hill, he proudly reversed up it – every hill between the outskirts of Melton Mowbray and Rutland Water!

How many hills are we reversing up in our lives because of our poorly timed actions and decisions? There can be disastrous results. We tend to react on instinct rather than take it all to God and wait for the Spirit's guidance. David is a good example to follow. After Saul's death he could have easily stepped in and become king of Israel. Instead, refusing to react to circumstances, he waited, then moved to God's perfect timing....the result was powerful. We too can experience that same power, if we just let go, and let God – put our lives and plans in His hands, and then await His direction. Memories can be a useful tool in helping us to “set the timing” and face those hills head-on.

”In the rush of life, as you have intervals, step within yourselves and be still. Wait upon God and feel His good presence; this will carry you through your day's business” - William Penn.

Our song for today, selected by Bryn, is “Time Has Made a Change in Me” - Selah

       

     Housekeeping details for you

     The point of this short blog will become clear if you decide to use this reading in the way we intend it. Netherfield Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in healthy churches. You can see what that means if you head to the relevant Healthy Churches page of the website. We also want other churches to be healthy. That means you can join in our campaign to create healthy churches, with healthy people serving the people in those churches.

     A healthy church is one where Jesus comes first. A healthy church is one where the people work together to put Jesus first. One thing we are doing is to join people together to spread that news. I would like you to look at our prayer partners page. This will explain how we want you to use this short devotional. Very basically we want you to find a like-minded Christian friend who you will join with to : choose to pray together every day, decide together on a way to serve other people together, to help them grow as Christians - and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life every day. This blog that you will receive every day simply gives a common spiritual purpose. If you are a newcomer and want to join the blog with this object in mind click here