Crosses

Next Thursday, millions of Britons will be using the power of the cross in a bid to make a change in our society.

But, unfortunately, many won't even be thinking about the cross as they cast their vote in this parlimentary election.

Where, as Christians, should we stand when it comes to politics? Does it really matter? The answer is yes - it does matter. We have a right to vote, and with that comes a responsibility to cast our vote well.

So who should you vote for? It's completely up to you. But if you want people representing you in parliament who will respect your faith, act on the issues that you feel are important, and uphold important values, you have to find out what the candidates standing in your constituency and their parties believe (you can do this by having a look at their websites).

If you can vote and are registered to vote in this election, don't let someone else make the decision!

Do you hear the people sing?

"Do you hear the people sing
Singing the songs of angry men
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drum
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes"

If you've ever seen a production of Les Miserables, you will remember the incredible passion and drive with which this song is sung. It is a song of battle, anger at the past, and hope for the future.

As followers of Jesus we are constantly in battle - a spiritual battle against the enemy - which can take many forms, such as a battle against our own sinful nature and our ungodly world. But God is fighting the battle in and through us, so we're not on our own. And what's more, we know we've already won - Jesus made sure of that on the cross! So why, unlike the cast of Les Miserables, do we often approach battle with little passion? Why are we not angry at the works of the enemy? Why are we not hopeful and determined for a better future?

If you can, get a copy of this song and sing along with as much determination as possible to kick-start your day.

Freedom

Ephesians 2:9-10
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no-one can boast."

The Pharisees were a group of very religious Jews at the time of Jesus, who acted as though by rigorously following the Law (the rules and regulations of the Old Testament) they could have eternal life. But they missed the whole point!

Jesus didn't die on the cross for us to grudgingly follow rules for the whole of our lives. He died so we can have freedom from sin :)

Adventure

At the SU camp I was at last week, held at Lendrick Muir in Scotland, there is a new "high ropes" course. One of the challenges, as you can see from this picture, involved jumping onto a trapeze from a small platform, then manoeuvring yourself upside down into this "star" position.
For me, the hardest part was the jump. I didn't have to jump very far at all, in fact it really should have been quite easy, but I was terrified I would miss it. But why? I had a harness on, so if I did miss it, I wasn't going to fall.
It's like this in life a lot. There's some great opportunity, some open door that promises adventure. As Christians we are told that God is always there for us, that He is our harness. But like I was on the ropes course, we're still terrified.
One of the boys in the group I was in missed the trapeze when he jumped - but the harness stopped him from falling, and he was slowly lowered down. God does not fail us. Even when we miss the mark, He is there to stop our fall.

Samuel

In 1 Samuel chapter 3, God calls to Samuel for the first time.
Samuel was a helper at the temple, and the temple would have been really busy during the day. But notice that God calls Samuel when he is in bed; at this time, the temple would be closed for the night and very quiet.
God can speak to us anywhere and everywhere, but if we give Him the chance, I think He's more likely to speak to us at a time when we are quiet and there is little to distract us. We're certainly more likely to hear Him if we're not distracted!

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Why not try and find some time to listen to God - removing distractions such as your mobile phone, computer, to do list, etc. can really help you to focus on God.

Just to let you know, I was away last week at a Scripture Union Study Camp, which is why I haven't posted! One of the leaders spoke on 1 Samuel 3.

God Makes Us

What makes us who we are?

This is a question I've been thinking about recently.
Is it the opportunities and scenarios we are faced with in life, is it our response to them, or are we born a certain way?

Here is a short poem I wrote last year to help you think about it.

Friends describe us
Our actions reflect us
Events shape us
But only God makes us

Launch of the *new* Daily Ukulele

Welcome to the updated Daily Ukulele!

In this newly updated blog, a thought, picture, verse, quotation, question, video, review, or something will be posted daily (at least I'll try) with the aim of encouraging:
>> Fun
John 10:10 says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
>> Fellowship
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
>> Spiritual Growth
Growing closer to God


So what do I actually believe?
I believe that Jesus, the Son of God and a part of the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) led a sinless life, was killed and separated from God in our place, and was raised again on the third day. I believe that this means we never have to be separated from God and can spend eternity with Him, if we put our faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16)
I believe that God created the Universe ("heavens") and the Earth as outlined in the book of Genesis, and that He created men and women in His image. (Genesis 1:27) I believe that mankind was given free will, and chose to sin (disobey God).
I believe that through the Holy Spirit all believers have spiritual gifts, e.g. prophetic, healing, encouragement; and that these gifts are to be used for the good of God's Kingdom.


The Daily Ukulele is brought to you by Melanie, in association with the All Nations Christian Fellowship Youth ministry.