This morning I read Acts chapter 9 in the ESV and I was struck by one word...but it was repeated throughout the chapter 11 times. It was the word ‘BUT’. In the NIV there are only 7 but they are sometimes different so if you combine them you could find 13 BUTs in one chapter.! If you’ve read any of my ramblings before you’ll know how much I love words and not be surprised that I can get excited even with a little 3-letter one. But, if you haven’t then you might wonder why ‘but’ X 13 excites me.
It’s exciting [3rd use of this verb😊] because ‘but’ changes situations and perceptions and expectations. As we look at what’s going on in our lives we might be feeling down or worried or apprehensive. We might try to think along with an advert ‘Just do it’, no ifs, ands or buts. But, ‘BUT’ makes all the difference. People were plotting to kill others ‘BUT’ they didn’t. People were afraid ‘BUT’ their fears were overturned. People were desolate ‘BUT’ their sorrow was turned to joy. The gospel was under threat ‘BUT’ actually it spread.
When we face problems, threats, discouragements this word can make such a difference. If we focus on the issues, we can easily become disheartened BUT if we look at them afresh allowing God into the picture everything changes.                                                                              ‘BUT GOD’ is so exciting – who knows what He will do in our circumstances? If we leave Him out then nothing may change for us BUT if we let Him in then watch out!! All heaven may break loose.

Matt 10:26-33
When was the last time you felt afraid? Was it through the lock-down, for these strange times we still live in? Perhaps it was fear of the rejection of others for your faith? Perhaps you still feel that?
“Do not be afraid!” This is the most often repeated command in the Bible. Three times in Matt 10:26-33 Jesus tells us not to be afraid, if we acknowledge him. He says ‘everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father.’ The word ‘Acknowledge’ is about the public witness of God.
What might that mean today? To pray for one another, to encourage one another in acts of mission, to give generously to Christian charities? All these things I see happening at BH and your sister churches as I continue in placement- I’ve been learning about all the mission work that goes on, in many places and in all weathers! This is the Gospel proclaimed in word and action, that witness strengthens me. So today I’m going to choose a group of my atheist friends, to talk about Jesus, I’m not afraid of their rejection. Is there a friend, or a stranger to whom you can fearlessly proclaim Jesus to today, in word and deed?
“Father we pray today for the strength of your Holy Spirit to help us spread the Gospel, in faith, without fear. “

​(part of a series of reflections based on the Lord’s Prayer)
Receive and Give Forgiveness
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” (Luke 11:4a)
 
Jesus’ instructions about praying for forgiveness have two parts.
Firstly, we are to pray for our own forgiveness. We do this with the certainty that, as part of His family, when we come with a repentant and humble heart, God will forgive us.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Secondly, as we seek our own forgiveness, we must also forgive those who have wronged us.
The first part is relatively easy; it is the second part that usually gives us trouble. But this is what God requires of us. After all, He forgave us when we were still His enemies.
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;” (Daniel 9:9)
God paid the penalty and consequences of our sin deserved with the life of His own precious Son, Jesus, on the cross.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
So, it is illogical (and even selfish) for us to expect God to forgive us of our sins if we are not willing to forgive others in kind.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”” (Mark 11:25)
 
Prayer
Dear Lord, teach us to pray. To pray, not out of duty, but out of love. To pray, not because it is a chore, but because we can’t help ourselves but to pray. Give us, O Lord, a new love and a new heart to pray – to humbly seek Your forgiveness and to be quick to forgive others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
​Simon.