Pro Active Spirituality in 2021

We are living times of great nervousness. When we are all reminded of the brevity of life and the complications of our global village.

It seems like a never-ending catastrophe, yet, through it all there are windows of hope. Bold initiatives that come to light, creative endeavours that seek to keep the morale up in our society.

It is in times like these, that the words of Jesus inspire us not to lose hope, rather to become pro-active in our faith.

Pro-active spirituality is called for, especially in the realm of true prayer.

Consider the privilege that our humanity has been given, to draw near to God in prayer.

The creator of the universe bids us come into his presence to find help in time of need.

READING: Mathew 7:17:

7 Ask, [teachable] and it shall be given you.

 seek

 [ seriously committed] and ye. shall find.

 knock, [bold in your quest] and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks. finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

Matthew 7:8, ESV: "For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

 Matthew 7:8, KJV: "For everyone that asks receives and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY.

I was raised in Liverpool, I hardly attended church in my earliest years. I was taught to question if there was such a person called God.

I determined to search for myself, in the quietness of my bedroom I called out to God and to my amazement I tangibly encountered him and his peace giving embrace in my life.

I believe in prayer, not as a superficial reciting of words, rather a tangible presence and intimacy in the moment.

These words of Jesus are full on, in that they challenge us to be pro-active in seeking him.

 In times like these we all need to be reminded of the limitations of our own humanity.

God has provided us with all the spiritual resources that we need to accomplish the task of living and playing a meaningful role in life and acquaintance with our fellow travellers on the journey of life. It calls for us all to have an active faith.

Faith in Action

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.

³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made from what was visible.

Herein lies the key to solving the mystery.

FAITH- Having a confidence to reach beyond what we see into the reality of a God that is.

HOPE- A confidence despite the uncertainties of life.

LOVE- A genuine appreciation of others, whatever may be their disposition in life.

Spirituality is not lived out in isolation of others. It is a robust means of playing our part to help society. Jesus was so direct in his story telling, calling folk to make a difference in their own circle of influence, see the parable of the talents in John 19:11-17.

Let us all take the talents entrusted to us and make them work for the betterment of others, and ourselves. May our lights shine brighter in the darkness.

Blessings Alan Keith Scotland