[Friday's Devotional] - Looking Ahead

So what's next? Perhaps there's a show we would like to be part of coming up in a few months. We can only reasonably expect to be in three a year, although very occasionally it can be four. Sometimes there are two shows we fancy, but so close together that we have to choose one or the other. However, as we get older there are less parts that we are eligible to do and some that we physically can't do either. So we will retire from performing. We may still help with painting scenery or "front of house", but eventually we will give up altogether, our glory days just a lovely memory until we pass away.

We may have to work longer in the future so we will plan for our retirement. Over the years we may get that promotion we wanted and maybe more. Our earnings increase, but so do our expenses! We may aspire to run our own company, and some will achieve this. But finally we will make it to retirement. Maybe we will indulge ourselves in a little hobby that we never had enough time for before, but for some it's just a case of waiting for the end to come.

With God we never retire. Although our daily job may be ended and our theatre work is done we are still busy with God's work. He continues to guide us and help us right up to the moment we are ready to leave this earth. So we will keep on working to please our Lord, not for fame or wealth or glory, but because we can. And we believe there is a greater reward waiting for us than we can ever imagine.

Keep on striving, Heaven will wait.

Jim Finch

[Thursday's Devotional] - Critics

The show is over – here's to the next one. But how did the critics see it? If they thought the play or musical was good they will write words of praise for the acting or singing, and may make special mention of you or another member of the cast. Great, we like that. On the other hand they may not see it that way. Perhaps we did not perform as well as we should, prompts were needed, we didn't quite bring the show to life as we might have. They write that the show was not a good one or our acting/singing was not good enough. It hurts, but we try to forget and move on.

In our employment there is, at times, the threat of possible redundancy or disappointment that the promotion we were hoping for didn't happen. The company chose someone else even though we feel we deserved it. Or we were one of those to be made redundant. It feels so unfair. In either case we may be forced into looking for a new job with another company, or at least feel like it. Again it hurts, but we try to be positive and move forward.

With God it never ends. We may not understand everything that happens, but in the long run it is for our benefit. The Lord will guide us in his own way, when he decides we need it. We need to constantly strive to reach or maintain his high standards. Not easy is it? I find, all too often, that I'm falling short and having to apologise and ask forgiveness. Fortunately His grace and mercy are unlimited and we all receive forgiveness and the chance to start again.

Just checked my half-yearly report, it says 'can do better'. How was yours?

Jim Finch

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Performance

So it's show week in the theatre. Butterflies abound within many as 'curtain-up' on first night approaches. Then we are off and running, hopefully without any real hiccups along the way. Chances are the audiences won't notice any minor blips and we trust they will enjoy the show. At the end of the show each night they will applaud our efforts and head for home happy or at least appreciative of what they have seen. We probably feel pleased with the way it went tonight and head over to the bar for a drink and unwind.

At work we will be showing our skills in whatever capacity they are required once we have become acquainted with our new environment. We hope that our efforts are viewed favourably so that in time we may be rewarded, perhaps with promotion or an increase in salary. Certainly some praise for our good work in the meantime would be welcomed. At least we can go home at the end of the day knowing we did our best and were able to correct that little error before anybody noticed.

Now that we have asked the Lord Jesus into our lives and become Christians we must try to perform in our daily life to a higher standard than we probably did before. The difference to theatre or employment is that there is no immediate pat-on-the-back or tangible benefit with God. However, we know that our reward for genuinely trying to live our lives to God's high standard is worth more than anything we may gain in our time here on earth.

May your efforts in everything you do this week be pleasing to the Lord.

Jim Finch

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Training

In the theatre, once you are offered and accept a part the next step is to begin rehearsals or training. Our rehearsals usually run for about three months, finishing with a week on stage getting used to the way the set, the lighting, sound, props, and other variables affect your performance. During that time you learn the moves you have to make as well as learning all the lines you will speak, and you do it again and again until it almost becomes second nature. Everything should run smoothly by the time 'first night' comes around.

In a new job there is usually some training to be done too, even if it is simply learning how that particular company operates. But it may involve learning to use some equipment new to you or finding your way around a whole new style of paperwork. Then you need to find out who other people are and what position they hold. Who is your immediate superior and how do others fit into the company hierarchy? And you probably don't get three months to work it all out, just a couple of weeks and you are expected to know it all and fit in where you are expected.

God doesn't work like that. Once you have been chosen your training will be ongoing for the rest of your life. You may even come to realise that you were being trained for some time before, apparently, you were chosen. It is reasonably certain that your life will change in some ways – for some the changes can be quite dramatic. But somehow we all get the guidance and assistance we will need as we go through our lives.

Oh! I nearly forgot to mention something very important. Our time here on earth isn't like the theatre. This isn't a rehearsal – this is for real!

Jim Finch

[Monday's Devotional] - Choice

As some of you will be aware I am involved with Rugby Theatre. Sometimes I'm on stage and at other times I may be found painting scenery or helping to build a set on stage ready for the next show. There's always something needs doing.

However, if anyone wishes to be in a show they have to audition for a part. Usually we have had the chance to read the script and choose the character we wish to be considered for.

At the audition we get the opportunity to read the lines our chosen character would speak, with others who are also auditioning reading their character's lines. When we have all had the chance to read any part we want to the director will decide who he or she wants to play each part. Usually there are one or two others with the director who can offer their support and advice, but the director makes the final decision.

Attending an interview for a new job can be very similar. You do your 'homework' about the job and the company, answer the questions put to you and hope for the best. The person conducting the interview will decide who they wish to employ.

In either case the person considered most suitable or qualified usually gets the final vote.

With God it is different. He still chooses those He wants, but they don't always appear to be the most suitable or best qualified. I know, I tried to argue my way out of being involved. I pointed out that I was quite old, a nobody and really not much use. I lost the argument and asked our Lord into my life.

As I've said before, God doesn't choose those that are qualified. He qualifies those that He has chosen.

Jim Finch

[Friday's Devotional] - The Material Trap

We've looked at several comparisons this week, and today we come to material things. There is always somebody who has a faster car, bigger house, smarter clothes or better holiday than us. Even though we may think we are perfectly content with all that we have, we can still find ourselves comparing ourselves with others and wondering what it would be like to have a little of what we see elsewhere.

This comparison can leave us feeling ungrateful for what we have actually been blessed with, and can leave us with feelings of jealousy towards others, or failure if we feel we've not provided for our family perhaps.

God has blessed us with exactly what we need, He has promised to meet our needs and provide for us. We may not have all we think we would like, but we have exactly what we need. And for most of us, we have far more than we really need, or that we are worthy of receiving. We truly are blessed.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Breaking free from the game of comparisons can be quite hard to do – it is a trap we very easily slip into, and often don't even realize we are doing it. We easily forget that God made us each unique. Forgotten is the fact that every person looks different and is different because God has a special, unique purpose for every one of us. No two of the 7 billion people on earth look exactly the same, have the same talents or the same personality. None of us live exactly the same lifestyles, have the same possessions or will have mirror image lives. That's the way God wants it, and planned it to be.

Father God, Thank you for all that I have been blessed with. Thank you for my home and family, and for all that you have allowed me to have. Please forgive me for the times I have looked in jealousy at others around me. I am truly rich because of all have through Jesus. Amen.

Corinne Mason

[Thursday's Devotional] - The Seasonal Trap

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Sometimes it can feel that the world is conspiring against us to make things difficult. I've felt very much this way recently, with several difficult situations all coming at once, the sum of which has been quite draining and difficult to handle at times. I've found myself wondering "Why me?" or looking at others and thinking "Why do they have it so easy?" Other people's lives have seemed simpler and less stressful than mine. In reality this probably wasn't the case, but it was easy to look at others and wish I was them sometimes.

God has a unique road in mind for you, which may be totally different from that of the person you are comparing yourself with. The passage above reminds us that there are many seasons, many different times and troubles we may find ourselves in. The flip side of those verses is that there are also the good times and the positives to look forward to. God's rhythms and seasons are different for us all; so do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself with somebody in an opposite season to you. If you're in a difficult season the person in a less difficult season will seem very appealing to you and will stand out. The comparison of their life with yours could once again have you trapped and leave you feeling less than settled. But one day soon those seasons will change for you both, just as the verses have promised. Be sure to take on board both parts of the promises – God is with us in the good times and the troubled times, and each is a season destined by Him.

Lord God, please help me to stay close to you and keep my eyes on Jesus, not on other peoples' lives. Thank you for the promise that you are with me through every season of my life, and thank you for all the lessons I can learn as I travel the seasons with you by my side. Amen

Corinne Mason

[Wednesday's Devotional] - The Independence Trap

Today is Independence Day, a day celebrated by Americans to remember their Independence from Great Britain. They celebrate their political freedom and the right to do things their way.

For many people, being able to do things their way, and refusing help or support, is the norm. It is seen as weakness to need help and guidance. I see this especially from non-Christians, who see it as a sign of weakness to need to rely on God to help you – why can't you just do it yourself?

Sometimes as Christians we can feel we are constrained by expectations, and may feel guilty if we do not behave as we think we should. We've recently been studying the 10 Commandments with our youth group, and we have been reminded of how positive these guidelines really are, and how they relate to us in the present day. We've tried to look at them not as a set of "Don'ts" – they are not constraints to be bound by, but are actually really great encouragements to keep us on track and show us how to enjoy our independence responsibly.

However, we can fall into the trap of feeling and thinking life would be easier without those commandments. We look at friends who seem to be having more fun, who get away with things we would not contemplate, who live life on the edge. We compare our lifestyles of living responsibly and aiming to observe the commandments, and compare with their lifestyles, and sometime a little jealousy or temptation may seep in. Once again we become trapped by a comparison.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10

We have been given our independence by a Father who truly cares for us, and who wants to see us live life in all its fullness. Watching and comparing ourselves with others could ultimately destroy us; we may become resentful or find ourselves tempted by things outside of the commandments God has given us. Living within God's commandments, and resisting the temptation to compare ourselves with others, will enable us to live life in all it's fullness, and with the loving support of our Heavenly Father right beside us.

Make today your Independence Day, and choose to live your life in freedom from the temptation to compare yourself with others.

Lord, forgive me for the times I've been temped to go my own way. Thank you that you are a Father who will always welcome me back and forgive me for believing I didn't need you and making bad choices. Amen

Corinne Mason

[Tuesday's Devotional] - The Spiritual Trap

Another trap it is easy to fall into is the trap of comparing ourselves spiritually to others, feeling we are not good enough in the way we worship or communicate with God. I'm sure we can all think of somebody we have been around at church, a conference, or other church gathering who has just seemed so close to God, and looks completely engrossed in prayer or worship, making it look so easy and natural. In comparing yourself with them you feel like a failure, struggling so much to even pray a few words or to sing in tune.

I recently watched a TV recording from Soul Survivor, the youth summer festival. At one point the leader is demonstrating how (not) to pray for somebody. Although comical, it does reinforce how we tend to model ourselves on what we've seen. It is easy to fall into the trap of praying long, wordy prayers, telling God everything and forgetting He actually already knows! We may feel afraid or embarrassed to pray out loud for fear of using the wrong words. We've fallen into the spiritual comparison trap, feeling we have to be the same as somebody else we may have seen or heard praying.

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:7-8

God has made you unique, and has given you great gifts, unique to you, and given in order to be used. He allows us all the privilege of speaking to Him directly, and of seeking His help for both ourselves and for others. He doesn't care what words we use or how long our prayers are, He simply tells us to ask.

Today – go ahead and do that! If the opportunity arises for you to pray for somebody, do it, and don't be afraid. And give thanks to God that you are able to do that. Pray in your unique way, there's no need to feel inferior or to compare yourself to others. Your words and your way are just perfect.

Lord, I praise you for the gifts you have given me, and the freedom you allow for me to use them. Thank you that we can worship you freely and pray to you openly and constantly. Help me never to be afraid to use my gifts, and to pray and worship you in my own unique way, to glorify you. Amen.

Corinne Mason

[Monday's Devotional] - The Physical Trap

I recently came across a book entitled "15 Ways to Mess Up Your Life." It sounded like my kind of book! In looking at it I was reminded how easy it is to take a wrong turn, make a poor choice, or to just drift astray from the right paths, and the effects that can have on us.

One way to mess up our lives is to compare ourselves with others. It seems there is always somebody stronger, smarter, thinner or faster than you. In the game of comparisons it feels like we are always the losers, and as long as you choose to keep playing the comparisons game, you'll generally end up feeling like this most of the time.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-15

I think it's fair to say we will all have compared ourselves physically with somebody else at some time. It may be our shape or size, it may be our intellect, there will be something that has niggled us and we've had the "I wish I was more like…" feeling.

As these verses tell us – we are each uniquely and individually made. We are also each made in God's image, and so by comparing ourselves negatively with others, or by disliking ourselves, we are disapproving of how we have been made. Now that is no excuse for not taking care of ourselves by eating healthily and exercising, but it is a comfort and a reminder that we are each unique, and each fearfully and wonderfully made.

Thank you Father for the way I am made. Forgive me for the times when I've looked in judgment at myself and been ungrateful for the body I have been blessed with. Lord, take my body and use it for the purposes you have planned for me. Amen.

Corinne Mason