[Friday's Devotional] - Identity in Christ

We have looked at various things that form our identity and can define who we are. We are shaped by many things, all of which can influence how we view ourselves and who we think we are.

It can be good to have a role and to know what we are meant to be doing. To feel we are fulfilling our purpose is a great thing. The values placed on us by others can also have a positive influence on us and help us to form some of our identity. Life experiences and our past also impacts on how we view ourselves. But above all – and overriding all these things – is our identity in Christ. This is the true identity and the one we should hold onto. But who am I in Christ? What does the Bible say about our identity in Christ? The Bible says that we are chosen by God and given a purpose.  Let's look again at the verses from 1 Peter 2:

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness in to his wonderful light". 1 Peter 2:9

This is God's purpose for us. Often we forget who we are and what God has done for us. Don't compare yourself to others and don't allow feelings of insecurity to rob you of your identity in Christ. It is important that we see ourselves the way God sees us and then live in obedience to Him. God knows who we really are. He loves us and created us for a purpose.

In order to get a better understanding of your identity in Christ try and read through the book of Colossians or for a shorter read look at Psalm 139. Below are a few more Bible verses about our identity in Christ. Pick one and meditate upon it. Ask God to speak to you this weekend about your true identity in Him.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". Ephesians 2:10

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God". John 1:12-13

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience". Colossians 3:12

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26-27

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands" Psalm 138:8

Praying with you that you will find your true God-given identity, and live in it's fullness.

Corinne Mason

[Thursday's Devotional] - Identity in my Past

A lot of who I am and why I am that person is influenced by my past. My upbringing, my family, my schooling, where  I have lived, things I have done, events in my childhood all add together to give me my identity. They define the person I have become.

Part of my identity comes from my family - I am a daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt. Those relationships may have had a positive impact on me, or may have had negative influences that have now defined how I feel about myself and the identity I believe I have.

My schooling may have given me a certain identity, and we place an identity on people based upon which school they went to and the education they received. Consider how you would perceive a pupil at Eton for example - that gives t6hem an identity to be proud of and that will stay with them forever. They will carry the Eton label and wear it with pride. It is part of their identity.

Things that have happened to me can also influence my identity. Being good at sports or winning prizes, suffering long term illness in yourself or a family member, facing a trauma of some sort - all these things will define our identity. 

"… put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and ..be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 [ESV]

With an identity in God we can put aside all that has defined us previously, and put on our new self. We do not have to be identified by our past as we have a new future with God, a new likeness of righteousness and holiness. If you feel your past has negatively influenced your identity, then claim that new identity that God gives you. The old has gone, He has done a new thing now. 

Corinne Mason

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Identity in my Relationships

What others think about us, or how we perceive we are viewed by others is another way that we achieve some of our identity. This can have both positive and negative impacts on us. 

If we feel we are valued and respected, that we are playing a valuable part in people's lives, then we feel positive about who we are. But if we feel undervalued, rejected or worthless then our identity is crushed and we do not live in fullness. Our identity can easily be influenced by how others react to us or treat us. 

We can also get some of our identity from the people we spend time with. This is particularly true for the younger generations who may well relate to a specific style such as indie, geek chic or vintage. They will dress similarly, like the same things, go to the same places and behave the same way. The identity they have is formed by others influences, which defines who they are and how they behave. 

It can be easy to listen to the lies that are whispered in our ears about who we are and how others view us. We can crush who we are meant to be by believing that our identity comes from what our friends or relatives think of us. Our identity is not what our friends think of us, but in what God thinks of us.

"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 139:13-16 [NIV]

God planned our identity, and chose who we should be. Although we can be influenced by our friends, and by how they perceive or judge us, God chooses who we are and how we will grow. He chooses our identity.

Corinne Mason

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Identity in my Role

If you were asked to introduce yourself, what would you say? I generally begin with my name, my family members, and then struggle to know what to say next. Do I explain my work, my roles, what I enjoy doing, where I live….? These are all things that define who I am and give me some of my identity.

I have many different roles as a mum, a wife, a carer, a volunteer, a friend, a governor… the list could go on! I have new roles I have recently taken on, and there are roles I have stepped away from either by choice or circumstance. My identity through my role has been redefined over the past year, and that has not been an easy process. One of my major roles, that had defined me for many years, came to an end abruptly and unexpectedly last year and I have really struggled with that loss. It was bereavement to me as it had been such a major part of my life for such a long time. I grieved for the loss of that role. For a long time I felt I had lost my identity and who I was.  

As a result of that, I began re-assessing all my roles, and all that defined who I am. There are many things that I am part of, or that I do, that are part of who I am, but those roles are not my true identity. Those things I chose to do may form part of the person that I am, but they are not what defines me and gives me my true identity.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" 1 Peter 2:9

It is in our belonging to God that we have our true identity. That is what defines who we are – not what we do, but who we are. We have been chosen by God, and allowed to live in the glory of His light. In every role we hold we should be declaring the praises of Him who gives us our true identity. Our identity does not come from our roles – our identity comes from who we are in God, and in the tasks He has given us to fulfil.

Living in God's freedom means not allowing ourselves to be defined by the roles we hold, but instead to claim our identity from who we are in him - chosen, loved, called, planned, worthy, and a child of a King.

Corinne Mason

[Monday's Devotional] - Identity in my Name

There are many things that form our identity – name, profession, appearance, roles, family – the list goes on and on. I have had a lifetime of being called many names - mainly mispronunciations of the name I was called (a downfall of having an unusual name!)  I always say I answer to most names as long as they are not too unkind or rude. I've got used to my name being wrongly pronounced or altered by others, but deep down it does grate a little as it is not the name by which I am called.

More recently, as my parents have aged, I have noticed how often they get my name completely wrong. I am called by the name of a sister, friend, parent or partner – any name they can recall. But this is quite hurtful when it keeps happening! The name they chose to call me by is gone from their memories. I know we all have a slip up at times, draw a blank when we see a familiar face, but my parents chose my name for me, and yet still struggle to recall it at times.

My name forms part of my identity – it is who I am. My name was chosen for me even before I came into being. Although my father and mother chose my name, the name by which I am called – my identity - comes from my Father in heaven.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine"

Isaiah 43:1 [ESV]

Regardless of wrong names, mispronunciations or hurtful names, my true identity comes from God.  The rest of the names do not matter.  God knows my name, and He has called me by that name to be His, to eternity.  It is written in His book, engraved on His hands, and will never be forgotten.  His name is the only name that matters, and that has a true claim on my identity.

Corinne Mason

[Friday's Devotional] - Changing Seasons

As we have looked at each season, I hope you have been able to recognize yourself and the place that you are in. Without the ability to accurately discern the season you are in, you will miss many opportunities. With an awareness of the season you are in, you will be able to step into new spiritual truths and a greater ability to live in the power of God.  

Just as a farmer has certain specific duties and responsibilities during each season, so do we. There will be seasons for him to sow, seasons to tend and nurture, seasons to reap and harvest, and a season to rest the ground ready for new growth. As we have seen this week, it is exactly the same with our spiritual seasons. If we fail to recognize and act upon the duties we have in each season, we will not be fulfilling all that God has planned in store for us.

A change in season is always difficult as we adapt to the new challenges and the demands that season places upon us. There will be times when we feel vulnerable or out of our depth, but God has placed us in that season for a reason. He has a plan and a purpose for us there, He has work for us to be doing. We must always remember as we face these challenges and the uncertainty of what that season bears, that the seasons come and go but our God is a God who remains unchanged and unchanging. He is the constant in the change of seasons.

"LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" Psalm 90:1-2 [NIV]

As you journey through your spiritual seasons keep focused on the constant and unchanging God who has placed you there for a reason, in His perfect timing, and with a purpose to fulfill. There are precious crops to prepare for, nurture, grow and then harvest. Each of us, in each of our differing seasons, has a vital role to play in this. Whatever season you are in, enjoy and embrace it, because it will change. But also be ready to accept the season that you are about to enter.

Corinne Mason 

[Thursday's Devotional] - Autumn

When I think of Autumn, I am reminded of walks through rustling leaves, beautiful colours all around me and the expectation of my approaching birthday. There is also a tinge of sadness as the long summer holidays draw to a close, but an expectation of what a new term will bring as we enter a new season.

Autumn is a time of visible change and inevitable decay. A time when all around us seems to be fading away. It can be a time of sadness as we witness our hard work dying off, and look ahead to the bleakness of the Winter that will follow afterwards.

Provided you have been diligent, however, and have tended your crops during the summer, autumn is the time of harvest and the season when you will see evidence of your hard work. It is a time of harvesting and storing up fruits in readiness for the winter.

Autumn also helps us to see the passage of time – it is a time to reflect on where we have come from and where we need to go. This is the season filled with anticipation. Autumn is a season of fruition and reaping. It is a season of thanksgiving and celebration and a season of encouragement as we witness the changes in God's earth and in His kingdom. Autumn may also be the time to resume old routines. Autumn brings the last of the warmth and comfort before the cold of winter. It is a time of both beginnings and endings.

If you are in an Autumn season, be thankful to God for all that he has done in and through you in the previous seasons. Take time to be with Him and to harvest all the gifts He has blessed you with, store them away safely ready to face the battles in the forthcoming season. Be thankful for the things that are coming to an end, and for the new beginnings that will one day come.

Corinne Mason

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Summer

Summer is the season of fruitfulness and beauty where flowers and fruits are in full bloom and ready to be used. The summer time is a season we all look forward to, knowing it will bring times we can enjoy, and a world that explodes into colour, beauty and fruitfulness. It is a season that should bring joy to all who witness it.

It is also the season of watering (praying) and weeding (doing warfare over) the freshly planted crop. It is a time in which the crop is in potential danger from the heat of summer, so we need to be prepared to continuously water the crop by tending to it. It is generally a season of contentment, but it can also be easy to just sit back and enjoy it, rather than keep up with it by tending and weeding it.

The summer usually (!) brings with it the sunshine, and it can be a time when we most feel the "Son" shining on us too. We feel we are fulfilling what we were planted with and have been blessed with -  the opportunity to tend and grow God's crop. Just as we need sunscreen to protect our physical bodies from the summertime, we must remember to put on our spiritual protection from the summer too. As we set out to tend the crops we must put on our spiritual armour to guard and protect us for the fight.

" Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:13-18 [NIV]

If you are in a summer season make sure you do not become complacent about tending the crops God has given you to guard over, and be sure to share your fruits with those in a bleaker season too. As we each journey through different seasons, it is important we share and look after each other – and in the summer time there is much to be sharing. God has blessed you in order for you to give out.

Corinne Mason.

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Spring

After the winter comes the spring. Some of my favourite verses speak of this.

"My beloved spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.  See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.    Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.    The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:10-13 [NIV]

The promise of new life and new beginnings after the bleakness of the winter is such an encouragement. Once we have allowed God to kill off all that was no longer needed or was holding us back, we are ready to go forth and begin to bear fruit again. Slowly and steadily God will begin to plant new seeds in us, whilst still gently tending the land he is planting in. The spring can still be a time of ongoing refinement as God continues to nourish and enrich the soil, but the new seeds are being sown and we can look forward to a time of growth and development. Just as the gardener does not know exactly what will come from the seeds he sows, so it is with us - we are not sure exactly what the new fruits will be, but we can be expectant and excited about what is to come.

The spring still needs gentle care and encouragement as new shoots grow out, and just as new shoots are tender and vulnerable, we can feel the same way too. As we take wary steps into new things we can feel vulnerable and exposed, but unless we press on and are prepared to grow up and out we will never reach the next season of our lives. We will never reach our full potential or bear the fruit we were planted to grow. As we begin to put out our new branches and shoots, God will be there to help us and encourage us to keep on growing. Spring is a time of planting and activity, a time of work and effort to carry out instructions gained in winter, a time of great spiritual and physical energy and a time that great energy is required. It is a time of plowing new and sometimes hard ground and a time to fertilize the soil with prayer.

If you are in your spring – then be brave today and stretch out those new shoots a little further and allow God to gently grow the potential He has planted inside of you.

Corinne Mason

[Monday's Devotional] - Winter

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 [KJB]

I'm sure you are all familiar with the use of the seasons to describe our stage of life or the journey we are on. This week we are going to be looking at each of those seasons and thinking about what that season means spiritually, and what we can learn from it.

It seems most appropriate to begin by looking at winter. For many of us, the wintertime has probably been a time of moaning about the cold and the negative effects the season is having on us. It can be hard to really enjoy the winter especially if it goes on for a prolonged time.  At first it is exciting to see the snow, and the beauty of the frosty landscapes. But that quickly turns to frustration at the chaos it causes and the disruption it brings to the routine we know as normal.

Being in a spiritual winter season can be quite uncomfortable and lonely. We can feel stuck where we are, unable to get on and do things; it can be a time of isolation and a season when people quite often feel depressed. We often feel we are enduring a winter season alone, and it can be especially hard to be with others who are in a more fruitful season. It somehow accentuates the bleakness of the season we are in.

Psalm 74:17 says "You have made both the summer and the winter."  Sometimes it is spring or summer in our lives and we feel alive with new ideas and boundless energy. And sometimes it is winter, and sometimes it lasts a long time. We feel that parts of us are dying. We can't go on doing the same things and we need to rest. The "spiritual winter" seeks to give us rest, let things that need to die do so, and offers the hope of new growth. If we slow down and let it do its job, then winter becomes something that we can treasure and not just make it through. Winter is a time to get warm and intimate with God, a time to rest physically and to exist on what has been stored from the previous harvest. It is a time of gaining direction for planting, to glean from past mistakes, to repair and prepare for the coming spring.

If you are in a winter season, cherish that time and know that one day God will bring you out of it ready to take on new growth. Allow him to prune you and give in to the things that need to die away, for from that decay will come new and exciting things. And in the loneliness, lean on God for comfort and warmth. He has promised he'll see you through it.

Corinne Mason

[Friday's Devotional] - Challenging Children

In the midst of a difficult summer, when we were struggling with change and uncertainty, God has shone through and taught me some valuable lessons.  It surprised me that these lessons have not come from where I had expected though, but that He has met me where I was, and spoken to me through the simplicity of the events like the ones I’ve highlighted this week.  He knew I needed to be treated gently, and needed simple lessons and encouragements.  I needed to be reminded I am His precious child and that He meets me where I am.

 

We expect to learn from sermons, bible readings or study groups, but for me the learning has come from my children.  I have been really challenged by them this summer, but in very positive ways.  It has been the things they have said or that I’ve observed that I have really learned from.   Simple trips out, time spent as a family, small remarks, and bigger visual pictures have all shown me that God is with me and does know how I’m feeling.  He has spoken to me through the simplicity of everyday life.  For me, times alone with God have not been easy - so He has come and met me instead, and just given me really easy things to understand.  He knew my brain couldn’t cope with big biblical messages and in depth study – He knew I just needed to know that He loves me, that He is always here for me, that He won’t turn against me, and that He speaks words of love and blessings over me.  He is my comfort and my strength, my strong defender in challenging times.

 

Thank you Father God, that you have a pathway laid out for me and will guide me to where you want me.  Thank you that you will pick me up when I slip, and for giving me all the tools I need to just keep going.  Please continue to teach me tin unexpected ways through the things I see and do each day. Amen.

 

Corinne Mason

[Thursday's Devotional] - Triathlon Challenges

Having been inspired by various sporting events, the Mason family decided to take on their own challenge in the form of a Triathlon at our local gym.  It was interesting to watch the attitudes of the 3 team members as they approached training.  My eldest already trained weekly so was fairly confident in their ability to complete the challenge, but did increase training a little so as not to be outdone by the 2 others.  Middle member completely threw herself into the challenge, training at school in the gym and going on runs several nights a week.  Excitement and dedication was high as she took on this challenge!  Our youngest felt he was already fit enough as he plays football regularly.  No further training required for him, apparently!

 

On the day all three performed very well, but it was definitely a challenge for them all.  One had pre-challenge nerves, one prepared by buying new goggles, and one was hyper all day and couldn’t wait to get stuck in.  Two struggled through with gritted teeth, one grinned her way through and thoroughly embraced the challenge.  All competed and all completed regardless of their preparation and attitudes.  But the biggest lesson that day definitely came from the one with the joyful attitude towards it.  She knew she had a big challenge ahead, and she revelled in that challenge.  She didn’t let it overcome her, she knew she had to prepare, and she knew she would grow through the experience.  She looked forward to, and prepared for, the day of the triathlon.  She completed it with a joyful heart, even though it was a challenge.  A positive attitude really helped her.  This is how we should try and take on our daily challenges – rejoice in them and give thanks to God for the day He has created for us.

 

“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 [NIV]

 

Corinne Mason

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Inspiring Times

We were fortunate enough to be able to see several Paralympics events
in September and were even able to meet several of the athletes and
see their medals. The children were particularly inspired by meeting
Richard Whitehead, a 200m Gold medallist who runs on prosthetic legs.
We were able to hold his gold medal and have several photos with him.
Once again, the greatest lesson from the experience came from our
youngest child. "Isn't it amazing that even though he has no legs,
Richard can still win a gold medal. Not even having no legs stopped
him from running – that's amazing isn't it?" Coming from a child who
faces his own daily challenges, this was a very powerful statement.

I often doubt my abilities and find reasons why it would be a better
idea not to try for fear of failure. But actually, with God beside us,
we have all we need to just go for it. There will always be obstacles
in our way, reasons why we think we shouldn't bother, but God has set
us a challenge, He has laid before us a race to be won. There will be
hurdles we need to jump along the way, there will be times when we
stumble and fall, when we feel like giving up. But just as Richard
was equipped with his prosthetic legs to enable him to complete the
task set for him, so we too are equipped with all the tools we need to
run the race before us. Get yourself equipped and just go for it!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of
faith…. So that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews
12:1-3 [NIV]

Corinne Mason

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Tandem Riding

During the summer we visited a country park, and on an impulse we
decided to hire some tandems. As we set off, adults on one bike and
boys on another, we were rather wobbly for a while and I found it very
strange being stuck on the back of the bike, not able to see where we
were going with no idea when a bend was approaching or quite what
direction we were heading.

As I pondered the experience I realized what a good representation it
was of our family and our life. My husband up front leading the
family, giving us direction and working with a purpose, providing the
power and the direction we need to keep focused on our goals. He puts
in the long-term steady graft to keep us moving forwards. And then
there's me – working away behind him, not exactly sure where we're
heading, not entirely sure of what we may be about to face,
occasionally being thrown off track by something I wasn't expecting,
but working away right behind him to help Him lead the family to
beautiful new places and exciting things to discover. I also have to
keep the children focused alongside us and encourage them when the
going gets tough too. And then there are the children - sometimes
alongside us, sometimes lagging behind wondering what on earth we're
up to now, but enjoying the ride too and having some fun along the
way.

Often we have no idea exactly where we are headed, but we do have a
great guide to help us. A guide who will keep us focused on the end
goal and give us the endurance to keep going when the going gets
tough. We may not be able to see the full picture ahead, but He gives
us glimpses of His glory along the journey. But He also allows us
times to just sit back and be carried for a while too when we grow
weary – just like my husband did for me. But don't tell him that
bit…..!

Corinne Mason

[Monday's Devotional] - Dancing on Ice

At the start of the summer I decided it was time to be brave and take
the children ice-skating. It was a long time since I'd last skated,
and I was very nervous about it. I felt very vulnerable, was afraid
of falling and getting hurt and we all took quite a while to let go of
the side and venture out into the middle. Our smallest child,
however, had hired a skating aid in the form of a penguin, nicknamed
Perry, who turned him into Mr. Fearless! He was off skating here,
there and everywhere - hanging onto Perry, and even when he fell flat
he'd just get up and whizz off again. Not a tear in sight as he
merrily put the rest of us to shame. This was a huge achievement for
him as anxiety frequently stops him trying new things, and he has very
low confidence in his abilities especially around new things. However,
with Perry to support him and guide him around, it was a completely
different and very positive experience. We talked afterwards, and all
agreed a friend like Perry really helped.

When we are in a tricky or slippery place, we all have a friend like
Perry who is there right beside us, ready to pick us up when we slip
or stumble. When we are struggling or fearful it can be easy to just
give up, refuse to try again and give in to the tough time. We may
feel overwhelmed by the anxiety and not want to even try for fear of
failing. But with a loving and supportive friend like Jesus with us
we have all the support we need to just go for it, not be fearful and
just give it a go. If we fall, He'll help us up again by getting us
back on our feet ready to try again. I learned a lot through Perry
that day, and 'm very thankful for the lessons Perry, and Jesus, have
taught me through our venture onto the ice.

Corinne Mason

[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