HONESTY

It had not been a good day - I had over done my usual walking regime and now every bone was
aching so it was time to soak in a hot bath, take my medication and turn in for an early night.
Four hours later I was wide awake with the mental energy, I repeat, mental energy, certainly not physical, to do a thorough spring clean.   I dragged my weary body to the kitchen making yet another
hot drink and took more pain relief.  The previous evening an honest debate with a fellow Christian had gone quite wrong and this led to her swift condemnation and everlasting damnation in hell.   Wow it was creepy.

Perhaps I would just get some sleep listening to a favourite C.D. and as I opened my bedside cabinet the Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas book I had recently purchased entitled  "Seriously Funny" fell at my feet.    Thank you God.   Just reading the first few chapters I was back on track and laughing at the amazing honesty of these two guys.  

Perhaps I should explain and go back seventeen years to the beginning.    It was only when I reached
the level of "train wreck"status that I asked, no begged for help and forgiveness, but even then doubted anyone would hear my pathetic cry.    After all I had brought everything on myself, there was only one person to blame and that was me.    At this point my life changed as I experienced what I could only describe as warm thick liquid flowing over my head and body filling me with incredible peace and an awesome feeling of joy, all I could do was wonder "what was that"   This didn't
happen in a church, in fact I had been in the wastelands for thirty long years and like the prodigal son
I had nowhere to go but home and ask for my Father's forgiveness.    

Twelve months later I was baptized and accepted as a member of a local church in a small Sussex town.  
Under the waters I experienced the touch of gentle invisible hands and the same awesome feeling of peace and love and after what seemed a considerable length of time (but in reality was a couple of seconds) I rose and spent the next three months in a state of utter joy, just happy to be a member of the church, unaware of any undercurrents or general squabbling and jostling for position that probably goes on in most denominations.   My thirst for knowledge grew and I spent my free time studying the bible and reading Christian literature, all was well.  

Returning North with employment I joined a local charismatic evangelical fellowship and suddenly I became aware of the ugly face of church politics and agendas.   It is difficult enough to attend a new church, everyone knows your name, but I couldn't remember theirs.  Working in the church cafe one morning a friend enquired "would you mind taking this coffee through to the vestry for Clive.   Clive was the church secretary.   As I crossed the altar to the side door
a woman removing flowers on the altar commented "Oh look at the flowers, I have not been able to get in, I've had a bad cold.    Another wail followed "they are nearly dead"     I smiled and said "surely someone could have popped into the local florists and replaced them for you".   At this juncture her face trembled, unholy wrath contorted her features, she spoke   "This is my job, no one touches the altar flowers but me.      I passed quickly by - right - okay - bye.

Rebecca was a church stalwart, never missed a service, a financial pillar, served on the PCC.   This particular morning I was on duty in the church cafe making sandwiches and serving soup, hot pot, coffee
and cake, whatever was on the menu for that day.      A young boy approached the serving hatch.   Clean, tidy and obviously well fed he politely enquired "How much can I get with this" opening his hand to reveal two pence.   
Rebecca froze on the spot and sternly replied  - "Nothing, but you can have a drink of water".
I stood stunned.   "Well perhaps he can have something to eat, I will put the money in for him" I replied.   That didn't go down very well, the stern expression had now changed  to a glare   "If you do that he will bring the rest of his friends along" she replied.
Thinking positively I replied "well at least we will get them into church that's a start who knows what will come of that."   Meanwhile the young boy continued to study the food on the counter.
"What would you like to eat" I enquired.    He gave it some thought and decided on a ham and salad muffin, a piece of cake and a drink of fruit juice.   I costed his request and placed the money from my purse into the till and as I moved to serve other people in the cafe I noticed he was happily eating his free lunch.  

Things were hotting up.    Half the congregation left unhappy with the direction the church was taking.
The vicar oblivious to their disapproval commented "I don't care if I get down to twelve members as long as they know Jesus"   But his card was marked and the watchers were just waiting for him to put
one foot wrong and they would "have him"    At this point I was wondering W.W.J.D.

The Alpha course started and I was asked to help in the kitchen serving food and washing up.
Gladly.   I would have washed feet - well almost all feet - and of course there was always a pair of
plastic gloves in extreme cases.     I had yet to cross the zealots - hot from bible college, wet behind the ears, absolutely no experience in the university of life and one particular youth appeared to be aware of my growing critical spirit, an accusation usually hurled at the least sign of opposition.      The fully fed stray sheep were rounded up for a short sermon and then sorted into groups and when lots were cast I was unfortunate enough to land in group allocated to this particular zealot.     He sensed he had a rebel on his hands but rattled on full of his own importance, never really answering their questions and the flock with full bellies and a warm venue just let him get on with it probably wondering what was on the menu for the following week.

The evening services would last four hours and in the winter elderly
members were wandering home through the town, vulnerable and unprotected in an area known for drug and knife crime.    Despite an altar call requesting people with vehicles
give lifts to anyone going in their direction it was commonplace to see seniors waiting for a very limited late night Sunday service whilst the young Zealots shot off in their hot rods and minutes later drove past the home of the pensioners who had just caught the last bus.

By this time I was questioning "what - what - do they know Jesus" and getting thoroughly miffed with the whole business of "church"    A visiting Canadian evangelist said "don't be surprised if people spit at you some have been badly treated by some Christians and I could
believe that.    It was at this low ebb that I found a book called "The Visit" by Adrian Plass.   Gosh
had this guy got it right - they wouldn't know Jesus if they fell over him.

I have probably missed much of his work but the next book I bought was called Bacon Sandwiches and
Salvation and I doubt I had ever laughed so much.
It was certainly a case of clowns to the left, jokers to the right here I am in the middle with
you Lord.

Back to "Seriously Funny" by Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas.  As I finally succumbed to fatigue I could only muse "Dear God, if you really do provide heavenly housing I don't need a mansion, I could manage in a terraced as long as I have someone like Adrian and Jeff on either side.    Its okay Mrs Plass and Mrs Lucas relax, I am really quite ancient, have had my three score and ten and am ready to attend the Godport when the call comes.  I just need to know my neighbours can see the whacky side of this religious business and when I've completed all my heavenly chores I can come home to tea and pleasant conversation with soul mates that enjoy a sense of humour.    I seriously doubt anyone will be pulling rank up there, in fact I think some Christians should take quite seriously Matthew 7 - 1 before they consider sending the flock hurtling into hell for every honest doubt where interpretation of scripture is involved.  

Dear Lord,  when I next get on the Gatwick Express could I accidentally bump into Adrian and thank
him for literally "saving my bacon" on three occasions.  








 
      

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING, TRY AGAIN

Question for the remnant - Do you keep a journal?    It's an excellent way of looking back over the year although 2010 was not one of the best for me.      There's an old American song - The anchor holds but the ship is battered - that might just explain last year.   But I console myself that I must be doing something right - I'm getting too much flack!  

I found one of the most encouraging entries on the 7th January.

Stand on your God moments - what you believe in a crisis will be determined by the experiences
you've had with God in the past.

I don't know whether I heard that from a radio evangelist or
read it somewhere but it had a real impact - I logged it - and looking back over one year and facing another it still encourages me.

When I hit ground zero and was wondering how I would find the strength to climb out of the mess a very old song from way back and long forgotten came flooding into my mind "with these hands
I'll provide for you"  I just couldn't remember who sang it,  and someone had hit the re.play button and it kept coming back over and over again.   Eventually I put a post on my Facebook page and a spirit filled daughter of the Lord gave me the answer "P.J. Proby"
That's what He does to get through to a mind very focused on the messy stuff of life.  

So I keep my journal and I log quotes and biblical text relevant to the day, strange but wonderful
dreams and the encouragement of fellow pilgrims.    Time is zipping past so fast and rapidly approaching the winter of my life I can't remember the dates of my four - yes four accidents, and a dental operation from hell, so in a very practical way its also an essential record.

From a little gem of a book "God Calling" I recorded the following encouragement on the 8th February.

I am the Lord, your supply,
you must rely on Me.
Trust to the last uttermost limit,
Trust and be not afraid.
You must depend on divine power only.
I have not forgotten you.
Your help is coming.
You shall know and realise my power.

Adonai is surely Mighty to save.

A recorded quote from Keren Hannah Pryor.
And the footsteps of our Messiah and King are rapidly drawing nearer.
May we indeed be ready and prepared to meet our beloved Bridegroom - Yeshua.
Todah Keren.

May we be ever watchful.

SHALOM

  

Stranger than Fiction

Not four and twenty blackbirds - 5,000 dropped dead from the Sky in the town of Bebe in the state of Arkansas in the U.S.A. on Christmas Eve according to a report on Sky News.  Why just Blackbirds!!!!?

100,000 fish of the same species were found dead along a river bank 150 miles away.  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

Of course men in protective suits, helmets and gloves were removing the debris in buckets whilst
your average Jo was walking around unprotected. !!!
Now - there's a puzzle!!!

Is this a sign - or just a careless chemical/pharmaceutical plant trashing the atmosphere again!!!!

Unless you are very very wealthy I doubt you would be able to fight the giants!!!  If they ever find
out, or admit what has happened.

This is the world we live in  - we have literally trashed the planet, with just a few pockets of paradise  left.   Our lives worthless, we are expendable but hey
REJOICE - WE HAVE REVELATION 21 - 4

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.   There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  
HIS KINGDOM COME.       SHALOM

  

PRODIGAL

I return as a child, faith renewed,
my mind unable to fully comprehend, meltdown,
fuses blowing at the mere hint of your glory.

I return as a child, knowing you loved me,
in all my weakness, despair, stumbling humanity,
the roller coaster ride of my life.

I return as your child, knowing you carried me,
through the barren years, laughing at my antics,
whispering return, return home.

Your perfect love transcends all mortal desire,
unfailing, constant and eternal.
UNWORTHY   I BOW DOWN.

Talitha Hills
2003

SELF

Bigger, better, I want more,
ambition holds me in its claw.
Feel the strength, touch the power,
success, achievement by the hour.

Personal space filled to the brim,
things to treasure, things I'll bin,
file it, store it, hide away,
may need that another day.

Sunrise, sunset all the same,
busy working life's fast lane.
Packing, flying, chase the sun,
spend the money, have some fun.

Driving past the vacant stare,
huddled in a cardboard chair,
despising weakness, lack of pride,
not my concern his vision died.

My humble roots, his simple trade,
I fought and schemed, my future made.
My taxes keep the likes of you,
get off your back and pay your due.

Suddenly my life is still,
desires and dreams beyond my will.
Visions of my life ahead,
imprisoned in a sterile bed.


Captive now, I have no choice,
but listen to a still small voice.
A future that I could not see,
finds the soul inside of me.


Huddled in a metal chair,
sensing beauty everywhere.
This precious earth, sky and sea,
proclaim the power that set me free.


Reaching for your outstretched hand
I'll take the second chance you planned,
and try, until my life is through,
to follow the path that pleases you.


Talitha Hills
Copyright 2003

SUNDAY CHRISTIAN

I can only give Sunday Lord, I'm working hard you see,
to keep the wolf from the door, and I need my colour T.V.
car and holidays abroad.

I can only give Sunday Lord, I'm busy planning my next move,
a bigger house, extra space to relax, improving my lifestyle.
Dreaming of that final day, judged upon my chosen way
I heard a voice from heaven say.

Did you help my precious son,
for He is there in everyone.
The old, weak, a hurting child,
you passed them by with embarrassed denial.


I asked you to love
I asked you to care
it isn't enough to give Sunday for prayer.


For blessed are the children devalued today,
the lost, lonely and those with "no say"
treasured lambs they are close to my throne,
What did you do on your journey home?


All that you value and all that you gain,
in a wink of an eye will be no more,
as on your life I close the door.


Talitha Hills
Copyright 2003

1994

If everything on earth were rational nothing would happen.
from the Brothers Karamazou.

The great writer C.S. Lewis (Cambridge 1961) in his book Experiment in Criticism
wrote:-
Like a night sky in the Greek poem, I see with myriad eyes, but it is still I who see.
Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself; and am never
more myself than when I do.

1994
And you open the door to my heart,
deep wounds of rejection healed for all time.
Forgiveness filters sunshine through the darkness,
and my soul sings.

Letterbox missionaries touch the weary
in this land steeped in materialism and self.
Children of the greed culture, never satisfied,
walk blindly past your beauty,
their mentors silent and senile.

The flickering flame ignites,
souls burning with passion reach out in love,
their message peace and hope in your Kingdom to come.
Brother carrying brother homeward.

Talitha Hills
Copyright 2003











  


     

Shining Remnant

The internet - Curse or Blessing.   Well you certainly need a bucket full of discernment, there is much dross and mental filters are very necessary.    G.P's dread the patient armed with information off the internet who would have otherwise swallowed the pills (pushing sales for the drug companies) and trusted their diagnosis.    There is no excuse for ignorance - its all there, but rather like a "spin dryer" the filters can get fluffed.   It may be inaccurate in part but there is little doubt the historical evidence for bible prophecy has and is unfolding.

Matthew 24 - 14
Yeshua said "And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come".    Surely this prophecy alone will shortly be fulfilled as the internet gives everyone the opportunity to to seek and find.

So why a whacky blogger with a site called Shining Remnant.    One of the great advantages of the internet is the ability to reach information that will never appear on
state media, the comforting knowledge that you are not alone, that your revelation,vision and prophetic dreams are commonplace amongst the Remnant.   A people following the teaching of Yeshua, walking the walk.   They fear not what man can do to their bodies but the gradual erosion of the Word of God led by the false teachers and false prophets of the Apostate Church.  Often imprisoned, enduring great suffering and death they walk according to His teaching.

Matthew 5 - 43 - 48
Yeshua said "You have heard it was said you shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy, but I say to you "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;
for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.........

A true follower of Yeshua will not retaliate.    

The remnant quietly work out their destiny and await their coming King.   May they continue to shine His light into the dark corners of this world.    


GRAIN OF SAND

Here I am,
minute, insignificant,
jumping for joy at the touch of your spirit.

Here I am,
my love song soaring to reach your throne.

Here I am,
hold me, fill me, teach me,
give me your peace.

This tiny grain of sand leaps,
soaked with love,
as your wave crashes over my life.
Changing, renewing,
filling my being with laughter and Hope,
for just one more day.


Talitha Hills
Copyright 2003