Ahab was a very rich ruler who loved himself more than he loved his people. Surveying all that he owned, he was not satisfied with his magnificent estate. He craved a nearby vineyard owned by Naboth and was desperate to buy it. He approached Naboth for the sale, but Naboth refused to sell. Ahab went home angry and miserable, whined to his wife and sulked on his bed.

Ahab’s wife was upset with Naboth as well, so she devised an elaborate plan involving a banquet, scoundrels, accusations and murder. Ahab got his vineyard and thought nothing of the devastation his selfishness caused to Naboth’s family.

This selfish act by Ahab and his wife is a fascinating read found in the bible (1 Kings 21). It’s an example of what happens when we think of nothing but ourselves and our own satisfaction. However, this selfishness by Ahab only gave short term results as God eventually punished Ahab and his family for his crimes.

This extreme example of selfishness begs the question: what other behaviors stem from selfishness?

-Not listening to others

-Withholding necessary information

-Avoiding any responsibility when things go wrong

-Taking all the credit when things go right

-Criticizing other people while praising oneself

Since it can be difficult to recognize our own selfishness, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on our actions. For example, have you ever walked away from a conversation without getting to know the other person? That could be a sign of selfishness.

Another way to test ourselves is when entering a room; ask whether we think more about our appearance (us) or the people around us? If someone compliments our outfit or hairstyle, had we forgotten about it because we were too focused on others? That is, not selfish. As opposed to thinking what others are wondering about our outfit/hairstyle, and bringing the subject around to ourselves by mentioning it, that is, self-focused.

Let’s learn from Ahab’s mistake and strive to be less selfish in our actions.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

Blessings Yvette Wynne

The Benefits of Camping: A Lesson in Gratefulness

Vacations are a fantastic way to recharge, but the cost can quickly add up if done frequently. As someone who seeks value for money, I’d rather spend nothing on a campfire in the wilderness than $300 a night for a hotel room with a fireplace. Of course, there are drawbacks to camping, such as smoke, noisy neighbors, crying children, barking dogs, pests, dirt, and the challenge of setting up and packing down.

However, there are benefits as well: free adventure, meeting new people, exploring Australia’s landscape, seeing wildlife, getting exercise, enjoying campfires, marshmallows, waterfalls, nature, and taking a break from the city. It’s a challenge to survive in the bush, but it’s also an opportunity to learn gratitude.

After camping, I’m grateful for my bed and the conveniences of home, such as easy access to water, bathing, and lighting. It’s only when I go without these luxuries that I appreciate what I have. Humans can easily become dissatisfied with life, always wanting more, but practicing gratitude can help us see the good in people and situations. When we spread that goodness, we create a positive cycle, making it easier to be thankful even on difficult days.

God tells us to be thankful in the bible, not only does please God, but it’s also for our own good!

When we are thankful we look for the good in people and our circumstances. And this then fills our soul. When our soul is filled with goodness we then spread this to others; like lashings of jam and cream on a warm scone. We are now creating a positive cycle loop- so even if we’re having a rough day, someone that we have been thankful for can also be filled up- ready to spread that love to others.

So, what are you grateful for today? It’s a question worth pondering.

Blessings Yvette Wynne

Darrell Lee Clark was 17 years old when he was arrested for the fatal shooting of 15 year old boy. Just over 25 years later, in 2022, he was released from prison after more evidenced came to light which proved his innocence. This was uncovered through a crime podcast, where they discovered he had been set up by the police. They had wanted someone to pay for the accidental death of the boy.

For Clark’s first night of freedom he was afraid to go to sleep in case he woke up and “realised it was all a dream. ”

Imagine being punished for a crime you didn’t commit?

This is what happened to Jesus. He was betrayed by his friend, beaten by the soldiers and lied about by the religious leaders. He was then ordered to die on the cross, which was the most humiliating death they had on offer.

Jesus was perfect yet he was ridiculed, mocked and killed. No injustice has ever been greater, no evil ever been perpetrated on a more innocent victim.

We call this Good Friday. But why is this good?

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus provided away for all people to have their sins forgiven and to receive the gift of eternal life. For Christians, Good Friday is a day to reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It’s a reminder that even in the face of great injustice and suffering, there is hope and redemption.

When Jesus rose back to life after 3 days, this showed us that death had no power over him. Wow. This is huge, and you know what? That same power which rose Jesus from the dead lives inside everyone who calls themself a Christian. So when we get knocked down, we get up again.

Question: What is the biggest sacrifice that you have made?

Blessings, Yvette Wynne

A mighty God, an everlasting Father and a For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Have you ever done a jigsaw puzzle and it’s amazing, you’re up to the last few pieces, but there is one missing? You’ve spent hours doing it and it looks stunning, but all you can focus on is that piece which is missing.

Our life can be like that- we have lots of things going on that is good and right, but we can tend to focus on what’s wrong, and it steals our peace.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT STEAL YOUR PEACE?

1.Circumstances- those that are real or future ones that you worry about (eg. finances, relationships, health)

2.Sin- (if we are doing the wrong thing now, or in the past what others have done wrongly to us)

3.There is also a spiritual enemy which can jump on any of these things to make what you’ve got even worse.

But when Jesus was born, God has given us:

A wonderful counsellor; better than any earthly therapist.

A mighty God; more powerful than any human pulling strings for us.

An everlasting Father; a perfect forever Dadda!

The Prince of Peace; the ruler of the world also reigns over peace!

Rather than look at what is upsetting us and focussing on that, we can focus on all the good things God has given us, and on God Himself.

This can help us be calm and peaceful in the storm.

Question: What is it that disturbs your peace?

Today’s blog is taken from a talk I heard at church, Blessings Yvette Wynne

Much has been said about the movie The Life of Brian and not all Christians are in agreement with its content. Let me say upfront that anything that mocks Jesus I find upsetting and sometimes offensive. Having said that, there is one famous scene from The Life of Brian has a crowd of onlookers listening to Jesus give a sermon on how to live right. It is a good illustration of how His message can be misunderstood.

“Blessed are the peacemakers”, Jesus says.

The audience can’t hear, “What did he say?”

A helpful man turns around to say, “Blessed are the cheesemakers.”

A rich woman slightly offended wonders what on earth is special about Cheesemakers?

Her condescending husband fills in the blanks, “Obviously it is not meant to be taken literally, it refers to any manufacturers of dairy products.”

While this classic piece of comedy is tongue in cheek, it does highlight how we can get things wrong when communication is not clear. Also, it’s a funny segue into my topic, The Beatitudes.

In Matthew 5 Jesus says,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

So here are a few questions for you:

Are you poor in spirit?

Mourning?

Humble?

Wanting righteousness?

Merciful?

Pure in heart?

Trying to make peace?

Then the good news is for you! You will inherit the Kingdom of God, be comforted, be filled, shown mercy, see God and be called God’s child.

Because when we are mourning deeply, facing injustice, yet trying to do the right thing, we come to the end of ourselves. Desperate to keep afloat as the waves crash over and over. We come up for air only to be knocked under again, this takes a toll and we reach out for a life line.

We can reach to money, people, relationships, jobs, alcohol, to help our present state, but they will only ever be a temporary floating device. The only thing that can help us is a rescuer. The only thing that can satisfy our soul is the maker of it.

His name is Jesus. He made you and he wants to live with you. The big question is, do you want him to?

Blessings,

Yvette Wynne, Integricare’s Chaplain