Hello again, I’m not counting or anything, but just so you know I should be back in the UK in 16 days! The only time I am glad to see the RAF is when one of their aeroplanes comes to take me home!
It’s not really been that long since I wrote last, only a few days, so I was slightly worried I wouldn't be able to think of anything to post. Yesterday I had an hour free and so I decided I would just try and go outside and sit still for an hour. Anyone who knows me will be able to tell you how hard a task I find sitting doing nothing! I am always on the go, and I really struggle just to sit doing nothing, I find it such a waste of time! Although I know I should do it a bit more often.
I went and sat on some fire hoses on the side of the ship, just watching the world go by as we slowly sailed along. I started watching our wake and that set me off thinking.
For those who don’t know, the wake is a V shaped wave the ship makes as it cuts through the water. As the ship pushes through the sea it splits the sea in front of it and this split water then travels down the side of the ship and off the stern, by which time it can be quite a large wave; depending upon how fast the ship is travelling. The faster the ship goes, the bigger the wake and disruption.
This disruption to the sea acts as a visible marker of where the ship is, where it has been, what direction it is travelling in and how fast the ship is going. But the thing that really stuck me was how far the wake could be seen for; the disruption the ship made could be seen all the way to the horizon.
But what on earth has all this useless information got to do with a blog about being a Christian on a warship? Well it set me off thinking. Often as we travel through life we are like a ship travelling along; and often we leave a wake behind us.
The actions we take in life often affect those around us, either directly or indirectly. Just the same as a ship leaves a long trail in the sea via its wake, we often leave our own trail.
In fact I would think just about everything we do affects others. From our personal relationships we have with people, to short chance encounters, right down to where the products we choose to buy come from.
This all set me off thinking, what kind of wake do I leave as I travel through life? For many years I left a trail of destruction, I was steaming along at maximum speed, leaving a massive wake, but not really a positive one; as all I was worried about was myself.
Now I am a Christian, surely the trail I leave should be better? I would like to say most of the time it is. But then there are also times when it is not as good as it should be.
The thing with the wake is there is nothing you can do to erase it, modern warships try to lessen it, but it is always there, it is always a marker to show exactly where the ship is and where it is heading.
Do the people I come into contact with know which direction I am heading in? Do they know from the way I act and the wake I leave that I am a follower of Christ and actively trying day by day to travel in his direction? They should do; the Bible tells us that they should;
Matthew 5:14-16 (New International Version)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. As Christians we should always be shining out the light of Christ; that should be the wake that we leave. People should be able to see by our actions and the trail we leave the direction we are heading in. We should always try to affect people in a positive way, showing them that we are followers of Christ and that we are travelling in his direction. Being more like him every day should be our aim and our destination.
So I would ask you today. What kind of wake are you trailing behind you? And in what direction is it headed?
The Sailing Salvationist.
(By the way I lasted 45 minutes sat doing nothing; I think that’s a personal record!)
Friday, 27 September 2013
Monday, 23 September 2013
William Booths Vision
Hello, sorry it's a very late post this week. Life has been very hectic and I have been very busy working out on the flight deck; which has meant I have not had time to get to a computer. Also the e mails have been down from Thursday night until today (Monday). As I can't actually get onto blogspot from the ship I always write my posts and then e mail them to my girlfriend who kindly posts them for me. So even if I had written a post on Friday it still would not have got posted until today! I sound like I am making an excuse for my homework being late!
Anyway, as I say I have been very busy out on deck over the weekend. On Saturday I was stood on the flight deck waiting for a helicopter to arrive, just looking out to sea. Next to the ship, down near the water line I noticed a small bird. It was only a tiny little thing, yet here it was far out at sea. It must have flown for miles and miles, a massive journey for such a little bird. But what really amazed me was how close it was flying to the sea. It literally was skimming the waves about one inch from the surface.
For some reason this made me think of something I have read a few times. It was a vision the founder of the Salvation Army William Booth had and then wrote down. It is called "A vision for the lost". It's a bit long for a blog post, but I thought I would include it, because it really is worth a read.
A Vision For The Lost
'On a recent journey I found myself thinking about the multitudes around me. They were living carelessly in the most open and shameless rebellion against God, without a thought for their eternal welfare. As I looked out of the coach window, I seemed to see them all ... millions of people given up to their drink, pleasure, dancing and their music, their business, anxieties, politics and troubles. Ignorant - willfully ignorant in many cases - and in other instances knowing all about the truth and not caring at all. Suddenly, as I thought about them I had a vision.In it I saw a dark and stormy ocean over which black clouds hung heavily. Every now and then vivid lightening flashed and loud thunder rolled, while the winds drove foaming waves into a tempest that was claiming lives. There were myriad's cursing, struggling and drowning, and as I watched some of them sank to rise no more.
The rock of safety
Then I noticed a mighty rock that rose up out of the dark angry ocean. Its summit towered high above the platform. Onto this platform, I saw with delight that a number of the poor struggling wretches were continually climbing out of the angry ocean. And I saw a few of those who were already safe on the platform helping others onto the rock. Many were working with ladders, ropes and boats to rescue those who were drowning. Occasionally someone actually jumped into the water, regardless of the consequences in their passion to "rescue the perishing". I hardly know which sight delighted me more - the sight of the people rescued, or the devotion and self-sacrifice of those had who rescued them. Looking more closely, I realized that the people on the platform were quite a mixed company. They occupied themselves in different ways. Some spent their days trading while others amused themselves by dressing up for the admiration of their peers. Many were chiefly concerned with eating and drinking and yet others were taken up with arguing about the people that had already been rescued. Only very few of them made it their business to rescue people from the sea.
What puzzled me most was the fact that although all of them had been rescued from the ocean at one time or other, nearly everyone seemed to have forgotten about it. And what seemed equally strange was that they did not even seem to care about the people who were drowning right before their eyes - many of whom were their own spouses, brothers and sisters and even their own children.
The Call
Those on the rock had received a call from the one who had Himself gone down into the sea. They'd heard His voice and felt that they ought to obey it - or at least so they said. They professed to love Him and to sympathize with Him in the task He had undertaken. But, they were so distracted by their professions, pleasures and their preparation for going to the mainland that they did not help Him. So the multitude went on right before them struggling, shrieking and drowning in the darkness. And then I noticed that some of the people on the platform were crying out to Him to come to them! Many wanted Him to spend His time and strength in making them happier. Others wanted Him to take away various doubts and misgivings they had concerning the truth of some letters He had written to them. Some wanted Him to make them feel more secure on the rock -so secure that they would be quite sure that they would never slip off again into the ocean.
So they would meet and climbing high on the rock they would cry, "Come to us! Come and help us!" And all the while He was down among those drowning in the sea trying to rescue them and looking to those on the rock for help.
The vision understood
And then I understood it all. The sea was the ocean of human existence. The lightening was the piercing truth coming from Jehovah's Throne. The thunder was the distant echoing of God's wrath. The multitudes struggling in the stormy sea were 'the Lost', ungodly people of every kindred, tongue and nation. That great sheltering rock represented Calvary, the place where Jesus had died for them. And the people on it were those who had been rescued. The way they used their energies, gifts and time represented the occupations and amusements of those who had been saved. The handful of determined ones that risked their lives to save the perishing were the true soldiers of the cross. The One calling on the rescued to help Him rescue others was Jesus Himself.
A time to act
Fellow Christians, you have been rescued from the waters, yet He is still in the sea calling for your help. Don't be deceived by appearances - men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea!Jesus is in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. He wants you to jump in and help. Will you jump or will you linger on the bank, singing and praying about perishing souls? Lay aside your shame and pride, your cares about the opinions of others and all the selfish loves that have held you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of these dying men and women.
Unquestionably the surging sea is dark and dangerous. The leap means difficulty, scorn and suffering for everyone who takes it. Yet He who beckons you from the sea knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still bids to you to come.
You have enjoyed your Christianity long enough. Going down among the perishing crowds is your duty. From now on your ease will depend on sharing their pain and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them. Now what will you do?'
As soon as I had finished working that night I came to my office and googled this vision to re-read it. It set me off thinking, how much am I like that little bird at times? How often do I struggle and go a long way, working so hard to keep myself out of sin and out of worldly things. Yes it is better to be above the sea of sin, but does that help me save anyone else? Does it do anything to rescue the perishing from the sea? If I am honest I don't think so. Really that would make me more like one of the people in Booths vision who are just clinging to the rock, more concerned about themselves than those still in the sea.
I remember being on exercise off the coast of Scotland about 11 years ago. One evening from the flight deck I sat watching Gannets fishing. Gannets are big impressive birds, they tend to hang around in large groups and they look for shoals of fish. Then from quite high up in the sky they put their heads down, tuck their wings back and dive like a dart into the sea, where they quickly snatch a fish before returning to the surface and flying away.
Surely Booths vision calls Salvationists and Christians to be more like a Gannet, flying above the sea, yet still making quick dashes into the sea to fish out those still lost in the sea of sin.
Imagine how much difference we could make in the world if our Churches and Corps were filled with members who were more like a flock of Gannets than lone birds, only intent in keeping themselves above the water. Imagine a Corps where all members grouped together like a flock of gannets, searching the sea of sin, until individually they detached one by one; on rescue missions to dart into the sea and fish out those still drowning in the sea of sin. Imagine how many people we could save from drowning in a life of sin if we acted like that!
So my question today is what kind of bird are you and your Corp or Church like? Are you too busy trying to keep yourself above the water, or are you willing to plunge yourself into the sea to rescue those perishing? If the answer is more like the first, I would urge you to re-read the vision and think and pray upon the last words in the vision.
"Now what will you do?"
The Sailing Salvationist
Anyway, as I say I have been very busy out on deck over the weekend. On Saturday I was stood on the flight deck waiting for a helicopter to arrive, just looking out to sea. Next to the ship, down near the water line I noticed a small bird. It was only a tiny little thing, yet here it was far out at sea. It must have flown for miles and miles, a massive journey for such a little bird. But what really amazed me was how close it was flying to the sea. It literally was skimming the waves about one inch from the surface.
For some reason this made me think of something I have read a few times. It was a vision the founder of the Salvation Army William Booth had and then wrote down. It is called "A vision for the lost". It's a bit long for a blog post, but I thought I would include it, because it really is worth a read.
A Vision For The Lost
'On a recent journey I found myself thinking about the multitudes around me. They were living carelessly in the most open and shameless rebellion against God, without a thought for their eternal welfare. As I looked out of the coach window, I seemed to see them all ... millions of people given up to their drink, pleasure, dancing and their music, their business, anxieties, politics and troubles. Ignorant - willfully ignorant in many cases - and in other instances knowing all about the truth and not caring at all. Suddenly, as I thought about them I had a vision.In it I saw a dark and stormy ocean over which black clouds hung heavily. Every now and then vivid lightening flashed and loud thunder rolled, while the winds drove foaming waves into a tempest that was claiming lives. There were myriad's cursing, struggling and drowning, and as I watched some of them sank to rise no more.
The rock of safety
Then I noticed a mighty rock that rose up out of the dark angry ocean. Its summit towered high above the platform. Onto this platform, I saw with delight that a number of the poor struggling wretches were continually climbing out of the angry ocean. And I saw a few of those who were already safe on the platform helping others onto the rock. Many were working with ladders, ropes and boats to rescue those who were drowning. Occasionally someone actually jumped into the water, regardless of the consequences in their passion to "rescue the perishing". I hardly know which sight delighted me more - the sight of the people rescued, or the devotion and self-sacrifice of those had who rescued them. Looking more closely, I realized that the people on the platform were quite a mixed company. They occupied themselves in different ways. Some spent their days trading while others amused themselves by dressing up for the admiration of their peers. Many were chiefly concerned with eating and drinking and yet others were taken up with arguing about the people that had already been rescued. Only very few of them made it their business to rescue people from the sea.
What puzzled me most was the fact that although all of them had been rescued from the ocean at one time or other, nearly everyone seemed to have forgotten about it. And what seemed equally strange was that they did not even seem to care about the people who were drowning right before their eyes - many of whom were their own spouses, brothers and sisters and even their own children.
The Call
Those on the rock had received a call from the one who had Himself gone down into the sea. They'd heard His voice and felt that they ought to obey it - or at least so they said. They professed to love Him and to sympathize with Him in the task He had undertaken. But, they were so distracted by their professions, pleasures and their preparation for going to the mainland that they did not help Him. So the multitude went on right before them struggling, shrieking and drowning in the darkness. And then I noticed that some of the people on the platform were crying out to Him to come to them! Many wanted Him to spend His time and strength in making them happier. Others wanted Him to take away various doubts and misgivings they had concerning the truth of some letters He had written to them. Some wanted Him to make them feel more secure on the rock -so secure that they would be quite sure that they would never slip off again into the ocean.
So they would meet and climbing high on the rock they would cry, "Come to us! Come and help us!" And all the while He was down among those drowning in the sea trying to rescue them and looking to those on the rock for help.
The vision understood
And then I understood it all. The sea was the ocean of human existence. The lightening was the piercing truth coming from Jehovah's Throne. The thunder was the distant echoing of God's wrath. The multitudes struggling in the stormy sea were 'the Lost', ungodly people of every kindred, tongue and nation. That great sheltering rock represented Calvary, the place where Jesus had died for them. And the people on it were those who had been rescued. The way they used their energies, gifts and time represented the occupations and amusements of those who had been saved. The handful of determined ones that risked their lives to save the perishing were the true soldiers of the cross. The One calling on the rescued to help Him rescue others was Jesus Himself.
A time to act
Fellow Christians, you have been rescued from the waters, yet He is still in the sea calling for your help. Don't be deceived by appearances - men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea!Jesus is in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. He wants you to jump in and help. Will you jump or will you linger on the bank, singing and praying about perishing souls? Lay aside your shame and pride, your cares about the opinions of others and all the selfish loves that have held you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of these dying men and women.
Unquestionably the surging sea is dark and dangerous. The leap means difficulty, scorn and suffering for everyone who takes it. Yet He who beckons you from the sea knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still bids to you to come.
You have enjoyed your Christianity long enough. Going down among the perishing crowds is your duty. From now on your ease will depend on sharing their pain and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them. Now what will you do?'
As soon as I had finished working that night I came to my office and googled this vision to re-read it. It set me off thinking, how much am I like that little bird at times? How often do I struggle and go a long way, working so hard to keep myself out of sin and out of worldly things. Yes it is better to be above the sea of sin, but does that help me save anyone else? Does it do anything to rescue the perishing from the sea? If I am honest I don't think so. Really that would make me more like one of the people in Booths vision who are just clinging to the rock, more concerned about themselves than those still in the sea.
I remember being on exercise off the coast of Scotland about 11 years ago. One evening from the flight deck I sat watching Gannets fishing. Gannets are big impressive birds, they tend to hang around in large groups and they look for shoals of fish. Then from quite high up in the sky they put their heads down, tuck their wings back and dive like a dart into the sea, where they quickly snatch a fish before returning to the surface and flying away.
Surely Booths vision calls Salvationists and Christians to be more like a Gannet, flying above the sea, yet still making quick dashes into the sea to fish out those still lost in the sea of sin.
Imagine how much difference we could make in the world if our Churches and Corps were filled with members who were more like a flock of Gannets than lone birds, only intent in keeping themselves above the water. Imagine a Corps where all members grouped together like a flock of gannets, searching the sea of sin, until individually they detached one by one; on rescue missions to dart into the sea and fish out those still drowning in the sea of sin. Imagine how many people we could save from drowning in a life of sin if we acted like that!
So my question today is what kind of bird are you and your Corp or Church like? Are you too busy trying to keep yourself above the water, or are you willing to plunge yourself into the sea to rescue those perishing? If the answer is more like the first, I would urge you to re-read the vision and think and pray upon the last words in the vision.
"Now what will you do?"
The Sailing Salvationist
Friday, 13 September 2013
Don't be a Jonah!
Hello, another quiet week done; so I'm another week closer to home. Its been another quiet and uneventful week really, which makes it quite had to think what to write in this blog!
One lunch time this week I decided to go and sit on the flight deck and get some sun. I quite like sitting out there, feet dangling over the side of the ship, just watching the sea go by. I find it quite relaxing.
Sometimes if you sit there long enough you get to see some amazing wildlife, different birds can be seen if we are close to land and flying fish are often seen skimming across the waves. Every now and again you get to see a pod of dolphins, and if your really lucky they
come and play in the wake of the ship. That really is something amazing to see!
This week I thought I saw a first for me, I thought I saw a whale! I got quite excited by this as I have never seen one before;however my excitement was not very long lived as I soon worked out it was just two waves crashing together making a spurt of water and not a whale!
This got me thinking about the book of Jonah in the Bible. I expect everyone knows the story well; it's a Sunday School favorite. Jonah is told by God to go to a city called Nineveh and warn them how wicked they are being and that they need to turn from their evil ways and return to God. But Jonah has other ideas, he does not want to risk going there and so decides to do a runner from God. He jumps on a ship and sails off in the opposite direction. The ship gets into a massive storm and is about to be wrecked. The crew, working out that its all Jonahs fault for running from God throw him into the sea. Once in the sea Jonah is swallowed by a whale. He lives in the whale for 3 days and nights until he prays and decides he should do as God commanded him. The whale then vomited him up onto dry land (Nice!). Jonah then went and did as the Lord commanded and took Gods message to the city of Nineveh.
The story sounds a bit far fetched, I mean, could you really survive in the belly of a whale (or big fish as it actually says in the Bible) for 3 days and nights? But even if the facts of it are not 100% true it's a great story with a great message.
I did however start to wonder how much of a Jonah I am at times though. So God has never spoken to me and said "Steve I want you to go this city and proclaim my message" However at the end of the day this ship is just like a city. I'm sure God has put me here to spread his word. But how often have I tried to run away from this task God has given me? Luckily God has not seen fit to make me fall off the ship and get swallowed by a whale though! But just because he has not, it does not mean there have not been times when he has probably been disappointed in the way I have not fulfilled the task he has given me.
In the Book of Jonah we can read Jonah's prayer, it was when Jonah was in the whale that he called out to the Lord and asked him to forgive him for running and to give him the strength to carry out the task he had been given.
There is a good message there, it is through prayer that we are strengthened to carry out whatever task God has given us, whether it be spreading his message to a city, town, work place, a single person or even a whole ships crew!
So today I would ask that you think about the task God has given you. Are you fulfilling it? Or are you at times being a Jonah and running from it? Has God given you a task which you think is too hard for you? God knows what you are capable of and would not give you a task you cannot fulfill; just pray about it and he will give you the strength!
The Sailing Salvationist
One lunch time this week I decided to go and sit on the flight deck and get some sun. I quite like sitting out there, feet dangling over the side of the ship, just watching the sea go by. I find it quite relaxing.
Sometimes if you sit there long enough you get to see some amazing wildlife, different birds can be seen if we are close to land and flying fish are often seen skimming across the waves. Every now and again you get to see a pod of dolphins, and if your really lucky they
come and play in the wake of the ship. That really is something amazing to see!
This week I thought I saw a first for me, I thought I saw a whale! I got quite excited by this as I have never seen one before;however my excitement was not very long lived as I soon worked out it was just two waves crashing together making a spurt of water and not a whale!
This got me thinking about the book of Jonah in the Bible. I expect everyone knows the story well; it's a Sunday School favorite. Jonah is told by God to go to a city called Nineveh and warn them how wicked they are being and that they need to turn from their evil ways and return to God. But Jonah has other ideas, he does not want to risk going there and so decides to do a runner from God. He jumps on a ship and sails off in the opposite direction. The ship gets into a massive storm and is about to be wrecked. The crew, working out that its all Jonahs fault for running from God throw him into the sea. Once in the sea Jonah is swallowed by a whale. He lives in the whale for 3 days and nights until he prays and decides he should do as God commanded him. The whale then vomited him up onto dry land (Nice!). Jonah then went and did as the Lord commanded and took Gods message to the city of Nineveh.
The story sounds a bit far fetched, I mean, could you really survive in the belly of a whale (or big fish as it actually says in the Bible) for 3 days and nights? But even if the facts of it are not 100% true it's a great story with a great message.
I did however start to wonder how much of a Jonah I am at times though. So God has never spoken to me and said "Steve I want you to go this city and proclaim my message" However at the end of the day this ship is just like a city. I'm sure God has put me here to spread his word. But how often have I tried to run away from this task God has given me? Luckily God has not seen fit to make me fall off the ship and get swallowed by a whale though! But just because he has not, it does not mean there have not been times when he has probably been disappointed in the way I have not fulfilled the task he has given me.
In the Book of Jonah we can read Jonah's prayer, it was when Jonah was in the whale that he called out to the Lord and asked him to forgive him for running and to give him the strength to carry out the task he had been given.
There is a good message there, it is through prayer that we are strengthened to carry out whatever task God has given us, whether it be spreading his message to a city, town, work place, a single person or even a whole ships crew!
So today I would ask that you think about the task God has given you. Are you fulfilling it? Or are you at times being a Jonah and running from it? Has God given you a task which you think is too hard for you? God knows what you are capable of and would not give you a task you cannot fulfill; just pray about it and he will give you the strength!
The Sailing Salvationist
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Running the Race
Hello, it's been another unexciting week here on the ship, although we are currently in port for two days. So it has been amazing to be able to speak to everyone at home properly! After over a month of being at sea it has been great just to be able to catch up with everyone properly. As not much has happened on the ship this week I thought I would start this blog post with a story.
Last year I decided I wanted to branch out from just running and decided to do a triathlon. I thought, it can't be that hard, I know I can run, I often cycle the 15 miles to work and back and I was brought up in Cornwall swimming is in my blood!
So I found a local triathlon and decided to give the organiser a call.
"This is a good tri to do as a first one isn't it?" "Oh yes" She said "Lots of people choose this for their first tri"
So I booked a place even though it was only in a few weeks time, but I was sure I would be fine, I was fit and I knew I would be OK in all the different stages. Just to be safe I thought I better go to the pool and check I could swim the 800m I would need to in the race; which I managed without any real problems.
So fast forward a few weeks to race day and there I stood, all ready to go, gear set up in the transition area feeling slightly nervous. Then I noticed something, my cheap halfords racing bike was blatantly the cheapest bike there by over £1000. I didn't see anyone else who looked like this was their first tri; everyone there was in their team training gear and looked like they were all taking this extremely seriously. It was at that moment I thought this really is not going to go well!
The weather was awful, really raining, but this didn't really bother me as I was in a wet suit stood up to my waist in water ready to start the swim. The sea was also quite choppy, but that should not be too much of a problem should it?
The race started and I set off swimming, like a rocket, perfect technique, swimming through the water like a fish. But then after about 50m I suddenly realised swimming in the sea against the waves and tide is a lot more difficult than swimming in the pool! I started to struggle to get enough air into my lungs; and before I knew it my perfect swimming form had turned into a weird half drowning doggy paddle!
I made the 800m swim (just!) but I was the last person out of the water, I ran to the transition area, well I say ran, I challenge anyone to swim 800m then get out of the water and try to run! It must have been very funny to watch. I quickly took my wetsuit off and jumped onto my bike. I could not see anyone up ahead, but I do a lot of cycling, so I was sure I could catch someone up!
But here is where mistake number two came in. Yes I do lots of riding on my bike, but I look at the weather forecast and if the weather looks bad take the car to work. But here I was on tiny racing tires in the
rain trying to cycle fast. It dawned on me; I had never ridden my bike in the rain before! I tried to get some speed up, but on windy country lanes, in the rain I quickly found out handling the bike was not as easy as in the sunshine! But I kept on going.
Towards the end of the 13 mile bike ride I was feeling quite fed up and sorry for myself, but the most demoralizing part was yet to come. The race organiser's land rover started to follow me, and at each lamp post they stopped and took down the race direction signs. They were literally packing up behind me!
At one point I even had to cycle about 100m past my house. The temptation to take the easy way out and turn left, go home and then pick up my car later was massive. But I knew I would regret taking the easy way out so stuck with it.
I finally finished the bike ride, got to the transition area, and set of for the 4 mile cross country run. As I set off I asked one of the organisers, "How far ahead is the next person?" "About 15minutes ahead mate, you may as well give up!" was their reply!
Well thanks for the support and encouragement! I thought, but there was no way I was giving up now. There was also no chance of me catching anyone else up, but that didn't matter, my only aim now was to finish and be able to say I had completed a triathlon.
The run was uneventful, it hurt, in fact I would say it was more painful than the last few miles of the marathon I did. But I made it around. As I came around the last corner, I expected to still see people there to cheer me across the finish line. But to my dismay there was no finish line! They had packed it up and almost everyone had gone home! But I had done it, I crossed where the finish line would have been and the feeling was amazing. I did not care I had been last, I was just happy I had stuck with it and had
competed in a triathlon!
So why am I telling this story? Well me and one of my mates have been talking lots about triathlons recently. He wants to compete in his first one and we often have a laugh and a joke about me coming last in the one I did. But it has also made me think lots about my spiritual life.
The Bible has many references to running races, and there is good reason for that. Life can be very much like a race.
Firstly we need to put the training in. I blatantly didn't for this triathlon, I over estimated my abilities and underestimate the race. To live a good Christian life we need to put training in, we need to put time and
effort into reading the Bible and praying. We also can't overestimate our spiritual abilities and underestimate the power of the enemy! Doing that can have disastrous consequences.
We also need to think and fit our spiritual training to the areas where we think we are going to be challenged. If you think there is an area of your life where you will be tempted of struggle pray about it and train yourself through reading the Bible. Fit your training to where you think you will be tested, as there is no point training in the pool and being tested in the sea! There is also no point in being a fair weather cyclist if you have to race in the rain!
Time will always come which are hard, there will always be ways and times when your spiritual resolve and integrity will be tested. But dig deep and hang in there. I could have just cycled home, given up and not have had to struggle with the rest of the race. But I would have regretted that for the rest of my life. This can happen in our spiritual life as well. We can be tempted to go back into the world, slip back into old habits or take the easy way out even though we know it's not the right thing to do. But don't! I would have regretted giving up the race for the rest of my life. I would end up regretting turning my back on Jesus for eternity!
Don't be put off by others. I was intimidated right from the start by everyone at that race. They all looked so much better off than me; they had all the proper racing gear and looked the part. Often in Church it is easy to be put off by other people. They may have more than us, or always seem to get what they want, or seem to be more Holy. But that does not matter. Don't be intimidated by them.
Lastly don't listen to the person who tells you "You may as well just give up!" At the end of the day its down to you, its your race, its down to you to run it, and it is you who will get the satisfaction of completing it, wither you come first to cheers from all the crowds, or last to a packed up finish line!
Hang in there, stick with it when times are tough, don't listen to the words of the world when they tell you that you are wrong or that you are a freak for what you believe. Because one thing is sure; when you persevere and finish the spiritual race the finish line in heaven will not be packed away!
The Sailing Salvationist
Last year I decided I wanted to branch out from just running and decided to do a triathlon. I thought, it can't be that hard, I know I can run, I often cycle the 15 miles to work and back and I was brought up in Cornwall swimming is in my blood!
So I found a local triathlon and decided to give the organiser a call.
"This is a good tri to do as a first one isn't it?" "Oh yes" She said "Lots of people choose this for their first tri"
So I booked a place even though it was only in a few weeks time, but I was sure I would be fine, I was fit and I knew I would be OK in all the different stages. Just to be safe I thought I better go to the pool and check I could swim the 800m I would need to in the race; which I managed without any real problems.
So fast forward a few weeks to race day and there I stood, all ready to go, gear set up in the transition area feeling slightly nervous. Then I noticed something, my cheap halfords racing bike was blatantly the cheapest bike there by over £1000. I didn't see anyone else who looked like this was their first tri; everyone there was in their team training gear and looked like they were all taking this extremely seriously. It was at that moment I thought this really is not going to go well!
The weather was awful, really raining, but this didn't really bother me as I was in a wet suit stood up to my waist in water ready to start the swim. The sea was also quite choppy, but that should not be too much of a problem should it?
The race started and I set off swimming, like a rocket, perfect technique, swimming through the water like a fish. But then after about 50m I suddenly realised swimming in the sea against the waves and tide is a lot more difficult than swimming in the pool! I started to struggle to get enough air into my lungs; and before I knew it my perfect swimming form had turned into a weird half drowning doggy paddle!
I made the 800m swim (just!) but I was the last person out of the water, I ran to the transition area, well I say ran, I challenge anyone to swim 800m then get out of the water and try to run! It must have been very funny to watch. I quickly took my wetsuit off and jumped onto my bike. I could not see anyone up ahead, but I do a lot of cycling, so I was sure I could catch someone up!
But here is where mistake number two came in. Yes I do lots of riding on my bike, but I look at the weather forecast and if the weather looks bad take the car to work. But here I was on tiny racing tires in the
rain trying to cycle fast. It dawned on me; I had never ridden my bike in the rain before! I tried to get some speed up, but on windy country lanes, in the rain I quickly found out handling the bike was not as easy as in the sunshine! But I kept on going.
Towards the end of the 13 mile bike ride I was feeling quite fed up and sorry for myself, but the most demoralizing part was yet to come. The race organiser's land rover started to follow me, and at each lamp post they stopped and took down the race direction signs. They were literally packing up behind me!
At one point I even had to cycle about 100m past my house. The temptation to take the easy way out and turn left, go home and then pick up my car later was massive. But I knew I would regret taking the easy way out so stuck with it.
I finally finished the bike ride, got to the transition area, and set of for the 4 mile cross country run. As I set off I asked one of the organisers, "How far ahead is the next person?" "About 15minutes ahead mate, you may as well give up!" was their reply!
Well thanks for the support and encouragement! I thought, but there was no way I was giving up now. There was also no chance of me catching anyone else up, but that didn't matter, my only aim now was to finish and be able to say I had completed a triathlon.
The run was uneventful, it hurt, in fact I would say it was more painful than the last few miles of the marathon I did. But I made it around. As I came around the last corner, I expected to still see people there to cheer me across the finish line. But to my dismay there was no finish line! They had packed it up and almost everyone had gone home! But I had done it, I crossed where the finish line would have been and the feeling was amazing. I did not care I had been last, I was just happy I had stuck with it and had
competed in a triathlon!
So why am I telling this story? Well me and one of my mates have been talking lots about triathlons recently. He wants to compete in his first one and we often have a laugh and a joke about me coming last in the one I did. But it has also made me think lots about my spiritual life.
The Bible has many references to running races, and there is good reason for that. Life can be very much like a race.
Firstly we need to put the training in. I blatantly didn't for this triathlon, I over estimated my abilities and underestimate the race. To live a good Christian life we need to put training in, we need to put time and
effort into reading the Bible and praying. We also can't overestimate our spiritual abilities and underestimate the power of the enemy! Doing that can have disastrous consequences.
We also need to think and fit our spiritual training to the areas where we think we are going to be challenged. If you think there is an area of your life where you will be tempted of struggle pray about it and train yourself through reading the Bible. Fit your training to where you think you will be tested, as there is no point training in the pool and being tested in the sea! There is also no point in being a fair weather cyclist if you have to race in the rain!
Time will always come which are hard, there will always be ways and times when your spiritual resolve and integrity will be tested. But dig deep and hang in there. I could have just cycled home, given up and not have had to struggle with the rest of the race. But I would have regretted that for the rest of my life. This can happen in our spiritual life as well. We can be tempted to go back into the world, slip back into old habits or take the easy way out even though we know it's not the right thing to do. But don't! I would have regretted giving up the race for the rest of my life. I would end up regretting turning my back on Jesus for eternity!
Don't be put off by others. I was intimidated right from the start by everyone at that race. They all looked so much better off than me; they had all the proper racing gear and looked the part. Often in Church it is easy to be put off by other people. They may have more than us, or always seem to get what they want, or seem to be more Holy. But that does not matter. Don't be intimidated by them.
Lastly don't listen to the person who tells you "You may as well just give up!" At the end of the day its down to you, its your race, its down to you to run it, and it is you who will get the satisfaction of completing it, wither you come first to cheers from all the crowds, or last to a packed up finish line!
Hang in there, stick with it when times are tough, don't listen to the words of the world when they tell you that you are wrong or that you are a freak for what you believe. Because one thing is sure; when you persevere and finish the spiritual race the finish line in heaven will not be packed away!
Hebrews 12 1-3
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. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The Sailing Salvationist
Friday, 30 August 2013
I dare to be different
Hello, it’s Friday again so time for another post. It’s been quite a busy, stressful and uncertain week. You only need to have watched the news in the past few days to imagine that! But it’s still another week done and hopefully another week closer to my flight home!
This Sunday evening I was watching my “I’ll Fight Congress” DVD. One part in particular really struck me. In the Saturday evening meeting the song “I dare to be different” was sung. I have had the song in my head all week, I have also had a go at playing it on my old battered cornet I have out here. (You will all probably be glad I’m thousands of miles away and you have not had to hear that!)
The song says how we will dare to be different and stand for Christ, even when we are alone. I can relate to that! I'm the only Christian on this ship, and there are often times when I feel very alone. But how often do I really stand for Christ? Now there is a tough question to ask yourself!
Being a Christian in any situation is hard. But I feel on a ship it is especially hard; on a ship it is like walking on a tightrope. It’s a real tough balancing act. Go too far one way and constantly go on and preach at people, and it will not take long before people just totally ignore you, and not listen to a word you say. But go the other way and people don’t see any difference in you and so don’t see the effect of Jesus in your life.
I have to admit there have been times on this ship where I have struggled to stay on this tightrope and swung from side to side. To be honest there have probably been a few times when I have fallen off and landed flat on my face as well. But in that situation the most important thing to do is get back up, brush yourself off and get right back up on the rope again!
One thing I often struggle with is knowing what to say when people are questioning me about my faith. Often people come across as aggressive or micky taking when asking about it. That’s the bit that gets to me; sometimes it throws me, sometimes I know what to say; but often when put unexpectedly on the spot; I don’t.
Sometimes I beat myself up about this, but then I try to think of the disciple Peter. Peter the rock, the disciple who built the Church. There were times when he really dared to be different, but then there were times when he epically failed. He knew what it was like to walk the tightrope; he also knew what it was like to swing precariously from side to side. He fell a few times, but always got back up again; and just look how God used him.
That makes me feel better; yes I dare to be different, yes sometimes I fail, but at the end of the day, when I do fail I get back up and try not to make the same mistakes again.
The song says “I dare”. Doing things daringly is not easy. It’s hard and it’s scary, but sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone to move on in your life. God does not want people who are too scared to step out of their comfort zones. He wants people who are willing to walk the tightrope. He wants people who really do dare to be different.
So I would say to you try it; take that step out onto the tightrope no matter how scary it will be. Pray about it, God will send his Holy Spirit to strengthen you and enable you. It can be amazing how much God can use you if you are brave enough to take that first step, and if you wobble a little bit or fall off, don’t worry! Just think about how God used Peter; and get back onto that tightrope again!
The Sailing Salvationist
This Sunday evening I was watching my “I’ll Fight Congress” DVD. One part in particular really struck me. In the Saturday evening meeting the song “I dare to be different” was sung. I have had the song in my head all week, I have also had a go at playing it on my old battered cornet I have out here. (You will all probably be glad I’m thousands of miles away and you have not had to hear that!)
The song says how we will dare to be different and stand for Christ, even when we are alone. I can relate to that! I'm the only Christian on this ship, and there are often times when I feel very alone. But how often do I really stand for Christ? Now there is a tough question to ask yourself!
Being a Christian in any situation is hard. But I feel on a ship it is especially hard; on a ship it is like walking on a tightrope. It’s a real tough balancing act. Go too far one way and constantly go on and preach at people, and it will not take long before people just totally ignore you, and not listen to a word you say. But go the other way and people don’t see any difference in you and so don’t see the effect of Jesus in your life.
I have to admit there have been times on this ship where I have struggled to stay on this tightrope and swung from side to side. To be honest there have probably been a few times when I have fallen off and landed flat on my face as well. But in that situation the most important thing to do is get back up, brush yourself off and get right back up on the rope again!
One thing I often struggle with is knowing what to say when people are questioning me about my faith. Often people come across as aggressive or micky taking when asking about it. That’s the bit that gets to me; sometimes it throws me, sometimes I know what to say; but often when put unexpectedly on the spot; I don’t.
Sometimes I beat myself up about this, but then I try to think of the disciple Peter. Peter the rock, the disciple who built the Church. There were times when he really dared to be different, but then there were times when he epically failed. He knew what it was like to walk the tightrope; he also knew what it was like to swing precariously from side to side. He fell a few times, but always got back up again; and just look how God used him.
That makes me feel better; yes I dare to be different, yes sometimes I fail, but at the end of the day, when I do fail I get back up and try not to make the same mistakes again.
The song says “I dare”. Doing things daringly is not easy. It’s hard and it’s scary, but sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone to move on in your life. God does not want people who are too scared to step out of their comfort zones. He wants people who are willing to walk the tightrope. He wants people who really do dare to be different.
So I would say to you try it; take that step out onto the tightrope no matter how scary it will be. Pray about it, God will send his Holy Spirit to strengthen you and enable you. It can be amazing how much God can use you if you are brave enough to take that first step, and if you wobble a little bit or fall off, don’t worry! Just think about how God used Peter; and get back onto that tightrope again!
The Sailing Salvationist
Friday, 23 August 2013
Light
Hello again.
Fridays seem to be coming around very quickly! Sadly though that does not seem to make this trip seem to go any faster! It's been a mixed week, with e-mails playing up for half the week, but then, all of a sudden, they started working again! You can't believe how much this cheered me up after a frustrating week and a half of having problems contacting home.
As I have said before I get up every morning at 5am to go training. I finished the Insanity program and I am 3 weeks into a program called P90X. It's much the same except now I use weights to train as well. But this is not a blog about exercise!
Every morning when I get up I go to the hangar to train; this is a large open space at the back of the ship. This past week I have been opening the large hangar door to let a bit of fresh air in to try to keep the temperature a bit cooler. This has had a really amazing effect. It's still boiling hot! But I have also managed to be blessed by one of the most amazing sights of Gods creation.
When I get up its still pitch black outside, but this week there has been a large full moon shining down, add to this the millions of stars shining bright in the sky and it's a real effort to pull myself away from this amazing view and start training!
Usually if the ship is sailing west, after about 30 minutes the sky starts to go the most amazing bright orange colour. Then slowly the sun starts to come up, causing amazing reflections on the calm sea. The few high clouds that are in the sky also turn a wide range of amazing bright colours. So many different colours I can't even begin to describe them.
This morning however the sky was full of clouds, not a single bit of light from the moon shined down on the flight deck and when the sun rose, it just brought a sky of dull grey and dark colours. But the fact is the light was still there, shining bright behind the clouds. It was just obscured from view.
All this week these sun rises and night skies have really made me think and reflect upon my spiritual life. Often when things are going well, it's quite easy to be a Christian. Things are all good, and it's easy to thank God for all the amazing blessings he has given us. Everything seems to be going to plan. It seems like God is right there with us and things are all going well.
But when things don't go right it can often be a lot harder to be a Christian, we find it harder to find things to thank God for. We struggle; we can start arguing with God about the way things are going. We can even turn our backs on him. But he is there! Just as the sun was still there and rising brightly this morning. But just as the clouds obscured the sun this morning, the grey clouds and worries of life can obscure the light of God from our lives. We can feel like he is not there, but he is! He is always faithful and never changing! The Bible tells us that:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
The prophet Isaiah wrote about this:
Isaiah 9:2 MSG (The Message)
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows - light! Sunbursts of light!"
For those who read this blog who are not Christians I would say just try it, trust that no matter what is going on in your life, God can shine his light on you through any darkness; no matter how bad you may think it is. At the end of the day, he wants to know you; he cared about you before you were even born. So much so that he sent his son to earth to die on the Cross so your sins could be forgiven and you could let his light into your life.
Isaiah 42:16
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
For those who are already Christians I would ask you to look at your lives. Are there any areas where there are still clouds of darkness? Are there any areas where the light of God does not shine in your life? Pray about it; pray about it hard. And see the way God can shine into your heart and soul and really change you into the person God created you to be.
The Sailing Salvationist
Fridays seem to be coming around very quickly! Sadly though that does not seem to make this trip seem to go any faster! It's been a mixed week, with e-mails playing up for half the week, but then, all of a sudden, they started working again! You can't believe how much this cheered me up after a frustrating week and a half of having problems contacting home.
As I have said before I get up every morning at 5am to go training. I finished the Insanity program and I am 3 weeks into a program called P90X. It's much the same except now I use weights to train as well. But this is not a blog about exercise!
Every morning when I get up I go to the hangar to train; this is a large open space at the back of the ship. This past week I have been opening the large hangar door to let a bit of fresh air in to try to keep the temperature a bit cooler. This has had a really amazing effect. It's still boiling hot! But I have also managed to be blessed by one of the most amazing sights of Gods creation.
When I get up its still pitch black outside, but this week there has been a large full moon shining down, add to this the millions of stars shining bright in the sky and it's a real effort to pull myself away from this amazing view and start training!
Usually if the ship is sailing west, after about 30 minutes the sky starts to go the most amazing bright orange colour. Then slowly the sun starts to come up, causing amazing reflections on the calm sea. The few high clouds that are in the sky also turn a wide range of amazing bright colours. So many different colours I can't even begin to describe them.
This morning however the sky was full of clouds, not a single bit of light from the moon shined down on the flight deck and when the sun rose, it just brought a sky of dull grey and dark colours. But the fact is the light was still there, shining bright behind the clouds. It was just obscured from view.
All this week these sun rises and night skies have really made me think and reflect upon my spiritual life. Often when things are going well, it's quite easy to be a Christian. Things are all good, and it's easy to thank God for all the amazing blessings he has given us. Everything seems to be going to plan. It seems like God is right there with us and things are all going well.
But when things don't go right it can often be a lot harder to be a Christian, we find it harder to find things to thank God for. We struggle; we can start arguing with God about the way things are going. We can even turn our backs on him. But he is there! Just as the sun was still there and rising brightly this morning. But just as the clouds obscured the sun this morning, the grey clouds and worries of life can obscure the light of God from our lives. We can feel like he is not there, but he is! He is always faithful and never changing! The Bible tells us that:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
The prophet Isaiah wrote about this:
Isaiah 9:2 MSG (The Message)
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows - light! Sunbursts of light!"
For those who read this blog who are not Christians I would say just try it, trust that no matter what is going on in your life, God can shine his light on you through any darkness; no matter how bad you may think it is. At the end of the day, he wants to know you; he cared about you before you were even born. So much so that he sent his son to earth to die on the Cross so your sins could be forgiven and you could let his light into your life.
Isaiah 42:16
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
For those who are already Christians I would ask you to look at your lives. Are there any areas where there are still clouds of darkness? Are there any areas where the light of God does not shine in your life? Pray about it; pray about it hard. And see the way God can shine into your heart and soul and really change you into the person God created you to be.
The Sailing Salvationist
Friday, 16 August 2013
Cleaning
Here we are again, another Friday and time for another post, although to be honest I'm not really sure what I am going to write! I have had a few ideas here and there all week, but none of them have come to anything. So I'm just going to start typing and hope inspiration comesto me!
It has been a rubbish week, probably the worst I have had this trip, nothing this week seems to have gone right. One of the main problems has been contact with home. The e mails have been more than temperamental; they work for an hour, then you sit waiting for an e mailfor over an hour and you get 5 at once in a mixed up order! The phones have also been just down right annoying! I ring home, get to speak for about 30 seconds then the phone goes crackly for another 30 seconds and then just cuts off. It's been a major struggle not to pick up the phone, take it outside and launch it off the side of the ship! It's amazing how much lack of contact with home can get you down. But I have already done a post on communication, so that's no good for this post!
As I have said on one of my first posts, every Friday we clean. So this morning I spent 2 hours cleaning toilets. Not exactly what I joined the Navy for; but it needs to be done. If things don't get cleaned regularly and maintained all sorts of problems can occur. Take the toilets for example, if they are not cleaned properly it would not take long before the system broke and we would be left with no working toilets on the ship; not ideal! If they were not cleaned the risk ofsickness would greatly rise. This would be disastrous on a warship, as due to the cramped conditions and ventilation systems, sickness can spread through a ship like wild fire. This has more than one consequence; as a crew who are all ill are not able to work or fight the ship, this would mean the ship is no longer fit for purpose as it would not be able to fulfill its operational role. It would just be a useless lump of metal floating around the sea.
This week I have been reading a bit of the Hand Book of Doctrine. For anyone who does not know about it, it is a book which explains what Salvationists believe and why. It's a bit hard going in places but it is a good read.
In the back section of the book it has the Soldiers Covenant. This is a list of statements which someone makes and agrees to adhere to when becoming a Soldier in the Salvation Army. When I was made a Soldier I stood there and read them out and made a promise before God and all the people who were there that I would try my hardest to live up to and keep these promises I had made. I then signed the certificate as a physical reminder of the promises I had made.
I have this certificate at home kept in a frame; it sits on my chest of draws in my room next to my bed. So every morning when I am getting dressed there in front of me is a reminder of what I have promised. But they are not just promises I made to any person here on Earth; they are promises I made to God. They are more than just an earthly promise; they are a covenant, a sacred contract between me and God.
But here on the ship I have no visual reminder of these promises that I can look at every day. (Although now I have found them in the Handbook of Doctrine I can) When I read through them in my book I was quite shocked by how much some areas of my life had slipped away from these promises. In no way was this done intentionally; but that does not matter, these are promises I have made to God which I have either not kept, or not tried my hardest to keep.
That made me think, its quite easy to keep these promises when living a nice comfy life at home surrounded by other Christians, but its harder here on the ship when I'm alone. But that does not make it ok! That's just an excuse; and there are people in a lot worse situations than me who have kept these promises!
That left me a bit gutted and upset, I hate letting people down. I always try to be a man of my word, if I say I am going to do something or be somewhere at a certain time usually nothing will stop me; I will be there or it will get done. But here I had not let any earthly person down, I had let myself and my standards down and most importantly I had let God down.
So I was left wondering what I should do about this. It didn't take long to work out. I took myself outside to the side of the ship, sat there looking at the calm sea and prayed. I prayed for God to forgive me. I told him that I was sorry I had not kept my end of the covenant I had made with him. I asked him to fill me with the Holy Spirit to strengthen me, so I would be able to keep the promises he had made. I also thanked him for sending his Son Jesus. Because without thesacrifice of Jesus on the cross it would be impossible for me to be forgiven for these errors I have made.
Immediately I felt better. I had a fresh new start; yes I had messed up in places, but God forgives! God wants us to be close to him, and I really believe he rejoices when one of his people realises their mistakes, apologises and asks for help not to make the same mistakesagain. In fact I know this is true! It's promised in the Bible; and unlike us at times God always keeps his promises.
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
So although this week has been hard in many ways I also feel like it has been a good week in other ways. I really do feel I have cleaned out my soul a bit. (See the link with cleaning there! I knew this was going somewhere!) I would encourage all Soldiers who have made the same promises as I have to read through the promises you made with God. If something is not right there is no shame in it! We all fall short and mess up at times. The important thing is realising it and then coming before God in prayer to ask for forgiveness and strength not to make the same mistakesagain!
I am really hoping this next week will be a better one. I enter it knowing there are massive challenges and changes I need to make to keep the promises I made with God. But I also know it's a fresh start and he will strengthen me!
See you next week!
The Sailing Salvationist.
Below is link to the Soldiers Covenant if you want to have a read of it.
http://web.salvationarmy.org/
Here is another link to the 11 doctrines of the Salvation Army.
https://www.salvationist.org/
(Im not sure if these links will actually work, but if not both theDoctrine and Soldiers Covenant can be easily found on Google)
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