Brexit

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Brexit?

In June 2016 a referendum (a vote) took place in the UK to decide if the UK would leave the European Union (EU). The voting was quite close and ended up being about 52% in favour of leaving the EU and 48% voting to stay. 

‘Brexit’ was a way of saying ‘British Exit’ from the EU.

Lots of people were quite angry in the debate about the whole Brexit thing. After the vote, many who voted to remain in the EU were also very angry. People became quite divided and nasty about things – on both sides of the debate.

Separation – God’s help and helping others 

Have you ever faced issues of separation? These are things like breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Or falling out with your best mate. Or falling out with parents. Or maybe you have a family that has split apart in one way or another. Or it could be that you have felt rejected by friends, family or people at school. 

Everyone faces times of difficulty and separation. Sometimes God actually does us a favour by breaking off relationships and bad habits – to help us grow to become more like him. So separation isn’t always bad, although it often feels that way.

The good thing is that God is with us to help us all day every day. It’s not always what happens to us – it’s how we respond to the things that happen in life that’s important. Always go to God, choose God. He’s the only one who knows what’s best and will always guide us and work things out for good for people who follow him. If we choose to trust God it shows that we really believe he knows best.

The other thing the Bible tells us to do (and God helps us with) is to forgive anyone who has hurt you. God also helps us to say no to being hateful or unhappy (bitter). When we are angry with other people, the main person that this hurts is us. God knows what’s best for us so he says – forgive others, just like God has forgiven you! (See Matthew 6.12)

Romans 12.18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

If you don’t need to forgive others, how can you be a peacemaker and help people not to fall out and not to forgive? 

Is there anyone you can pray for and help practically?

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1 Kings 12.13-17

The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, ‘My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfil the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.

When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:

‘What share do we have in David,
what part in Jesse’s son?
To your tents, Israel!
Look after your own house, David!’

So the Israelites went home. But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.

Guess what… Brexit wasn’t the first time that nations have broken off close ties with other nations…

The problems between Israel and the split with Judah were different to ‘Brexit’ but basically one kingdom was divided into two (so that bit is the same in a way!)

The trouble with the split in Israel was that the King (Rehoboam) did what was evil. He didn’t take advice of wise people but listened to his mates. And his bad decisions meant that one nation was split into two. Things went downhill from there with many evil kings doing evil things.

The lesson for us is that when we do wrong things, there is always a consequence (something happens that would not have happened if we’d done the right thing). God forgives us, helps us and turns things around for good eventually if we say sorry and let God work in us. But often there is damage that needs to be put right. So the big lesson is to do things God’s way. God doesn’t give us rules because he’s power-mad – he says things in the Bible because he wants the best for us and knows what is best. If you choose God’s way you won’t go far wrong!

The other lesson is that we should involve God in everything – pray for God’s will to be done in everything (Matthew 610). So that means praying for our politicians and other leaders. It means supporting them too (read 1 Timothy 2.1). 

Some of the young people at my church went round the police, ambulance service and fire service bases and gave out free cakes and thanked the officers for what they did. That is another way to do good. 

So don’t be like Rehoboam – do what God says and do good!

The Biggest Split Ever – and the Solution

The biggest separation ever was when man rejected God and basically said, ‘Stuff you – I’m doing my own thing. I’m my own god and from now on I’m in charge of my life, not you God.’

The greatest thing that ever happened was when God said to man, ‘I’m going to make it possible for you to come back together with me – all you have to do is say yes to Jesus.’

Have a look at these two videos and see what you think…

Direct Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ULc0TAaQ5I

Direct Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoyD9ukZ7ag

Response

First… Maybe you have never said yes to Jesus – saying yes to his free offer to make things right between you and God, to live in your life and to help you be the best you that you can be. If not, pray this prayer now:

“Lord Jesus. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done. Please forgive me. I turn from doing wrong now. Jesus come into my life. Fill me with your life, love, power and Holy Spirit. I choose to live for you. Thank you. Amen.”

Now tell someone you’ve prayed this prayer – it really helps!

Secondly… If you feel like you’ve messed up, or have anger in your heart… Ask Jesus to help you, to forgive you and help you forgive others and yourself. Tell Jesus you want to change.