verseoftheday

...Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest's slave, slashing off his ear. "Put away your sword" Jesus told him... Matthew 26:50-52 NLT New Years eve is often a time to look back and reflect on the year...the media is full of the best & worst of 2015...Peter must have looked back with regret & disappointment on this event... We all make mistakes, get it wrong, jump to conclusions, make rash decisions, get angry...Jesus says put away your sword...find a Kingdom response not the response of the world...look at my example, my way... Even tho it might be harder, counter cultural, costly... #newyearseve #reflect #putawayyoursword #wordsofJesus

Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority - the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents... Psalms 8:5-8 NLT Project handover Graduation Given the keys to a new house or car...child becomes an adult... Independent It's yours... God made it...set it in motion And handed it over. To us. Whether we nurture or consume the planet...whether we live or just exist...whether we look out for the needs of others or just ourselves...whether we seek Him or not...He has given us freedom. How will we use it? #psalms #psalm8 #howgreatisourGod #choose

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalms 8:3-4 NLT Hopefully you're able to enjoy some of this beautiful weather and get out into some big landscapes...just look up (not straight at the sun tho!) There is beauty and design everywhere in the world around us that points us to the Creator...so who am I that He should care about me? #butHedoes #psalms #psalm8 #howgreatisourGod #justlookup

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens... ...O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Psalms 8:1, 9 NLT This was a song written for the choir director...and it starts and ends with how great God is! Music is a big part of our lives...accompanies us in the car, is important in movies, is used to distract, sooth, inspire and relax...but here it's part of worship. Beginning and the end this song look to the greatness of our God. How easy to lose sight of God with all the distractions of the in-between... May the soundtrack of our lives reflect this song...to start and end with how great our God is... #psalms #psalms #howgreatisourGod

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up...take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him. So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt... Matthew 2:13-15 NIV Just another middle eastern refugee family on the run from a power hungry despotic ruler... God's message has always been about love. God gave up his power as he shrunk himself into the vulnerable baby Jesus...on the run from the powers of this world, waiting to unfold a new way...a way of light, grace, & hope...a love that he wants us to choose to embrace... #christmas #story #jesusatthecentre #choose #ultimategift #sunday #worship

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened..." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby... When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child... Luke 2:15-18 NIV Why not have the angels blast out their music to the whole town? Why just a small group of shepherds out in the country? Kingdom values Not how we would do it or what we expect...the Message is trusted to a few very ordinary people Having just been blasted by angels they have a chat and decide to go check it out...love that straight up approach... #christmas #checkoutJesusforyourself #kingdomvalues #jesusatthecentre

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7 NIV There were no FB updates or txts...but as people gathered for the census the word got around that Joseph and his partner were going to have a baby...and soon! A couple of the aunty's take over "Joe, do something useful while you're waiting - you're a carpenter - fix up this feed box so the baby has somewhere to sleep..." In the most ordinary of ways, in a most ordinary place, Jesus gave up his power, & shrunk himself to become one of us...God entered His Story  to make a way - to BE The Way #christmas #jesusatthecentre #gift

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said ... do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife... Matthew 1:19-21 NIV Joseph was in a tricky place - wanted to do the right thing by the law...but wanted to do the right thing by Mary too, trying to exercise grace and truth. Maybe we love someone but their choices don't match ours...how do we stand for what's right, yet show grace? The angel said don't be afraid to go down the grace path. God's got this. Err on the side of grace...that's what Christmas is all about... #christmas #grace #story #jesusatthecentre

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world... And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child... Luke 2:1-5 NIV The world was run by the Roman superpower...go to the town of your birth and get counted... according to Google maps a 3hr 44min walk, so with a pregnant girlfriend in tow, it would have been a long day...heading to where your family line are all gathered...with a baby on the way...the baby... #christmas #story #jesusatthecentre

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Luke 1:56 NIV Mary had a lot going on...single, pregnant, angels, and processing the whole "how did that happen & is this for real?" Sometimes we all need to find someone to lean into...they were both working thru the normal miraculous of having children & the extraordinary supernatural things that were going on... Mary went and found Elisabeth. When you need help, knock on a door and ask...send a txt...make a call. Mary needed to stay, & Zac & Liz were gracious to let that happen...are we open for that? And then she went home...strengthened and ready...sometimes we all need a hand for a season...& that's OK #christmas #story #jesusatthecentre #inthistogether

...God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth...to Mary... "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!" Mary was greatly troubled at his words... "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month..." At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:2-40 NIV You're a teenage girl with an angel at your door with greetings from God!! ...& a crazy story about your cousin having a baby even tho she's ancient & never had kids...so Mary goes to see Zac & Liz to compare angel stories... #christmas #story #jesusatthecentre

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God...an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard... Luke 1:8-13 NIV The old priest going about his normal routine in the church when an angel appears...clearly not an everyday occurrence and freaked old Zac out... I wonder what I'd think if my pastor said he met an angel in church this morning? An angel with a message from God... What's this got to do with Christmas? #christmas #story #jesusatthecentre

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah... his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:5-7 NIV Good people with all the right background...yet... life hadn't worked out as they'd planned. Couldn't have kids, which was a huge social stigma at that time. Yet they remained faithful in their service to God despite their circumstances. Yet just around the corner they get to be part of the greatest story of all time... Lord help me to stay faithful to You even when life isn't working out for me #faithful #christmas

Friday! Proverbs! As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 ESV We think we know people from their public face...sports stars, actors, politicians...but it's the heart that is important to God, & that's the real person. We place value on people based on occupation, wealth, social status. But God looks on the heart. Who we are and who we're becoming is more important than what we do, where we live, how "important" we are... Jesus was single, "unemployed", homeless...but his heart was oriented to his Father...and to others...to us In all the noise of Christmas don't lose sight of what's really important... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #reflector

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. Micah 5:2 NLT Written about 735BC these words echo down the centuries...from the  small town of Bethlehem will come someone who's origins are much more ancient...who will come on God's behalf... God's got this...his view is so much longer than ours, but He sent signals that it would all change hundreds of years before Jesus...this is the real Star Wars story...of God who enters his story in the form of his creation to make a way for all... #prophecy #christmas #jesusatthecentre

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge... I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me... Psalms 16:1, 7-8 NLT In the midst of trouble David kept the faith. Verse 1 he's seeking refuge, safety...when all seems lost...when disappointment reins, when hurt overwhelms, when we can't see purpose or reason... But he chooses to bless God anyway He listens to the storehouse of truth God has placed in his heart, & he keeps faith in the God who is there...regardless of his circumstances... #choose #faith #hope #inthistogether #onyourteam

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Maybe your week, month, year has been a cracker...full of good, beauty, joy...or maybe it's been disappointment, loss, hurt...or some mix... Paul who knew all the highs and lows of life, says you want to know God's will? It's to give thanks in every circumstance! Sometimes it's the last thing we want to do...or think of doing...so today...give thanks to the One who sustains us in all circumstances... #pray #faith #hope #inthistogether #givethanks #theroad

So Isaiah told him, Then listen to this, government of David! It's bad enough that you make people tired with your pious, timid hypocrisies, but now you're making God tired. So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this. A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She'll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us)... Isaiah 7:14 Msg In the midst of being grumpy with his people, God opens a window to the future and let's the people know about Jesus...700 years before he was born... #prophecy #christmas #jesusatthecentre

Lord , you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord... Psalm 16:5-7 NIV The psalmist here is pretty happy...secure in God's love, the "boundary lines" seems to be where someone is allotted a piece of land, and his worked out really well - so what about the blessings in your life and mine? Could you count 3? 5? 10? So easy to gloss over the good, to miss the pleasant places our boundary lines have fallen... And then on top of that we are heirs of God...inheritors of all that He is... #sunday #worship #praise #blessed

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... Philippians 1:27 NIV Whatever happens...Paul was in prison, had some kind of physical or mental illness, shipwrecked... so he has some experience when he says "whatever happens" Stuff happens in life. Things don't go our way, we get under pressure, fail, make mistakes, get sick, injured, stuck...hurt...business, jobs, investments...relationships, people...friends...things don't always work out how we hoped or dreamed...but Paul is all about how we respond. How we choose to respond. As a child of God, chosen, redeemed, dearly loved, who's future is secure & is called to love, forgive & bless...how should I respond to "whatever happens"? #choose

Friday! Proverb! As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer's interests will be rewarded. Proverbs 27:18 NLT This is about being diligent at work...work hard, look out for your bosses interests & rewards will come...& this is generally true :) But at another level...if the employer is God - what are his interests? Yes the planet. But more importantly people. Especially lost people. Especially marginalised people Especially the hurt, lonely, poor, discarded... So when we look after His interests... So do good work for your earthly boss...but look out for your Heavenly Father's interests too :) #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #whoisyourrealboss #lovepeople

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8 NLT Thanks. Thanks for sticking with me even when it was tough. Thanks for being on my team in ministry I appreciate you, love you. Who are the people that you and I need to say that to? On the other side of this letter are the faithful people who supported Paul thru thick & thin. When the going gets tough for people in our lives...stick by them #bethankful #lovepeople #inthistogether #onyourteam

It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry...Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice... Philippians 1:15-18 NLT And we think celebrity preachers are something  new! Paul is in prison & it seems that others were stepping in to make a $ or a name for themselves. And Paul's attitude? He's not worried about why you preach Jesus just that you do it He was all about getting Jesus message of Love, Grace, Forgiveness & Peace out there than anything else... #goodnews #getitoutthere

Lord , you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5 NIV Pray this verse today...see how you feel about the day... You Lord are my portion, my food, my sustenance, the source of my fuel, energy & life You alone are my cup, the water of life, the one who quenches my thirst And in you is my security. I can look for it in property, money, education...I can seek it in the arts or work...I can look for security in others, in relationships...but at the end of it all, my real security is found in you Lord. It's in your book my name is written...and in that I am secure. Loved Accepted OK #psalms #psalm16 #faith #hope

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord , "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." Psalm 16:1-2 NIV Not sure what was going on in David's life when he wrote this...but he didn't  feel safe...maybe was hurting...or under pressure... He didn't run to the world for answers, didn't avoid or try to blot things out...but sought refuge with God. No matter what is going on in our lives...hurt, failure, loss, disappointment...seek refuge in God as David did. Pray his prayer. You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing. #pray #faith #hope #inthistogether

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight... Psalm 16:3 ESV We are His delight! Think on that today...If you're in church...or wherever you may be...God sees the saints in the land...sees who we are...sees the way that we try to represent Him to the world...sees the  difference we are making no matter how small it may seem...sees our hearts...and in that takes great delight! He knows our struggles, failures, mistakes, successes, joys and wins. He cares about us. #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #dearlyloved

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! Philippians 1:21-22 NIV The ultimate win-win situation...lots of good work to do but...the thought of heaven...well you can't lose either way! I'd love to say "me too" but tbh I'm just not there yet...these words remain aspirational as I journey thru life. Paul was in jail at the time, & maybe death didn't seem far away He also had time to think...about God, faith, what really matters...the noise of this life, pushes these thoughts away...our culture is about the "now"...but one day I hope to be able to say these words with the same confidence Paul did #faith #hope #ismycreedworthdyingfor

Friday! Proverbs! As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV A knife that is blunt is of little value...but getting it sharp and useful requires effort, skill, & a clash...as iron hits iron. A knife cannot sharpen itself. So if we're like knives that need sharpening, then it is God who is the agent that brings us together...His effort and skill...His word, Spirit. And it's the coming together with others that sharpens us, makes us useful. As we meet, learn, study, pray, live, struggle, find joy, serve, challenge and encourage one another...we become more useful in the Kingdom... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #inthistogether #sharpenup

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry... James 1:19 NIV Great listeners keep their emotions in check...so to be a gr8 listener don't let your emotions take over, and James here is specific about anger. Not helpful. Really listen. Be genuinely interested in the other person Don't just jump in with solutions...and don't get angry...keep your emotions in check. Seems like a good recipe to be a good listener...the challenge now is to do it... #beagreatlistener #james #keepingitreal

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak... James 1:19 NIV When I'm listening I'm not slow to speak...I just can't wait to jump in with my answers...solutions...fixes...while you're talking I jump in with my story, my view...my opinion... But James says be slow to speak...really listen...hold off on my thoughts, opinions, judgements...and really listen. This is quite a discipline for some of us...but worth the effort...because I know what it's like to be really listened to... #james #inthistogether #keepingitreal #beagreatlistener

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen... James 1:19 NIV Think about the best listener that you know...what's it feel like to be really listened to? We feel heard, valued, loved...we have worth. James calls all of us to be great listeners. To do that we need to be genuinely interested in people. Choose to give them time. Are you and I prepared to be that "great listener" in the lives of others? #james #keepingitreal #beagreatlistener

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18 NIV Chosen Chosen for a new life This new life comes thru the word if truth. Jesus is that word. To be a kind of first fruits...special...honoured....we have this unique position to represent God to the world...like the first orange off your tree, you'll proudly show it off to his friends and neighbours...look at this beautiful thing...taste the first fruits & see how good they are... We are those first fruits #special #somethingtochewon

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV My political views change, my thinking on things changes as I get more info, hear someone else's perspective, or my experience changes me...but our Heavenly Father does not change. Constant So when we read His story, creation, the fall, His desire to have relationship with His people, Jesus stepping in to make a way, be the way, love, kingdom  values...redemption ... And He promises...one day...all will be made new...the brokenness repaired... #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #constant #youaredearlyloved

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 NIV I quite like blaming God for my weaknesses and where they can lead...but James is clear (as usual) that it's our own desires that start us on that slippery slope...so... Acknowledge it Nip it in the bud Avoid the temptation Get help or accountability Pray Confess Replace it with something good Make a change. If we're on that pathway...we started it...we've got to do something to get off it... #james #inthistogether

Friday! Proverbs :) A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;  restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. Proverbs 27:15-16 NIV Leaky buildings are sometimes difficult to find the cause of the problem...but when you find the root cause, everything changes...why are we quarrelsome, or hurtful, or grumpy, or angry...often at the root in our heart or our experience is a lie...a lie that needs to be replaced with the truth. #thetruthwillsetyoufree Finding the leak in the building can take time, & lots of attempts...but it's worth it...so keep loving the people in your life as best you can You can't restrain the wind...but you can use it to sail... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

...I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:18-20 NIV When tough times are upon us we often pray that our circumstances will change...Paul's view is different. He asks for courage. Sufficient courage to face in his case prison, persecution, and maybe death...and why? So that Jesus will be made known! Courage. Sufficient courage. No matter what we face...that's a good prayer right there #faith #ismycreedworthdyingfor

While this is not a Bible verse today, just want to share part of an article by Jon Foreman published in the Huffington Post...it's a response to what is going on in our world at the moment... We fight back by living the lives that they have attempted to destroy. With renewed fervor, let us attempt to give ourselves to those around us. Let their cowardice inspire me to be brave. Let their senseless murders arouse in me a deep compassion for my fellow man. Let their artless destruction inspire canvasses and songs filled with meaning and truth. Let their meaningless hatred remind me of what matters most in this life... Jesus said to love our enemies...love when it's what we don't want to do. #faith #hope #love

Then the Lord said to Moses I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days. Exodus 16:4-5 NIV Sometimes God's instructions are as clear as this...he wanted to see if he could trust people in what was a simple thing...just gather twice as much and take the next day off... Yes there's obedience, but there's the underlying question...do these people love me enough to do what I ask...to do what's good for them? Do I love God enough to just do what He asks? #loveyourneighbour #whoismyneighbour

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied. How do you read it? He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbour as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. Luke 10:25-28 NIV Jesus didn't say Repent or Get Your Life In Order, but affirmed what this Bible scholar already knew...get to know God, choose to love Him, & choose to love people. Simple. What can I do today to get to know God better? How can I love people today? ##

...my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect...most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah. Philippians 1:12-14 MSG As well as the opportinity to witness in a unique place, imprisonment and hardship hadn't dented his faith, & this gave strength and courage to others...we love reading or hearing accounts of heroes of the faith...we take strength from them...you just don't know when you or I will be called to BE one. To stand when everything is on the line. To have courage in the face of the enemy To pray when all seems lost To look forward with hope  regardless of circumstances... Will we? #faith #ismycreedworthdyingfor?

I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here and everyone else too found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity and now they've learned all about Him... Philippians 1:12-14 MSG What others mean for evil, God used for good, because Paul was faithful to his calling That group of soldiers, his prison guards, Paul may have been the only person they could have heard about Jesus from. All of us will have one or more people in our lives that we are the only conduit of God's love, truth and grace...so be faithful to your calling... #youmightbetheonlyone #lovepeople

Friday! Proverbs! If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. Proverbs 27:14 NIV How good is this? When you give a loud boisterous morning greeting to the non-morning person in your flat/house...it just doesn't go down well...or maybe you're on the receiving end of such greetings - and really they're not! So love the people in your house, cut them some slack in the morning...don't engage til they've had their coffee...it's biblical :) #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #everydaygoodness

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes... Luke 19:41-42 NIV Jesus wept. Because of lost opportunity. The city had a chance to recognise and accept the Saviour but missed it... I wonder how he would feel looking over my town, my community...my home...? Would he weep at the lost opportunity for peace? Jesus cared. Really cared. Who do I care about enough to weep over that they might be missing the opportunity to meet the One who is peace..?

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Where have you laid him? he asked. Come and see, Lord,they replied.  Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 NIV Jesus wept at the injustice of death. This is not how it's supposed to be...this was not how he'd made it in the beginning...this was not the life He wanted for Lazarus or for us. And he wept at the hurt his friends were feeling. So look out for your friends. Hang in there with them when life hurts And know that there's more to this life...there's another to come... #kingdomvalues #inthistogether

For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Psalm 11:7 NIV I think that injustice is when things don't go my way. But God's perspective is bigger...bigger than people not living how I think they should...injustice happens when people, us, are not living how God calls us to live. But he didn't just stand outside our world and make rules and complain, or come in by force and destroy, but launched a subversive new kingdom that chips away from the inside. God entered the story Himself. And in the end submitted himself completely to the injustice of the world AND to God's justice, to make a way, the way... #kingdomvalues #inthistogether

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under... Matthew 2:16 NIV Terror. Jesus was born into a world where terror and murder were used to try and influence and control populations of people and prop up those in power. The person at the cornerstone of our faith was born in the midst of this terrorist act. Not only should we support the people of France, but Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya...and the list goes on...sadly the quest for power is nothing new...& neither is the answer Jesus was born into this crazy broken world to make a way...to be the way...it's His subversive love story that is the answer. #theway

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 NIV There's all kinds of crazy things happening in this world...the latest terror attacks are just another example...what we believe when things turn bad, who we look to, what we hang on to is important...darkness will not overcome the light #sunday #worship #jesusatthecentre

Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Psalms 119:73 NASB Acknowledge God as creator, not just of the world around us, but of you and me! He's personal. And as we think about that, it makes sense that we need more insight from our Creator about how we should live. When we learn something,  we really only understand it when we apply it... Living out God's way... My prayer this morning: Thanks God that you made me. Show me today the thing I need to live out that reflects you better. Amen :) #psalms #psalm119 #inthistogether #theroad

Friday :)  Proverbs :) Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. Proverbs 27:13 NIV Proverbs is about wisdom & this is about being wise in business...get a deposit, or security if someone guarantees a debt. The "outsider" may not have the same moral code to repay what is owed, so be wise in how you do business. Good advice. But is there something more here? Jesus garment was taken  before he was crucified. He is our security, our deposit for what is to come, for us, the outsiders... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #benefitofhindsight

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV For Paul it's all about making God known by word and deed whether he was free or in prison, rich or poor, healthy or sick...at the very core of who he was he knew God loved him, that he was right with God despite all the stuff he'd done, despite current today's circumstances or feelings. And the output of his life, the fruit, was to make Gods love known, in work, rest, play or even in prison. He loved God And People #letloveabound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ... Philippians 1:9-11 NIV Filled with the fruit of righteousness! Fruit is the produce that a tree produces. What fruit does righteousness produce then? Surely it's love joy peace patience kindness and self-control - the fruit of the Spirit Is that all there is? Maybe there's more but this is enough of a list Love is the driver and as we live our life in whatever place that is, God's Spirit works in us to produce the fruit that comes from life in Jesus #letloveabound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ... Philippians 1:9-10 NIV So that...we may be pure and blameless when we meet Jesus...it's love that makes us right, pure, blameless...love that gives us confidence for this life and hope for the next, & it is this love that comes from the Father, that found its expression in Jesus in making the way for us, this massive giving sacrificing love, that thru Gods work in us, abounds more and more... Being seen as pure and blameless gives us freedom to get on and live, give, love, without constraint or fear How good is that? #free #letloveabound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best... Philippians 1:9-10 NIV "so that" There are 4 things that follow the "so that", the reason why Paul wants our love to abound in depth & insight...the first is that we will be able to discern what is best. I'm not sure where I thought discernment came from, but it's linked here to a heart of love. In God's economy love drives everything. You want to know what's best? Love determines that. I wonder what would change if I allowed Love to work like that in my life...? #letloveabound 

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight... Philippians 1:9 NIV I wonder if this is a model for how I should pray for others...that your love would just grow bigger -  what happens when our love grows bigger? We see injustice in the world, we see the hurt in others, we see needs that can be met...and we are prompted to act This abounding love, knowledge and insight means we cannot sit still or quietly, but need to respond. That might be prayer, encouraging, writing, singing, helping, restoring, building, going...it might be standing with someone, beside them, or holding them up...it could look like lots of different things depending on who you are and the gifts God has given... #letloveabound

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalms 119:71-72 NLT Helen Keller said Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. Will we allow whatever pain, struggle, hurt, loss, disappointment we go through point us back to God and His truth? To the point that God's Word is the most valuable thing we have and strive for? That is deeply challenging. But encouraging too, for no matter what we are going thru we're not alone, that God is with us #faith #truth #inthistogether #theroad

Friday! Proverbs! The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12 NIV Sometimes the signs are literally there...when we're driving and there are signs about high accident areas...just not sure why we don't take that into other areas of life. Eg if 50% of marriage break ups are over money, get some advice on how to manage that. If your trusted friend warns you about someone your heading into a relationship with...stop & listen to them Maybe prioritising that study or rest or... Keep your head up and eyes open to what's going on, & if things are turning sour, take action. Don't just sit there. When could this proverb made a difference for you? What about now? #keepyoureyesopen #proverbs #wisdom

...whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. Philippians 1:7 NIV Paul knew that God's grace was not connected to his circumstances. God's grace was the same whether he was doing what he loved to do and was called to do - preaching & teaching - or whether he was in jail! How often do I slip into the trap of connecting my circumstances today with Gods grace towards me? Sickness, health, success, failure, pressure, rest, support or persecution, God's grace towards us is independent of all of that. #grace #somethingtochewon

...Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God... And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:2-3, 5-6 NLT The good news? God isn't finished with us! He's started working on us from the inside but we're never done...and it's God who is at work in us...yes we need to do our bit, but we need to allow God to work in us, work on us... If your life is so full of activity, work, business, study, play, distractions, procrastinations...do we effectively shut down God's work in us? Yes there are times when life is a crazy and hectic, but busy-ness is not a fruit of the Spirit...just sayin #loveGod #lovepeople #inthistogether

Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. Philippians 1:4-5 NLT Paul is saying to the church..."you're awesome"!! There's so much arguing and posturing going on, but we're on the same page, heading in the same direction, & our joint goal is to make Jesus known. This is what church should be...! Paul was pretty excited...I wonder when my pastor or church leaders or ministry leaders think of me...would they say the same thing? Would they be pleased that I'm on their team? Paul wrote these people a letter...who are you grateful for? Maybe a word of encouragement wouldn't go astray today... #inthistogether 

Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister... He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. Esther 10:3 NLT We may never make PM, but Mordecai was held in high esteem by his people not because of his position or his power, but because he kept working for the good of his people, & not just this generation but the ones following. Who am I working for? Am I doing something for others? Too busy? No resources? There's always a reason why not...we can all make a contribution into the lives of others along the way whether that's big or small...just got to keep our eyes, ears, & hearts open... #lovepeople #lessonsfromEsther

Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Today we just needed something connected with sport :) Great to celebrate success, whether it's sport, business, education...& the things we learn about discipline & training & how that leads to success. Paul when he wrote this must have seen a lot of sporting contests...and then connects it to our life as Christians...it takes training, discipline, perseverance, struggle...while it must be gr8 to hold that RWC as champions, the prize we will win is one that will never fade...imagine that! #eternity

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Psalm 119:69 NIV Ever been under attack? People spreading lies or stories about you? The psalmist knew something about this long before the curse/blessing of social media. And what is his response? Stick with how God says to live. Forgive Love your enemies Walk the extra mile Turn the other cheek But I'd rather argue my case, put my side of the story...set things straight... Forgive Love your enemies Walk the extra mile... But it's not fair, not right! Forgive Love your enemies But I don't want to! Forgive #psalms #psalm119 #choose #theroad #inthistogether

Friday! Proverbs! Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. Proverbs 27:11 NIV At one level this is straight forward...if u have kids you want them to make good choices in life as it reflects on the choices u make as parents. And then we're all someone's child, so there's an element where we want our parents to be proud of us... But what if this is God talking to us. Make wise choices because that gives God joy! Am I representing God's family well? Does my life bring joy to God's heart, so that God isn't brought into contempt by the way I live? The everyday choices to love people, to care, to be kind, patient, forgiving...this brings joy to God #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #represent

So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai... Esther 7:10 NIV Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 NIV Haman's pride proved fatal, but mine can be just as destructive even if it's not quite so dramatic, but as Proverbs is clear about it will happen one day. So leave room in your life to really consider others...and make sure there is room for God too...room for Him to minister to your spirit... #pride #lessonsfromEsther #humblenessistheantidote

When Haman entered, the king asked him, What should be done for the man the king delights to honour? Now Haman thought to himself, Who is there that the king would rather honour than me? Esther 6:6 NIV Haman's pride completely blinded him to what was really going on. Pride affects our eyesight, blunts our perception of reality & blinds us to the truth. And just like Hanan this is soooo hard to see in ourselves...have we got the courage to ask a trusted friend, pastor, mentor...what am I missing here? Are there some flaws in me that I should be working on? Where do you see pride affecting what I do or more importantly my relationships with others. Am I brave enough? #pride #humblenessistheantidote #lessonsfromEsther

Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it..." And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made. Esther 5:14 NASB Haman's pride was tickled by others, & he ordered the gallows built - about 25 metres high. Overnight. Pride has no concern for others, for his workmen, for their families... Lesson #2 pride is hard on others We hear the suggestions of others and it does influence our decisions, so take care that your pride doesn't influence the choices you make...and think about the consequences on others. Pride is the ruthless, sleepless, unsmiling concentration on self (CS Lewis) #lessonsfromEsther #loveothersistheantidote

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. He had learned of Mordecai's nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes. Esther 3:5-6 NLT Pride and anger formed a toxic mix in Haman If he had quietly taken out Mordecai all would have been well in his world, but pride always causes more damage than it needs to. How is that in my life? Do I stubbornly hold my ground out of pride? Does my pride cause damage to others...or me? #pride #humblenessistheantidote #lessonsfromEsther

Your own friend and your father's friend, forsake them not; neither go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbour who is near [in spirit] than a brother who is far off [in heart]. Proverbs 27:10 AMP Let's inject our heavenly Father into this...don't forsake the friend who is closer than a brother...He doesn't want us to forget Him...how often do we hear that in our culture - I don't need God - my life is OK And better the One who is near in spirit - this is our God who gives us His Spirit within - the quiet small voice...he is our neighbour near in spirit... #proverbs  #thisisourGod #sunday #worship #earlystart #rwc

...neither go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near [in spirit] than a brother who is far off [in heart]. Proverbs 27:10 AMP Families...we all have them. Some are great, some not, some a whole mix of things...but the question here is when the heat really comes on you, when trouble comes in whatever form who is on your team? It's not about proximity as we can communicate easily almost anywhere, but it's about shared values, belief, shared experiences...these are the people who will stick by you no matter what. The people who believe in us most may be our family, but may not. Am I that person to those I care about most? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #moreonthistomorrow

Friday! Proverbs! Your own friend and your father's friend, forsake them not; neither go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near [in spirit] than a brother who is far off [in heart]. Proverbs 27:10 AMP Your friends are important - stick with them thru thick & thin - some even survive the generations :) But this is also about where we look for advice. Solomon valued his father's friend Hiram, but Solomons son looked for advice from others and lost the kingdom. The new young voices & ideas sometimes sound good to us but the long term, wise, these friends & their wisdom should be valued #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #earlystart #moreonthistomorrow

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial...that person will receive the crown of life... James 1:12 NIV The crown here is like winning the gold medal in a sporting event...and life - the Greek word is zoe - life - all life comes from and is sustained by Gods self existent life. God shares with us His gift of both physical and spiritual life So hang in there...preservere... don't give up because this is the path that leads to life #thatstherealtest

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV I've always related this verse to the big things. The Martin Luther King type trials, the missionary isolated from family and friends, the big spiritual battle...but...the more I've thought about this it's just as appropriate for the person who struggles quietly and daily with loneliness, or pain, or the small daily choices that we make to choose joy, to ignore the negative, the daily choice to look out for someone, to encourage someone even when there's nothing in return. This is every bit as much of a trial...and a test...a test that leads to life #thatstherealtest

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV I just don't want that. Trials. Difficult times Pressure Maybe it's exams, assignments, business issues, health, relationships, decisions...but... the last part of this about the reward for those who love God, I think that the standing firm, the surviving the test is really about what's going on in our heart rather than the external situation. No matter what we are facing or going through are we still choosing to honour God & love others? Choosing to do what's right regardless of the situation, not worried about the world's success #thatstherealtest

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands... You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:66, 68 NIV What we believe about God is important. God, I trust you and I know you're good is the psalmists start point. Start there and things make sense, and I want to know more of who God would have me be, & how He would want me to live Even when there is evil that people are responsible for, even when there is tragedy, do I still choose to believe that God is good and what He does is good #psalms #psalm119 #choose

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV What a wonderful encouraging thing to say...maybe there are people in your life who have been an encouragement or blessing - when they come to mind - thank God for them :) Having an attitude of gratefulness and thanks is a key to a contented life...so thank God for the people in yours :) #bethankful #sunday #worship

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2 NIV Ok so this is a greeting in a letter...but...it's also a scene setter or an overarching orientation of the authors. Paul & Timothy are saying this is our baseline, our start point for this and every conversation, our flavour, what we're about. Being agents of God's grace, bringing and sharing His peace, through our words and actions. We've been blessed by God, changed by Jesus, received His grace and from here on everything is shaped by that. Grace and Peace. From God, through Jesus, & encouraged in us by the Spirit May we all echo Paul & Tim's greeting as our motto too #grace #graceandpeace #mymotto

Friday!! Proverbs!! Oil and perfume make the  heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9 NASB Don't know what makes your heart glad but oil, perfume, incense...these were important when this was written. Maybe it's the birdsong in the early morning, the stars, a melody, a touch...a memory...and the sweetness of that is compared to the counsel of a friend Friends care, their advice, their counsel is for our good, because it comes from a heart of love. Nice And friends sometimes need to be asked for advice, so ask. So if we put God in the middle of this, His advice comes from a heart of love, & should be sweet to us, make our hearts glad. And sometimes we need to seek that counsel from Him too... #ask #proverbs #wisdom 

... I will show you the most excellent way... Love is patient, love is kind... 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:4 We all get it wrong sometimes...mess up...make mistakes...so be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself as well as others Get some rest, exercise,  eat well, re-create... It's ok to cut yourself a bit slack sometimes. Jesus model seemed to be spending time with the crowds, the disciples, 1 or 2, & then time alone with God. Time to pray...to recharge...to reconnect If Jesus needed it, then I probably need it to... #loveis #bekindtoyourself #inthistogether

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi... Philippians 1:1 NIV So Philippians is a letter written to a church in what is now Greece. Google says it's 17 degrees there & 73% humidity at 9:23pm. The city was established in 356BC by (guess who) Philip II. How does it start? Paul & Timothy together writing this. A team. We need teams, need others to do life with, do ministry with, even if it's just one who is on the same page as us. How do they describe themselves? As servants of Jesus. Would I ever be brave enough to say that? To introduce myself as that? What does a servant do? The work of the one they serve #brave #servantsofJesus #hands&feetofJesus #teamsaregood #inthistogether

... I will show you the most excellent way... Love...it does not dishonour others... 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:5 This is such a sneaky thing dishonouring others, it's the remarks we make when they're not around to make them seem less and us seem more... And it's the way we treat people no matter their social standing, belief system, physical or financial situation. It's how we treat those who need support or help on a temp or permanent basis...and Jesus is our model for this. He crossed the boundaries to meet and love others Love doesn't dishonour but honours Love gives credit to others. Love looks out for those in need Love gets alongside #loveis #inthistogether

The earth is filled with your love, Lord ; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:64 NIV Sometimes this is the way it feels...that all is good, sun is warm, people are kind, and there's nothing better than learning more about God And then the events of this world intrude, sickness, issues, pressure...and this little moment of goodness gets swamped...I can't change the world, but I can be kind to those around me, where I live, where I work, where I worship. I can choose to contribute to causes and organizations that do work on a bigger scale...and I can make myself available to God to make a difference here...or somewhere... We, His people, are the ones to show the earth is filled with His love... #lovepeople #choose

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34 NIV Uni exam season is upon us, but whether we're a student or not, when the pressures of life come on its so easy to lose sight of 2 things: 1. The big picture. God's kingdom. The way He wants us to live. Seek that first, not the success of the world. 2. Deal with today's issues, the things you can influence without getting too caught up in what's next. We can't change yesterday, and can only influence tomorrow by what we do today #seekfirst #sunday #worship #inthistogether

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation-since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. James 1:9-11 NIV I have this view of people that is hard to shake. That those who have achieved a lot in this world are worth more. Yes make the most of your gifts talents & opportunities Do gr8 work, invent create  prosper & thrive But one day it all goes back in the box and we're all equal before God He is interested in our character & heart So I ask Him to help me see people as He sees them

Friday! Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home. Proverbs 27:8 NASB The word "wander" here is "nadad": to retreat, flee, depart, stray, wander, flutter Apart from flutter, these are not positive words when it comes to leaving. We retreat, flee, depart, stray & just wander away from relationships, church's, friends, jobs, marriages...just like a bird needs a nest so we need to belong. Yet rather than commit we often wander off for negative reasons. We need community, and when the going gets tough maybe retreating or fleeing is not the answer... If you travel, find a new church, get a new job, study, move town or country, choose to for positive reasons... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #dontjustwanderoff

... I will show you the most excellent way... Love, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:4 Boasting is the outward expression of pride. A difficult thing to manage in this age of achievement, of celebrity...sometimes it's hard to celebrate good things that are done without it at least seeming prideful and boasting.  Can we take pride in work well done? In qualifications achieved? In successful deals? For ourselves and others? The way of Love is not at the expense of others. Maybe we don't have enough English words...the meaning here is about not bragging, and not being "puffed up" with our own success. So yes celebrate your own and others success...but take care where it impacts on others and the state of our hearts... #loveis

Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things, he said. He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead. Luke 9:21-22 nlt So the disciples have figured out who Jesus really is. Why would he then say "don't tell anyone"? Maybe they don't really get what Jesus was all about. They were still expecting rescue from Roman rule, making things right in the external, in the now...because the next thing Jesus talks to them about is his death...how can he be a messiah, a saviour, yet die...so much more to learn... Yes a saviour. But yes a sacrifice. An atonement. #thisisourGod

Then he asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God!" Luke 9:20 NLT Peter nailed it. The Messiah. The one that God's people had been waiting for, and not just a man, but sent from God...wrapped up in that is the fully human yet fully God concept, sent from God to make a way...to be the way. Who do you say Jesus is? No matter where we are in our faith journey we need to keep answering that question for ourselves With Jesus it's personal, & so is our response to him... #whoisJesus #thewaythetruththelife

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them; Who do people say I am?Well, they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead Then he asked them; But who do you say I am? Peter replied... Luke 9:18-20 NLT This is the pivotal question in the Bible...who is Jesus? Is he a prophet, a wise teacher, or is he who he said he is... With Jesus it's always personal...its not your family, friends or church, but what you think and believe that's important Who do I say Jesus is? If you're not sure, then now's a good time to find out, because in this question there's a lot at stake... #whoisJesus

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. Love...does not demand it's own way... 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:5 NIV We've skipped a couple of important phrases but we'll come back to them...but this struck me today as God is Love, yet Love does not demand its own way...this is our God who loves us, yet does not demand. The creator of all loves so much that He puts aside demand, requirement, law ...for relationship. And that's how he asks us to reflect his character, by not demanding our way either... #thisisourGod #sunday #worship #loveis

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God...But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6 NLT Ok simple example. We looked at the most excellent way of Love that is Patient. Proverbs talks about the ant who stores up for winter. Waiting. Saving. Wisdom. What does our "world" say? Have it now. You deserve it, spend it before you earn it... It gets harder when it's forgiveness not revenge...love your enemies not just your friends...the challenge from James is are you & I really putting your trust in God's wisdom...in His way #somethingtochewon #watchoutforGeorgia

A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry. Proverbs 27:7 NLT So...is this just about food? On one level, yes it is. But maybe there's more...maybe if we are so well fed in our churches that we don't feel we need God...maybe if we just absorb without expending, without giving, we just get full...and sit. Yet the person without a Bible, without a great church, is hungry. Hungry for God. So if food is fuel for the body and we need to expend it, use it up by doing stuff, maybe our spiritual lives are the same... Expend yourself on the needs of others - is that Isaiah 58? The more we give out, the more input we realise we need, the more we need to learn to share with others... Or is this just about food? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us... And he will be called...Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT Peace Peace here is "Shalom" Shalom means completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. And Jesus is the prince of this. Have a think on those words... Complete Sound Welfare Peace This is one of the attributes of Jesus and what he's about in relation to us... When we greet someone with shalom, we're interested in them, how they really are, how we might be able to help And when we say goodbye with shalom we bless them with the knowledge that we care...that we love. And this is Jesus. #namesofJesus #peace #restore

...Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep...Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?...So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son... Luke 15:6, 8-8, 20 NLT That theme from Genesis of God seeking out those who are lost from him...searching in the dark, cold and difficult places in search of the lost, lonely, broken and hurt...and running with arms wide open to those who turn back to Him This is the massive love God has for us...and wants us to show to the world...to be His agents... #love #forgiveness #inthistogether #restore

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:7-9 NLT Covering up Hiding Running away... This is what we have done since the beginning of humanity...yet God was seeking out Adam and Eve, & He still seeks us, not just in our success and wins, He wants us warts and all, even in our failure, trips, mistakes. He wants us to be real. Uncovered Open Running towards Him #choose #inthistogether #youaredearlyloved 

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray... Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand... Philippians 4:6-7 nlt Peace here is the word "eirene" (to join, tie together into a whole) - properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). This promised peace is more than not being anxious, but points us to that full and final restoration that we will one day have, but God wants us to have a taste of now. Wholeness, when everything we are works together in the way it was designed...what we were created for... #peace #restore

I am a friend to anyone who fears you - anyone who obeys your commandments. Psalms 119:63 NLT I don't think there were denominations when this psalm was written, but there was God's people, those he chose to represent Him to the world, so maybe this is a very early missional statement that if you know God, we're on the same team regardless of our ethnic background, our religious heritage, & today, our denominational distinctives. So get to church today somewhere if you can...& connect with Gods people :) #sunday #worship #inthistogether

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. Love...does not envy... 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:4 NIV Let's not pretend this is easy. It's the 10th commandment, and if you look at the other 9 it plays a part when we break the other 9. Love and envy do not coexist. But that's God, who is love. In my world, in my heart, in my mind, the battle is on... The antidote? Be thankful - not just an attitude but an action. Actually count your blessings and the good things and people in your life. Do it. Be content Pray - ask God to replace envy with love, contentment and thankfulness Choose to be happy for the success of others. The more you do this the more genuine it becomes The "most excellent way" isn't always easy... #loveis #choose #thankfulness

Friday! Proverbs!Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 NLT It's hard to bring up difficult issues with those we care about & it can take a lot of courage...and has a lot of risk...but I think this is more about being on the receiving end of criticism or concern... Is it coming from a (sincere, real, genuine) friend? Then listen first for the heart...no matter what the criticism or issue this person loves me, cares for me, that's why they're taking the risk While I love compliments, this proverb says it's about the source...better to hear the hard things from someone on your team :) #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #watchoutforNamibia #wounds

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT Wisdom is more than knowledge...wisdom is more than making good choices or smart decisions, it's more than being able to write great assignment or pass exams...it's a life that is guided by the input of truth, the cumulative and growing blessing of good choices and decisions, the maturity to see beyond the moment...to know that even in hard or difficult times, or when tough choices have to be made, God's principles and truth are trustworthy...so ask for wisdom and our generous God will give it...and that wisdom may appear from unexpected sources... #faith #wisdom #generousGod

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT So let it grow, embrace it...feel your endurance growing as your faith is tested...it's like going for a run or a gym session...but for our faith! And the gym is the testing of our faith...feel the spiritual muscles of faith grow. That's quite a thing. When our endurance is complete (when is that?) that's a good place to get to What's testing your faith now? Unanswered prayer? Doubt? Silence? Fear? So let your endurance grow #faith

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3 NLT Great joy? Troubles? It's really hard to have a "joy" view of life when it's hard. In some arenas of life tho we do accept this and even look for it...in sports, or go tramping, or something where  we push ourselves...out of our comfort zone... when the going gets tough we find out more about ourselves... about the reserves we have. And win or lose there is a satisfaction, a joy in the effort, in the learning. And James says it's the same with our faith...in the testing comes endurance & in that there is joy... #faith #inthistogether

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17 NLT After telling the people off for their religious activity that missed completely it's purpose...God reveals His heart in this instruction...this is how I want you to live...this is where My heart is... The marginalised, hurt, lonely, disadvantaged... #truereligion #Godsheart

...And yet I will show you the most excellent way...love is kind. 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:4 NIV This has to be one of the simplist command in the Bible...yet...for some of us it's just so hard...getting my first response to be kind... My humour is sometimes not kind (sometimes not funny either), my judging of people is not kind, sometimes my words, tone, look...so my work on is to change my habit to be kind first. #loveis

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV I want to be prosperous and successful...but am I prepared to meditate on God's Word like that? Am I prepared to do what it says? The Bible is pretty serious about itself...so maybe I should take it a bit more seriously too... This passage says to Memorise it Meditate on it Obey it Then there is success...maybe my view of what success is will change too... #GodsWord #getyourarmouron

Friday!! Proverbs!! Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5 NIV What is this about? Is getting told off means at least I'm getting some attention? Maybe that's been your experience...that even negative attention is better than none... Maybe in this is a challenge for us to be more loving...not to hold back or speak negatively...but to encourage others more...to give others the opportunity to thrive, to flourish... What do you think? On the other side of every rebuke we give is there someone who really needs love? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 nlt God's Word is not just ordinary words on a page...somehow they can change us and "work" in us...for that to happen we need to Read it Memorise it Repeat it Meditate on it Apply it... #GodsWord #getinamongstit #getyourarmouron

1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:4 nlt ...But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all... Love is patient... OK let's stop right here. Patience is not something I'm great at, not something that comes naturally and yet it is the very first thing when it comes to love...so step#1 in loving others...be patient. What is patience? Waiting with a happy heart! Not faking it or waiting grudgingly, but choosing to be happy while waiting as an act of love... God is love...and he's definitely patient. May I show love to others by being patient... #loveis

Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God's grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:23-24 NLT In Nov 2013 we started Ephesians with    Paul telling us we are chosen, & loved...and he ends the letter with a blessing... You are chosen You are dearly loved And may God's peace reside in your heart... May God's grace always be on you. What a great way to be encouraged and warmed no matter what the challenges of today brings for you... #dearlyloved #chosen #ephesiansdoneanddusted

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.  When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. Matthew 26:6-8 NIV After 3 years with Jesus they still didn't get it...the thinking of the world is turned upside down and the giving of the best we have, the most beautiful...giving that back to Jesus...that's not waste...that's worship...worship of our King who wants only our heart. The world won't get it, our families might not get it, even some in our church won't get it, but keep giving of your best, for the Audience of One #audienceofone

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV How often do we pray for our pastors, church leaders and our teachers & preachers, worship leaders? No matter who they are they need our prayers...Paul, after all he has done and experienced still asks for prayer that he'll have no fear. Being up front makes you vulnerable, exposed... Fearless in sharing the gospel. Maybe we all need that... I'm gonna find out who is preaching at my church today and pray that they'll be fearless in sharing God's word today. Will you do that too? #sunday #fearless #loveyourchurch

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV What's the first thing Paul says to do once we've got our armour on? Pray. And when we pray have space to listen to God's Spirit... Pray whatever our circumstances...good or bad... And talk to God about anything! That's cool :) But keep praying for people...don't lose sight of the people in your life and keep praying for them, on their behalf, with them... #getyourarmouron #pray #inthistogether

Friday!! Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4 NIV Wow. For all the pain and hurt of anger it's not as bad as jealousy! So often the pangs of jealousy start with comparing...comparing what I look like, what I have, what I can do, what I've achieved... with you. Comparison is the thief of Joy. The antidote? Choose to be genuinely happy for others when good things happen to or for them. And choose to be content with who you are. These are disciplines that we need to keep working on, but they're worth it... You & I are accepted, secure & significant in the eyes of our Creator #dearlyloved #choose #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 NIV Our key piece of protection is salvation :) No matter what I am safe in God's love and His ultimate protection. No matter what I do, or what I've done, or had done to me, God won't love me less. And the only weapon mentioned is the Word. Jesus, God personified  is the Word. God expresses Himself thru his revelation, the Word, & here it is not my sword, but the sword of the Spirit... God is with us in every way... Truth Righteousness Gospel of peace Faith Salvation The Word #with #getyourarmouron

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 NIV What we believe is critical when attacks, trouble, doubts come our way, and they will... Faith here is like a shield so that those things that would bring us down bounce off. "Flaming arrows" are scary but they can be put out. What we believe about God, who He is, is important. Shields in those days were locked together to protect the whole group and allow them to advance. Faith is often stronger in community...so if u move town or country getting into a faith community is critical. Get locked in #inthistogether #loveyourchurch #faith #getyourarmouron

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV Giving is good. Disciplining ourselves is good too...but it's our heart that God is interested in...without our heart being oriented by love, it's just religion...just noise...we don't give to gain points with God, we don't practice spiritual disciplines to make ourselves more holy...because all of that work was accomplished by Jesus on our behalf. So give because you want to, because your heart hurts for those who's needs are greater, get up early and pray because you want to...because you want communion with God... #notreligion #loveGod #lovepeople #inthistogether

Acts 2:37-38 niv When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, Brothers, what shall we do?  Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ... Every one of you...Peter had unpacked who Jesus was, what his death was all about, & when the people heard that the question was - what do we do? Repent. Change direction. Step towards God in faith not away from Him And be baptized. Every one of you. If you've never been baptized then why not now? If you have been baptised, think back to that event and the significance of it... #baptism #somethingtochewon

Ephesians 6:14-15 Stand firm then...with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Why do we need our shoes on? 'Cos we need to be ready to go...go out... and this readiness comes from knowing the gospel, the gospel that about peace and for peace, both in the world...and in your soul... So be ready...to go...across the room, across town or across the world :) #getyourarmouron #faith

Matthew 25.37-40.niv ...Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you... sick or in prison and go to visit you?  The King will reply... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me... The overlooked,  abandoned, disadvantaged and marginalised can be found in our own families, our town, or around the world...but everything we do for them, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant is an expression of grace in and to this world, and an act of worship to our God Whether you give some money, time, use your vocation, skills, we can all be agents of grace #lovepeople #agentofgrace

Friday!! Proverbs 27.3.niv Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. What weighs you down? The writer here must have someone in his life who keeps going on, keeps nudging him about something... a failure, a mistake, the way he looks or dresses...maybe it's someone who is always sarcastic, makes those cutting remarks...and it's weighing him down to the point where it would be easier to be carry sand and stone... Don't be that person in someone else's life... #buildeachotherup #lovepeople #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Ephesians 6.14.niv Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place... How do we get this righteousness in place? Only through faith in Jesus and what He did for us...not what we have done or will do, not by being "good", but by the saving grace of Jesus. So strap that on. And if you've never done that, just talk to God about it. Accept the righteousness that comes with faith in Jesus as your saviour...nothing that we do can add or take away from the righteousness we have in Jesus :) #getyourarmouron #faith #Jesus #jesusatthecentre #nootherway

Ephesians 6.14.niv Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist... When the pressure comes on us, we often waver about what we believe...what we think is true...so the first piece of armour is to know the Truth. Buckle God's word to your body! What we believe is true shouldn't change with our circumstances or our feelings...so knowing God's word for ourselves is critical So read it, study it, listen to it, memorize it...buckle it on... #getyourarmouron #inthistogether

Ephesians 6.11.niv Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. So that...this armour of God is not to look good, but it's so that we can take our stand...there's going to be a time or times when we need to stand and we're going to need some armour. The devil's schemes seems to imply cunning and sneaky means to get to us...not some in your face and obvious thing...when someone is scheming against us they are working away at strategies and ideas to find our weaknesses...so we need our armour on... #getyourarmouron #inthistogether

Ephesians 6.10-11.niv Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God... After all Paul has talked about...the church, how we should live, thanksgiving and prayer...he links all that with his final instructions for the battle with a call to be strong in the Lord. Don't let your faith in Him waver. Keep digging, keep searching out the answers to your questions, but remain strong in Him. Trust that He is who He says He is & that it's His story that we are in... #inthistogether #strengthforthejourney

1 Corinthians 13.2.niv If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. Lots of good christian activity here... prophecy, discernment, knowledge, faith...but Paul gives it all a zero without love. At every turn God wants us to know what motivates Him...love...love in action that brought Jesus to earth for me and you Love in action that took on my sin Love in action that still bears the scars for me #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #loveinaction

Romans 1.13.niv I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you... If Paul's plans can be upset (& more than once) then it can certainly happen to us as well. He clearly really wanted to get to Rome but circumstances intervened. How do we handle disappointment and changed circumstances? When our  plans don't work out? Paul was one to preservere, to push on...and always with a view to his mission - sharing the gospel and encouraging churches... The message we often hear is about personal breakthrough, my development, my goals, but for Paul it's God's goals that he pushes for... #somethingtochewon #purpose

Joshua 1.9.niv Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Three times God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua was Moses aid, trained to take over the leadership, so it wasn't that he didn't get it, didn't understand... he must have needed strength & courage for what he had to face, what he had to do... If it's OK for Joshua to be afraid, then it's OK for us too... God doesn't say "I'll just fix it for you Josh", He says "I'll be with you, through it..." Whatever you face today, don't be discouraged, our God is with you :) #strengthforthejourney #with

Psalm 119.62.niv At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. What gets you out of bed in the middle of the night?I've been up for the All Blacks...someone is ill...but to pray? How is my faith reflected in my schedule? My every day activities? The psalmist is good with giving up some sleep just to be thankful. Thankful for God's word that speaks into his life. I'm not a great pray-er so sometimes structure helps, but God doesn't want religion (I must get up at midnight to pray) but our hearts (I love God and I'm happy to talk with Him anytime) #bethankful #nothingspecialaboutmidnight #loveGod

1 Corinthians 13.1.niv If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Ouch I can have all the answers, whether it's spiritual or not, I can have all the right words to say, have done the research, got the degree...I can be a pastor, preacher, missionary, been to bible college...but don't love, then it's all just noise. Not music. Just noise. Father in heaven, help me to love the people in front of me, the people in my life, 'cos at times that's hard. They can be annoying, frustrating, hurtful...& sometimes my enemy. But you call me to love them. All. I can't do that on my own, help me to see people as you do. Help me not to be more noise in the world #lovepeople #inthistogether

Ephesians 6.9.niv ...And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him Are you a boss? A manager? Responsible for staff or other employees? A leader? If not today then maybe you will in the future...this verse starts with "in the same way" which is the previous verses about working for God, serving wholeheartedly, doing good work. Same then if your in charge...plus, don't threaten & don't play favourites... In God's economy we are all equal, rich, poor, powerful, weak, & the message is clear here if your in charge, use your authority and leadership in line with how God sees people #lovepeople #boss

Romans 1.11-12.ESV For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. We need each other. Paul is hanging out to reconnect with the church in Rome, he's got things he wants to share, but he also wants to know what's been happening in their lives, how God has been at work, because this mutual building each other up is important. We need to hear each others stories of faith, struggle, doubt, challenge,  joy, victory, heartache, discouragement, love...and hope. That's what our christian community is about, not something we consume, but somewhere we are mutually encouraged. #loveyourchurch #inthistogether

Matthew 7.13-14.niv Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Jesus is not talking about  how we live, but who we choose. HE is the small gate, the narrow road, & we need to choose Him. Going with the crowd, going the way that seems easy...is not the path to Life. 2 things today: 1. The narrow road does not promise health, wealth & an easy journey. It may turn out to be bumpy, rough & dangerous. Are we up for that? (Knowing our destination helps!) 2. How good a signpost am I towards the small gate & the narrow road that is Life? #jesusatthecentre #life #wordsofJesus #beattitudes

Friday!! Proverbs 27.1.niv Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. While thinking about and planning for the future is important, if we are "living" in the potential success of the future, in the "when I get my job/ promotion/ degree/ house/ baby/ car/ overseas trip/ inheritance/ holiday/ ... then I'll be happy/ sorted/ able to give/ able to help others...and we lose sight of the now, the people who are in front of us, the needs we can meet, the love we can give...now. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. It's not discarding our plans or dreams for the future as they often need investment today, but don't forget to live today...to enjoy the people in your life today, to love others...today #proverbs #wisdom

Psalms 119.61.nlt Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. Making good decisions isn't always easy...and the opinion of others influences us sometimes directly (come out with us, take this job, invest in this...) and sometimes indirectly (marketing, trends, social media...) On what are we basing our decisions? What is our anchor of truth? God's Word is what the psalmist is looking to and where we should look too...to anchor our thinking in an increasingly  murky world where decisions and consequences are not always clear... Dig into the Word for yourself, find the principles that might apply, anchor in the Truth. You may find clear instruction...and you may find great freedom... #loveGod #lovepeople

Ephesians 6.5-8.msg Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Work can be a challenging place, & we all have to do it at some time in our lives...Paul calls us here to do good work, no matter what our occupation or vocation, work hard to the best of our ability because our work reflects our Creator & has value to Him #dogoodwork