verseoftheday

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

Philippians 1.27.niv Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Standing firm, striving together as one...is that a picture of my church? It's so easy to see church as something we consume...we pick and choose what we like...we're critical...complaining...but Paul is saying here your christian community is important, the pressure is going to come on you as individuals or as a community and you're going to need each other. If you're not committed to a small group or to a local church...jump in :) #loveyourchurch #inthistogether

Philippians 1.27-28.niv Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...then I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit... without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you There will be opposition. Both to our faith individually and as this was written to the church...as a body. Soon after this was written a new round of persecution was unleashed on the church by Nero. Whatever happens. What will our culture be like in 20, 30 years from now? Will it still be OK to be a christian in NZ? Conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus. He went to the cross. Could I do that? When opposition comes the manner of the gospel is love. Let's stand firm in that. #nomatterwhat #inthistogether

Hebrews 1.1-3.niv In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Jesus who met people where they were at, who brought healing, compassion, forgiveness...who wept over the death of his friend...who wants justice for the marginalsed and hurting...he is the exact representation of God! #Jesus #jesusatthecentre #thisisourGod #sunday #worship

Ephesians 6.4.nlt Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Why is this directed at Dads? Because we can so easily slip into a legalistic, rules, because I said so...and completely lose sight of the love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice that is our heavenly father...shown to us in the person of Jesus...so whether your earthly Dad was full of these beautiful things or not...your heavenly Dad is...and He has a place for you :) #dearlyloved #nomatterwhat #dontforgetit :)

Friday!! Proverbs 15.33.amp The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honour. When we want something we usually have to exchange something for it...time, money, labour, effort...I want to be wise, & Solomon here gives the exchange formula...it's the reverent and worshipful fear of God...how often do I do that? Maybe for an hour on Sunday? And then that little gem to end ch15...humility comes before honour...something to ponder this chilly Friday... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #wisdom #humility #honour

Philippians 1.6-11.nlt And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you... I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return... Good things happen in community. Good work is done for those around us. Out of community our love should spill out, overflow out to those around us... Our knowledge should grow. We should be learning from our church. Understand what really matters...not just to gain knowledge, but to live it out...be authentic in our faith...living it out...this all happens in community #inthistogether #getconnected

Philippians 1.5-7.nlt ...you have been my partners in spreading the Good News...You share with me the special favour of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. Partnership Sharing This life was designed to be lived in community When we all share our gifts talents skills and resources, when we partner in tasks and mission, when we look out for those who need support and a hand up...the church, our church, should be a model to the world... #inthistogether #loveyourchurch

Philippians 1.4-8.nlt Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy...So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart...God knows how much I love you and long for you... Paul is in prison. But when he thinks about his church community, it makes him smile :) When I think about mine, about the people in my small group, about those who invest so much into the life of the community, about those who give so much for the needs of others, of those who have responsibility to lead, to teach...it makes me smile too... Maybe I need to thank them a bit more, encourage them a bit more, pray for and with them a bit more... #inthistogether #loveyourchurch

Phillipians 1.3.nlt Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God... This has been written to his church...the Christian life is best lived in community...and when we think of that community it should make us smile:) Father in heaven, thanks for my church, thanks for the wonderful people who are there, the encouragement I get...thanks too that tho we're far from perfect, each one a bit knocked around in some way, sometimes strong and able to help, at other times needing a hand, a shoulder, a friend...thanks that You have made us for community, and together we reflect more of You. #givethanksforyourchurch #inthistogether

Isaiah 41.9-10.nlt ...For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you... No matter what we are afraid of, what are struggling with, what s draining us of courage or strength, our God has chosen us, will not discard us...so no matter what my circumstances are, or what my feelings tell me, I choose to believe this. God is for me. He's on my side. He'll never leave me. One day, all will be made new. Because. He. Loves. #sunday #worship #thisisourGod

Ephesians 6.1-2.nlt Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. "Honor your father and mother" This is the first commandment with a promise... One of my favourite parenting verses haha...but the principle of doing what is right just because we are Christians should permeate everything that we do. The first challenge is to honour our parents. For some this is easy...for others your parents may be a source of hurt...or they have made poor choices in life...but somehow we need to step onto the path that leads to forgiveness, & in that forgiving, not only are these verses are lived out, but it leads to peace in our hearts. #stepstopeace #honour #forgiveness

Friday!! Proverbs 15.32.nlt If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Thanks Solomon...discipline, correction, understanding...I want the last one without having the other two... Don't reject discipline...accept it...take it on...we all have disciplines already...exercise...maybe just getting up in the morning...what are some disciplines that I know would make a big difference in my life if only I did them? I hear correction...but do I really listen? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

John 15.4-5.ESV Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches... Further back in John 15 and we have more about abiding. And it's described like a vine and branches. The branch has no life on its own. It needs the vine. The branch is physically joined to the vine for this to work. How are we joined? Through God's Spirit living in us... If this wasn't important Jesus wouldn't have spoken at such length about it...abiding in Jesus...letting the Spirit give life...speak life...in us... And this is where fruit, kingdom fruit, comes from as God speaks life into others... #abide #joined #wordsofJesus #life

John 15.9-11.ESV As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Let's go back a bit in John 15 and here Jesus links obedience with joy...and the link is "abiding" To dwell in, to make your home in...to be at home in...the love of God...to make our home there...not reliant on the things of this world...maybe that's why Jesus never had a house or a car or got married...yet his joy was full #abide #abideinHislove #wordsofJesus

John 15.12-14.ESV This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you. Is that a literal "lay down my life"? Love One Another But the way Jesus loved was not easy...he listened, he taught, encouraged, healed, questioned, challenged...but he also hung out with people, went to parties...he withstood temptation...and ultimately gave himself for those He loves...you & me. Am I prepared to give a dollar, a meal, a bed, a coat...my time, my talents...am I prepared to risk ridicule and rejection by being clear about my faith? Am I prepared to use my gifts, education, vocation for God's glory? #wordsofJesus

John 15.14.nlt You are my friends if you do what I command. It's not long before Jesus was crucified, and he has a long discussion with his team, the disciples, that starts with Jesus washing their feet...and in the middle are these challenging words that echo down the centuries...you're my friends if you do what I command...kind of makes you take a more serious look at what Jesus tells us to do... #wordsofJesus #challenging

Romans 1.8-9.nlt ...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God... In reply to an email asking  "will you pray for me during this..." the reply came back "I already am praying for you" What an awesome response this person got from their friend. Paul was passionate about the people in the church in Rome, knew their needs, and kept praying for them. Be that friend. Pray for one another. For each others real needs Be thankful for the people in your life Make it a habit of it We can all do this if we choose to... #pray #habits #lovepeople

Psalms 119.60.nlt I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Oh yep...how often do I know what's right yet delay...hold off...we have so much great teaching in our churches, resources at our fingertips yet... My favourite commands starts with; Love is Patient  Kind Keeps no record of wrongs... If only I just hurried, without delay, to obey those commands...my world & the world of those around me would be so much better... What's yours? #psalms #psalm119 #choose