verseoftheday

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 NIV One if the ways we keep from being polluted by the world is coming together as a christian community to worship...so don't stop doing that :) But this is a reflection of Jesus command to Love God (keep pure - gotta know God, his Word) & love people (the widows and orphans were the poor, the marginalised, the discarded, the looked-down-on) As there is no prescription about "how" here...how are you and I living this out? #james #keepingitreal #sunday #worship #thisisourGod

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry... James 1:19 NIV Live generously. Usually we associate that with money or material things...but this verse came up this week in the context of relationships & being generous with one another... Choose to live generously by listening not speaking...giving others space to talk without judgement or having to give answers or solutions. Live generously by chosen to let go of things that annoy us about others... If God loves me and allows me to have my say,  then I can do the same for you... Who do you and I need to be generous to? #james #keepingitreal #inthistogether #loveinaction #liveagenerouslife

Friday! Proverbs... Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Proverbs 27:23-24 NIV But I don't have any flocks or herds...or do I? This is saying don't take your business or your job for granted. Know what's going on in your business, your area of work...keep up, keep learning. Look after your health - 'cos that helps you earn a living...develop your mind, your thinking... Take stock The world changes and something valuable or powerful today may not be tomorrow... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #takestock

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV The word here for tight rein literally means to lead with a bridle...like a horse... A horse is a powerful creature that can charge off...just like our tongue... Yet when constrained with a bridle the horse goes where the rider wants, gets direction and purpose... Our words are powerful, they can hurt, deceive, damage and destroy, but they can also bring life, give courage, uplift and motivate. You choose. #james #keepingitreal #inthistogether

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25 NIV Sometimes doing what is right is just hard. We are under pressure, things are not going right...but James encourages us to stick with it, to hang in there with God, to follow his direction even when we just feel like chucking it and walking away... With James it's about action - don't just keep the faith when it's hard, work it out in action...keep serving, keep loving, keep giving out...and somehow...sometime...blessing will follow :) #james #keepingitreal #inthistogether #loveinaction

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says... But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22, 25 NIV The law that gives freedom. Not just any law, but God's perfect law...that's where true freedom is found. The full reflection of God's perfect law is found in Jesus - & maybe that's why he had such trouble with the rule making Pharisees who wanted their own law to be the thing... In Jesus we have freedom. Jesus boiled the law down to 2 things Love God Love People Do that...& there is freedom... #james #keepingitreal #loveGod #lovepeople #dontjustlisten

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom... James 1:22-25 NIV Grab a verse, flick thru a chapter...move on... James says - look intently - with earnest and eager attention! Look closely, observe, think about the context, what was going on in the world at the time... Meditate. What does God have to say to me about this? My life? My choices? Read it with intent. Study it. Think about it. Let it work on you #james #keepingitreal #dontjustlisten #lookintently

The word of the Lord came to Jonah...Go to the great city of Nineveh... But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish... Jonah 1:1-3 NIV Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time... Jonah 3:1 NIV Ever done a runner from God? Chosen to go in a different direction? Chosen to do what you know isn't right? In Ch 3 we see God calls Jonah a second time...our God is one of second chances. He comes again with a new word, a new opportunity to come back, to get back on track with Him...to return. He is a God of second chances. No matter how far you've run... And if He gives second chances...so should we... #onourside #grace #dearlyloved #nomatterwhat #thisisourGod #sunday #worship

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV James on Thursday said to simply do what God's word says...and these verses are always my start point Be patient Be kind Don't be envious of others Don't boast Don't dishonour others Don't fly off the handle Don't keep a record of wrongs... If I'm at 100% in all of these, there's plenty more in The Word for me...what about you? #loveGod #lovepeople #keepitsimple #hidethewordinyourheart

You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle. Proverbs 27:22 NLT I'm feeling a bit like that today...some responses are so ingrained that tho I want to stop responding like that - I just can't. Grinding away...beating on ourselves...no...a change in the heart, at our core, what we really believe about ourselves, what God says is the truth about us (know the truth and it will set you free) Chosen Redeemed Loved No matter who we are No matter what we've done Knowing that in the core of our being...that's what moves someone from being a fool... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #truthwillsetyoufree #dearlyloved #chosen #redeemed

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT How often do I come away from church with "that was a great sermon" but nothing changes...or read a passage from the Bible and then ignore it... James outlook is simple. Listen to God's word. Do what it says. Why can't we just do that? #loveGod #lovepeople #hello2016 #keepitsimple #hidethewordinyourheart

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord , the King! Psalms 98:4-6 NLT Shouting Loud Music !!! exclamation marks everywhere... Praise God OUT LOUD. Yes there is meditation and quiet and reflection...but there's also sing your heart out, play it loud worship...sometimes when we just sing our hearts out something good happens... #summerrain #refreshed #psalms #psalm98 #singanewsong #singitloud

He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful... Psalms 98:3 NLT Sometimes it doesn't feel like God remembers us at all...sometimes our circumstances shout louder and loom larger than anything...even God it seems. But no. We are not forgotten. We are not lost. He is faithful even when we are not. He chose. Chose to make a way when it would have been easier to turn away Chose to give when He didn't have to. Chose to love even tho it cost... Chose to remember. Remember you and me. #summerrain #refreshed #psalms #psalm98 #singanewsong

Sing a new song to the Lord , for he has done wonderful deeds... Psalms 98:1 NLT Have you ever written down how God has worked in your life or in the lives of others? Take some time to record your thoughts on God, his goodness...maybe it will come out as poetry, as a song...or not...but it will be music in God's ear...and it will be a "new song" Regardless of your circumstances today...write down His deeds today... #summerrain #refreshed #psalms #psalm98 #singanewsong

My Jesus, my Saviour Lord, there is none like You All of my days, I want to praise The wonders of Your mighty love My comfort, my shelter Tower of refuge and strength Let every breath, all that I am Never cease to worship You Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing Power and majesty, praise to the King Mountains bow down and the seas will roar At the sound of Your name I sing for joy at the work of Your hands Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand Nothing compares to the promise I have in You Nothing compares to the promise I have in You #hymns #oldschool #nothingcompares #lookup #sunday #worship #sing #psalm98 #Godssongbook

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven... Philippians 1:27 NLT If you get the opportunity to travel...go... And when you're away overseas you always know that you have a place called "home", a country you belong in...and when travelling in a way we represent our country & what it's about. Paul says to live as a citizen of heaven! A place to call "home", & a place we represent...represent what heaven is about...how well am I representing the kingdom? I've got a home...and one day I'm going there... #represent #kingdomvalues #loveGod #lovepeople #onedayIamgoinghome

Friday! Proverbs! Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. Proverbs 27:21 NLT Praise, a bit of fame, pinterest followers, FB likes...just like extreme heat tests gold, praise tests our character... Wow. But I like to be thanked, thought well of, words of encouragement are good aren't they? The danger is when I start looking for the recognition, wondering where the thanks and praise is, checking for the "likes"...doing things so that I get the praise... How am I handling being praised? And when we are praising others maybe avoid the simple "You're Awesome" & connect our thanks or praise to what they did or said..."thanks for sharing your thoughts on...it encouraged me" #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture:  'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' " Matthew 9:12-13 NLT If Jesus is telling his disciples to figure this verse out then so should we... Given the context (see yesterday's txt) I think Jesus is saying don't let your religious practice, your christian activity,  the way you do things at church or in your life - good and right though they may be - make you lose sight of the person in front if you - the person. People are not collections of labels and categories we put them in... but are so important that they are the reason Jesus came - all of us...so we need to show and live a mercy filled life. What do you think? #mercynotsacrifice #wordsofJesus #whatdoesitmeantoday?

...when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do." Matthew 9:11-12 NLT Ouch. Jesus is clear - I'm here for the people you see as scum. I love them. That's my mission. How are you and I doing with that? These words have fuelled Christians for generations to go across the room, across town, across the world to be Jesus to those who need the doctor... sometimes that person is right in front of us... Look out for the one in front of you today... #lovepeople #bringJesusalong #wordsofJesus #hello2016

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" Matthew 9:10-12 NLT Not only did Matthew keep hanging out with his mates, but it was noticed and noted by the religious leaders...they thought these people not worthy of their time or input... While it can be hard to maintain good relationships with people who's values are different from yours, don't walk away from people just because they don't fit the mold, if others look down on them...sometimes we're too easily influenced by what others think... #lovepeople #bringJesusalong #hello2016

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. Matthew 9:10 NLT Matthew met Jesus, (became a christian - a Christ follower) but just kept on meeting with his mates...his day to day activity was the same...but...he bought Jesus along. How do we bring Jesus along in our day-to-day stuff we have to do? It's more than an attitude towards others, but how we actually see people... How can I bring Jesus along today...?? #dearlyloved #inthistogether #bringJesusalong #hello2016

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9 NIV We follow people on FB, instagram, twitter...we read people's blogs, articles, books...watch their tv shows or Youtube channels... When we say we follow Jesus...is it just the same? Matthew was called and he got up and followed...something fundamental changed. Jesus was not just one voice of many, not just an influence in his life, but much more. This year, will you and I really follow Jesus wherever He calls? Will His voice be not just one amongst many, but The voice we follow? #hello2016 #newyearnewdirections #followJesus #sunday #worship

Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse... Psalm 65:4 MSG When God's people gather together in his house - good things can happen... What do we expect when we go to church? When we gather to praise and honour Him, when we sing our hearts out, pray together, learn from the Word, refreshment like summer rain can come Don't go to church this year out of duty or habit but with joy, expectation and hope... #psalms #psalm65 #summerrain #refreshed #hoperestored

Friday! Proverbs :) Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20 NLT The never ending cycle of violence and destruction that flows around the world are compared here to our own hearts...we just want more... better... bigger... death & destruction are never satisfied & neither are we! Being satisfied, content, OK...this does not come from having, owning, possessing, but from knowing we belong, are loved, redeemed, forgiven... From that base our passion and activity should flow... Paul says "I have learned to be content..." it didn't just happen but takes study, thinking... And when we are content (yay) it's a battle to stay there... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #dearlyloved #inthistogether

You are the hope of everyone on earth...You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Psalms 65:5, 7 NLT Ever felt like you're getting pounded? It's not just one problem but they compound... wave after wave... Or maybe it's conflict - the shouting of the nation's may be closer to home... David is clear in this song - his God - & our God - brings hope in every situation. One day there will be peace, one day all will be made new...we know how the story ends and in that we have hope This is a song from God's song book, a song of hope, restoration, renewal...in the warm summer rain of our God & saviour #psalms #psalm65 #summerrain #refreshed #hoperestored #inthistogether

...You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. Psalms 65:5 NLT Refreshment comes from restored hope...even those who sail on distant seas...those who are a long way from God...seemingly out of sight...but no. We are always in His field of view & no matter how far we've drifted, or chosen to go, He welcomes us back No matter who you are, no matter what you've done, & no matter what's been done to you...let Him restore your hope... #psalms #psalm65 #summerrain #hope #hoperestored

You drench the plowed ground with rain... Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. Psalms 65:3, 10 NLT We get refreshment thru cancelled sin...to forgive is to cancel or to cover over - like the plow turns over the earth - all our sins are covered. Cancelled. We are not the sum of our past actions, thoughts or sins, but are refreshed and renewed by the saving grace that comes thru Jesus. Father in heaven, thank you for the forgiveness of my sin - cancelled once and for all by Jesus sacrifice for me - covered by His blood. Thank you for the refreshment this brings...like summer rain. #psalms #psalm65 #summerrain #refreshed #forgiven

You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops... Ps 65 v 10 At church on Sunday the teaching was Ps 65 and God's refreshment & renewel which is like the warm summer rain on the land... The first way God refreshes is thru answered prayer V2...for you answer our prayers. V5...You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds... Maybe right now you're waiting on God in prayer...maybe answered prayers come to mind which refresh your soul like summer rain refreshes the land... Thank God today for answered prayer and remain faith full that He will continue to hear our prayers... #psalms #psalm65 #summerrain #refreshed

Our Father everlasting The all creating One God Almighty Through Your Holy Spirit Conceiving Christ the Son Jesus our Savior Our Judge and our Defender Suffered and crucified Forgiveness is in You Descended into darkness You rose in glorious life Forever seated high I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in one I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the name of Jesus I believe in life eternal I believe in the virgin birth I believe in the saints' communion And in Your holy Church I believe in the resurrection When Jesus comes again For I believe in the name of Jesus #hello2016 #sunday #worship #hymns #whatdoyoubelieve #creed #believe #thisisourGod

Jesus repeated the question: Simon son of John, do you love me? Yes, Lord, Peter said, you know I love you. Then take care of my sheep, Jesus said. John 21:16 NLT New Year resolutions. Made any? Peter met Jesus at the start of a new time, a new era...this is the resurrected Jesus. And what does he ask? Peter, look out for people. They matter to me...if you love me, resolve to strengthen encourage and teach my people... So often our new year resolutions are about us. With Jesus it's about others. Maybe we should make others the focus of our new year resolve... #somethingtochewon #wordsofJesus #resolution #lovepeople

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NLT Nothing. Zip. Nada...can separate us from God's love...the actions of others, our fears & anxieties, things we may have done...nothing. God's love for us is bigger, better, stronger than anything! As we head into a new year may we never lose sight of this truth... #inseparable #nomatterwhat #jesusatthecentre #hello2016