verseoftheday

"Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do". Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matthew 9:12-23 NLT One of the ongoing battles Jesus fought was with people who believed that they could save themselves... If they kept the rules, were good, did the right things all the time, that thru their own efforts they'd be good enough... It's only when we know we can't get there, that only Jesus gets us there, that we find peace #wordsofJesus #inthistogether #weareallthesame

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice...' " Matthew 9:12-13 NIV Ouch. I go to church on Sunday, give money, help out at... but Jesus is always interested in our heart - the why - his quote is from Hosea 6 where God compares his people's love to the morning dew that just disappears... He wants our hearts as much on Monday as on Sunday Go and learn...this is not a lesson that is instant, just change this, fix that... It's a heart orientation towards God that finds its expression in the love for others... #itsallabouttheheart #loveGod #lovepeople #wordsofJesus #mercywins

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick..." Matthew 9:11-12 NIV Not sure why Jesus answers a question aimed at the disciples... Maybe he knew they'd have no idea and wanted to teach them something too... That Jesus mission was not about them, not about those who are already right with God, but about those who are lost, missing, who don't know... This is Jesus heart, and needs to be ours too... #whoneedsadoctor #wordsofJesus

Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus followers. 'What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?' Matthew 9:10-11 MSG Lit into Jesus! Gotta love the Message! So easy to judge from what we see on the outside... the Pharisees were more interested in the rules (the rules not only gave them power, but if you keep them, that makes you righteous) and completely missed Jesus heart and purpose... He came for those who need a saviour... The question is 'what is my heart and purpose and does it match Jesus'? #purpose

Friday! Already! Take your stand with God's loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die. God cant stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity. Count on this: The wicked wont get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph. Proverbs 11:19-21 MSG Where we live is important. Get connected to a Christian community How we live is important. Living with integrity to God's word, not chasing the false promises of this world... Knowing how it ends is important...because it gives the suffering and hardship of this life meaning #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #faith #hope #live

A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it... James 3:3-6 MSG We all have this power to speak life to others or not...every day we get to choose the words we use...and don't use #james #keepingitreal #speaklife

... Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:1-2 NLT We all make mistakes. None of us get it right all the time But...if we've got areas in our lives where we need more self control then perhaps we should start with our words...(& for me it's not just what I say but how I say how...tongue and tone!) Not that this is in an excuse for saying things we shouldn't but James is a realist and knows that none of us are perfect. As parents teaching self control with words was one of the most challenging yet worthwhile things to both teach and learn... Can I be perfect? No. Better? Yes! And what we learn controlling our words may well translate to other areas of our lives #james #keepingitreal

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes... James 3:1-2 NLT Our pastors, church leaders, worship leaders, Bible teachers...they already have plenty of pressure on... & now Paul piles on a bit more... The easy thing is for us to be critical of those who are leading... But we could choose to be encouraging. Flick the people who were up front at church on Sunday a text or email or WhatsApp or whatever... They need to know that we're on their team :) Just like Paul they probably already know when they've made a mistake so choose to encourage... #lovepeople #beanencourager

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 Follow me. Doesn't get much simpler than that... Sometimes we complicate Christianity, church, put pressure on ourselves to be perfect...to always get it right... But Jesus simply says "follow me" I want you on my team too... follow me This is the path to real life...follow me I love you. Follow me. #wordsofJesus

But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute...and she lives among the Israelites to this day. Joshua 6:25 NIV Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab... Matthew 1:5 NIV Some think that Salmon was one of the spies Rahab saved (which would be a cute story) Rahab was saved by Joshua keeping the promise that was made, got married & became part of the royal line that led to Jesus. The foreign prostitute is in Jesus direct line. In his DNA. Faith Redemption Restoration This is grace...the grace that is freely given to all! No matter what you've done...no matter what you've become...come home... #grace #sunday #worship #thisisourGod

By faith the prostitute Rahab... Hebrews 11:31 NIV Rahab put her faith into action & ended up listed with the "big" names of the Bible in Hebrews 11. Recent images of one of the stolen girls in Nigeria who was found with her baby but she is now shunned by her own people... Who do we judge as quickly? The depressed, the poor, the refugee, the addict, the prostitute? We've all made poor choices somewhere, but for some the consequences are just more visible... We don't know if Rahab was forced into prostitution or chose it, but we do know her faith in the God saved her... No matter what you've done... No matter what you've become... Come home God's love and grace towards all of us is... #beyondwords

Friday! Proverbs! A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18 NIV Occupation x heart = ? Those who are oriented away from God - towards self - the answer maybe the wealth if this world. But no matter how solid that looks, it really is fleeting...and we can't take ANY of it with us. Those who are oriented towards God - & so towards others the rewards will follow into eternity in the hearts and lives of others...riches in heaven... What am I sowing today? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #sowrighteousness #truereward

"Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven", or to say, 'Get up and walk'?  But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat and go home". Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Matthew 9:5-8 NIV Everyone was way more interested in the physical healing than the spiritual healing. Jesus had complete command over the natural world. No fuss or bother or healing meeting to attend...but the people still didn't see Jesus for who He really was. With all authority & power to forgive...the messiah who came to make a way, to be the way It's all about the heart...

But someone told the king of Jericho, "Some Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land" So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: "Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land" Joshua 2:2-3 NLT Someone talked & the plan was unraveling...and it's success depended on the faithfulness of one unlikely person to put her life on the line... God didn't miraculously intervene to make things right but it was up to Rahab to figure out a way, to use all she knew of how people think to find a solution... Sometimes we just want God to bail us out, but we need to think, act, get moving just like Rahab... #somethingtochewon

Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies... "Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho" So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night. Joshua 2:1 NLT Not a bad strategy if you want to hide two strange men in a town probably of 2-3,000 people - hide in plain sight at the home of a prostitute...but more importantly God uses the unlikely. David was the smallest & youngest when the oldest & strongest had most value Jesus was the son of a single mother who's dad was just a carpenter from a town where nothing good ever came... God uses the unlikely And if we let Him, he'll use us... #unlikely

Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, "Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho". So the two men set out... Joshua 2:1 NLT I'm not sure you could call this a Biblical principle...but Joshua sent an advance team to have a look. He had a massive job ahead that was going to take all his stength & courage and he sent his guys to have a look. Not a bad strategy when we have big decisions to make. Research the firm who offers you the job...research the course you want to study...really get to know the person you want to marry...check out the car, house etc (or get someone with the right skills to do it for you) How could I use this? #sendspiesintotheland

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 3:1 NIV Further to what? Further to Ch2 which is all about Jesus being central to everything & that we should have his same humility and love...further to that there's always something to rejoice in! And just because we've heard it all before, we need constant reminding of the core of our faith... who Jesus is, what he did, and why... because we forget, & we get caught up in other stuff, meanings of words, where is the moral line supposed to be etc etc - good things to wrestle with but don't lose sight of Jesus #jesusatthecentre #sunday #worship #thisislove #grace #dearlyloved

What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up to date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered - you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I"m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain your commands! Psalm 119 89-96 MSG #psalms #psalm119 #theroad #believe

Friday! Proverbs! Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you. Proverbs 11:17 NLT When we are callous to the needs of others, cruel, unfeeling...we may get ahead in the short term, we may "win", but in the end we lose the most important things... Kindness has it's own reward. When we're kind, not just thinking of, but acting on the needs of others, whether there's an external or tangible reward or not, there's an internal, heart reward that follows from doing what is right. 1 Cor 13. Love is Kind 1 John 4. God is Love God is kind...and so should we be...kind to the planet...and kind to it's people... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #bekind #kindnesshasitsownreward

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus...he was ill and almost died...welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life... Philippians 2:25, 27, 29, 30 Epaphroditus pt4 If you think being a christian will shelter you from sickness or trouble then think again. Not only was he very sick, but risked his life in some way. And Paul tells us to honour people who put it all on the line for God's kingdom...so support your missionaries, pastors, &  those who step up into the front line for their fairh, because it can be a dangerous, lonely, place... #faith #faithful

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus... Philippians 2:25 NIV Epaphroditus pt3 There's seasons in life. For Epaphroditus the season of working with Paul and helping him while he was in jail was over...time to move on (go back in this case) We don't move for lots of reasons... we think we're indispensable, we're afraid, we might let others down... Paul here was showing real leadership in that he recognised it was best for Epaphroditus to go back, even tho it was likely going to make life tougher for himself. There's times when we need to move & there's times to encourage others to move (even tho it might impact on us in some way) #seasons #somethingtochewon

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.. Philippians 2:25 NIV Epaphroditus pt2 He was a brother. Not his blood brother but the relationship was how brothers (& sisters) should be...someone who is always on your side. Co-worker - someone who works with you towards common goals, brings their own skills, talents, temperament - often complementing ours Fellow soldier. Someone who is always on your team, no matter what, will even face death with you... Messenger - got some info to add. A mentor? Sent to take care...sent to love E was sent for a season in Paul's life, we can all be that person for someone #lovepeople #onyourteam

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus... For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died... to spare me sorrow upon sorrow... I may have less anxiety... Philippians 2:25-30 NIV There's a long passage about Epaphroditus, but it's the emotions that struck me... Homesick Distressed Sick Almost died Sorrowful Anxious The heroes of the faith don't have it all together all the time. They're just like us. And the same for our church leaders, pastors, worship leaders, missionaries...they need our support, prayer, contact, love, they need to know we're on their team when all is good and when  it's tough. Just like us Who can you & I support today? #sendsomelove #onyourteam

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:5 NLT Most of us have lots to thank our Mums for, but here Paul is grateful for Tim's Mum...& grandma. Because thru them Tim was shown an example of faith in God, which he followed. If you can, give your mum some encouragement today, but if you can't, maybe there's a spiritual "parent" who you can thank, or encourage a mum you know to live a life of faith in front of her children (& grandchildren). That's what will leave an eternal legacy... #mothersday #grateful #faithjourney

Jesus said... "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven" But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, "Thats blasphemy! Does he think hes God?" Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?..." Matthew 9:2-5 NLT Jesus knew what they were thinking - quite a cool superpower to have - He knew not just their thoughts but their heart intent. It wasn't a genuine inquiry or desire to learn. They'd already passed judgement  on Jesus without finding out who he really was for themselves...much like people today... do they see the Jesus who backs up their rules & regulations, or do they see the Jesus of  grace & compassion (when they see me) #grace #liveit

Friday! Proverbs! A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 11:16 NLT It's so easy to believe the messages so prevalent in our world - that wealth equals happiness, that more is better, that you do whatever it takes - especially in business - to get what you want. Solomon says if you're ruthless, unkind, have no thought of others in pursuit of your goals all you gain is money. While goals are good & we all need money in this world, he compares that to someone who shows grace, forgiveness, is others oriented, who gains something quite different... Every day we get to choose how we live...choose the path of grace. Jesus modeled it, let's try & live it. #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #grace

Remember the command that Moses gave you...The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites... Joshua 1:13-15 NIV Be strong and corageous because there are battles to be fought. You want what God has promised? Just sit back and wait for God to deliver? No. Get ready to battle, get prepared. Not sure what you're facing, but if there's a lesson from Joshua's story it's that God wants us engaged. We want the promised land without the fight. He says to Joshua send your toughest fighters #whatisyourbattle #pray #inthistogether #bestrong&courageous

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven" Matthew 9:1-2 NIV The heart of the matter was not his injury or disability...but whether he was right with God or not. Jesus has a way of cutting through all the noise, what we think is the problem, to get to the heart... Take heart, you're ok, I see your faith, regardless of your health issues, the noise, what's going on...the most important thing is you're right with God. And so it is with us... #wordsofJesus #forgiven #takeheart

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith... Matthew 9:1-2 NIV "their faith" In our individualistic western, modern, post-modern (whatever the current description is) world it's all about me, my...I...even in things of faith Yet we are called to community, to come together to pray, worship, & as it seems here, have a combined faith, a joint faith, where just as we might physically or financially support each other, do things for one another, we can also exercise faith together. So when our faith is weak, lean into your community, and if yours is strong, look out for those who need yours... #faith #somethingtochewon #inthistogether #onyourteam

A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:35-36 NLT We're members of God's family, sons & daughters of the King, & we're free. Free from the things that bind us up, hold us back...yet...sometimes we still hang on to those things because they're familiar...if there's something holding you back, it's time to let it go. Children of the King are not condemned but loved, nurtured and...forgiven. This is amazing grace This is unfailing love That You would take my place That You would bear my cross You laid down Your life That I would be set free #hymns #wordsofJesus #free

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples "The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields" Matthew 9:36-38 NLT Jesus heart was broken by the people right in front of him...and while his request was for the disciples to pray for people to go, I think it was aimed at them (and us) to not only pray for & support pastors, missionaries, people going to hard places of the world, but for all of is to open our eyes to those right in front of us...that our hearts are broken for the one in front of us... #wordsofJesus #lovepeople #lovetheoneinfrontofyou