verseoftheday

Friday! Proverbs! All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. Proverbs 13:16 NIV The close minded, those who refuse to learn, those who think they're right, don't ask for advice...they get shown up for the fools that they are. Them. Oh...and me. I'm that person too. Never before have we had access to so much information...it's literally at our fingertips...yet I still think I'm right It's knowledge of God that leads to wisdom that changes us...and the way we see the world - and other people - ironically that may make others take us as fools... but it's the Audience of One that counts in the end... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Joseph replied..."Dont you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now - life for many people..." Genesis 50:19-20 MSG The view from the drone. The different perspective. "God has been at work in my life despite, in fact within the hatred that you had towards me. Even though I couldn't always see it, I kept trusting Him, even when He was silent, when all hope seemed lost... God was at work... Can you see that now?" #faith #faithinthedark

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV Seeing places from a drone is now the thing right? We get to see places and events from a new perspective. Just like the view from a drone, Jesus gives us a change of perspective. Yes there's uncertainty, loss...hurt... but there's another view! I've accomplished something for you that can't be undone, that changes everything. You belong You're secure You're dearly loved And while you might only be getting glimpses of what that means now, one day it's all going to become clear...all made new. Have a look again at today in light of what I've done! #wordsofJesus #onedayallwillbemadenew

Peter said, "Explain the parable to us."  "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a persons mouth come from the heart, and these defile them... Matthew 15:15-20 NIV Not Peters finest moment... but at least I'm not alone in "not getting it"...sometimes we miss Jesus point, but, here he goes on to make it crystal clear... Food is just food. The rules around food were to point you towards God. To orient your heart towards him. It's not the rules, not keeping the rules, but the heart... always our heart. Lord may today my heart be oriented towards you, and then the things I do and say will reflect that. Amen. #itsaheartthing

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 NIV From Adam & Eve, to Joshua's day...to this day...  we get to choose. God doesn't force any of us to choose Him, to worship Him. Interesting that in Joshua's final speech not serving is not an option. In his world everyone serves somebody. You get to serve a god of your own making, a god of someone else's... or you choose the living God. #gottaservesomebody #choose #loveGod

"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord..." Joshua 24:14 NIV Josh is at the end of his life and he has a final charge...a final few things he wants to say... Put God first. Make his values yours Make the things that are important to Him, important to you All this other noise that people say is important, worth striving for, worth following or achieving or attaining - don't let it become THE thing in your life. For decades the people had seen God at work making a way for them & Josh was concerned they'd forget... we saw that Jesus went beyond that and became the way for us - and we share communion so we don't forget the price he paid... #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #loveGod

...So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant. Joshua 24:13 NIV At the end of Joshua's life, he knew he was going to die & he has an epic summary of all that's happened and a final message from God...and this is the end of God's message to his people... and it jolts us forward to Jesus - who knew he was going to die - who said "I'm going to prepare a place for you..." A land Cities Fruitful & bountiful A place where all will be made new... when the brokenness is restored, damage is undone... a place we did not toil for or plant or build because it's a gift of grace built by God's love for us and paid for by Jesus blood. #onedayallwillbemadenew #heaven #itsagift  

Friday! Proverbs! Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil]. Proverbs 13:15 AMP The word unfaithful here carries the meaning treacherous...someone who has chosen to let us down, chosen to break their commitment, their covenant. It's personal. Hurtful. And the outcome usually isn't what they expect or wanted. In the end its often hard and barren. And we've all done it. Maybe not in the big ticket spectacular ways, but we can all recall times we've lied, or been selfish... that's really what this is about. Being selfish. The way of love that God shows and wants for us is the opposite of selfishness. Love includes Love makes room Love looks to the needs of others not just mine. Love is the antidote to selfishness and the hard and barren path that ultimately leads to...the way of good understanding #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

"These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain;  their teachings are merely human rules." Matthew 15:8-9 NIV After giving the Pharisees a right lecture about what honouring your parents looks like Jesus ends with this scorching quote from Isaiah... Our society is caught up in what's on the outside...appearances... location... what you own... But with Jesus it's always the heart It's not about always getting it right, looking right, being right...but is our heart oriented towards God? That's all he wants. #wordsofJesus #kingdomvalues #itsaheartthing

Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, 'Honour your father and mother...'' Matthew 15:3-4 NIV Not only did Jesus go to the Bible, He goes to the big stuff... You're so worried about ceremonial hand washing but what about the big 10? How're you actually going with those? Don't major on the minors. How easy to get upset about "the rules" and completely miss the big ticket things... Jesus knew that no one could perfectly keep the law - not then or now - we can't make ourselves righteous... we need another way. Washing your hands before dinner is an easy tick the box thing. Honouring our parents starts with our heart - & that's what Jesus is really after... #wordsofJesus #kingdomvalues #itsaheartthing

Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat! Jesus replied "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, "Honor your father and mother..." Matthew 15:2-4 NIV When challenged, Jesus goes to the Bible. While much of our Bible was still to be written he seemed to have plenty to go to. Is that where I go? That takes knowledge of God's word that requires  some commitment to get...more than just a 30 minute sermon on a Sunday... Keep going back to God's word and digging out the truth for ourselves...wrestle with how it applies to us today... to the situations and choices we face #wordsofJesus #GodsWord #keepinit

Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, "Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat." Matthew 15:1-2 NLT Why don't we sing the old hymns any more? Why is the... where is my... why doesn't the pastor wear shoes / a tie / loosen up a bit... It's easy to be critical of the Pharisees... but sometimes I see me in them. They were not only caught up in something minor, but had missed or lost the heart of why it was important... We usually pray before we eat at my house. What if the disciples were there and just start eating? You can't do that? Or have I lost sight of why we bless our food & are thankful for it...has it just become an "age old tradition"... Being a bit of a Pharisee is too easy... #somethingtochewon 

So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon. The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. "Don't abandon your servants now!" they pleaded. "Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us." So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon. Joshua 10:5-7 NLT The Gibeonites were under real pressure - would the deal they struck hold? Sometimes that's how we can feel too...like the whole world has ganged up on us...and can we trust God... Joshua's response? Would he honour the covenant made? Even though they weren't his people? He went all in. Everything he had including his very best... And so did God - went all in & sent His very best - Jesus #sunday #worship #thisisourGod

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity Through belief in the threeness Through confession of the Oneness Towards the creator. I arise today Through the strength of heaven Christ shield me this day: Christ with me Christ before me Christ behind me Christ in me Christ beneath me Christ above me Christ on my right Christ on my left Christ when I lie down Christ when I arise Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me Quotes attributed to St Patrick Patrick apparently lived about the year 450, was captured at 16 and worked as a slave in Ireland, and returned there as a missionary...bringing the gospel of grace... A story worth celebrating! A story that reminds us that God is in all our stories even in the years of slavery...the tough & difficult... #strengthofheaven #jesusatthecentre #stpatrick

Friday! Already! The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NIV The "snares" are on our path...wisdom doesn't transport us to some place where there are no dangers, but to turn from a snare, you have to recognise it for what it is... something that is either hidden to trap, or made to look enticing...and we don't see it for what it is. It's not looking for it that shows it up - but increasing our wisdom. The teaching of the wise, God's word, having others invest in us, & be prepared to help us work on our weaknesses...hearing God's small voice...these things are the fountain of life that will show up the snares... They may be temptations, good things that have become "the thing"...or the belief in my own goodness to save, that somehow I'm better than you... Let's increase wisdom & turn... #snares #increasewisdom #proverbs #somethingtochewon

They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Matthew 14:36 NLT At our house last night we talked about pets and how most of us just seem to love our own... All All who touched him Jesus keeps pushing things bigger...his heart is big enough that he has space for all... & he challenges our horizons too... to be more inclusive, to be more open, to love more, to give more, to forgive more... To break out of the patterns & thinking of our upbringing or even our church - & love like He did. Love for all. Imagine the scene with people bringing their sick friends and family, trying to get close to Jesus, and as  people were healed the crying and shouting and joy - chaotic (in a good way) People from all walks of life, all parts of society, all ethnic groups...there's room for all with Jesus & we need to have the same heart #all

...the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Matthew 14:35-36 NLT We all know someone we'd love to see healed. Imagine the clamour and the crowds...just to get a touch. Some touched him and went on their way, & others would have looked in His eyes and really got it. Seen the love that bought God to earth. I think Jesus knew it was temporary. Healing of today's pain. Today's hurt. Tomorrow there could well be something new... he was happy to heal today...but in his humanity knew he wouldn't be there tomorrow - but this was a taster of the new kingdom where all pain and hurt is swallowed up...consumed finally by the love that took Jesus to the cross #love #itsalovestory #taster #onedayallwillbemadenew

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. Matthew 14:32-35 NLT It's not just us who want to see our loved ones, our friends, our family, get healed... these people did too... But in the clamour and the rush to get physical healing it seems that most people missed the bigger reason that Jesus came. The disciples finally got it. Jesus really is the Son of God. The Messiah The Way God, the Creator, writing himself into the story, becoming one of us, humbled, shrunk, confined...so that one day all will be made new. #jesusatthecentre #sonofGod

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:30-31 ESV Peter had been living with and travelling with Jesus. He'd seen miracles...and was walking on the sea! Jesus & his message was not what was expected. And then the circumstances of the moment got to him. Our culture seems to want a small god who fixes things we want fixed when we want them fixed...a god of our own making... And Jesus is not like that. And then the circumstances of the moment can seem overwhelming and we lose sight of Jesus in the storm...and we have doubts. In that moment "Lord save me" may be our only way forward Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and sovereign. That He is the way and our lives are in His hands. And that only He can truly save Then our doubts can melt away... #turnyoureyesuponJesu

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord , make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:6-8 ESV David is not in a great place when writing this song...seems like some around him are doubting God's goodness, some have enjoyed good prosperous times, but regardless of his circumstances or the prosperity of others, David looks only to the Lord. That's where true peace is found. Look to Jesus, write your song to Him, no matter what's going on. For David it was peace and safety. What is it for you & I today? Our fears, loneliness, hurt, loss... David knew that in the end He is the only place of real safety and peace #jesusatthecentre #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #hope #onedayallwillbemadenew

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods Psalm 4:1-2 NIV This psalm was written as a song...and just like songs we might sing today that speak of heartache, of loss. It speaks of unanswered prayer, a seemingly aloof God. It covers other people turning the good we're trying to do into bad. And the clearly ages old problem of looking in the wrong places for answers... This psalm, this song, gives us permission to write our own songs. To express our stories... and express them to God. He wants to hear our hearts - it was OK for David to express his in this  song and it's OK for you and me to express ours - in whatever form works for you... #psalms #psalm4 #stories #yourstorymatters

Friday! Proverbs! People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. Proverbs 13:13 NLT Good solid wisdom here. Take advice & it will keep you out of trouble, follow the rules... But wait... there's more! The ESV version is an almost literal translation of the original... Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 ESV Could this proverb be pointing us to Jesus? The Word? How we treat him, whether we despise Him, or choose to accept Him. And then there's the commandment - what's the moral framework that you and I live by? Not the rules, the "you must", but the Law of Love that Jesus was all about. Otherness. Giving up for the sake of others When we live out the great commandment, that's when true reward and success flows #loveGod #lovepeople #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:30 AMP Peter suddenly realises that the environment he's in is pretty hostile...he'd moved from the relative safety of the boat...to being completely exposed to the storm - & it freaked him. Life can do that to us. A change in circumstances, health, financial pressure, exam time, relationship stuff...loss, grief, loneliness,  earthquakes...actual storms... & we lose our confidence, lose our nerve... we get scared... We see the brokenness of the world - the effect of the wind -  & start to sink. In that moment Peter knew the only place, the only person who  can really save, is Jesus. #saved #turnyoureyesuponJesus

Peter replied to Him, "Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water." He said, "Come!" So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water... Matthew 14:28-29 AMP To me, this incident has always been about Peter jumping out of the boat & walking on the water in his own power somehow... But it seems like another example of our desire to put God in a box, to have him do what we want, to show that we're at the centre of the story... show us a sign, right now would be good thanks. Pete had been with Jesus when he healed people, just been there when 5,000+ people had been fed with a few loaves - but he still wanted more - his own private miracle. God just fix this now. If you're really there. Then I'll be sure. In that moment, God intervened for Peter. What if he doesn't do that for me? What if I'm still in the storm? Will I still choose to believe? #faith #faithinthedark

When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!" Matthew 14:26-27AMP Take Courage! It's me! Jesus! Out of the dark in the middle of the storm...Jesus is there...with courage to spare. When we think we're at the  end of our resources, when our courage has all gone... Jesus appears. Sometimes we don't recognise him in the message from a friend, a touch, a word, a sermon, a song... the quiet voice It's gonna be OK I've already won the big battle for you In the end...there's nothing to fear... #nofear #onedayallwillbemadenew #outofthestorm #courage #hopehascome

...So Joshua saved them... Joshua 9: 26 NIV Acts of Grace. The greatest act of grace came from Jesus who gave up everything, humbled himself... Jesus, who lived out the Habits of Grace And we get the opportunity to be Jesus hands and feet in this world - maybe we won't save a whole people group (but who knows!, maybe you will) - but there's always someone in front of us to extend grace to. Grace opens it's arms, not fold them Grace sees all people as made in the image and likeness of God (including you!) Grace doesnt expect thanks but gives thanks Grace has an abundance mindset - by loving people you are never poorer for it - says there's room for one more... Grace blesses because it is blessed, gives because it has been forgiven, loves because it is loved And That Grace is in you and me #letgracerunfree #habitsofgrace

...The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders... "We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you." So Joshua saved them from the Israelites... Joshua 9:18, 25-26 NIV Joshua's act of grace wasn't popular. Sometimes when we exercise grace its not popular with the crowd, with others, and sometimes its our own heart that is the enemy. We're battling ourselves. Yesterday at home, I didn't choose grace but spoke out of selfishness and pride. Selfishness says No. Me  first Pride says no, I'm more important My stuff, my interests, my...happiness... Grace says you first Grace says you're just as important. So why isn't Grace our default position? Acts of grace become Habits of Grace when we keep choosing that way...in the everyday responses and in the big things...because we follow the One who is Grace #letgracerunfree #habitsofgrace #agentofgrace #sunday #worship #thisisourGod

"...We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you" So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly... Joshua 9:25-27NIV Joshua could've delivered any punishment he chose...his enemy was in his hands. Josh chose grace. He not only saved then but brought them into the very heart of their culture. Into their place of worship. He gave them every opportunity... I want to be like that too. To show grace to those who might be against me... when I've got the opportunity to "let someone have it" I give them grace instead. When I have all the rights, I give them up... Because that's what Jesus did for me - & it's so easy to lose sight of it. Maybe that's one reason why the cross is an  important icon as it reminds us of the grace we get... #woodcuttersandwatercarriers #grace #joshua

Friday! Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NIV Hope. When what we hope for doesn't happen... when that thing just gets further away not closer... our hearts can get sick, sad, despondent... And when something we've worked for, dreamed of, invested in, comes off, becomes a reality, is achieved, it's like a source of life & energy. So we know it can be hard when hope is deferred, & the knowing can help us prepare...so that we are not overwhelmed :) We all need people on our side sometimes...and we can be there for others in their time of need But where we put our ultimate hope is key. One day that longing, that nagging feeling that there's more to this life, that ultimate hope will be realised when we're face to face with The Tree of Life One day all will be made new. #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #hope #jesusatthecentre #hopeiscomingforyou

So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord... Joshua 9:26-27 NIV Through one man, the people are saved. Isn't that a familiar story... But there's more - Josh could've given them worse jobs than these - could've sent then to the worst area on the edge of the Kingdom - but now every day the Gibeonites would be seeing God's people come to church, to worship God...he brought his enemy right into the very heart of what his people were all about...completely confident that God will make himself known to them...that from their mistake God would work some good. Sometimes we keep people at bay...but we should be confident that they'll see Jesus in us if we'd just let them in...in our church, in the way we live... #joshua #covenantGod #somethingtochewon

This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God's wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them. They continued, "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers in the service of the whole assembly." So the leaders promise to them was kept. Joshua 9:20-21 NIV Our God is a covenant God. He takes his promises seriously and expects us to be the same. Here God's people were learning that lesson. How am I at keeping my covenants? My promises? What am I known for? Do I reflect God's character here? And there's a leadership lesson...keeping our integrity, our promises, but finding a solution that works... #joshua #leadershiplessons #promises #covenant #covenantGod