verseoftheday

Psalm 25:20-21 NIV Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord , is in you. Boom. David started Ps25 with trust: Psalm 25:1 NIV In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. And ends it with Hope. Trust God for who he is today. Place your hope in Him for tomorrow. And right now, I'm gonna choose to live right. To walk with integrity in this world, placing my hope in God. David, for all his failings, was described as a man after God's own heart. It's our heart that God is most interested in...is it oriented towards Him, willingly choosing to submit to Him, to follow Jesus as our living example... #sunday #worship #Jesus #theoneandonly #choose #hope

Psalm 25:16-18 NIV Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. Maybe some of those words resonate with you...David is completely up front and honest with God here...Sometimes we're expected to be full of joy all the time, and we just aren't. Circumstances, the impact of our own choices, the actions of others, these things can pile up If it's OK for David to feel this way, and cry out this way to God, then it's OK for us too. Turn to me and be gracious to me...if I'm Jesus hands & feet in the world am I being gracious & turning towards those who are hurting? #itsok #grace

Friday!!! Before we have a look at today's Proverb... Gen 1v1 John 1v1 John 1v14 John 3v16 :) Proverbs10:9 ESV Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. We get to choose whether we do what's right, or what is expedient, so easy to justify our actions when we know in our hearts that we are not walking in integrity...I want to walk securely, all the time, in every part of my life...on Sunday, Monday, Saturday night...when I'm with people, or on my own... Walking is all about looking forward, putting the past behind...from here on...press on... #walksecurely #walkwithintegrity #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #keepyourpathsstraight

John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. See how you go...out loud is good! Genesis 1v1 John 1v1 John 1 v 14 & now John 3 16 These are the fantastic four verses that we want to encourage you to commit to memory They give us the whole framework of the Bible Eternity God Creation Jesus (God, creator, man, gtace, truth) Love Sacrifice Redemption Eternity Anytime you have at your disposal the basis for our faith and hope, that you can share with others...or when times are difficult, remind yourself of the big story that we are part of, God's story, the heartbeat of that story is love, personified in Jesus. #fantasticfour #hidethewordinyourheart

Psalm 25:7 NIV Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord , are good. David's actions were so bad that they are almost incomprehensible. Yet, he knows God, knows that he is good, that compassion, redemption, restoration are all part of that goodness, and comes up with this beautiful line "according to your love remember me" God sees us through the lens of Jesus sacrifice that has dealt with all our sin, mistakes, misdeeds, and sees us now, according to his love. Whole, yet becoming whole New, yet becoming renewed Loved. #accordingtoyourlove #psalms #keepingitreal

Psalm 25:15-16 ESV My eyes are ever toward the Lord , for he will pluck my feet out of the net. David was in deep trouble. He had sinned against God, & his people. Yet his orientation was still towards God. Don't take your eyes off Him, no matter what you're going thru. V16   Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Even tho he was looking to God, the answers weren't there immediately. He felt alone, discouraged,  and out of God's sight and grace. It's in those moments that we need to keep the eyes of our heart towards Jesus. Reminding ourselves of his truth, grace, compassion, love, even tho we may not feel it... #turnyoureyesuponJesus #psalms #keepingitreal

Psalm 25:1-2 ESV To you, O Lord , I lift up my soul.  O my God, in you I trust; David was in deep trouble when he wrote this Psalm. But what is the first thing he does? He acknowledges God, and chooses to trust Him, regardless of where this might take Him. He was the King. He could have changed the rules to suit himself, but instead chose to submit to God's authority and his law If we are in a position of authority at home or work or wherever, choose to submit to God's rules before we make our own (Matt 22:36-40) When you are in trouble, sinking, struggling, choose these words of David...to you Lord I lift my soul, in you I trust. #choose #psalms #trustGod #thanksDonna

John 1:14 NIV The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Memory challenge #3 Gen 1v1: John 1v1: This verse is the trickiest of the 4 to remember...so try picturing the elements of it... Jesus, the Word, God, yet fully human, came to earth, lived here, lived an ordinary life not too different from us, yet the truth of who he was shone thru... He is the one to worship today no matter where you are,  if you can get to church somewhere... #sunday #worship #Jesus #theoneandonly #biblememory #fantasticfour #hidethewordinyourheart

Memory challenge #2 of 4 is  John 1:1 NIV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus was there at the beginning. He was completely immersed in the creative process that created the universe, life, & us. Let the richness and implications of Gen 1v1 and John 1v1 sink in as you commit them to memory.  Jesus. Completely God. Jesus is God, but there's more, because he is also with God... There's no room for Jesus to be just a good man, a teacher, a guru...no...He is God. Eternal. In the beginning Creative Creator The Word. Words can be seen, heard, they communicate, they have power to speak ideas, speak life, to sustain... Gen 1 v 1 + John 1 v 1 #fantasticfour #biblememory #bringiton #hidethewordinyourheart

Gen 1v1: Nailed it! Friday - Proverbs 10:8 ESV The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Are you and I people who listen to God's word, who take on board the teaching of our pastors, who listen to the wisdom of the wise around us? Or are we just babbling fools? Talking rubbish, avoiding truth, & heading to ruin? We do get to choose every day the path of wisdom or not...to be discerning, to dig into God's word (to memorise some of it!). At the end of the day do you & I want to be one of the wise of heart? #choose #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon

Genesis 1:1 NIV In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In lifegroup we are studying Scripture memorisation, with the Fantastic Four verses as our start point. Are you up for this? Memorise just 4 bible verses...Gen 1 v 1 is the first... Gen 1. If we have a past we have a future If we are created in God's image we have eternal potential If we have an intelligent Creator who knows and loves us, He must have a purpose and plan for time and eternity Knowing these verses and hiding them in our hearts is important Are you up for this little challenge?  #biblememory #bringiton #fantasticfour #hidethewordinyourheart

Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Do you get this? It's not about me, it's about the community, the church. When we all contribute,  use our skills gifts talents resources together...that's where our growth & health develop and mature...and the whole thing is full of love... #thechurch #yourchurch #wherecanicontribute #lovepeople

Ephesians 4:15 NLT Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Growing in every way to be more and more like Christ. This is the target that Paul asks us to aim at...as we live out God's truth, we will be transformed (transformation for the  is not an option) not to be better, to be improved,  but to be more like Jesus.  Different. Changed. Not something we can do, but only by allowing God to work in us and through us where ever we are and whatever we are doing... #instead #speak #truth #love #lovepeople #betransformed #wow

Ephesians 4:15 NLT Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Instead of what? Instead of being tossed about. That's good. Then? We will speak the truth in love. How many times have I used those words as a reason to tell someone else what they are doing wrong...just maybe this is about sharing the truth of God, His story, who He is...but doing it in a way that reflects His love, grace, compassion... And to speak God's truth I need to know it...so...study the Word, meditate on it, dig into it, live it... Speaking is not just words...but choices we make everyday, the way we live, who we are & who we are becoming... #instead #speak #truth #lovepeople

Where would I be If not for your grace Carrying me Through every season Where would I be If not for Your grace You came to my rescue And I want to thank You For Your grace Grace that restores Grace that redeems Grace that releases Me to worship Grace that repairs Visions and dreams Grace that releases Miracles (Israel Houghton) God, who stepped down into history, who made a way, who answered the questions; Do I matter? Am I loved? He answered those questions on the cross. Whether today you need restoration,  redemption, release or repair, His Grace will carry you. #sunday #worship #hymns #turnyoureyesuponJesus

Ephesians 4:14 NLT Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth When is Then? See July 31 & v 11-13  describes the equippers who teach & encourage us & build up the church, so when we are part of the church,  when we submit ourselves to the teaching of God's word...then we won't be tossed about, our roots will grow deeper in the God's truth, our relationships with others in the Christian community will give us resources to draw on to thrive.  Tossed about? Immature? Easily influenced? No thanks. But it's a choice, an effort, a commitment to God, to your church, to learn... #choose

Friday is Proverbs day and we are up to: Proverbs 10:7 ESV The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. Well...that's not the most uplifting thing I've read this week, but there is truth in it...Sometimes the good people in our lives move to other places (or we do) and we don't stay in touch...Sometimes the good people in our lives die...but we can remind ourselves of the blessing they have been and the things that they stood for or taught us and that blessing of who they are remains.  Who are those people for you? And are you and I a blessing to others? Am I an agent of God's grace in the world? A reflector of His love? #choose #choosetobeablessing #lovepeople #proverbs #somethingtochewon

Psalms 101:3-6 NLT I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. Oh that's quite a list. How does that work for us?  Turn off that tv show or movie,  don't linger on that website, don't go into business with that person,  don't be part of the gossip...but... I will search for faithful people to be my companions... Love that part of v6. Search out, connect with good people. People who will lift your soul, provide real nourishment, and choose to journey with them. I will search for faithful people to be my companions. :)

Psalms 101:1-2 NLT I will sing of your love...I will praise you...I will be careful to live a blameless life; when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. Even tho David is choosing to praise God, choosing to live right, live a blameless life, live with integrity at home where the world doesn't see... in that moment he still feels God is not near. It's ok if that is how you feel. That's what psalms are about. Expressing where we are at, what we are feeling, to God. Right now. That question: when will you come to help me, is surrounded by his positive choices. He's not overwhelmed by his feelings or completely trusting them, but expresses how it is, but still chooses everyday to live right #choose #writeyourownpsalm

Psalm of the week... Father When I fix my eyes on you Though the road is narrow I do not falter or fall You hold my hand to steady me And turn my stumbling blocks to stepping stones Even if my eyes drift from you And my knees get grazed You embrace me and carry me home There is nowhere my feet can take me That your eyes have not already searched out Or your fingertips traced into existence You are Creator I am created My Guide My Comfort My Father Turn my stumbling blocks into stepping stones - love that! #psalms #writeyourownpsalm #thanksAna

Psalms 101:1 NLT I will sing of your love and justice, lord . I will praise you with songs. Boom. Start your day with praise to God and see how different it is! Music is such a part of our lives and accompanies so much of what we do...it touches our soul and stirs our emotions, can change our mood and influence our actions. Choosing what we listen to,  and who we sing to...David says sing about God's love, God's justice, and songs of praise to him. #writeyourownpsalm #praise #praiseGodanyway #thanksJoshP

Psalm 139:19-24 ESV Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!... What?!? After all this omniscience omnipresence & omnipotence we jump to slaying and hatred! After meditating on & writing about the wonders of God the sin & evil in the world is clearer. David wants to see an end to God's enemies, wants the world's problems fixed...and in the next breath; Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! It's personal. Search me, know me, lead me. God, you are all these omni's and from here on I want to be a person after your heart "The knowledge of God's greatness naturally produces great faith and great praise" JI Packer. #sunday #worship

Psalm 139:13-18 ESV For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together... ...I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works... My frame was not hidden from you... Your eyes saw... in your book were written... How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!   If I would count them, they are more than the sand... David saw God's power in the created world...Theology 201 Omnipotence. God is all powerful. What was David looking at when he wrote this? What was he considering? Slow down and look at the world God has created...the beauty, the design, the people... Slow down. Look. Listen. Wonder. #writeapsalm

Friday! Proverbs 10:6 AMP Blessings are upon the head of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. There are blessings that come form living life in tune with God, His principles & values.  Give generously, be hospitable, live out the OneAnothers...There are blessings in that :) But the last part i don't get...compares the righteous with the wicked...what the wicked say conceals something, masks the intent in the heart... isn't that the way we all are sometimes...put on a face to the world that masks our heart. To live the uncompromisingly righteous life we have to keep chipping away at that...or allowing God to... #proverbs #somethingtochewon #keepingitreal

Psalms. This beautiful psalm arrived last night. My prayer is that this expression will encourage you today, & free you to write down your own... I needed saving I needed a way To blink and open fresh eyes To see splendour To know safety in the darkness Always searching for answers Never knowing the question Go far and spread my nets Go and see what bounty I might catch Roam, with weighted soles and frayed ropes It seemed I was waiting forever It seemed I was tethered to one place Didn't know how to move Didn't have the sight Possessed by no reason Suddenly life was more vivid There was one beacon in the fog Couldn't name or define it Couldn't explain the shift Love beyond normal realms Words skated past my awe Words evaded my gratitude Here was the extraordinary answer to the inane questions Here was the gentle warmth of the rising sun Here was my everything I had needed saving Always been searching for answers To feel love at my lowest...

Psalm 139:7-10 ESV Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ...you are there! If I...you are there!  If I...even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. You are there. God is everywhere. Theology 201.  Omnipresent. No matter where we go, how remote we might feel from what is familiar and comfortable...God is there to lead and hold. So don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone...what is that like for you? Maybe it starts with meeting someone new, moving to a new place, taking that job,  volunteering,  giving something away...giving something up... ...even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me... What's holding u back? #nofear #didyouwriteapsalm?

verseoftheday xtra Yesterday's challenge was to write your own psalm...Psalms are personal expressions...but here is mine...I started with my walk to work yesterday The sun comes up It's a new day dawning Yep I get that There's this hope in the dawn There's the chance of a new start A new day (lol) But it's winter Its cold. I got angry. And annoyed with myself I get fearful. Of failure. Of making mistakes. Missteps. It's days like this that I just hang on to...You. I can choose. Choose to see the wind as an agent of change Choose to see the cold as a killer of bugs.  A cleanser Choose to see rain as a bringer of life Choose to see your hand of grace hope is not found in the dawn But in the Son.

Psalm 139:1-4 ESV O Lord , you have searched me and known me!  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lords , you know it altogether. You have searched me and know me You You know You discern You search out You are aquainted God knows all  every detail. Thoughts choices directions words. Theology 201 - God is Omniscient. He knows. !?! Even for David this was hard to fathom (see v6) #psalms #GodKnows #didyouwriteapsalm?

To the choirmaster. A psalm of David. At church we are starting a series on psalms and the first one we looked is 139 Psalm 139:14 ESV Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. The question posed was what was David looking at or meditating on when he wrote this? So...I wondered if we should all try and write a little psalm, a short poem, or a song...as you meditate on God today, live in the world he created, write down some meditations of your heart... David wrote this with purpose...that it would be turned into a song...(I notice it doesn't rhyme haha) This is a little 24 hour challenge then... #meditateonGod #writeapsalm #eek #enjoy

John 1:11-12 ESV He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... 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 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 #believe #sunday #worship #hillsong

One Another # 14 For the last 13 Saturdays we have looked at the One Anothers of the Bible...and this last one wraps up the "otherness" that is so interwoven thru Scripture... John 13:34 ESV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. This love is giving, sacrificial, unyielding, always hopes, trusts & perseveres...it says I've got your back, I'm by your side...the love Jesus has for us is what we are commanded to have for one another... #loveOneAnother #oneanothers #lovepeople