verseoftheday

Friday! Proverbs! The wealth of the rich is their fortress;  the poverty of the poor is their destruction. Proverbs 10:15 NLT Two interesting ideas to sit with here: How do I see wealth as a fortress, protection, buffer? And the only way I get to think this way is from a place of wealth... If I can afford a flu vaccine I can create a buffer against illness for example. If I can afford a car I can take my child to the school I choose... And the second part? If I can't afford to heat where I live in winter my health will pay. Poverty eats people up. (And yes we can spiritualise this and look at as a spiritual poverty - but I don't think this is the idea here) Where or how am I involved in flipping this Proverb? Is this what followers of Jesus are called towards, those with less, to even things up, to challenge systems that hold people down? What do you think as we sit with this Proverb today? #Proverbs  #wisdom #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing #takethenextstep 

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 My hope today is that you can feel the redemptive strands wrapping around you and holding you.  As we sit with Paul and feel his conviction from 20 centuries ago, may it be our truth too. Paul is clear that he has considered the spiritual world, his inner landscape, and the outer creation, and there is nothing in any of those spaces capable of separating him from God's love. While there may be things to fear and struggle with in all those realms, there is nothing, no thing, that can separate us from God's Lo...

Romans 8:35-38 NLT [35] Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  [36] (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep".)  [37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from Gods love... Romans 8:35-38 NLT Paul's answer is clear and unequivocal- he is convinced that even though his circumstances, the story he finds himself in is trying to convince him that he is not loved, Christ's love is greater than his circumstances. The redemptive strand of God's Bigger Story holds. Nothing. No thing can separate him from God's Love. And this is not some personal redemptive story, but ours too. Our God's Love is Enough. We have been redeemed, made rig...

Romans 8:31-32, 34-35 NLT [31] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?  If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? ... [34] Who then will condemn us?  No one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.  Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  Romans 8:31-32, 34-35 NLT Can anything separate us from Christ's love? Paul asks questions about condemnation, gives us the assurance that we are not condemned because of Jesus. Before he moves on can we accept that we are Beloved, that we are Accepted, that we do Belong in His family? And then Paul's next question - Can anything separ...

Romans 8:1, 34 NLT [1] So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  ... [34] Who then will condemn us?  No one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:1, 34 NLT This beautiful chapter starts and (almost) ends with this idea of condemnation- Paul starts with the statement that there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus, and in then unpacks that, ending with the question: Who then will condemn us? Perhaps the question could be "who, though they might speak words of condemnation, has the power to condemn you? Remember, Jesus died for you.  Jesus was raised to life for you. Jesus is stating your case for Life. So, who, though they might speak words of condemnation, has the power to condemn you? No one. Not the lies of the Enemy, the voices of the world, and especially not your own inner voice. No one." #truthtorestin  #letters #h...

Sunday Psalms; Honor the Lord... Worship the Lord... The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. Psalms 29:1-3 NLT This song hits with how Big God is, and calls us to honor Him, to Worship, to "hear" Him. Psalms 29:10 NLT The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. And this carries on right to the end. And then we get in the last verse the redemptive strand: The Lord gives his people strength.  The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalms 29:11 NLT He is our ultimate source of strength. He is our peace. Lean into Him today... #psalms #songs #Sunday #worship #thisisourGod  #redemptivestrands #hopeishere  #weareBeloved 

Wise people treasure knowledge,  but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. Proverbs 10:14 NLT When we look for Jesus in this Proverb even though he experienced rejection, loss, grief, accusations, temptations, frustrations, abuse, and death, he was not the babbling fool that invited disaster.  He did treasure knowledge. And as followers of Jesus we're invited to follow him in his practices - he spent time with the Father and he focused on Scripture - quoted several books from the OT. There's 2 practices that we can follow Jesus in that treasured knowledge. Jesus wasn't about knowledge for it's own sake, because he was about 2 other things - people, and the thing that connected him to people, his mission- to make a way for us, to be the way for us - knowledge applied and in action in Love for people...this is what Jesus invites us to follow him in... #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing #takethenextstep

Friday! Proverbs! Wise people treasure knowledge,  but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. Proverbs 10:14 NLT My inclination is to look out at the "babbling fool" and point that person out...but if Proverbs is not a weapon but a mirror, then this Proverb invites me to consider 2 things about me: 1. Where and when am I the "babbling fool"? And  2. How well am I treasuring knowledge? Mmm I'm thinking I've got room to move in both these areas...notice when and where my words are getting away on me and not reflecting who I want to be in the world. And considering what I am treasuring - am I undervaluing knowledge, wisdom? What is this Proverb inviting you towards today? #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing #takethenextstep 

Romans 8:31-32 NLT What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?  If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?  Romans 8:31-32 NLT All of these wonderful things Paul has described in this chapter  shows that our God is for us. For you. God is for us. Paul asks us the question then "who can ever be against us?" And it feels like the whole world some days. Every thought, every emotion, the choices and actions of others that impact us.  God is still for us. On the days that I can't believe it, God is still for us. Paul's evidence? He points us to Jesus.  God is for us. #letters #redemptivestrands #hopeishere  #Godisforus #weareBeloved 

Romans 8:31 NLT [31] What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? What wonderful things is Paul talking about? That there's going to be a glorious revealing of who we really are, who we were made to be - v18-23 We are adopted into God's family - children of God - with all that goes with being His children v23 We received this hope of adoption, of belonging, when we were saved - v24-25 We have the Holy Spirit who helps us out, advocates for us, and translates our heart to God v26-27 We have a God who works our story for good, who knows us, chose us, called us, and made us right with Himself v28-30 And somehow is making us glorious! v30 "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?" Romans 8:31 NLT #letters #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #weareBeloved 

[28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:28-30 NLT Not only is v28 connected to the Holy Spirit working in our weakness and groanings in this world, but to this whole redemptive strand that flows through these verses... Called. Known. Chosen. Becoming like Jesus. Called home. Made right with God. Given glory. We live in the "now and the not yet" where these things are true and becoming true, where our story, who we are, our day-to-day lives, are held in our God's Big Redemptive Story. We are Beloved. #letters #redemptivestr...

Psalms 28:8-9 MSG [8-9]  God is all strength for his people, ample refuge for his chosen leader; Save your people and bless your heritage. Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd. John 10:11, 14 NLT "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me..." Matthew 18:10, 12-14 NLT [10]  "Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do?  Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?  ...  In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish." As we track the redemptive strand from David, through our Heavenly Father to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, perhaps you know what it's l...

Sunday Psalms; Please listen to my prayer and my cry for help,  as I lift my hands toward your holy temple. Don't drag me away, Lord,  with those cruel people, who speak kind words, while planning trouble. Treat them as they deserve!  Punish them for their sins. They don't pay any attention to your wonderful deeds.  Now you will destroy them and leave them in ruin. Psalms 28:2-5 CEV If we have ever wanted revenge, things to be made right, justice, and have expressed it in ways that have been angry, unloving, then we are in good company - because this song of David says just what is going on for him. He wants God to fix it. To sort out those who have caused him harm. And then he ends his song with this redemptive strand, with a return to complete trust in God, to knowing that whatever he is facing, God as shepherd will hold him. May we know the closeness and love of the Shepherd today... I praise you,  Lord,  for answering my prayers. You are my strong shiel...

Romans 8:26-28 NLT [26] And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  Romans 8:26-28 NLT I've plucked v28 out many times and while it holds truth for us on it's own, it's idea of God's purposes for us being worked out is connected to the Holy Spirit working in our weakness, pleading for us, the groanings that come from being in a world that is not how it should be. In that context v28 is an expression of God's love for us, acknowledging the reality of a world where every part of creation is experiencing the now and the not yet of the...

Can you direct the movement of the stars -  binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?   Do you know the laws of the universe?  Can you use them to regulate the earth? Job 38:31-33 NLT God sends this epic set of statements and questions to Job, and in the middle of it all he refers to the stars, invites Job to look up, to look to the Pleiades, the "Kiymah", the Matariki stars. As we celebrate Matariki this same invitation offered to Job comes our way, to look up to the stars, to trust again in the One who made them, who set the seasons in motion, who designed our world with such intricate detail and care to support humanity and to point us to the Creator. Look up. Look up and know that our story is held in the Big Story of our God's redemptive Grace. Look up and know that we are in fact Beloved. #stars #matariki #redemptivestrands #hopei...

Romans 8:26-27 NLT [26] And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.  Romans 8:26-27 NLT Paul seems to be describing some kind of cosmic communication and communion between the Holy Spirit (Pneuma) and our God (Theos) - not too  unexpected - except the the Spirit (Pneuma) is communicating and communing from within us! Not only that, but the Spirit (Pneuma) is advocating for us! This seems to be a big thing that is going on in the unseen spiritual world where our God is at work in us and for us... What does this say about our worth? How Beloved we are today? #letters #advocate #weareBeloved 

Romans 8:20-21, 23, 26 NLT ...But with eager hope,  the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory... We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.  And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For example,  we don't know what God wants us to pray for.  But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  Romans 8:20-21, 23, 26 NLT This word weakness literally means "without strength". Where are we "without strength"? Paul uses the example of prayer and it may be in that space, or it may be somewhere else that we are "without strength". Where do I need to invite the Holy Spirit in to today? Where am I "groaning", struggling, waiting, ...

[22] For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. [23] And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. [24] We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. [25] But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:22-25 NLT Waiting. Groaning. Hoping. Looking forward. Adopted and being adopted. Saved and being saved. This passage from Paul holds us in this redemptive tension that is what we might just call life, being human, living in the now and the not yet... How does that look for you today? "We were given this hope when we were sav...

Psalms 27:3-5 CEB If an army camps against me,  my heart won't be afraid.  If war comes up against me,  I will continue to trust in this:  I have asked one thing from the LORD - it's all I seek:  to live in the LORD's house all the days of my life,  seeing the LORD's beauty and constantly adoring his temple.   Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent;  he will set me up high, safe on a rock.   Psalms 27:3-5 CEB We can feel the redemptive strands being weaved here by David in this song...he knew that there would be trouble in his life, sorrow, grief, disappointment, loss, all the things we are familiar with. And at the same time he continues to look for the shelter and the covering of our God in all of that.  He will shelter. He will hide. He will place me on the rock. In our story, whatever we're facing today, David's song invites us to hold on to t...

Sunday Psalms; [1] The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?   Psalms 27:1 CEB David is the author of this psalm, this song, and he opens it with these 2 statements of truth: The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Holding these things as true in a world that seems to be coming against him leads to the question: So should I be afraid? Because I am. Even though he knows that he is held by Yahweh, the Eternal, Unfailing Love, he is still afraid. This is what it is to be human, to know and hold to what is True, and to live in a world that is doing it's very best at times to tell us something else... David names the things in this song that make him afraid - we can follow his lead and do that too.  David ends his song by sharing with us his declaration of hope in the face of fear: "But I have sure faith that I will experience the LORD's g...

Proverbs 10:13 CEB [13] Wisdom is found on the lips of those who have understanding, but there is a rod for the back of those with no sense.   Can we find Jesus in this Proverb? He is the one on who's lips are found wisdom. And as we saw in Romans it's Jesus who frees us from the rod that is being a "slave to sin" and invites us into the freedom of life in the Spirit. And he is also the one who bore the rod. He endured the rejection, the threats, the challenges, the abuse, the trials, and the crucifixion, the Cross, and this is where Jesus diverts from the Proverb,  not because he had "no sense", but because he Loves. And we get to follow Jesus, so as followers, may wisdom be found on our lips today... #proverbs  #wisdom  #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing #takethenextstep 

Friday! Proverbs! [13] Wisdom is found on the lips of those who have understanding, but there is a rod for the back of those with no sense.   Proverbs 10:13 CEB I tend to read things literally and see someone being beaten because they don't understand- and that just doesn't fit with the story of the Bible at all. So it seems likely that this needs a metaphorical look... The person with understanding speaks wisdom, compared with the person who doesn't have understanding- and for that person wisdom is hard to find, as a result everything is difficult. Relationships. Work. Learning. It's like the world continues to beat on them, beat them down... And if Proverbs is a window to the heart, maybe there's been times when we've felt that way - the world continues to beat on us, and our own inner critic joins in. This Proverb invites us back then to Wisdom. Back to the heart of our God who is Unfailing Love. What is it today that Unfailing Love is inviting us to look at ...

Romans 8:20-23 NLT Against its will, all creation was subjected to Gods curse.  But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join Gods children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.  We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.  Romans 8:20-23 NLT Paul paints this picture for us of all creation right on the cusp of something new and glorious, something we will all be part of, something we get glimpses of, but the best is yet to come. One day all will be made new. How does this hope change how we live today? #letters #hopeishere #redemptivestrands #weareBelo...

Romans 8:18-19 NLT [18] Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. [19] For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.  Romans 8:18-19 NLT Sitting with this idea that there will be suffering in this life is not easy.  When we acknowledge the reality that there is and will be suffering helps us to not just prepare for it, but to live with it when it arrives. This passage gives us part of the story - acknowledges that there is suffering, and that there is something coming that will absorb it and turn it into glory. And secondly, that all of creation, all of us, are in this suffering world together.  All of us. All of creation knows and is waiting on the renewal of all things. (This may be of little help when we're in the midst of our own suffering, but this is the hope we hold for one another when others can't hold it for themselves). Suffering is part of this life. And so is...

Romans 8:14-16 NLT For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves.  Instead,  you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  Now we call him,  "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children.  Romans 8:14-16 NLT God's children. His own children. Children of God. Seems that Paul wants us to "get" something here. Nestled in amongst his discussion of those parts of who we are that are not fully aligned with God, the battle within, his call to live in the Spirit, are these repeated identity reminders: We are: God's children. His own children. Children of God. In amongst all the stressors, demands, griefs of this life this reminder holds us: We are: God's children. His own children. Children of God. #truthtorestin  #letters #hopeishere #weareBeloved 

Psalms 26:8, 11-12 NLT I love your sanctuary, Lord,  the place where your glorious presence dwells. ... So redeem me and show me mercy.   Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord. Psalms 26:8, 11-12 NLT David declares that he loves God, walks with integrity, and needs redeeming, and needs mercy. This psalm, this song, reflects the story we find ourselves in too...doing our best to do what is right, and at the same time knowing we need redemption. David ends his song with two ideas: Publicly acknowledging and praising God  And  Knowing that "now I stand on solid ground". No matter what we get to stand on the solid ground that we have been redeemed by Jesus. Even though we might feel that we still need it, that we're on the shakey ground of our own redemptive efforts, we get to stand on the solid ground that is Jesus. Praise Him!. #psalms #songs  #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #unfailinglove #weareBeloved 

Sunday Psalms; Declare me innocent,  O Lord,  for I have acted with integrity;  I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial,  Lord,  and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.  For I am always aware of your unfailing love... Psalms 26:1-3 NLT Not sure I'm as brave as David is to ask God to put me on trial, to have Him examine, challenge, pick apart my motivation in Court! To test my heart for integrity! And as David does this, goes boldly before our God, there is the redemptive strand that David knows that he is held by Unfailing Love. Some days it's easy to believe that and other days not so easy, but this song invites us to live like it is, no matter what is in front of us today. Live boldly because we are held by Unfailing Love. What does that invite us to put down today? Live boldly because we are held by Unfailing Love. What does that invite us to step towards today? #psalms #songs #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #unfailingLove...

Hatred stirs up strife,  but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12 ESV Can we see Jesus in this Proverb? Before he was born Herod was causing strife (to be fair to Herod that was more fear than hatred), but right thru Jesus life there were those who were against him, even his own people rejected him. The Hebrew word is "sin'ah" which means hatred, hostility, enmity. If our life is marked by the hatred, hostility or enmity (ill will) of others, then we're in good company. Jesus knew all about it, right up to and including his death. And only His Love covers all offenses.  Only His Love is enough. In our humanity, our love is limited, our ability to absorb the sins of others is limited, it's only Jesus Love that is sufficient to cover all offenses, because His Love is out-of-this-world Love, Divine Love, Holy Love, Unfailing Love.  Yes we're called to be like Jesus, but not to be Him. Let Him be God, and we get to love as best we can in this messy imperfect l...

Friday! Proverbs! Hatred stirs up strife,  but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12 ESV My tendency is to look at someone else and point this Proverb at them: "Don't be so upset - love covers everything" "You have to let this go - the Bible says so". But that doesn't line up with the story of the Bible at all. God held people to account, Jesus did too, just read his warning in Matthew 18 toward those who harm children. So if Proverbs is not a weapon to weild against others but a mirror to look at our own heart, I'm wondering where I am stirring up strife? For me it can be envy. That stirs up an internal strife. Regret. Grief. And how does Love speak to those things? How does Love speak to me? Even where the offense is against me, what does Eternal Unfailing Love say to me even in that? Perhaps this Proverb while starting small invites us back into the Big Story that we are held safely in.  The Story where my offence towards God is absorbed by Eternal...

Romans 8:1 NLT [1] So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  Do you have a handful of verses that you go back to when you need a reminder, reassurance, redirection, rehope (is rehope a word?)? This is one of those verses when the doubts about me come up, the inner critic is noisy, the self talk is unhelpful, this is one place that is helpful - if God doesn't condemn me, then why should I? It also reminds me that my life is held safely in Jesus - whatever happens. And when my life comes to an end, there is no condemnation, but a life with Jesus. What does Romans 8:1 invite you towards today? "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." #letters #Grace ##hopeishere #weareBeloved 

Psalms 25:16-18 NLT Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.  My problems go from bad to worse.  Oh, save me from them all!  Feel my pain and see my trouble... Maybe this feels familiar - David's problems mounting up, feeling alone in it all. Unseen. Unheard. And yet he is not alone, not unheard [15] My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. ... [21] May integrity and honesty protect me,  for I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:15, 21 NLT Just like us David's emotions are telling him something, but his conclusion from them ("for I am alone") isn't the last word, isn't the whole story. Even in his distress, David keeps turning towards God.  His song invites us to do the same, whatever we're facing today, to continue to put our hope in Him... #psalms #songs  #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #weareBeloved  Here's an occasional reminder that if you no longer want to receive verseoftheday that's all...

[6] Remember,  O Lord,  your compassion and unfailing love,  which you have shown from long ages past.  [7] Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.  Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.  [8] The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. [9] He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.  [10] The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. Psalms 25:6-10 NLT This is the heart of this song, the part to play on repeat...can you feel the redemptive pull? David knows God, knows His character, His love, and at the same time knows his own humanness... What is the repeated phrase? "unfailing love" This is the redemptive tide that is always in play. "unfailing love" When we miss the mark "unfailing love" When we need help "unfailing love" When we need a Saviour "unfailing love" #psalms #s...

Psalms 25:3-5 NLT No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,  but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord;  point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me,  for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:3-5 NLT There's days I want God's guidance but I'm not sure I often follow David's lead here when he asks God: - Show me... - Lead me... - Teach me... - All day long I put my hope in you... Even in times when Shame wants to intrude, when fear of disgrace would hold us down, hold us back...all day long I put my hope in you, for no one who trusts in You will ever be disgraced. While we might experience shame, disgrace, in the Big Story, that has already been absorbed by Jesus. So... - Show me... - Lead me... - Teach me... - All day long I put my hope in you... #psalms #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #weareBeloved 

Sunday Psalms; O Lord,  I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. ... [21] May integrity and honesty protect me,  for I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:1-2, 21 NLT This song starts with "O Lord,  I give my life to you" Maybe we said this to God once, a month, a year, a decade ago, maybe we said it at a baptism, a crisis, a moment of spiritual experience. Yet here it is in David's opening of his song, his poem. I'm wondering if this is an invitation to me to start my day, my week, stating out loud where my hope is, in who my trust is. Faith, hope, trust are not once-and-done actions, or even quiet things, but maybe like David need to be regularly spoken or sung out loud? What is this song inviting us towards? "O Lord,  I give my life to you... I put my hope in you." #psalms  #redemptivestrands #hopeishere 

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11 NLT Can we see Jesus in this Proverb? His words are The life-giving fountain. When we look at Jesus life story all along the the way were people who's words and hearts held a violent intent - towards Jesus, towards anyone who stood in their version of success. King Herod. The Pharisees  His own people who rejected him. Judas Iscariot. Pilate. The crowds who called for Barrabas to be released. But Jesus continued and continues to speak Life. Whether things are great, a bit "meh", or we're really under pressure, anytime is good to lean into the life-giving fountain that is Jesus. "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" John 7:37-38 NLT #proverbs #wisdom #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing  #speaklife

Friday! Proverbs! [11] The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;  the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11 NLT Easy to look at others and see both of these things...but when I turn this Proverb inwards, I find both of these things in me too - sometimes my words are life-giving, and sometimes they're not. Some days my words conceal (or barely conceal) something unhealthy and life-draining going on in my heart. This Proverb invites me to take a moment when my thoughts, my words are not life-giving, to reflect what's going on in my heart. Yesterday we were in Romans 8:11 "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you" Perhaps this is the time to ask Him to minister to what is going on in me. Invite Him in. Listen for Him. Listen for the redemptive story of where He might want me to step from, and towards. Towards speaking life-giving words, words of life. My hope is that my trajectory is towards more life-giving words,...

The Spirit of God,  who raised Jesus from the dead,  lives in you. Romans 8:11 NLT [10] And Christ lives within you,  so even though your body will die because of sin,  the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. [11] The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead,  lives in you. Romans 8:10-11 NLT The Spirit of God,  who raised Jesus from the dead,  lives in you. There's Life within our life. The Spirit of God. Jesus lives in you. The Spirit gives you life. These are amazing statements that are a bit mind blowing at times.  They fly in the face of our culture, what the world would have us believe, what the lies of the Enemy say, and our own hearts at times. But Paul is clear -  "The Spirit of God,  who raised Jesus from the dead,  lives in you." This gift is only available, only exists, because of Jesus. Because God made the Way. Because we are Beloved. Amazing Grace. #letters #Romans #redemptivestrands ...

Romans 8:9-10 NLT [9] But you are not controlled by your sinful nature.  So in us who are followers of Jesus, something is different. That part of us that takes us away from God, away from the fully aliveness that he has for us is still there, but it's not in charge. [9] You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. This is quite a thing for Paul to say! The Spirit of God lives in you! Lives in me! Not sure about you but the challenges come up in me to this - even though I think and do and say things that don't align to the Spirit of God living in me?  [10] And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.  Romans 8:9-10 NLT So even though we're not perfect, Life in the Spirit happens because we've been made right with God.  Because God stepped towards us. Because God made a way. Because Jesus. We live in the now and the not yet, made righ...

Romans 8:5-8 NLT [5] Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. [6] So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. [7] For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. [8] That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. While this passage is a little depressing, feel free to jump to v9 where hope is held... Even in this passage though there is a redemptive strand: V6 talks of letting our mind be controlled by some part of us that is not aligned, not attuned to God, or we can let our mind be controlled by the Spirit, the pathway to life and peace. Be great if there was a fool proof 3 step process that we could all follow and that would just happen. We can consider what we're allowing...

Psalms 24:7-10 NLT Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory?  The Lord, strong and mighty;  the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.  Who is the King of glory?  The Lord of Heaven's Armies - he is the King of glory.  Interlude Psalms 24:7-10 NLT This second half of Psalm 24 almost feels like the chorus and there should be another part to this song! David asks himself the question "who is the King of glory?" I wonder if we ask ourselves that question today what is our answer? Do we see God the same way David did (on the day he wrote this anyway?) "Who is the King of glory?" And then what are these ancient gates & doors that need to be opened to let the King of Glory, the Lord of Heaven's Armies in? Surely if God has all that power He goes where He wants? I wonder if David is looking inward and seeing places in his own he...

Sunday Psalms; The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.  The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.  They will receive the Lord's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.  Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.  Interlude Psalms 24:1-6 NLT After the beauty and invitations of Psalms 23 we get this "excluding" view that David paints - we're back to never-good-enough for God. Or does it? Because if God's glory, His holiness was all there is to the story then maybe that narrative holds. But it's not. It's true, but it's also not the whole story. Sunday in particular we get together if we can to worship our Risen Saviour who made the way, who is the W...

Romans 8:3 NLT The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.  So God did what the law could not do.  He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have.  And in that body declared an end to sin's control over us... Romans 8:3 NLT "So God did what the law could not do." Another side of Love that steps towards us, that makes a way where there is no way. The law, or complete obedience to the law, can't be done, so it's impossible for us in our humanity to be made right with God that way. "So God did what the law could not do." He sent His Son, and He declared that through His Son we are set free. Love sets the Beloved free.  #letters #Goddid #set free #weareBeloved

Friday! Proverbs! He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:10 BSB "He who winks the eye", what could this mean? The person who says something hurtful and then says "I was just joking". The person who sees injustice, and does nothing. Elie Wiesel who was a holocaust survivor wrote this: "We must always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.  Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Elie Wiesel And then there's "foolish lips" - I couldn't count the number of times I've said things I wish I could retrieve, call back, say differently or not at all... If we see Proverbs not as a weapon, but an invitation to consider our own hearts, what does this Proverb invite you and me towards today? #proverbs  #wisdom #somethingtochewon #itsaheartthing #takethenextstep 

Romans 7:25 - 8:2 NLT Thank God!  The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.  So you see how it is:  In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.  Romans 7:25 - 8:2 NLT After this long discussion about the power of sin, about the value and the shortcomings of the law, about his own humanity, Paul points us to Jesus and to this place where because of Jesus, because we belong to Him, we can put down this voice of condemnation. I got asked yesterday "how's your inner voice? What's it saying about you today?" "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Maybe it's just me that has this inner voice that takes a different view to that which Paul invites us towards...maybe if God doesn't...

Romans 7:14-15, 21-25 NLT [14] So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. [15] I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  Romans 7:14-15 NLT Paul reminds us of his own humanity here.  Even though he has had this "road to Damascus" spiritual experience and met Jesus, he's not "perfect", there's still an internal battle at times, and he still does things he knows are wrong. [21] I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. [22] I love God's law with all my heart. [23] But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. [24] Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  [25] Thank God!  The answer...

[1] The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. ... [5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,  and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1, 5-6 NLT The redemptive strand has an end point - reconnection with God. David's song takes us on it's own journey; Starts with Yahweh as Shpeherd - The Eternal Light & Love is like a shepherd towards his sheep. There is rest, renewal, guidance, even in the darkest of places, He is with us. And then this picture of a feast, of a God who pursues us, of overflowing goodness that does not end. The redemptive strands flow through this song, through the realities of life, to a place of reconnection. A place where the disconnections of the Genesis story, from God, creation, each other, and ourselves, are reversed. A place where we will be ...

Psalms 23:1, 4 NLT [1] The Lord is my shepherd; ... [4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley,  I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:1, 4 NLT The Lord, Yahweh, The Shepherd, His rod and staff protect and comfort. It's not just our own strength we have to rely on, but His. It's not our just own capacity, but His. Because there is the "darkest valley" that we have to navigate.  We are not immune from the evils of this world, the actions of others, the frailties and limitations of our own humanity, the lies of the Enemy. David knows that. And his song invites us to join in the way through that he has found...leaning into Yahweh, remembering that even in the darkest valley, where there seems to be no light, The Lord, Yahweh, is still his Shepherd. #psalms  #songs #psalm23 #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #weareBeloved  #thewayisthrough

Sunday Psalms; The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows;  he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalms 23:1-3 NLT What jumped off the page today was "he". We want the rest of "green meadows", somewhere flourishing. We want the peace found near the water.  We want the strength and guidance, but each of these for David comes from The Shepherd, the Lord, Yahweh, YHWH, He is the one who is the agent, the means, the way; He lets me rest He leads me He renews  He guides I'm wondering how often that I've replaced the "He" with an "I". "Father in heaven, help me put down my idea of rest and let me find yours. Renew in me what needs renewing. Help me put down my ideas for a moment and seek your guidance, let me hear your voice today. Amen." #psalms #songs #dangerousprayers  #psalm23 #weareBeloved 

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 NIV When we look for Jesus in this Proverb, he is the one who walks in integrity. Even though he was misunderstood. Even though he was rejected. Even though he was abandoned. He was always held securely by the Love of the Father. Who did Jesus call out? The hyper religious who wanted the rules to save them. They couldn't do it with integrity because it ended up being about power, power over others. As followers of Jesus we are held in the same way that Jesus was (& is).  We are held securely by the Love of the Father, even if we're abandoned, rejected, misunderstood. We are in fact, beloved. #proverbs #wisdom  #somethingtochewon  #itsaheartthing #beloved

Friday! Proverbs! Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 NIV Mmm interesting comparison this Proverb draws...walking securely vs being found out... The security that comes from walking with integrity is that there is no fear of being found out...it's a security of the mind, which would seem to equal peace. Peace of mind, peace of heart when we walk with integrity. Proverbs is not a weapon to beat ourselves or anyone else up with, so what is this Proverb inviting us towards? To keep moving towards living in integrity. If that's our trajectory, then we are stepping towards more peace of mind, more peace of heart. It allows me to put down the comparison to others, and to live more and more in line with my values, with what's important, with God's call. As we sit with this Proverb today, what's the invitation to step away from, and to step towards? "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but w...

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him.  "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do us a favor." "What is your request?" he asked. They replied, "When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left." Mark 10:35-37 NLT What?! Jesus has just finished telling them about the upsidedown kingdom, how the greatest will be less important, and the very next question is "hey, we want to be the greatest"! So easy to condemn James and John here but they open us up to the human condition - I don't need to be at the front in heaven, but I'm sure I don't deserve to be down the back either... James and John's question gets me thinking about what I expect, what I want, what my rights are when it comes to God's Kingdom, and there may be some ideas there that betray the pride in my accomplishments and expectations that I carry...wh...

Mark 10:32-34 NLT [32] They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him.  [33] "Listen," he said, "we're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. [34] They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again." Mark 10:32-34 NLT We're on the other side of the resurrection, someone being flogged with Roman whips, public crucifixions are so far from our reality, but for these people walking with Jesus, wanting a Messiah to rescue them from Roman oppression is now just going to walk towards the Empire!!?? And is this talk of death and retu...

Then Peter began to speak up.  'We've given up everything to follow you," he said.  "Yes," Jesus replied, "and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property -along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. Mark 10:28-31 NLT The Kingdom runs on values that are upsidedown to those of our world- Peter's world- Jesus was making it clear that his and others (& our) sacrifices for Jesus, for the Good News are seen, are recognised. And there is going to be an abundance of goodness, an abundance of the things we love in life. And.  Some of the people who we looked at as important w...

Mark 10:26-28 NLT The disciples were astounded.  "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked.  Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." Then Peter began to speak up.  "We've given up everything to follow you," he said. Mark 10:26-28 NLT Peter is so helpful as he says what's really going on - he still thinks his getting right with God is up to him. He's given up everything. More than the person who came to Jesus with his questions and left unhappy because he wouldn't, couldn't give up everything and follow Jesus. And Peter had.  Left his family, left his business, and was literally following Jesus, and now gets told that's not enough.  That will never be enough.  Only Grace is enough. Somedays I'm with Peter - what about all I've given up to follow you Jesus - more than that guy you were just talking to! Peter and his colleagues were ...

Sunday Psalms; Psalms 22:14, 17-18, 24, 26 NLT [14] My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. ... [17] I can count all my bones.  My enemies stare at me and gloat. [18] They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. ... [24] For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. ... [26] The poor will eat and be satisfied.  All who seek the Lord will praise him.  Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. Psalms 22:14, 17-18, 24, 26 NLT If we're looking for intense psalms 22 must be near the top of the list. It contains a number of descriptions of suffering... bones out of joint... heart melted like wax, descriptions of enemies, emotions, abandonment. There's a picture of a person having his last piece of clothing gambled for, which happened to Jesus hundreds of years after this was writte...

Mark 10:26-27 NLT The disciples were astounded.  "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked.  Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible.  But not with God. Everything is possible with God." Mark 10:26-27 NLT This story in Mark's account seems to be about a person who wanted to confirm his "self salvation" project, that if he kept all the rules, did everything right, he'd be OK. But what he didn't reckon on was Jesus knowing his heart, and what had captured this person. And he couldn't give it up. The disciples seem to have realised that they too had things that captured their hearts, and wondered out loud how anyone can be saved, how anyone can be made right with God... So Jesus tells them that it's God making the way that makes the impossible possible.  We are saved because Jesus stepped towards us.  Grace. Impossible Grace. Because we are Beloved. Crazy, but true. #gospelofMark #GoodNews  #invit...

Friday! Proverbs! [8] The wise in heart accept commands,  but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Proverbs 10:8 NIV "The wise in heart" - what a beautiful description of a person - perhaps this is something to aspire to, and the way at least in part to be "wise in heart" is to be willing to listen to and accept instruction. Direction. To change. And what does this Proverb compare a person "wise in heart" with? Someone who won't listen. Someone who blathers on. My problem is that somedays that's me! Just blah blah, not listening, and not heeding the wisdom of God's Word and what He  invites me towards. Somedays I struggle with the simplest instructions; Love is patient. Love is kind. I'd rather be anything but those things, but this invitation towards being wise on heart draws me back to following God's instruction and loving. Love is patient. Love is kind. Patient and kind toward others.  Patient and kind towards all that is unhealed or un...

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked,  "Good Teacher,  what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17 NLT Jesus had just started on his journey to Jerusalem when his trip was interrupted- how do we go with interruptions? When people have questions? If Love is patient, love is kind, how do I love others in the interruption? This man interrupts Jesus journey with his Big Question.  And in this, he is our model - bring your Big Questions to Jesus. Our Big Question can lead us to look at what Jesus did and said to seek answers, clarity, help. Our Big Question can lead us to prayer, to seek out the Holy Spirit's quiet voice. Our Big Question can lead us to question those in our world who may be able to point us towards Jesus. What's your Big Question today? Follow the redemptive strands of scripture and seek Jesus in the Question...(remembering that we are already Beloved). #gospelofMark #GoodNews  #in...

Romans 7:4, 6 NLT [4] So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point:  You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ.  And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead.  As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.  ... [6]...Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Romans 7:4, 6 NLT These ways of doing things that the religious leaders had been imposing on people as being the way to be right with God, to be holy, Paul is telling the church in Rome, they're gone.  The last 2 chapters Paul has repeated again and again that we're made right with God through faith in Jesus, through His work, not ours. So don't go back to this rules based life. There's new life now that is Spirit led. We get to live out the law in the place we find ourselves not to get right with God, but in gratitude and to honour Him. What opens up in this Spirit led life...

Romans 6:22-23 NLT [22] But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God.  Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.  [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23 NLT But now. Now free. Free from the slavery to sin, from it's mastery, it's hold, free to line up under God, free to choose the way of the kingdom, free to accept and live in this gift of Life. This gift is big enough to hold us in our doubts, our lapses, our not-so-great choices at times.  It's about trajectory, direction, stepping towards the freedom we have in Jesus, and when we can't quite believe it, living like we do...and we get to do that because it's not us who made the way, not our perfect choices and actions, but Jesus. We rely on The Gift that came from His choice, His actions. The weight is lifted. And we get to step out in the freedom that Jesus gives... #lett...

Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:16 NLT Jesus said to his team to receive the Kingdom like a child, and then he took the children in his arms, gathered them in, held them close, placed his hands on their heads in blessing and protection, and blessed them. His team were doing something different with the Kingdom, in relation to the Kingdom, wanting to exercise some kind of adult control, manage it, and Jesus rebuked them, come like a child, be wrapped in, and blessed. Loved. Accepted. Welcomed. Today, be welcomed in. Be Accepted  Be Loved. Sink into Jesus embrace and let the Kingdom wash over you (even if it's just for a moment) Accept His Love like a child... #gospelofMark #GoodNews  #invitation  #weareBeloved 

Sunday Psalms; [7] For the king relies on the Lord;  through the faithful love of the Most High he is not shaken. Psalms 21:7 CSB This is an intriguing song, it seems to be written by David about his victories as King, full of imagery that isn't easy to grasp from this distance. When we look for the redemptive strand though, it is there... "For the king relies on the Lord;  through the faithful love of the Most High he is not shaken." Unlikely that we will head a nation, but we can follow David here as he "relies on the Lord". And we can stand as David did in the "faithful love of the most high". In that love, David says "he is not shaken". What is it that shakes us today? What tries to knock us down, push us over, push us aside? It can be the noise, the voices of the world, of others, sometimes our own inner critic, our circumstances, the result of our own choices or the actions of others... Whatever we face, perhaps David's song here wi...

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them.  But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them,  "Let the children come to me.  Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NLT There's a warning embedded in here that I can be like the disciples sometimes and decide what is and what isn't important to Jesus, or who is, and who isn't important to him.  Children, vulnerable, without voice, without power, welcomed in, held, blessed by Jesus (even tho by excluding them the disciples likely thought they were doing the right thing, culturally, practically, Jesus has big people and big ...

Friday! Proverbs! [6] The godly are showered with blessings;  the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.  [7] We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. Proverbs 10:6-7 NLT The "godly" (righteous, just) compared to those who are not...yet the first comparison seems a bit off, one getting blessings, the other concealing a heart intention different to their words. And in the second it's the memories of someone compared to their "name". This disjoint seems intentional, so while I'm tempted to apply these Proverbs to others, Proverbs invites us to look in...to my motivations behind my words, to consider where I might not be speaking with integrity. To think about my "name", and am I trying to protect something about me that will just rot? Where can I be investing in what will last? Proverbs is a bit more nuanced than first glance- what are these Proverbs inviting you towards today? #Proverbs #wisdom  #somet...

Romans 6:19 NLT [19] Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy. Romans 6:19 NLT Paul is using something he hopes the people in the church in Rome will understand as they wrestle with what he is teaching. There's a slavery here, a coming under the authority of, but there's this element of choice involved too. What we let be in charge in our hearts and minds. Is it the righteousness that reflects God's character that I'm choosing to come under more and more? If the main thing is Love, am I choosing to love? Love. (Patience, kindness, etc) Justice. Those on the margins. Maybe that all seems too big and too much, so start with where I am this morning, and how can I express love for God this morning? How can I ...

Well then,  since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning?  Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?  You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.  Thank God!  Once you were slaves of sin,  but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.  Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living. Romans 6:15-18 NLT Does that mean I'll never sin again? Of course not! There's been a status change - I'm no longer sins slave, and I'm free to follow Jesus, to keep stepping towards being the person He envisions for me (see Eph1:4). I'm no longer bound to sins ideas, but free to embrace God's ideas. He is Love and Light so I get to embrace those ideas and ways of being in the world. I now have a way forward, a way out when the pressures of this world, the de...

Romans 6:12-14 NLT [12] Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. [13] Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. [14] Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Romans 6:12-14 NLT Paul is not weaponising this so that there's a list of things that start with "Do not..." This is part of Ch5 and 6 where he has reminded us how our relationship with God has changed because of Jesus, that it's faith, it's grace, and we have been set free from being slaves to sin, and this is the invitation to live in that. We have New Life, that is a Life of Freedom under God's Grace. So live like it! Take the next step. Choose. Move. "Today I ...

Romans 6:5, 7-11 NLT [5] Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.  (This takes us back to Paul talking about baptism and how that signifies connection with Jesus death) [7] For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.  (A reminder again that we are free from sin's power) [8] And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.  (And we have now entered into Life!  Don't rush past this truth today! "We know we also live with him" - how good is that?) [9] We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. (This is our sign, our security - death no longer has any power over Jesus, and we're alive with him, so we're all good)  [10] When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.  (No rerun needed - it's done.) [11] So you also should con...

Sunday Psalms; In times of trouble,  may the Lord answer your cry.  May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.  May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.  Interlude. Psalms 20:1-3 NLT The first part of this song of David's is looking out at the people he cared about.  Looking out, and looking up. Looking out, looking up, and trusting God in "times of trouble". Looking for our God in times of trouble. David invites us to keep it real, and this song of his takes me to Jesus words, the last recorded words we have to his team before he heads towards death... John 16:33 NLT "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world." The redemptive strands can be seen from David, to Jesus, to us. There will be, is, times of trou...

Romans 6:5-6 NLT [5] Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. [6] We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.  Romans 6:5-6 NLT We can feel the redemptive strand pulling us from death towards Life. And the things that drove us no longer have to. The things that are not reflective of our God's character, His heart, become less and less...our desires and thoughts and what's most important shift...to align with God's... Love. Justice. Truth. The least. The world, sometimes in league with our own heart desires and the lies of the enemy tries to tell us that this is not freedom, but Paul is reminding us that this is where freedom really is, when we live in the truth that he has been going on about that we are made right with God by Grace that comes through Jesus. And in that is freedom. Breathe that in today... #letters  ##GodsGraceR...

Friday! Proverbs! [3] The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,  but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.  [4] Lazy people are soon poor;  hard workers get rich.  [5] A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace. Proverbs 10:3-5 NLT So easy to use these Proverbs as weapons against others. If we start with the first one, well, God's people do go hungry, so it would seem that we're being invited into something deeper... So if I turn this lens that Proverbs gives me inwards what questions does it invite? The injustice that there are poor people? Where is God when people who love Him are hungry? Is there a harvest going on that I am sleeping through? What are the "riches" that come to mind? Is this what God intends for me? What are my cravings that God wouldn't want to satisfy? As you read these Proverbs what jumps off the page for you? Why? What action is our God inviting you towards? What deeper story does it invi...

....now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then,  should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?  Of course not!  Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father,  now we also may live new lives. Romans 5:21 - 6:4 NLT We are invited into new life now! To keep stepping away from the things that separate us from God, not because His Grace isn't enough, but because His Grace IS enough. This is not once-and-done but a journey that continues as we live out this new life in the reality of our hurt and damaged and beautiful and wonderful world. Maybe there's an encouragement to keep step...

Romans 5:21 NLT [21] So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 NLT Some days it doesn't feel like God's Grace rules does it...but what we can be assured of is that God's Grace does rule in our relationship with Him. And because it is God's Grace that rules there, our relationship with, our standing with Him doesn't depend on us. The weight is off. So put it down. God's Grace rules. Whatever we had in place of God's Grace is not in charge, does not make the rules, it's a fake, fraud, or just a poor substitute. God's Grace rules through Jesus, and the result is Life! May not feel like it, but it's true. Whatever is in front of us today we get to live in the truth that God's Grace rules our relationship with Him, and we already have Life. #letters #GodsGraceRules #hopeishere...

Romans 5:12, 18-19 NLT [12] When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.  ... [18] Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. [19] Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 5:12, 18-19 NLT Paul is reinforcing again and again this redemptive truth that through Jesus we are made right with God.  And this is Good News. Because it is all about Jesus and what he did, and it doesn't rely on me and what I do or don't do. One of the toughest things to put down can be the idea that I have to be good enough, be enough, reach a standard, to be acceptable to God. Paul reminds us again and again that it's what Jesus did. Author and Pastor Tim Keller used the term "our self salvation project". I ...

Psalms 19:14 NLT [14] May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NLT This is how David ends his song, his psalm, his thoughts that he has written out about and towards our God. Have you tried writing to God? Writing to Him about what is happening in your world, what is going on with people you love, what is going on in your mind, your heart, writing it all to God, and ending with David's phrase; "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Give it a go :) #psalms #redemptivestrands #weareBeloved  #Monday #Godsgym

Sunday Psalms; Psalms 19:1-4 NLT The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak;  night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word;  their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world... Psalms 19:1-4 NLT The story of who God is painted in the sky, seen in the stars, found in the created world. It's right here. How easy is it not to look up? Take a moment to look up today...look for God's proclamation in the sky... As the stars and the skies proclaim God's glory without speaking, I'm wondering what that invites us into...how our lives might be proclaiming God's glory without speaking? #sunday #psalms #redemptivestrands #hopeishere #weareBeloved