verseoftheday

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ...Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... Philippians 1:20, 27 NIV Paul was concerned that the way he lived was worthy of the gospel (v20), and here in v27 he's concerned about us. How we live on Monday. What we watch, where we go, what we choose to be part of, on what we spend our money...is it worthy of the gospel? There is no list, no yes this is OK, this is not, just a call, a personal call, to consider my everyday choices in the light of the gospel. How I respond What I say Paul wants the reality of the gospel to permeate everything, not just Sunday, but Monday too. This is not a "big stick" or rules thing, but a gentle, loving request from Paul's heart, from an old pastor in jail for the gospel, lovingly reminding us that what we bel...

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; Philippians 1:21-23 NIV OK so he's not called Saint Paul for nothing :) He got to meet Jesus on the road to Emaeus, blinded, healed, shipwrecked, jailed...had his name and his destiny changed...and clearly he had a better view of eternity, a better grasp of heaven than me... But what if I genuinely could get to the place Paul was? I think I'd hold onto the things of this world more lightly, my focus would be much more on what's really important...knowing God, making Him known, loving the people He's put in front of me... #whatreallymatters #faith #eternity

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 NIV Even Paul, strengthened by the prayers of others & the provision of the Holy Spirit, was still concerned that he would have the courage to finish well, that he won't slip up under pressure. His outlook was that no matter what, it's knowing Jesus and making Him known are THE most important things. His personal circumstances are secondary. He was less concerned about his comfort, his health, his very life, than making Jesus known. That's focus. Purpose. Mission. And it's dangerous. If I put "make Jesus known" at the top of my to-do list every day, things would have to change! That is Paul's example to us... I find that a bit scary... #jesusatthecentre #whatreallymatters #somethingtochewon

"All these I have kept", the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:20-22 NIV The thing that seems to be going on here is this... Jesus gets to the heart issue. This is not primarily about being wealthy, but this person's heart. Is he really willing to call Jesus "Lord"? Is he really willing to do whatever Jesus asks? Or does he have an idol, a god, that he's not willing to give up? There may be a time where Jesus asks that of us too...are you going to cling on to that thing (whatever that is) or follow me? #heart #whatsreallyimportant #wordsofJesus

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither -  whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NIV I want to be that person - the one like the tree - our plum tree is bearing fruit right now so it's the best thing in the garden - giving shade to those who need it, nourishment and sustenance to anyone who's hungry... so how do we get there? By not walking in step, doing what those who oppose God do, but jumping into His word for ourselves. Replace the influence of the world's thinking with what God has to say...then we'll be giving shade and sustenance to those around us... There's no better time to start than now, and no better place to start from than where you're at......

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 NIV We started watching a TV series last night and within a few minutes it was clear that the values and message of that show were so far from what we believe in that watching it would have been like "sitting in the company of mockers". Sometimes it's the subtle things, the "everyday" that keeps us away from God's values and out of His word, away from what really matters... #psalms #psalm1 #whatreallymatters #resolution

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under... "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more" Matthew 2:16-18 NIV Not normally a popular part of the Christmas Story... but today as we enjoy the freedom to live and worship how we want to, today pray for those around the world who are being persecuted for their faith. Was Herod so afraid of this baby because the people would then believe in a power greater than his? That baby, born 2016 years ago, not only split time, but ruptures our thinking about what really matters. This time of year we try to get together with people we care about, because that really matters. Jesus birth, God becoming man, making a way, wanting relationship with us...that really matters...for today & for all days ...