thoughts & encouragements about life & faith
For God made Christ who never sinned to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Cor 5:21
From a young age we quickly learn what it's like to get things right or wrong. As a former teacher I saw the negative effect that getting work wrong had on a child. How they lost confidence in themselves. Even seeing red markings on a page or a cross instead of a tick can over time send a message to a child that they've failed.
Awake to righteousness and sin not.
1 cor 15:34
When it comes to breaking habits in our lives and overcoming negative patterns of behaviour we tend to be problem focused rather than solution oriented. Often the attention we give to a problem and the time we spend thinking about everything we are not happy with allows the whole thing to be magnified. It can at times become insurmountable in our eyes
Rouse yourselves and keep awake, and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying… Revelation 3:2a
Last year I had a very successful vegetable harvest – more courgettes that I knew what to do with, and my beetroot, potatoes and rhubarb were abundant. This year however…pretty pathetic. I did the same
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.2 Chronicles 20:12b
I recently had to manage a difficult situation in work; feelings were running high and after a few months with no resolution it looked as if things could escalate. Two final meetings had been arranged
…we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out into a broad, moist place [to abundance and refreshment and the open air].Psalm 66:12b
A few years ago I took part in the Moonwalk in Edinburgh. This is a marathon walk that raises millions for breast cancer charities. The unusual thing about this walk is that it starts at midnight so you are literally walking by the light of the moon! It was a great
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him]. Song of Solomon 2:4 Amplified Bible
I really enjoy people visiting me in my home, be it an unexpected caller or a pre-arranged event. I love deciding what food I am going to prepare, setting the table, serving the food and enjoying the craic. I also love to be invited to other people’s homes and getting to know them better over food and laughter
The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.Psalm 145:14Amplified Bible
In August 2012 I ruptured my Achilles tendon in my right leg. I was dancing rather too energetically and all of a sudden my right foot just stopped working! For the next 4 weeks I was in plaster and struggled to get around using crutches.
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!Romans 5:17
Having looked this week at living from the unseen,we finish by focusing on reigning in life. Understanding our citizenship is critical to reigning in life. We are not citizens of our temporal surroundings, we are citizens of the unseen eternal kingdom of God
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
As we continue our theme of spiritual sight we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus.Andrew has been speaking on the brazen serpent from Numbers 21 and how when the Israelites ‘looked’ at the serpent they were healed.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.Ephesians 3:20
We have been looking at how to live from the unseen eternal realm, rather than the physical temporal world around us.We have touched on how faith (spiritual sight) and perspective are really important in this process
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18
The word temporary means 'lasting for only a limited period of time, not permanent'.Isn't it good to know that whatever we are going through today its only temporary and not permanent - particularly if it is an unpleasant experience
[John 11:33-35 NLT] When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.
"Where have you put him?" he asked them. They told him, "Lord, come and see."
Then Jesus wept.
Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus in compassion for the grief that his sisters and friends were experiencing. I believe His anger was not at the people around Him, but at the things in life that cause those whom He made and loved to be caused to grieve
Mark 1:9-11: One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." Other translations say, “In whom I am well pleased”.
Why was The Father so pleased with Jesus? Was it because of His obedient life? or because of His willingness to fulfil His mission to rescue lost souls? I would suggest that Jesus pleased His Father in every way but that God loved Jesus so dearly simply because He is His Son
Mark 1:17-18 NLT
Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!"
And they left their nets at once and followed him.
Do you remember that moment when Jesus called you to follow Him? What did he call you away from? What change did He bring to your life? What was your change of direction
“Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, "Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are; the Holy One of God!"
Jesus cut him short. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered.
At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!" Mark 1:23-27 NLT
John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no-one comes to The Father, but through me.”
This verse helped me to understand the gospel and led me to ask Jesus as my Saviour; The One who died in my place, who brought me new life and a home in heaven
“Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3 v 24
Last year my wife and I made a will. While we've no intention of shaking off this mortal coil for a while yet, it seemed like a sensible idea to get this item dealt with so there would be no complications in the future
"Jesus wept"John 11 vs 35
When I was young and in Sunday school, this verse was a favourite amongst my friends. Why? Well, when we were ever challenged by the teacher to recite a verse, inevitably someone would proudly stand up and say "Jesus wept”! Cue giggles all round
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
If you have ever driven a car when abroad on holiday you'll know it requires some extra patience and care navigating your way around a foreign country that you're not familiar with
