tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/daily thoughts of a christian mother seeking Gods direction for life.MokoFeed2009-11-21T11:12:47+01:00tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-09-10:/2009/09/10/listen-the-gods-call-and-take-a-step-to-obey-in-humility-and-faith-6934562/dailythought2009-09-10T06:09:56+02:002009-09-10T06:09:56+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017:1-24;%20Phil.%202:1-11;&version=NIV">1 Kings 17:1-24; Phil 2:1-11 </a></p> <p>To be obedient to Gods call is so amazing. I remember so many times when I felt God was telling me to do something but felt is was strange or just too much for little insignificant me and later lived to regret it as I discovered the outcome of me not obeying God for others. Elijah obeyed God and saved a woman and child from eating their last meal. i pray that I may begin to live up to what God asks. None of us a little or insignificant because through us God can place us in the right place at the right time for the right reason - His Reason.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/09/10/listen-the-gods-call-and-take-a-step-to-obey-in-humility-and-faith-6934562/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-05-05:/2009/05/05/sacrifice-6062879/dailythought2009-05-05T14:18:11+02:002009-09-10T05:44:11+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2026;deut%2028:58-;&version=31;">Duet 26 and 28-end</a><br> and Acts 15 and 16<br> The Deut passage is amazing. God calls the people to offer a basket of first fruit as an offering to God, but then in the third year they are to offer this basket to the poor, fatherless and the alien so that they may be satisfied in their towns. enough said what a wonderful vision from a wonderful God.</p> <p>The Acts passage is perhaps the most exciting. I imagine the jailer ready to kill himself as he would have been very badly treated and then killed if the prisoners had all escaped. There in his moment of darkness and dispair Paul calls out ' we are here'. I know if I were a prisoner I would have taken the earthquake to be Gods sign for me to escape. </p> <p>Perhaps here I get the sharp realisation that Pauls life was about sharing the gospel now not about survival or anything else. he was an intelligent man and knew that by his escape the jailer would be killed and that was not the reputation Paul wanted to give others. His life was a sacrife. Toil and labour worthy of knowing that he can stand before God with a clear conscience. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/05/05/sacrifice-6062879/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-04-21:/2009/04/21/sun-2-darkness-moon-2-blood-5979656/dailythought2009-04-21T05:40:27+02:002009-04-21T05:40:27+02:00 <p>deut 2:1-25; acts 2:1-21</p> <p>From the Acts passage:<br> 20 The sun will be turned to darkness<br> and the moon to blood<br> before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. </p> <p>This is like something from Dr Who (the modern day series) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/04/21/sun-2-darkness-moon-2-blood-5979656/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-04-16:/2009/04/16/healing-5954253/dailythought2009-04-16T13:44:20+02:002009-04-16T13:44:20+02:00 <p>readings <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017:8-;%20Mark%205:21-;&version=31;">1Kings 17:1-end; Mark 5:21-end</a></p> <p>surely these passages demand a consideration of 'healing'. WEll yes but there are also aspects which I notice today.</p> <p>The healings are<br> Woman whose child is not breathing. The woman has served Elijar food from the flour and oil she has which would have been the last meal for her son and herself, yet this small amount continued to supply both herself, her son and Elijar. </p> <p>The bleeding woman who reached out to touch Jesus in the crowd.</p> <p>And the daughter of Jairus whom they were told was dead before Jesus could get to her.</p> <p>So three healings.<br> After her son is healed the woman in the Kings passage recognises that the Word of the LORD that comes from Elijars mouth is truth.<br> At the beginning of the Mark passage a synogogue leader 'Jairus' came to Jesus and falling on his knees asked Jesus to come with him to heal his dying daughter.<br> The bleeding woman then touches his cloak as she believes she only needs to touch his cloak to be healed.</p> <p>In each of these passages the healing not only is enables or reflects 'faith' it also marks how the healing is from the LORD, yet is focused at an individual level.</p> <p> Jesus ensures that he turns to confirm with the woman that it is her faith that has healed her - he says to her "Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." we can feel the comfort and reassurance that the woman would have gained from his direct and loving attention.<br> The synagogue leader had faith that Jesus could heal his dying daughter. Jesus 'went with him' again his love and attention focused the individuals involved at 'street', or 'grass root' level.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/04/16/healing-5954253/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-19:/2009/03/19/my-prayer-5785372/dailythought2009-03-19T06:17:58+01:002009-03-19T06:17:58+01:00 <p>Lord I come to you as a failed human. I feel I have failed at so much and that it is because I have not had the input and support I need. I want to do well for you in my study and life. That others may see Jesus in all that I am. Lord I pray for your wisdom, your love, your eyes and your help to attain all that I can be in service for your precious Son. Lord I desire for you to help me gain knowledge and be able to apply it. I seek wisdom that you may guide me. I hope or understanding that I may be able to share your words and gospel. Lord I turn to you that you may use me. I turn to you that you may mould me. I turn to you that you may change me to be more than I am through your Holy Spirit.<br> Amen </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/my-prayer-5785372/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-15:/2009/03/15/prince1-5757986/dailythought2009-03-15T07:23:20+01:002009-03-19T06:05:25+01:00 <p><a href="http://dpmobc.org/course/view.php?id=17">http://dpmobc.org/course/view.php?id=17</a></p> <p>here is a link to the Derek Prince course that I have just signed up for. I am not a fan of Derek Prince at all and disagree with his theology. So I am signed up for a trial I think! but I was told that it is good to explore outside the boundary and thus I will do this. I will use Prince as the title for each post I make about the course.</p> <p>(after a week I still have not brought myself to read any of this course. I am unimpressed by him that it is just not inspiring to do the work when there is so much else to do!) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/15/prince1-5757986/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/journey-to-wisdom-5748555/dailythought2009-03-13T10:46:02+01:002009-03-13T10:46:02+01:00 <p>Living Wisely: the way we speak</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2010:19;%20Proverbs%2017:27-28;%20James%201:19;&version=31;">bible readings</a></p> <p>These pasages suggest that only speaking a little is a good thing. Why?<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:20-21;Matt%2012:36-37;&version=31;"><br> Bible Readings<br> </a><br> So perhaps it is not so much how much we speak but what we say when we speak</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:4;&version=31;">Proverbs 18:4<br> </a></p> <p>It is best to work on keeping confidences<br> Disagree without being disagreeable<br> Encourage</p> <p>Actions can effect how we feel also.<br> Being critical rather than being an active aid does not do as much good as supporting and confirming someone.</p> <p>should we ignore others problems or failings _?</p> <p>MOST IMPORTANTLY<br> why is the way we speak an indicator of our faith?<br> passage from<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:4;&version=31;"> James</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/journey-to-wisdom-5748555/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/a-longer-warning-section-5747449/dailythought2009-03-13T05:54:50+01:002009-03-13T05:54:50+01:00 <p>In proverbs 5 we have much fewer verses on wisdom before we enter into the warning section which has been with all the proverbs so far at the end of each.</p> <p>1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,<br> listen well to my words of insight,<br> 2 that you may maintain discretion<br> and your lips may preserve knowledge </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/a-longer-warning-section-5747449/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/wisdom-an-organic-being-5747442/dailythought2009-03-13T05:52:23+01:002009-03-13T05:52:49+01:00 <p>In proverbs 4 we seem to have wisdom as an organic being. 'she will watch over you'. </p> <p>5 Get wisdom, get understanding;<br> do not forget my words or swerve from them.</p> <p> 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;<br> love her, and she will watch over you.</p> <p> 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.<br> Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.</p> <p> 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;<br> embrace her, and she will honor you.</p> <p> 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head<br> and present you with a crown of splendor. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/wisdom-an-organic-being-5747442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/proverbs-3-begins-to-give-what-we-might-call-a-5747436/dailythought2009-03-13T05:47:17+01:002009-03-13T05:47:17+01:00 <p>Proverbs 3 begins to give what we might call a list which if held to would enable one to begin to be wise in the eyes of God. But this begins to distinguish between wisdom of man and God. For man surely wealth and health are the essentials of life. Wisdom is only sought when needing specific advise or guidance.</p> <p>1 My son, do not forget my teaching,<br> but keep my commands in your heart,<br> 2 for they will prolong your life many years<br> and bring you prosperity.</p> <p> 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;<br> bind them around your neck,<br> write them on the tablet of your heart.</p> <p> 4 Then you will win favor and a good name<br> in the sight of God and man.</p> <p> 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart<br> and lean not on your own understanding;</p> <p> 6 in all your ways acknowledge him,<br> and he will make your paths straight. [a]</p> <p> 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;<br> fear the LORD and shun evil.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/proverbs-3-begins-to-give-what-we-might-call-a-5747436/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/in-proverbs-3-we-see-three-words-used-wisdom-understanding-5747427/dailythought2009-03-13T05:41:05+01:002009-03-13T05:41:05+01:00 <p>In proverbs 3 we see three words used wisdom, understanding and knowledge. I wonder if there is meaning in this passage which helps to explain wisdom a little better.</p> <p>19bBy wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,<br> by understanding he set the heavens in place;</p> <p> 20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,<br> and the clouds let drop the dew. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/in-proverbs-3-we-see-three-words-used-wisdom-understanding-5747427/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/wisdom-from-god-5747422/dailythought2009-03-13T05:36:45+01:002009-03-13T05:36:45+01:00 <p>Proverbs 2 explores wisdom further:</p> <p> 1 My son, if you accept my words<br> and store up my commands within you,<br> 2 turning your ear to wisdom<br> and applying your heart to understanding,</p> <p> 3 and if you call out for insight<br> and cry aloud for understanding,</p> <p> 4 and if you look for it as for silver<br> and search for it as for hidden treasure,</p> <p> 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD<br> and find the knowledge of God.</p> <p> 6 For the LORD gives wisdom,<br> and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.</p> <p> 7 He holds victory in store for the upright,<br> he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,</p> <p> 8 for he guards the course of the just<br> and protects the way of his faithful ones.</p> <p> 9 Then you will understand what is right and just<br> and fair—every good path.</p> <p> 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,<br> and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.</p> <p> 11 Discretion will protect you,<br> and understanding will guard you.</p> <p> 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,<br> from men whose words are perverse, </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/wisdom-from-god-5747422/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-03-13:/2009/03/13/wisdom-5747419/dailythought2009-03-13T05:33:42+01:002009-03-13T05:33:42+01:00 <p>What is wisdom?<br> Is it sound advise? Living wisely? Knowing God?<br> It seems to me that someone can be able to give good advise but not be 'wise'. They may know God and still act very unwisely. someone may be very well off and have a life that is comfortable and yet they are not wise. so what really is wisdom.<br> Proverbs 1 is a good starting point to think through what is really meant by wisdom.</p> <p> 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:<br> 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;<br> for understanding words of insight;</p> <p> 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,<br> doing what is right and just and fair;</p> <p> 4 for giving prudence to the simple,<br> knowledge and discretion to the young-</p> <p> 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,<br> and let the discerning get guidance-</p> <p> 6 for understanding proverbs and parables,<br> the sayings and riddles of the wise.</p> <p> 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,<br> but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline.</p> <p>The Dictionary.com writes ' wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.'</p> <p>Wisdom is not just knowing therefore it is coupled with acting.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/wisdom-5747419/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/hope-5558986/dailythought2009-02-12T12:17:49+01:002009-02-12T12:19:00+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2017:24-;%2018:1-14;%20Rom%204;&version=31;">New Testament</a> Matt 17:24: 18:1-14; Rom 4<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2011;%2012:1-10;&version=31;">Old Testamen</a>t Gen 11: 12:1-10</p> <p>I have not read this short story from Matt 17 before now. It is then followed by the disciples asking who will be greater in heaven. What catches my thoughts is that Jesus takes a small boy... I can just picture it as a live picture... Jesus sitting by the shore with the fishing boats and people around him.</p> <p>What is it about children that Jesus tells us to be like?</p> <p>The Jewish concept of taming the tongue and not causing others to sin comes through again in Jesus teaching. We can fan a spark of life into flame or we can extinguish it with our actions and words. </p> <p>I think that it is because children have often not yet learnt the power of their ability and though they may be hurt by others and they may learn to protect themselves they are the usually the first to turn for love and support when such things happen. they also forget very quickly and always hope for the best.</p> <p>Perhaps this is why the matt passage is linked with the Romans passage. 'v18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed'. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/hope-5558986/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-11:/2009/02/11/new-testament-matt-17-1-23-rom-3-old-testament-gen-5549606/dailythought2009-02-11T04:44:21+01:002009-02-11T04:46:52+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2017:1-23;%20Rom%203;&version=31;">New Testament</a> Matt 17:1-23; Rom 3<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%208;%20Gen%209:1-17;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Gen 8; Gen 9:1-17</p> <p>And it is because of these verses from Rom 3 that our family learn and obey the laws of Moses:<br> 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/11/new-testament-matt-17-1-23-rom-3-old-testament-gen-5549606/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-10:/2009/02/10/new-testament-matt-16-13-rom-2-old-testament-gen-5549600/dailythought2009-02-10T04:18:58+01:002009-02-11T04:46:20+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2016:13-%20;%20Rom%202&version=31">New Testament</a> Matt 16:13- ; Rom 2<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%206:5-%20;%20Gen%207&version=31">Old Testament</a> Gen 6:5- ; Gen 7</p> <p>It is obvious that the disciples and believers of the early church thought Jesus would come again and when it was clear he did not mean ' he would come again ' literally they began to consider what he may have meant. But I wonder why it is not just simply that Jesus did come again.. He returned to earth to the early believers and so he has come again and his kingdom is here. I know that there is much more in Scripture but essentially I wonder if this is simply a done deed, so to speak.</p> <p>These verses from Romans 2 are essentially why I am not an 'evangelical'<br> 11For God does not show favoritism. 12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/new-testament-matt-16-13-rom-2-old-testament-gen-5549600/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-09:/2009/02/09/keep-my-heart-praising-you-lord-5534426/dailythought2009-02-09T08:17:36+01:002009-02-09T08:17:36+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2015:29;%20Matt%2016:12;%20Rom%201&version=31">New Testament</a> Matt 15:29-16:12; Rom 1</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%203;%204:1-16&version=31">Old Testament</a> Gen 3; 4:1-16</p> <p>My sister has given birth this morning to a baby boy. I gave birth just 10 weeks ago. The contractions and preparation of the body to bring forth this new life is astonishingly painful. My labour lasted about 40 mins so I was jolly quick, thankfully at home because I would not have made it to hospital!<br> But the fact that we are bringing forth a new life is utterly breathtaking. Thank you Lord.</p> <p>Rom 1:20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.<br> 21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/09/keep-my-heart-praising-you-lord-5534426/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-06:/2009/02/06/humble-and-bold-5530642/dailythought2009-02-06T14:57:23+01:002009-02-08T18:30:55+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Cor%2010;%202Cor%2011&version=31">New Testament</a> 2 Cor 10; 2 Cor 11</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer%209:1-24;%20jer%2010;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Jer 9: 1-24; Jer 10</p> <p>2 Cor 10:9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 10For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." 11Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.</p> <p>Is this a characteristic of Paul we rarely see? We think of Paul as a strong, bold, out spoken even difficult person. This is such an interesting chapter. Paul the 'great speaker' is considered 'unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing'. Perhaps he was really a timid, beoved man who shared his life and his thoughts with those around him. He was certainly a well versed man who had a way with words and who passionate about God he studied hard to be well educated and obviously loved to share that with others.</p> <p>there is another thought to be gained from these verses: </p> <p>It is very interesting and perhaps wise to consider how Paul handles these difficult situations. Paul is able to be bold and blunt in written word, but in person he explains through his actions. I think that is enough said.......</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/humble-and-bold-5530642/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-05:/2009/02/05/hear-the-word-of-the-lord-o-nations-5527764/dailythought2009-02-05T23:35:56+01:002009-02-08T18:38:43+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2018;acts%2019;&version=31;">New Testament</a> Acts 18 Acts 19<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jer%2031;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Jer 31</p> <p>That 'this man' was persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to their law is something I find awesome...what a statement. there is so much I am always led to think about when i consider the Jews reaction to Paul and the message he preached.</p> <p>To persuade people to do something different is really difficult. People hate change, unless they hate what is already at hand. Think of the pew situation in churches at the moment. So many churches want to replace pews with chairs and they also want to put in loo's and kitchens. Whole communities are stirred up.</p> <p>I wonder if Paul held Jeremiahs words in his heart as he travelled. jer 31v8 "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: </p> <p>The amount of money it costs to replace pews is silly, surely proclaiming the 'Word of the Lord' in this economic world where people need us to buy fairtrade products and those in countries like Zimbabwe (where governments rule by terror and economic hardship) need us to put our heads into gear and work out justice for them.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/05/hear-the-word-of-the-lord-o-nations-5527764/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-04:/2009/02/04/epistle-old-testament-2-cor-6-3-we-put-no-5525428/dailythought2009-02-04T15:51:27+01:002009-02-08T18:42:04+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%205:20-21;2%20cor%206;2%20cor%207;&version=31;">Epistle</a> 2 Cor 5; 6; 7<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jer%205:20-31;%20jer%206:1-21;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Jer 5; 6</p> <p>2 Cor 6: 3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. </p> <p>Paul, who stands before crowds and stirs up riots can say this!!!!! he makes me smile. But when we read carefully we can see that Paul is a very clever and calm man.</p> <p>Paul manages to speak to crowds even after nearly being killed by them. He manages to see who he is speaking to and he knows what to say to them to enable 'the gospel' to be discussed and actually be the issue he is on trial. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/epistle-old-testament-2-cor-6-3-we-put-no-5525428/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-03:/2009/02/03/epistles-old-testament-5523789/dailythought2009-02-03T10:17:17+01:002009-02-08T18:45:19+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%204;%20%202%20cor%205&version=31">epistles</a> 2 Cor:4; 5<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jer%204:1-18;%20jer%205:1-19&version=31">Old Testament</a> Jer 4:1-18; 5:1-19</p> <p>It is our hearts that need to be renewed. It is our thoughts that need to be washed and controlled. May our wills be searching the vision of God.<br> Jesus please help us.</p> <p>this is a bit off the cuff really but I often feel that these words:</p> <p>2 cor 4: 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. </p> <p>are used too often as a way of thinking 'I am right and I am suffering for God' when actually 'I' am way off track. Consider for example those who establish cults.</p> <p>and also:<br> 2 cor 4:16 Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. </p> <p>At the time that Paul was writing the local believers would not have had scripture to read each day. So then their renewal came from growth through hearing, discussing and acting out.</p> <p>this is one of my favorite verses of the New Testament:<br> 2 cor 4:18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<br> it matches the passage from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20pet%201:8&version=31">1 Peter 1:8</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/epistles-old-testament-5523789/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-02:/2009/02/02/new-testament-old-testament-i-have-never-believed-that-jesus-5523649/dailythought2009-02-02T09:37:54+01:002009-02-08T18:50:53+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb%2010:1-10;rom%2012:1-12;&version=31;">New Testament</a> Heb 10:1-10; Rom 12:1-5<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20sam%201:21-28;hag%202:1-9;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> 1 Sam 1:21-end; Hag 2:1-9</p> <p>I have never believed that Jesus came to set aside the Old Testament and I have never beleived that Paul tried to teach that either. And here we have Pauls words and explanation:<br> <strong>9 Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.'</strong></p> <p>I hope that they weaned late in those days.. maybe to the age of 5 or 6... I know some of my friends have done that. I cannot imagine the love of a mother, those years of looking down into the face of a feeding child, the heart of satisfaction and sacrifice, coming to a place to leave the child of her prayers. I am sure if it were me I would have convinced myself that God actually answered my prayer so I may have the child and continue to bring the child up, not give him back. The resolve and faith is astonishing really.</p> <p>Haggai is such an amazing passage. The Glory and Peace... give such a sence of praise and majesty that it inspires worship so greatly.. like David dancing through the streets.<br> 'be strong' these words are re-emphasised to each person or group. 'be strong'<br> 'my spirit remains among you' It reminds me of the passage from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=If+God+is+for+us%2C+who+can+be+against+us%3F&searchtype=phrase&version1=31&spanbegin=1&spanend=73">rom 8:31</a> What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/new-testament-old-testament-i-have-never-believed-that-jesus-5523649/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-02-01:/2009/02/01/gospels-epistle-to-be-very-honest-i-find-the-passages-5523578/dailythought2009-02-01T08:47:07+01:002009-02-08T18:58:20+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:22-36;%20john%206:41-71;&version=31;">Gospels</a> John 3:22-end John 6:41-end<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=amos%203;%20amos%204;%20amos%205:1-24;%20jas.%203;&version=31;">Epistle</a> Amos 3; 4; 5; James 3</p> <p>To be very honest I find the passages about Jesus being the bread and wine very difficult to understand. I ask God to help me consider this more and bring me to a point where I can understand the meaning in context of Scripture, eternal life and daily meaning.</p> <p>I was thinking about this passage from James just this week. It is a very important part of the Jewish faith. We can destroy a persons faith so easily with our words and actions. God wants us to build each other up and it is a sin to hinder someones faith, so we should be very careful what we do with our tongues... Think, pray and then speak to encourage and build up. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/02/01/gospels-epistle-to-be-very-honest-i-find-the-passages-5523578/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-01-31:/2009/01/31/gold-diggers-sieve-5530701/dailythought2009-01-31T16:02:11+01:002009-02-08T19:30:15+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:35-58;1%20cor%2016;&version=31;">New testament</a> 1 Cor 15:35-end; 1 Cor 16</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mal%202:17;mal%203;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Mal 2:17-Mal 4</p> <p>I concentrate on the Old Testament passages of Malachi. When we sit before God and really consider what is asked of us, we are standing before the refiners fire or the launderers's soup. I think of it as gold diggers sieve which shaken to unearth all but the pure pieces of gold. Can I really endure and stand? of course not, but I am I prepared to try? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/01/31/gold-diggers-sieve-5530701/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-01-30:/2009/01/30/respect-5530746/dailythought2009-01-30T16:13:36+01:002009-02-08T19:33:03+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2014:20-;1%20cor%2015:1-34;&version=31;">New Testament</a> 1 Cor 14:20-end; 1 Cor 15:1-34<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mal%201;mal%202:1-16;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Mal 1; Mal 2:1-16</p> <p>6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name.<br> "But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'<br> 7 "You place defiled food on my altar.<br> "But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?'<br> "By saying that the LORD's table is contemptible. 8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.</p> <p>When the children this evening were singing their chosen hymn they began to be silly and then when the laughed during their prayers Asher really told them off. He said to them that they were before an Almighty and generous God who loved them so much that their prayers and songs mattered. He asked if they would behave like that if they were in front of a crowd or in front of people they respected. </p> <p>This passage today is saying exactly the same thing. Where is our respect toward God. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/respect-5530746/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-01-29:/2009/01/29/good-and-bad-shepherd-5531932/dailythought2009-01-29T19:36:17+01:002009-02-08T19:47:24+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%2012:27-;%201Cor%2013;%201%20Cor%2014:1-19;&version=31;">New Testament</a> 1 Cor 12:27-end; 13; 14:1-19</p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20Zech%2011;%20Zech%2013;&version=31;">Old Testament</a> Zech 11; Zech 13<br> Zech11:<br> 17 "Woe to the worthless shepherd,<br> who deserts the flock!<br> May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!<br> May his arm be completely withered,<br> his right eye totally blinded!"<br> zech 13:<br> 1 "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.</p> <p>I wonder if here we have the verses Jesus used about the good and bad shepherd. It would (if that is the case) follow then that the people would have known, perhaps, that the verses referred to followed with prophecy of verse 1. I must go and look it up and see. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/01/29/good-and-bad-shepherd-5531932/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-01-28:/2009/01/28/refined-like-silver-and-tested-like-gold-5531058/dailythought2009-01-28T17:04:13+01:002009-02-08T17:27:06+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:27-31;%201%20cor%2013;1%20cor%2014:1-19;&version=31;">New Testament</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zech%2011;zech%2013;&version=31;">Old Testament</a></p> <p>This third I will bring into the fire;<br> I will refine them like silver<br> and test them like gold</p> <p>I pray that I am one of those who will be refined and tested. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/01/28/refined-like-silver-and-tested-like-gold-5531058/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2009-01-27:/2009/01/27/sacrifices-to-demons-5553276/dailythought2009-01-27T16:19:29+01:002009-02-11T16:29:55+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%209;%2010;%2011:1&version=31">New Testamen</a>t 1 Cor 9; 10; 11:1<br> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hab%203:2-end;%20Zeph%201;&version=31;">Old Testament </a> Hab 3:2-end; Zeph 1</p> <p>When we lived in Oman we wre offered the leg of lamb which had been slaughtered at Eid. It was a very important celebration for the muslims around us and the lambs or goats were slaughtered in their courtyards on the streets. I found this very hard. When we were offered the lamb I found myself confronted directly with the passage we read today in 1 Cor 10:18-22. Now looking back and reading this verse afresh today something has dawned on me that has not in the past. I was not participating to make the lord jealous. I was not participating at all. By accepting the lamb we were not actually participating at all. It is a shame that I did not think that at the time, I was just very worried about accepting it and so we gave it to muslim friends of ours and said we were not sure we should, thankfully our friends were all very understanding when we lived there and we loved them very much.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2009/01/27/sacrifices-to-demons-5553276/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:mydailythought.blog.co.uk,2008-09-05:/2008/09/05/a-healthy-church-5492666/dailythought2008-09-05T12:15:30+02:002009-02-02T15:31:34+01:00 <p>Because a church is growing in numbers does it relate that it is healthy?<br> I dont think so.<br> But what does healthy mean?</p> <p>If a flower is growing we can tell it is healthy by the life it is exibiting. I would argue that if the soil is good for the plant then you will very likely discover many plants in that area, all growing well.</p> <p>In the book 'The Healthy Churches' Handbook by Robert Warren. I found this statement about a group of churches that were considered as healthy 'what they were doing was taking their faith seriously and seeking to be church to the very best of their ability.'p14</p> <p>Here I have very slightly remashed a statement following the one just given above. I consider a healthy church to be one which <em>reflects something of the 'good news' of the 'wholeness' made possible through the knowledge of God as 'revealed' in Christ, by the Holy Spirit.</em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://mydailythought.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/a-healthy-church-5492666/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>