“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.””1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
As we begin this new year, the talk of New Year resolutions appears again on our TVs and in our own conversations. The main resolve always seems to be a fresh dedication to do more exercise and eat healthier food. Gym memberships increase and diet books top the bestseller lists as we try to live healthier
"A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all."Matthew 15:30 (NLT)
When Jesus was walking through Israel he attracted crowds of people. What a sight it must have been to see probably thousands of people seek after our Lord. The bible tells us that people brought their sick to Him and he healed them all. For me that is such an encouragement. Jesus said that he was only doing the work of the father, (John 6:38) so when Jesus healed everyone he encountered who was sick, I believe we can proclaim that our Father in heaven wants to see everyone healed too!
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Romans 8:11 (NLT)
A few months ago we experienced a power cut in our house one evening. It only lasted an hour or so but in that time we were plunged into darkness and our house went eerily silent (which it rarely is).
“and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.””I Corinthians 11:24 NKJV
The message of Gods grace and unearned favour for us has changed my life and I know many people can testify how it has changed theirs. Through the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we are no longer under the law mentality of "do good - get good, do bad - get bad". God loves us and wants to bless us because of Jesus in our life, not because of our own efforts
Isaiah 43: 19 (MSG)
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands”.
Whilst on holiday in Lanzarote, we took a trip to Timanfaya National Park to visit the active volcano. We were guided around the various bits of ground that had been damaged and destroyed by previous eruptions.
This land is barren and is made up of dry volcanic ash and rock
"Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.” 7 And he said to the people, “Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the Lord" Josh 6:6-8
Yesterday we looked at how when God steps into your circumstances to lead you to victory HE reminds us that we rest in His work. He does not need our sweat and effort, He needs us in a position of trust in what He has done for us at the cross. As sons & daughters we receive grace upon grace every day because of the powerful love and favour of Jesus
"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come" Josh 5:13
This is a great verse that reminds us today who we belong to. Joshua was just about to lead God's people into a what looked like an impossible situation at the mighty city of Jericho.
And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."
And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11
Life with Jesus could never be described as dull or boring! You certainly weren't short of stories to tell your friends! Blind eyes opened, healings, miracles!!
When people truly encountered Jesus and allowed him to touch their lives they would never be the same again. But Jesus always lets us chose our response to him. He shows us his glory. The depths of his love, goodness and power and then he invites us to journey with him.
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. - Luke 5:16
In my Christian walk I have found that there's no such thing as sitting in neutral. We are either growing in the Lord and moving forward or we allow our eyes to magnify the things in front of us and we lose our focus and start drifting.
How do we avoid this and not allow our circumstances to overwhelm us? We can learn from Jesus and how he dealt with life on earth
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
Each of us has been given gifts by God; gifts to connect people to Jesus. Different gifts that build and equip the body of the Church
“But to those who embraced Him and took hold of His name were given the authority to become who they really are – the sons of God!” John 1:12 (TPT)
We were made to be part of God’s family, created by God to have relationship with Him. This verse reminds us that when we embrace the person of Jesus and take hold of His name then we have authority to be who we really are.
Many people may try to tell you who you are
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19-19
This is the week of the year above all that we generally adopt an attitude of determination around those things in our lives we want to see changed. It is not just about getting fit or eating less, most of us have real things in our lives we want to see different. Attitudes, habits, fears - whatever it is, we all understand the desire to be free from old patterns
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” Romans 8:14
There is a wide-open road ahead of you. At the start of this New Year it is impossible to determine where this road will take you and the twists and turns that you will encounter but you can be sure that the destination will be the best one possible when you choose God as your guide.
“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:16-20
Have you ever considered the thoughts you allow into your heart?
"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. - And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:9-10
On our recent trip to Israel we were able to visit Bethlehem and sit on the hills where the shepherds would have watched over their flocks. We learnt that the shepherds of Bethlehem would have been rearing the lambs that were sacrificed in the temple in Jerusalem. In fact, from the hills, they would have been able to see the smoke coming from the temple.
“And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”Luke 1:46-49
I have two young daughters and nearly every day they declare how much they love each other and are "best friends." Then they change their minds depending on what one of them might have done to annoy the other! Having a BFF is a big deal for most of us. We all want to be known, be understood and be loved. It's the way God has designed us. He has created us for intimacy. We are called to find this first in our relationship with him
"For nothing will be impossible with God."And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:37-38
I remember growing up my mum tried to influence my choices. Often there was a lot of wisdom in what she said but as I grew older I realised if I chose her path I would limit myself as she wanted me to choose what felt comfortable to her. Going outside of what she knew scared her and she, in trying to protect me, wanted me to play it safe.
"But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth." Luke 1:13-14
Waiting is not something that comes naturally to the best of us. When it comes to seeing dreams and promises fulfilled it can be hard to stand firm and not give up. Satan will first try to make us doubt the character of God. Just as he came to Eve in the garden of Eden he will whisper those words, "did God really say....". In the seeming absence of answered prayers we look inward and start to blame ourselves. What should I have done? Is there something I need to be doing?
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Tim. 2:5
This verse reminds us that God is unique – He is not just the best among a bunch of gods but He is the only true God. Because He is so far above all other things; it is completely impossible for us to approach God by ourselves. But here we are reminded us that “the man Christ Jesus” has made it possible!
