Thoughts on Bible Reading: Proverbs19 [shared by Andrew]

Some days the most appropriate reflection is to just let the scripture speak. This is one of those days where Proverbs 19 has a number of wise, impactful sayings for me.

v17 whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord

v19 a hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

v21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

v23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Colossians 1 [shared by Andrew]

This is the glorious mystery that Paul explains at the start of his letter to the Colossian Christians - "Christ in you" (v27)

For which it is continually prayed that each of us are filled with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit gives (v9).

Thot: How can we better surrender to His will and wisdom rather that trying to solve things are own human way this day?

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Phil4 & prob 15 [shared by Andrew{

Today's readings of Philippians 4 sees Paul sending his farewell greetings to the church at Philippi.  

Within are two of the most cited reassuring verses - reminding us that we don't need to be anxious (v6,7) and with Christ's strength we can do all things (v13).

Helpful reminders that we can overlook if too caught up with the cares of the world.

Proverbs 17 also has encouragement that a cheerful heart  is like a medicine (v22) and of the support we provide each other as fellow believers (17).

Praying that the images from God's Word provides the msg of hope by which you are blessed and can bless others today.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov16 & Phil3 [shared by Andrew]

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov15 & Phil9 [shared by Andrew]

Great to hear Susan. Praise God.

Blessed Monday all.  Today's Old and New Testament readings were chock-full of relevant reinforcing reminders:

Proverbs 15

v16 - Better a little with fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

v22 - Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisors they succeed (comment: thankful for all yr fellowship and support over the years).

v35 - Humility comes before honour.

Philippians 2:

v3 - in humility value others before yourself

v5-11 - Be like Christ who though God, humbled himself to be servant and obediently died on the cross before being raised in honour

v13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill  His good purpose 

v16 - Don't run or labour in vain

This may be a trying week for some of us. Wishing and praying God's strength and support for each of you. 

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Eph4 [shared by Andrew]

Ephesians 4 begins with what a mature Christian is about before giving practical instruction on living as a Christian - handling anger, being honest, and being kind, compassionate and forgiving of others.  

Thanks be to God that as Easter approaches and reminds us of what Christ did to love and forgive us, 

we too now also have the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what is difficult in loving and forgiving others.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Eph3 [shared by Andrew]

Tks everyone for praying.  It is good to know we have a prayer hearing and answering God AND that we have others praying for us and our loved ones.

Today's readings reminded me that as a teenager, my Sunday school teacher - Mary Chia - made our class try to memorize Eph 3:16-20. 

It was a long passage and we did this for practically the whole year to drum in the prayer and value of this particular passage. 

40 years on I understand why she made us do it - that we may really know and be filled with Christ's love and to wish it for others we care for.

"I killed Jesus - by Christina Mead" [shared to Cheryl]

A thoughtful reflection...

Good to reflect below characters on this before Easter ."I killed Jesus - by Christina Mead"

while I read the story of Christ’s passion and death in the gospel of Matthew. I was looking for myself in the story. Which character am I? What is God trying to teach me? Well…

I think that I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ. And I think that’s the whole point.

I am the apostle

I am an apostle, sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40). I’m prone to give in to laziness in the presence of holiness. I don’t put up a fight against the pull of distractions or sometimes even sleep.

I am Judas

I am Judas. Jesus has every right to call me both “friend” and “betrayer” barely 30 seconds apart (Matthew 26:46, 50). My heart is fickle and weak and sometimes my commitment to being Jesus’ friend is blown off on the whim of an emotion.

I am Caiaphas

I am Caiaphas, the high priest. I want Jesus to prove Himself to me (Matthew 26:63). I want signs and wonders to know that I really can trust Him. I want myprayers answered in my way. I want concrete proof over humble faith.

I am Peter

I am Peter. Sometimes I deny Jesus (Matthew 26:72). I deny Him in the face of the homeless when I chose to look away. I deny Him when I am afraid of being judged and condemned by those around me.

I am the crowd

I am in the crowd yelling, “crucify Him” (Matthew 27:21-23). And I say it again and again every time I knowingly choose to sin.

I am Barabbas

I am Barabbas. I am chained in sin and holed up in the prison of my own pride. And instead of suffering the full punishment for my sins for which I am guilty… Christ takes my place (Matthew 27:26). And I often forget to thank Him.

I am Pilate

I am Pilate. I want to give up when life is too challenging (Matthew 27:24). I’m ready to wash my hands of Christianity when being a follower of Jesus means pursuing virtue over mediocrity, a life of prayer over a life of pleasure.

I am Simon of Cyrene

I am Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32). I suffer reluctantly. I will take the cross but I won’t seek it. I’ll only take it if it’s been placed on my shoulders… and I don’t love it.

I am passer-by

I am a passer-by. These passers-by mocked Jesus while He was hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:30). How quickly they had forgotten all the good works He had done among their cities and towns. When popular opinion about Jesus changed, they followed suite. How quicklyI forget the good He’s done for me. In a brief moment of pain all my gratitude is forgotten and replaced by resentment.

I am one of the roman soldiers

I am one of the Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:35). I killed Jesus. My sins were the reason He was nailed to that cross. It was my fault and I know it.

But sometimes…

I am the centurion. My eyes are opened to who Jesus is in my life (Matthew 27:54). My heart swells with the truth that God became man and died for me. And this knowledge brings me peace and a resignation to amend my life.

I am one of the women standing by the cross (Matthew 27:55-56). When I’m open to God’s grace, I can be a faithful and constant Christian. In the midst of pain and suffering, I can stay close to the cross. Jesus, my beloved, is my strength and He’s all I need.

I am Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59). Again, only by God’s grace, I can be selflessly compassionate, putting others’ needs before my own. Moved by God, I will use what He has given me in the service of others. My time, talent, and treasure are all for Him.

Sometimes I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ.We have to apply it to our lives today because the reality of it’s events matter today.

I killed Jesus. But I am also the reason He rose from the dead.

Do you have the courage to see yourself in these characters? Can you blame yourself for the nails in His hands? The stripes in His flesh? Do you realize that your sins killed Him, also? And that because of you, because of His intense, unending love for YOU… He rose 

 As we replayed the scene where we, the crowd, went from praising Hosanna to the son of God to shouting "crucify Him!", the horror of what was done then, and what we are still doing today whenever we reject Jesus hit home.  

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Ephesians [shared by Andrew]

In Ephesians 1:16 Paul recounts how he never stopped giving thanks and praying for the Ephesian Christians.

As we cope with all the challenges and hopes of our journey, know that you are prayed for. 

And if u have time, pray for me and the others that we may know and better rest in God's care.

Jehovah Sali, the Lord my Rock [shared by Kyra]

UJehovah Sali, the Lord my Rock. Lord may my family run to You to take refuge and rest upon you for protection. Please watch over us and guard us day and night, amen. 

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Family Prayer

Our family will anchor on you, Jehovah Sali, the LORD our rock. When troubles come, we will run to you alone. You fight for us. You are our protection and defense. We take refuge and rest upon you for your protection. You guard and watch over us, day and night.

Reading Passage: Psalm 18:2-36

http://listening.place/jehovah-sali-the-lord-my-rock/

#NamesofGod #ListeningPlace

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov5 & Gal4 [shared by Andrew]

Blessed Friday all.  Look forward to seeing some of you this evening.

In Gal 4, Paul reminds that we are no longer slaves but sons of the great God - that we are now privileged to call with the tender term of "Abba" father.

What struck me was also v13 where Paul alludes to an illness that ended up allowing the sharing of the good news with the Galatians.  

- even in something 'bad', God worked it for good. 

Reminds me of the unique confidence we now have as God's children that "all's well that ends well.  And If things seem not well, remember it's not yet the end."

Proverbs 5 warns of the danger, (esp for guys?) of staying away from temptation and the value of staying faithful. 

There is also the assurance from Proverbs 5:21 that God watches and knows our paths.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov4 & Gal3 [shared by Andrew]

In Proverbs 4, I never realized before the extent to which the book begins with the imploring need to remember the importance of seeking, really seeking, God's wisdom - which includes staying away from evil and guarding our hearts.

Galatians 3 sees Paul explaining in the historical context of Abraham, how, through what Jesus did, we can now be justified by faith and are all one in Christ. 

 May the Holy Spirit fill and encourage all our hearts with this hope we have which is a wonderful thing!

Today is the Day...to Release Worry [shared by Kyra]

Today is the day ...

to release worry. 

Worry is like negative prayer. 

The more your mind plays imaginary movies of dire scenarios or magnifies the problems you face, the less energy you have for truly addressing and solving the issues. 

Focus all that worry energy on something more constructive. 

If there is something you can do toward solving the problem, figure out what it is and then do it. 

If there is nothing you can do right now, then give your worries to God. 

Your problem is in safe hands. 

Demonstrate your trust in God by going on with your day. 

Release worry, and let God handle it. 

Proverbs 12:25 NIV

[25] Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Matthew 6:34 NIV

[34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Gal2 & Prov2 [shared by Andrew]

Gal 2 sees Paul describing the dramatic 180 degree praise-full transformation by God of Paul from prosecutor of Christ to preacher of Christ.

Prov 2 warns of the folly of ignoring wisdom and being led astray by seductive words and temptation.

Thot: In what areas, & how can I better submit to God's transforming power in my life today? How can I be  wiser in all powerful, creator God's ways in what I think, say and do?

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Job40 & 2Cor10 [shared by Andrew]

Job 40 starts with Job declaring his realization of how unworthy he is before God.  What is interesting is the rest of the chapter describing a creature that sounds like a dinosaur.

2 Cor 10 sees Paul defending his ministry - arguing that we should not judge by appearances and the importance of consistency between what we say or write and what we do in Christ's name.  

The solution seems to be to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ".  Quite challenging.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 2Cor13 & Prov1 [shared by Andrew]

There's a lovely phrase in 2 Cor 13 where Paul writes that authority is to be used to build up (encourage / empower) rather than to tear down others.

To me that stands in contrast to so much of what we see around us. Makes me thankful that my ultimate boss is God not man. Also challenges me whether what I say to others today will build up or tear down others.

We also start Proverbs 1 today with the reminder that the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Cease Striving [shared by Kyra]

Cease Striving

Matthew 11:28-30

We have all experienced temptations, trials, and suffering at some point in our lives. Even as Christians—and sometimes specifically because we are Christians—we must endure pain, whether through loss, bankruptcy, unemployment, or a broken relationship. While no one is immune to hard times, believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to endure periods of struggle. Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” The King James Version uses the expression “be still,” indicating that our best response to disappointment is to trust in the heavenly Father.

How humbling it is to know that as God’s children, we have a direct line of communication to our Father, even in the midst of trouble. We don’t have to respond like the world, out of a heart filled with anger, depression, or revenge. Nor do we have to fix everything in our own strength. Sure, we will still be tempted by the flesh. But as we “cease striving,” we’ll learn to trust in God more and more each day.

The truth is, hardship not only forms our character but also reveals it. One common response to difficult times is anger. In moments of frustration, we run the risk of making impulsive decisions that could impact the rest of our life. But instead of getting caught up in the emotion, we should wisely be still and trust in the One who can work everything for our good (Rom. 8:28).

In this world, troubles won’t vanish (John 16:33). But when storms are brewing on the horizon, buckle up and trust God to guide you through. Only in Him can you truly cease striving.

Today is the Day... to Accentuate the Positive [shared by Kyra]

Today is the day ...

to accentuate the positive. 

Is your glass half empty or half full?

Are you concentrating on what is wrong and what you lack?

Or are you looking at the good that is already available to you and trusting in God's grace - a grace that can work all things together for good even when it seems that everything is getting worse?

Plant a tiny seed of faith by accentuating the positive in your thoughts and conversation. 

This is an active faith that is willing to believe in God as source and provider, grateful for every blessing. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Luke 17:6 NIV

[6] He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

God bless!

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 2Cor9 [shared by Andrew]

It struck me that in 2 Cor 9's discussion on generosity and giving, that there is a different value system at work from our current material focused world.  Giving is not done grudgingly or because we need to but cheerfully.

It always amazes me that that the happiest and most fulfilled occupation are priests who have taken a vow of poverty.  Do they know something we don't about what is really important?

Thoughts on Bible Study: 2Cor6&7 [shared by Andrew]

2 Cor 6 ends with the promises of God to walk among men, to receive us, to be our father.  

This sets the context for the start of 2 Cor 7 which talks about the importance of purifying ourselves to be holy.  

It challenged me to think about what areas of my life do I need to surrender myself to the work of the Holy Spirit and take steps to purify myself.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 2Cor6 & Job37-38 [shared by Andrew]

Is the abundant Christian life one marked just by comfort and material blessings?  2 Cor 6 sees Paul painting a very different picture of his hardship, trouble and distress.

Yet there is purpose, passion and power which keeps Him going - having nothing yet possessing everything.

Job 37 & 38 sees God finally replying to all the friend's "advice" by recounting all the wonders of God, the Lord's presence in things we don't even think about, and His provision of everything including any wisdom we have.

Thot: How can I better rely on the Holy Spirit today to better see God's perspective and abundant provision in all that I am going to experience?

How do we tell the truth, esp in the workplace where truth is often hidden [shared by Andrew]

Thot: as we live out our Christian faith in harmony with others, how can I better forgive and consider the interest of others above my own?

The verse that comes to my mind is Prov 3:5,6 about trusting God, acknowledging Him in ALL our ways so that He can direct our paths.

Practically, I've been reflecting that while there may be lies to be exposed and truths to be told, it sometimes may or may not be meant for me to say it out.

If I do think it is for me to say out the truth, some questions I try to ask myself are:

Q1. Am I speaking in love?  

Q2. Is it for the other persons' welfare or more my own that I am speaking?  (If the latter, how can I better surrender this to God?)

Q3. Do I have God's peace and confidence on the timing and way I communicate?

Q4. Have I adequately thought through the objective(s) and implications, how the next steps will lead to the objective(s); (hint: getting things off my chest is an ok objective but is not enough).

Q5. How can I better pray for the other person(s) and the situation before taking the next steps.

Q6: What would Jesus do?

Whether in workplace or not I think we are to shine like Christ's light.  Our emotions and feelings may seem to overwhelm us at times.  

Yet if we can be still, remember that the big, big, big advantage we have is that we can have the power of God on our side.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 2Cor2 & Job32 [shared by Andrew]

I get the impression from 2 Cor 2 that Paul realises he has been a bit harsh in his correction of the church and expresses heart felt love and care in talking about the importance of forgiveness.

Job 32 sees Job's younger friend Elihu speaking up.  He starts modestly. He's been listening.  He's upset at what he's heard.  He can't contain himself.  What follows is a few chapters of Elihu's self righteous criticism of Job's friends and Job.  

I sense in Elihu a very human response of meaning well, trying to listen well but being caught up in self deception and the need to get things off his chest.  

Thot: as we live out our Christian faith in harmony with others, how can I better forgive and consider the interest of others above my own?