- Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
- They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14
- They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
- So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 (read whole passage)
- I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30.
Friday, September 15, 2023
The Value of Praying Together
Friday, September 8, 2023
How are you tracking in 2023?
At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions. The reasons to make a resolution/s vary from changing careers to losing weight or becoming healthier.
Interestingly, reading the article from finder.com.au I noted that having or increasing their families isn't a resolution. Buying a home is not in the top five activities. However, eating more healthily and saving more money are at the top of the list.
So how are you tracking in 2023?
Our resolutions often are made to improve our physical or financial needs. But what about our spiritual needs?
'It takes wisdom to build a house and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.' Proverbs 24:3-5 (The Message)
Proverbs 21:2 says, 'A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.'
we need:
- The Lord in our lives. That is a personal relationship with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Find out more here.
- Wisdom - we find this by reading and obeying Scripture.
- Allowing the Lord to direct us by the Holy Spirit.
- Living out our faith each day (not just the day you go to meet with fellow believers).
Friday, August 4, 2023
Who Am I?
Recently, I posted on my social media pages a few thoughts about how often women are asked, "What do you do for a job?"
As I've reflected further on this issue, I am encouraged that as women, we have been given the ability by God to encourage, love, and nurture others, even under immense pressure and responsibility.
In a world that so often defines us by our accomplishments, looks, dress code, and what we own, we can forget that God created us. Scripture tells us, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
What am I? When considering this question - the first part of the answer is that I am a child of God, saved and forgiven, a believer in Jesus Christ.
Secondly, my job description now encompasses financial director, executive housekeeper, event planner and coordinator, diary manager, and secretarial administrator.
Reading the stories of Esther and Ruth reminds us that these women did not have easy choices to make. They endured and participated in making a difference for their community, and family. Their stories are written down for us to be encouraged.
My quote for 2023 is "To be successful at anything, you must simply be what most people aren't: Consistent" Anon
So, our question is not What Are You? Not what is your job?
Instead, ask yourself - Who Am I? Now that's an interesting question to ponder!
For further reading you might like to undertake - click here
To read more about Who I am in Christ - click here
To view the social media post - click here
Friday, June 2, 2023
Navigating Challenges
Wouldn't be easy if life were always enjoyable, fun, and relaxed?
In an ideal fantasy that may happen, however, if we are real with each other and ourselves, we know that life is not always easy. Often, it is fraught with challenges and difficulties. Yet, in times of trials and hardship, we grow. Our thinking is challenged, causing us to reevaluate what is important, and what can be left behind.
No one enjoys the challenging times in our lives. Do you stop and listen to those who have overcome difficulties in their lives? I don't mean just hearing the story, but really listening. If you truly listen, hear the message of what they went through but more importantly, hear the message of how they have grown through the challenges thrown at them.
What challenges have you encountered in your life? Everything was going very well, life was enjoyable. Suddenly, an unexpected challenge of employment, health, or housing stands up against you like a giant threatening you. How do you respond? Do we respond like the army of Saul who were terrified and lost all hope, or are we like David and stand up to the threat?
Read 1 Samuel chapter 17 (Holy Bible)
"David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)
Did David find an easy path? No. He simply could have returned to his sheep and left the army to stand and tremble. But David was no coward. God had taught him through challenges and trials with bears and lions how to defeat the enemy. It was not through his own strength, but dependence on the Lord.
How do we change our mindset from fear to faith?
Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV) tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
Life will not be always enjoyable, fun, and relaxed. There will be times of challenges, and hardship. We can look at these times and journey through them knowing we can choose to grow in our faith, and our outlook on life and become people who are empathic and want to help others.
Does it sound depressing that we will face difficulties? Perhaps. Remember though, we don't have to journey this life alone. We have the choice to view life in two ways - challenging and hard OR an adventure where we make an impact.
Let's return to David's story in 1 Samuel 17. He defeated the giant! With five (5) smooth stones and his sling. Was it the stone and sling? No. David tells us how the giant would be defeated when he said, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47.
The day of fear was turned into a day of victory. David encountered many challenges in his life, yet many know him as one of the greatest kings of Israel. He commanded the Israelite army, reigned over Israel, and wrote the Psalms.
Was his life easy? No. He put his faith in God and held onto the assurance of what he could not see yet, knowing that God would keep his promises.
How can you turn your challenge/fear into faith?
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