Morning Lord!
Here I am up at 3 am on Tuesday morning with the need to get some school stuff done! And without thinking I got straight into the school work. Thank you for bringing my thoughts to You!
You know what I am like Father. I am sitting here with a battle going on. My work mind is constantly wanting to take over and my thoughts stray back there all the time
Here are some verses that touched me from 1 Thessalonians:
1:5 "... our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."
Paul is talking about he cared for the new believers in Thess.
2:7,8 "...Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
Prayer:
Father God, please help me to live my life like that. Please help me to really love and care for people. I particularly think of Liza as I work next to her, please help me to develop a caring relationship with her. Please help me to show her Your love. Please help me to do that with my own family as well, so often when I am with my children, I am just so tired and cranky. Please give me your patience and your wisdom.
Now as I prepare this DRA stuff for this afternoon, please help me to have a clear mind, to be able to discern what is important for the teachers and what I need to leave out. This is just such a small thing in the scheme of the world and all its woes - which are many - tsunamis, floods, drought, typhoons and the daily list goes on.....Father I feel so overwhelmed by all this death and destruction...
Please today Lord make John 14:27 real in my life. I want YOUR peace
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Thank you Lord!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 12
It has been a few days since I have been in this place, but I have been enjoying reading Philippians, Colossians and 1 Thessalonians.
I found the end of last week really stressful and struggled to hang in there through all the stuff that I needed to do. I had a really tight, anxious feeling in my chest which I know is not healthy. I struggled to gain a sense of calm.
Last Tuesday, almost immediately after finishing the presentation to the teachers on the Reading Project, my ears went really funny and felt blocked like I had been on a plane. I don't know where that came from? It was weird.
Lord, please help me to maintain a calm spirit, to trust you more, to take one day at a time and just do the best I can. Please forgive me for not being able to let things go and give them to you. I need to be able to 'hand over' and leave it with You.
Jimmi has WOSE for the teachers this week. Which means we need to be at school by 8 am every day (stressful in and of itself with the kids). Please help us in our parenting too.
It has been a short few minutes Lord, but please go with me today, help me to maintain Your calm spirit.
I found the end of last week really stressful and struggled to hang in there through all the stuff that I needed to do. I had a really tight, anxious feeling in my chest which I know is not healthy. I struggled to gain a sense of calm.
Last Tuesday, almost immediately after finishing the presentation to the teachers on the Reading Project, my ears went really funny and felt blocked like I had been on a plane. I don't know where that came from? It was weird.
Lord, please help me to maintain a calm spirit, to trust you more, to take one day at a time and just do the best I can. Please forgive me for not being able to let things go and give them to you. I need to be able to 'hand over' and leave it with You.
Jimmi has WOSE for the teachers this week. Which means we need to be at school by 8 am every day (stressful in and of itself with the kids). Please help us in our parenting too.
It has been a short few minutes Lord, but please go with me today, help me to maintain Your calm spirit.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Philippians 2: Sunday, October 4
Philippians 2:
Paul talks about imitating Christ by being a humble servant like He demonstrated on a daily basis. I need to have the eyes of Jesus so that I can see the needs of others. Jesus left the exultation work up to God the Father, He never exalted himself.
I look forward to the day when verses 9-11 will be a reality:
Paul talks about imitating Christ by being a humble servant like He demonstrated on a daily basis. I need to have the eyes of Jesus so that I can see the needs of others. Jesus left the exultation work up to God the Father, He never exalted himself.
I look forward to the day when verses 9-11 will be a reality:
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I need to do God's will without grumbling and complaining (and arguing with others)
(v15) "....Then you wil shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."
Well Lord, this morning is my opportunity to put all that into practise, to do everything without grumbling and complaining. I have a busy morning ahead with Justin's birthday party, Talia going off to a party etc. Please help me to be calm and warm to my family!
(v15) "....Then you wil shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."
Well Lord, this morning is my opportunity to put all that into practise, to do everything without grumbling and complaining. I have a busy morning ahead with Justin's birthday party, Talia going off to a party etc. Please help me to be calm and warm to my family!
Yesterday, Sabbath we all enjoyed a family sabbath. We went for a drive, walk, paddle down at Snapper Rocks - it was a windy, but very warm day. Because it was low tide we were able to go right out on Snapper Rocks and wander around. We had a snack and tried to see the whales that we later found out about on the news - the baby was caught in a net and they had quite a team of people in extremely rough swell trying to free it. They had success at last. Then we came home and had lunch and played a few board games with the kids. By then it was a hot 37 degrees. The kids had a late afternoon swim. We then listened to a couple more of Uncle Dan and Aunt Sue's stories (we had listened to Orphan Arthur in the car on the way to Snapper Rocks - what a powerful story). Of course I have awesome memories of that story from when I was about Kieran's age. It was nice to have a real family Sabbath, as the next 6-8 weeks are going to be extremely busy!
Sabbath is such a healthy blessing. Stress falls away and we are able to really spend time together as a family. I am sure our children don't realise how truly special the Sabbath is...it probably won't be until they are grown that they appreciate Sabbaths like yesterday.
Sabbath is such a healthy blessing. Stress falls away and we are able to really spend time together as a family. I am sure our children don't realise how truly special the Sabbath is...it probably won't be until they are grown that they appreciate Sabbaths like yesterday.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Philippians 1 - Friday, October 2
It is all smoky outside this morning. We haven't had rain for week and between dust and fires we are desparately in need of some good rain. We are having a birthday party for Talia at "Bubble it Up" this afternoon (all I have to do is take along a cake). I have some cleaning and ironing (while watching DRA DVD) to do today. Yesterday I spent hours doing shopping and looking for presents for Talia and Justin for their birthdays - I feel a bit 'stressed' about the amount of money that has been spent on them and parties.....
Philippians 1:
A great promise: (1:6) "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work (I find great freedom in that phrase, it is not what I do but what Jesus does in me) in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Paul's prayer: "...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled witht he fruit of righteousness tht comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." (1:9-11)
It is interesting that often adversity and hardship bring out the best and worst in variant people. e.g. bushfires - people show great courage to rescue and help each other and on the other hand looters come and start stealing, same in all sorts of natural disasters...
Why do some show incredible courage and confidence and others are more like vultures praying on the vulnerable??
Similar experience for Paul:
(v14-17) "And because of mychains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to prolaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach, Christ out of selfsih ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Paul goes on....
(v18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or ture, chrit is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Whatever happens.....
"...as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the goespel of Christ....you stan firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."
Prayer:
Talia's birthday - fun, happy and safe time
Rain - so many people in the country that must be stressed without rain and fires raging in various places
Samoa - Tsunami victims and families
Indonesia -earthquake
Enid - as we interact with her and love her (maybe invite her over for cake next Thursday night)
Me - plesee forgive me for all I do that lets you down, my lack of patience, my lack of love in action for my hubby. Please help me to be a walking example for you.
My children - there has been some fights yesterday over little things, "it''s mine". Please give Jimmi and I the wisdom to work through those issues with our children.
Most of all Lord, I just want to enjoy being in Your presence each morning, soaking up your love and compassion that is new to me everyday. Please help me to get beyond just the prayer list thing and just be with You.
I have to present a 6 minute talk on "Supernatural" at church in a few weeks, please help me and provide wisdom and discernment on what You want me to say.
Philippians 1:
A great promise: (1:6) "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work (I find great freedom in that phrase, it is not what I do but what Jesus does in me) in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Paul's prayer: "...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled witht he fruit of righteousness tht comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." (1:9-11)
It is interesting that often adversity and hardship bring out the best and worst in variant people. e.g. bushfires - people show great courage to rescue and help each other and on the other hand looters come and start stealing, same in all sorts of natural disasters...
Why do some show incredible courage and confidence and others are more like vultures praying on the vulnerable??
Similar experience for Paul:
(v14-17) "And because of mychains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to prolaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach, Christ out of selfsih ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Paul goes on....
(v18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or ture, chrit is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Whatever happens.....
"...as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the goespel of Christ....you stan firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."
Prayer:
Talia's birthday - fun, happy and safe time
Rain - so many people in the country that must be stressed without rain and fires raging in various places
Samoa - Tsunami victims and families
Indonesia -earthquake
Enid - as we interact with her and love her (maybe invite her over for cake next Thursday night)
Me - plesee forgive me for all I do that lets you down, my lack of patience, my lack of love in action for my hubby. Please help me to be a walking example for you.
My children - there has been some fights yesterday over little things, "it''s mine". Please give Jimmi and I the wisdom to work through those issues with our children.
Most of all Lord, I just want to enjoy being in Your presence each morning, soaking up your love and compassion that is new to me everyday. Please help me to get beyond just the prayer list thing and just be with You.
I have to present a 6 minute talk on "Supernatural" at church in a few weeks, please help me and provide wisdom and discernment on what You want me to say.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ephesians 3- 6, October 1 2009
There is so much stuff in these chapters, lot of advice on the way to behave as a Christian:
3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach god with freedom and confidence.
3:16 I (Paul) pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I need to pray for this!
3:18 "...may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 4:
(v2) Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
(v23) "to be made new int he attiutde of your minds..."
Ephesians 6: The Supernatural Spiritual Battle
6:11-18
Put on the full armor of god - Why - so that you can take your stand agaisnt the devil's schemes
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, butagainst the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly relams.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of eveil comes, you may be able to stand your ground
3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach god with freedom and confidence.
3:16 I (Paul) pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I need to pray for this!
3:18 "...may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 4:
(v2) Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
(v23) "to be made new int he attiutde of your minds..."
Ephesians 6: The Supernatural Spiritual Battle
6:11-18
Put on the full armor of god - Why - so that you can take your stand agaisnt the devil's schemes
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, butagainst the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly relams.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of eveil comes, you may be able to stand your ground
Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Shield of fatih - why- to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the Spirit - which is the word of God
Pray pray pray
Breastplate of righteousness
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Shield of fatih - why- to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the Spirit - which is the word of God
Pray pray pray
Ephesians 2, September 30 2009
Some of the verses that stood out for me while I read this yesterday were:
(v4) But because of his great love for us, God, who is reich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were ead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.
(v8-10) For it is by grace you have been saved, throough faith-an this is not from yoursleves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
(v19-22) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apsotles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are beign built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.
(v4) But because of his great love for us, God, who is reich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were ead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.
(v8-10) For it is by grace you have been saved, throough faith-an this is not from yoursleves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
(v19-22) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apsotles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are beign built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.
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