The Easter story
I chose this story because it shows how much God loves us and he wanted to show us how much he really does love us by sacrificing his only son. Because Jesus is God it’s like him sacrificing himself so when people suffer in the world God knows what it feels like because he has been there and done that on the cross.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Monday, 30 March 2009
Cathryn Howse
Revelation 7:13-17 and 22:12-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%207:13-17&version=31
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2022:12-17;&version=31;;
I have struggled to choose a favourite Bible passage, not only because I haven’t read it all (!), but also because I see the Bible as a ‘living book’ with different message for different situations and often take comfort or seek guidance from various passages.
Thus said, I think my favourite book has to be Revelation because there is just so much in it and such amazing and fantastic imagery of beings and places outside of our imaginings. I think that God is much much greater than our human perception and Revelation is just a glimpse of happenings beyond our human experience. I’ve never managed to read the whole book as it’s so complex with much symbolism and terrific visions of beasts coming out of the sea, but I especially like Chapter 7 where the blood of Jesus has made the robes of the people white, and they are all in God’s care when He “will wipe every tear from their eyes”. What an amazing advert for washing powder this would make – the black robe of sin is washed in blood and comes out whiter than white!
The washing of these robes is mentioned later in Chapter 22 as those who have washed in blood are permitted to enter through the gates. Then Jesus proclaims his message to all, as the bright morning star or indeed the light of the world, “the Spirit and the bride say come……let anyone who is thirsty come.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%207:13-17&version=31
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2022:12-17;&version=31;;
I have struggled to choose a favourite Bible passage, not only because I haven’t read it all (!), but also because I see the Bible as a ‘living book’ with different message for different situations and often take comfort or seek guidance from various passages.
Thus said, I think my favourite book has to be Revelation because there is just so much in it and such amazing and fantastic imagery of beings and places outside of our imaginings. I think that God is much much greater than our human perception and Revelation is just a glimpse of happenings beyond our human experience. I’ve never managed to read the whole book as it’s so complex with much symbolism and terrific visions of beasts coming out of the sea, but I especially like Chapter 7 where the blood of Jesus has made the robes of the people white, and they are all in God’s care when He “will wipe every tear from their eyes”. What an amazing advert for washing powder this would make – the black robe of sin is washed in blood and comes out whiter than white!
The washing of these robes is mentioned later in Chapter 22 as those who have washed in blood are permitted to enter through the gates. Then Jesus proclaims his message to all, as the bright morning star or indeed the light of the world, “the Spirit and the bride say come……let anyone who is thirsty come.”
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Laurie Jeffery
Luke 15:11-31
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-31;&version=31;;
My favourite bible story is the prodigal son – because it demonstrates love and forgiveness available to us all – even me!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-31;&version=31;;
My favourite bible story is the prodigal son – because it demonstrates love and forgiveness available to us all – even me!
Friday, 27 March 2009
Jenny Jeffery
John 21:15-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:15-17&version=31
Matthew 14:22-34
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014:22-34%20;&version=31;;
I have been fortunate to visit the Holy Land twice and both these readings were hugely significant to me whilst I was there and over the years since. They were very important to me as they became part of my call to the ordained ministry.
John 21:15-17
On the shores of Lake Galilee I listened to these verses - a conversation between Jesus and Peter. The conversation became one between Jesus and myself.
Read the passage yourself and insert your own name instead of Peter.
Ask God to show you what “Feed my sheep” means for you? For each of us it will be different, but we are all called to be part of the mission to help build the Kingdom of God.
For me it became part of my call to ordination and I have those words “Feed my Sheep” embroidered on one of my stoles.
Matthew 14:22-34
Whilst in a boat on Lake Galilee I reflected on these verses from the Gospels.
V28 “Lord if it is really you calling me, order me to come out of the water (boat) to you”
V29 “come “ answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking.
The boat felt like my safe, comfort zone, the familiar things in my life. Yet I knew I had to reach out to Jesus, to take a risk, to put my life more than ever before into his hands.
V31 at once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said “How little faith you have – why did you doubt?”
Here was a new test of my faith – it was more than just a toe in the water! A new direction, new possibilities to explore but also a new assurance and confidence that this call to ministry was from God himself.
V”1 “Don’t be afraid I am with you “ I will hold you resound in my ears frequently.
Incidentally if I had been born a boy apparently I would have been called Peter!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:15-17&version=31
Matthew 14:22-34
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014:22-34%20;&version=31;;
I have been fortunate to visit the Holy Land twice and both these readings were hugely significant to me whilst I was there and over the years since. They were very important to me as they became part of my call to the ordained ministry.
John 21:15-17
On the shores of Lake Galilee I listened to these verses - a conversation between Jesus and Peter. The conversation became one between Jesus and myself.
Read the passage yourself and insert your own name instead of Peter.
Ask God to show you what “Feed my sheep” means for you? For each of us it will be different, but we are all called to be part of the mission to help build the Kingdom of God.
For me it became part of my call to ordination and I have those words “Feed my Sheep” embroidered on one of my stoles.
Matthew 14:22-34
Whilst in a boat on Lake Galilee I reflected on these verses from the Gospels.
V28 “Lord if it is really you calling me, order me to come out of the water (boat) to you”
V29 “come “ answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking.
The boat felt like my safe, comfort zone, the familiar things in my life. Yet I knew I had to reach out to Jesus, to take a risk, to put my life more than ever before into his hands.
V31 at once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said “How little faith you have – why did you doubt?”
Here was a new test of my faith – it was more than just a toe in the water! A new direction, new possibilities to explore but also a new assurance and confidence that this call to ministry was from God himself.
V”1 “Don’t be afraid I am with you “ I will hold you resound in my ears frequently.
Incidentally if I had been born a boy apparently I would have been called Peter!
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Yvonne Haggett
John 15:14
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:12-14&version=31
This has special significance for me because it was the text taken by the Bishop of Bedford for his sermon at my Confirmation at Baldock, Hertfordshire, over fifty years ago.In the Authorised Version, which of course the Bishop used at that time, it reads: "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." The New English Bible has "You are my friends, if you do what I command you."
Jesus said this to his disciples after supper in the upper room shortly before Judas Iscariot went out to betray him to the chief priests. In the two preceding verses, verses 12 and 13, Jesus explains that his chief commandment to his disciples is that they should love one another: there is, he says, no greater love than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friends.
Of course, he knew that he was about to be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so that all his friends might be saved. And I knew, as I came newly confirmed out of church, that I had a friend in Jesus, a friend who would never let me down.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:12-14&version=31
This has special significance for me because it was the text taken by the Bishop of Bedford for his sermon at my Confirmation at Baldock, Hertfordshire, over fifty years ago.In the Authorised Version, which of course the Bishop used at that time, it reads: "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." The New English Bible has "You are my friends, if you do what I command you."
Jesus said this to his disciples after supper in the upper room shortly before Judas Iscariot went out to betray him to the chief priests. In the two preceding verses, verses 12 and 13, Jesus explains that his chief commandment to his disciples is that they should love one another: there is, he says, no greater love than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friends.
Of course, he knew that he was about to be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so that all his friends might be saved. And I knew, as I came newly confirmed out of church, that I had a friend in Jesus, a friend who would never let me down.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Martin Tidy
ISAIAH 42:3
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not put out”
As a rare churchgoer, with a faith clinging on by its fingertips in the face of the scale of human suffering and what science increasingly tells us about how we and the universe are made, this verse remains a profound encouragement to me. It tells me that God, as demonstrated in the Spirit-filled life and example of his Servant, shows infinite mercy towards those whose spirit has been left bruised and smouldering by life’s twists and turns. The image of Jesus sustaining in being things which would be regarded as next to useless and only worth discarding by the standards of our society particularly speaks to me at this time of unemployment in my own life, when I have been labelled “redundant”. The picture conjured up in this verse, that of God’s grace towards the vulnerable, is for me the heart of the Gospel. Grace being the undeserved favour of God not earned by anything we can do. Remembering that is a constant struggle, particularly when my faith seems so fragile and impotent. But, as Saint Bono of Dublin himself wrote, “Blessing’s not just for the ones who kneel...luckily”.
The quote above is taken from the song "City of Blinding Lights" and can be viewed by clicking on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd01FObU3Q4 the line comes right at the end of the song.
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not put out”
As a rare churchgoer, with a faith clinging on by its fingertips in the face of the scale of human suffering and what science increasingly tells us about how we and the universe are made, this verse remains a profound encouragement to me. It tells me that God, as demonstrated in the Spirit-filled life and example of his Servant, shows infinite mercy towards those whose spirit has been left bruised and smouldering by life’s twists and turns. The image of Jesus sustaining in being things which would be regarded as next to useless and only worth discarding by the standards of our society particularly speaks to me at this time of unemployment in my own life, when I have been labelled “redundant”. The picture conjured up in this verse, that of God’s grace towards the vulnerable, is for me the heart of the Gospel. Grace being the undeserved favour of God not earned by anything we can do. Remembering that is a constant struggle, particularly when my faith seems so fragile and impotent. But, as Saint Bono of Dublin himself wrote, “Blessing’s not just for the ones who kneel...luckily”.
The quote above is taken from the song "City of Blinding Lights" and can be viewed by clicking on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd01FObU3Q4 the line comes right at the end of the song.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Ruth Taylor
Isaiah 40:28-31
http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Isaiah+40%3A28-31
I have chosen this bible passage because it always lifts my spirits and helps me feel the strong love of God. The verse [31] ‘those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles’, brings back poignant memories. My sister Clare lived alongside a lake on Vancouver Island. Sometimes eagles would be seen rising from the trees, and soaring across the lake close to her house. In August 2003 we watched these birds with Clare as she lay dying of a brain tumour. The words from Isaiah were spoken as Nick celebrated Communion outside by the lakeside. Clare was able to join us on several occasions for the service, and we were joined by family and close friends.
‘He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless’ [29] – the words gave us all courage and strength at this sad time. Our God is an everlasting God, and his love is there for us all, whatever we are going through.
http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Isaiah+40%3A28-31
I have chosen this bible passage because it always lifts my spirits and helps me feel the strong love of God. The verse [31] ‘those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles’, brings back poignant memories. My sister Clare lived alongside a lake on Vancouver Island. Sometimes eagles would be seen rising from the trees, and soaring across the lake close to her house. In August 2003 we watched these birds with Clare as she lay dying of a brain tumour. The words from Isaiah were spoken as Nick celebrated Communion outside by the lakeside. Clare was able to join us on several occasions for the service, and we were joined by family and close friends.
‘He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless’ [29] – the words gave us all courage and strength at this sad time. Our God is an everlasting God, and his love is there for us all, whatever we are going through.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Helena Bird
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
This saying to me highlights the fact that we should never trust our own human understanding when it comes to God. We, as humans we made by God for God, we should never strive to understand him. It is not within our own capacity to understand God. If we could understand God then we would be as great as God, which of course we are not.
We should never trust our own judgement over God. Personally I can’t understand why you would. God is greater than we could possibly imagine. He is unknowable and yet knows everything. He is the ultimate source of guidance. Trust in him and you are sorted. He will guide and watch over you for the whole of eternity, if you let him of course.
Trusting in God means surrendering our own human understanding and following in the guidance of God. If you ask him then of course he will lead you. Trusting in God means that if you feel he is calling you to do something you don’t consider it with your own reasoning. You do it. God knows you, your past, present and future. He laid down the path that you follow. He is the reason that you are. That doesn’t mean that you can’t think. It just means that you must ultimately accept that God is right.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
This saying to me highlights the fact that we should never trust our own human understanding when it comes to God. We, as humans we made by God for God, we should never strive to understand him. It is not within our own capacity to understand God. If we could understand God then we would be as great as God, which of course we are not.
We should never trust our own judgement over God. Personally I can’t understand why you would. God is greater than we could possibly imagine. He is unknowable and yet knows everything. He is the ultimate source of guidance. Trust in him and you are sorted. He will guide and watch over you for the whole of eternity, if you let him of course.
Trusting in God means surrendering our own human understanding and following in the guidance of God. If you ask him then of course he will lead you. Trusting in God means that if you feel he is calling you to do something you don’t consider it with your own reasoning. You do it. God knows you, your past, present and future. He laid down the path that you follow. He is the reason that you are. That doesn’t mean that you can’t think. It just means that you must ultimately accept that God is right.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Carole Smith
Philippians 4:8
“In conclusion, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. “
I have a lot of ‘trouble’ with a great deal of what Paul has to say – but I just think this is a good piece of advice – and, if followed, would lead to many more happy and satisfied people !
“In conclusion, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. “
I have a lot of ‘trouble’ with a great deal of what Paul has to say – but I just think this is a good piece of advice – and, if followed, would lead to many more happy and satisfied people !
Friday, 20 March 2009
Janet Jones
Matthew 26:69-75
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:69-75;&version=31;
John 21:15-19
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:15-19;&version=31;;
The denial of Christ by Peter in Matthew 26:69-75 and his loving reinstatement by our Lord in John 21:15-19, which shows that even after the best people have made appalling mistakes, they can be forgiven.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:69-75;&version=31;
John 21:15-19
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:15-19;&version=31;;
The denial of Christ by Peter in Matthew 26:69-75 and his loving reinstatement by our Lord in John 21:15-19, which shows that even after the best people have made appalling mistakes, they can be forgiven.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Mike Jones
John 1:1-14
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-14&version=31
This is a poetic evocation of the reason for Christ's coming to earth. It is very difficult to read well!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-14&version=31
This is a poetic evocation of the reason for Christ's coming to earth. It is very difficult to read well!
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Chris Michell
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
These are verses of encouragement to all Christians at times when things may not be going well or when we feel surrounded by indifference and hostility to our faith. It is great to know that to God we are part of his team of light-bringers to a world that really needs to take on board the directions He has given us about caring for others and for our planet.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
These are verses of encouragement to all Christians at times when things may not be going well or when we feel surrounded by indifference and hostility to our faith. It is great to know that to God we are part of his team of light-bringers to a world that really needs to take on board the directions He has given us about caring for others and for our planet.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Nick Taylor
John 15:9-17
http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=John+15%3A9-17
Those who've been in my study in the vicarage will have seen a framed hand-written version of this, which I did during an 8-day individually-guided retreat, while I was on sabbatical in 2006.
The passage means a lot to me because it condenses into these verses so much of what Christianity is about.
It reminds me that the biggest challenge to us, and the basis of most religions, is love - love coming from God and being allowed to flow through us to the world around.
I believe we don't spend enough time appreciating and experiencing God's love for us, and consequently aren't very well-stocked with love for other people or ourselves.
The passage invites us into an intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity, to be part of the relationship which exists between the Father and the Son. Then the Holy Spirit can freely produce God's fruit in us. We need to spend more time feasting on this relationship into which God invites us.
http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=John+15%3A9-17
Those who've been in my study in the vicarage will have seen a framed hand-written version of this, which I did during an 8-day individually-guided retreat, while I was on sabbatical in 2006.
The passage means a lot to me because it condenses into these verses so much of what Christianity is about.
It reminds me that the biggest challenge to us, and the basis of most religions, is love - love coming from God and being allowed to flow through us to the world around.
I believe we don't spend enough time appreciating and experiencing God's love for us, and consequently aren't very well-stocked with love for other people or ourselves.
The passage invites us into an intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity, to be part of the relationship which exists between the Father and the Son. Then the Holy Spirit can freely produce God's fruit in us. We need to spend more time feasting on this relationship into which God invites us.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Stuart Gunn
Galatians 3:28 (Good News Bible)
So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and freemen, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.
It seemed to be important to me when I was teaching equal opportunities as part of a PGCE teacher training programme for University of Plymouth. There was great emphasis on this whole idea of equal opportunities within education and indeed within the wider society. It also felt as if we were teaching concepts about relationships between people which were quite new and even novel! I often drew my colleagues' attention to this Bible reading as an example of Christ's wisdom and his concern that people of all types and conditions should be treated with respect and fairness - a very early equal opportunities creed!
So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and freemen, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.
It seemed to be important to me when I was teaching equal opportunities as part of a PGCE teacher training programme for University of Plymouth. There was great emphasis on this whole idea of equal opportunities within education and indeed within the wider society. It also felt as if we were teaching concepts about relationships between people which were quite new and even novel! I often drew my colleagues' attention to this Bible reading as an example of Christ's wisdom and his concern that people of all types and conditions should be treated with respect and fairness - a very early equal opportunities creed!
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Pauline Michell
Psalm 62:1a (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2062;&version=31;;
A Favourite verse from the Bible – that’s difficult! There are many. I’ve just made a long list from which to choose one. I imagine many people would choose John 3:16 – the basis for our faith. However, I’m going to choose a verse that has been brought to my attention recently.
Psalm 62:1a. "My soul finds rest in God alone." (NIV)
This is because I am endeavouring to develop the more contemplative side of prayer. My prayers can all too easily develop into “shopping lists” of requests for this person or that cause etc. As Christians I believe we need to spend more time just “being” with God. I don’t find it easy, but I believe it’s necessary for our spiritual health and for all that we endeavour to do as Christians.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2062;&version=31;;
A Favourite verse from the Bible – that’s difficult! There are many. I’ve just made a long list from which to choose one. I imagine many people would choose John 3:16 – the basis for our faith. However, I’m going to choose a verse that has been brought to my attention recently.
Psalm 62:1a. "My soul finds rest in God alone." (NIV)
This is because I am endeavouring to develop the more contemplative side of prayer. My prayers can all too easily develop into “shopping lists” of requests for this person or that cause etc. As Christians I believe we need to spend more time just “being” with God. I don’t find it easy, but I believe it’s necessary for our spiritual health and for all that we endeavour to do as Christians.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Brian Underwood
Luke 11:9-13 Ask, Seek and you will find.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2011:9-13&version=31
The passage encourages us be open to ask and seek in prayer when we feel in need of spiritual help and guidance likening God's response to that of a father responding to his son, but even more so.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2011:9-13&version=31
The passage encourages us be open to ask and seek in prayer when we feel in need of spiritual help and guidance likening God's response to that of a father responding to his son, but even more so.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Jean Underwood
1 John 4:7-16 God is Love.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20john%204:7-16&version=31
Chosen because it reminds us that God sent His Son into the world to teach us His way and to be the means for forgiveness of our sins. We are encouraged to love one another and if we do then his love will shine through us.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20john%204:7-16&version=31
Chosen because it reminds us that God sent His Son into the world to teach us His way and to be the means for forgiveness of our sins. We are encouraged to love one another and if we do then his love will shine through us.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Babs Winterson
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I love these verses, partly because they tell me that nothing is too small or insignificant to take to our heavenly Father in prayer. It is easy to try and manage on our own and not bother God with what seems like trivia, compared to the troubles of the world. But think how we love it when our young children or grandchildren talk to us at length about anything. We just don’t want that special time to end, and God’s love for us is far, far greater than anything we can understand.
The words ‘with thanksgiving’ remind us to keep a balance in prayer. It is wrong to just come to God with a huge list of all we want from Him. I believe that worship and giving thanks puts us in the right frame of mind to come before God.
I love ‘Do not be anxious about anything’. Other translations say ‘Don’t fret or worry’ or ‘Don’t get stressed about anything’. When we read the News or hear of people’s problems it is so easy to worry or get anxious. If we allow ourselves to be pulled down into depression we can increase the problems instead of being a positive influence. It helps to consciously reject the ‘spirit of despair’ and put on the ‘Garment of Praise’ (Isaiah 61 v3).
Rob Lacey’s Street Bible expresses these verses
‘Don’t get stressed about anything – whatever hits you, verbalise it with God; balance your ‘pleases’ with your ‘thank you’s’, and God’s serenity, which even medics can’t suss, will flood your deep places, saturate your thinking, acting like a minder, ‘cos you’re in with the Liberator Jesus.’
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I love these verses, partly because they tell me that nothing is too small or insignificant to take to our heavenly Father in prayer. It is easy to try and manage on our own and not bother God with what seems like trivia, compared to the troubles of the world. But think how we love it when our young children or grandchildren talk to us at length about anything. We just don’t want that special time to end, and God’s love for us is far, far greater than anything we can understand.
The words ‘with thanksgiving’ remind us to keep a balance in prayer. It is wrong to just come to God with a huge list of all we want from Him. I believe that worship and giving thanks puts us in the right frame of mind to come before God.
I love ‘Do not be anxious about anything’. Other translations say ‘Don’t fret or worry’ or ‘Don’t get stressed about anything’. When we read the News or hear of people’s problems it is so easy to worry or get anxious. If we allow ourselves to be pulled down into depression we can increase the problems instead of being a positive influence. It helps to consciously reject the ‘spirit of despair’ and put on the ‘Garment of Praise’ (Isaiah 61 v3).
Rob Lacey’s Street Bible expresses these verses
‘Don’t get stressed about anything – whatever hits you, verbalise it with God; balance your ‘pleases’ with your ‘thank you’s’, and God’s serenity, which even medics can’t suss, will flood your deep places, saturate your thinking, acting like a minder, ‘cos you’re in with the Liberator Jesus.’
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Ruth Buller
Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I love this reading and find it completely amazing at the wonder of how much God can love each and everyone of us. It is also a reading that seems to have popped up at various times in my life when I have most needed to know of God’s love for me.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I love this reading and find it completely amazing at the wonder of how much God can love each and everyone of us. It is also a reading that seems to have popped up at various times in my life when I have most needed to know of God’s love for me.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Zoe Oliver
Isaiah 49:16 (Good News)
Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palm of my hands.
This verse reminds me that I have not been forgotten even if, sometimes, I think I have been.
Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palm of my hands.
This verse reminds me that I have not been forgotten even if, sometimes, I think I have been.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Nigel Pickles
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecc%203:1-8&version=31
'There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.'
This passage was initially brought to my attention in my early teens through the song 'Turn Turn Turn' written by Pete Seeger based on these eight verses. The idea of God's will providing the balance of opportunities in our lives is one that appeals to me. If we can live with the challenge of accepting what is thrown at us, whether it be to our liking or not, and understand that there is the potential for change, both for good and bad, then it helps us to accept God in all his guises. This is particularly relevant when things are not going as well as we would like in our lives but at the same time it reminds us to act in humility when things are going well.
As an historical aside, the verses were turned into song by Pete Seeger, one of America's most famous folksingers who is still performing into his 90s. Seeger followed in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie and in a way took on his mantle as the social conscience of America. This often put him in conflict with the US establishment at a time when being 'anti-american' in any form was met with both legal threats as well as violence on the streets. I saw Seeger perform the song in the mid sixties when he became the first artist to perform at the Roundhouse in London. The bulldozers moved out at 7 pm and the concert commenced at 8. The stage was erected in the centre of the auditorium and the audience had to stand, as there were no seats, but it was one of the most magical concerts I have ever attended with the charisma of Seeger and his banjo holding us spellbound for over two hours.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecc%203:1-8&version=31
'There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.'
This passage was initially brought to my attention in my early teens through the song 'Turn Turn Turn' written by Pete Seeger based on these eight verses. The idea of God's will providing the balance of opportunities in our lives is one that appeals to me. If we can live with the challenge of accepting what is thrown at us, whether it be to our liking or not, and understand that there is the potential for change, both for good and bad, then it helps us to accept God in all his guises. This is particularly relevant when things are not going as well as we would like in our lives but at the same time it reminds us to act in humility when things are going well.
As an historical aside, the verses were turned into song by Pete Seeger, one of America's most famous folksingers who is still performing into his 90s. Seeger followed in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie and in a way took on his mantle as the social conscience of America. This often put him in conflict with the US establishment at a time when being 'anti-american' in any form was met with both legal threats as well as violence on the streets. I saw Seeger perform the song in the mid sixties when he became the first artist to perform at the Roundhouse in London. The bulldozers moved out at 7 pm and the concert commenced at 8. The stage was erected in the centre of the auditorium and the audience had to stand, as there were no seats, but it was one of the most magical concerts I have ever attended with the charisma of Seeger and his banjo holding us spellbound for over two hours.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Ellen Oliver
Philippians 4:4 (Good News)
May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
I like this verse because I like to be joyful and it always raises my spirits and I like singing the song; Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice!
May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
I like this verse because I like to be joyful and it always raises my spirits and I like singing the song; Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice!
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Nick Oliver
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 (NIV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So 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.
Two verses I always seem to come back to. Paul writes ‘do not lose heart’ and whilst it is sometimes easy to forget in our fast-moving world we must always remember to stay open to the renewal and know that we are part of His plan.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So 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.
Two verses I always seem to come back to. Paul writes ‘do not lose heart’ and whilst it is sometimes easy to forget in our fast-moving world we must always remember to stay open to the renewal and know that we are part of His plan.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Judith Pickles
1 Peter 5:7
"cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"
A friend gave me this verse just over 20 years ago when I was about to go into hospital for an operation. Not only was I feeling worried about my health I was also concerned at leaving Mark (who started school the day before my admission to hospital) and Laura who was almost 3 years old. I needn't have worried we were all taken care of.
Today if I have a problem I find it useful to remember this verse.
"cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"
A friend gave me this verse just over 20 years ago when I was about to go into hospital for an operation. Not only was I feeling worried about my health I was also concerned at leaving Mark (who started school the day before my admission to hospital) and Laura who was almost 3 years old. I needn't have worried we were all taken care of.
Today if I have a problem I find it useful to remember this verse.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Anna Oliver
1 John 4:16–17 (The New English Bible)
God is love; he who dwells in love is dwelling in God, and God in him. This is for us the perfection of love, to have confidence on the day of judgement, and this we can have, because even in this world we are as he is.
On the Alpha course videos we were advised to read John’s gospel. When I attempted to do this alone I started to read 1 John by mistake! These verses stood out for me and helped me to understand the nature of God. They bring across a simple message of who God is and if we love God we need not dread the day of judgement. (In case you are wondering, I have improved my skills at looking things up in the bible!!)
God is love; he who dwells in love is dwelling in God, and God in him. This is for us the perfection of love, to have confidence on the day of judgement, and this we can have, because even in this world we are as he is.
On the Alpha course videos we were advised to read John’s gospel. When I attempted to do this alone I started to read 1 John by mistake! These verses stood out for me and helped me to understand the nature of God. They bring across a simple message of who God is and if we love God we need not dread the day of judgement. (In case you are wondering, I have improved my skills at looking things up in the bible!!)
Monday, 2 March 2009
Kathryn Whatley
1 Samuel 17:1-51
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:1-51&version=31
My favourite story is David and Goliath because it shows that no matter how small you are, with a little bit of God's help you can do anything.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:1-51&version=31
My favourite story is David and Goliath because it shows that no matter how small you are, with a little bit of God's help you can do anything.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Hilary Allen
Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.
Just over 6 years ago, I was given the news that my father had acute myeloid leukaemia and that he didn't have much longer to live. A few days later, I came across these words. They spoke to me of the complete security that we have with God. We are his beloved and he protects us and keeps us safe. It might not feel like that when we are going through "the valley of the shadow" but it is a fundamental truth that it is good to hold onto when the going gets tough.
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.
Just over 6 years ago, I was given the news that my father had acute myeloid leukaemia and that he didn't have much longer to live. A few days later, I came across these words. They spoke to me of the complete security that we have with God. We are his beloved and he protects us and keeps us safe. It might not feel like that when we are going through "the valley of the shadow" but it is a fundamental truth that it is good to hold onto when the going gets tough.
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