Friends Friday: He ain't Heavy, He's my Brother

Some of my favourite verses in the bible come from the wisdom literature. This includes Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

I'm thinking about friendship today, and I realised that carefully chosen close friends help me to guard my heart:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. ~ Proverbs 4:23 NIV

I believe that it's so important to get good, godly men and women around you as you grow in your journey with God. The Bible has some things to say about this:

^9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!

¹¹ Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.

¹² By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, The Message) emphasis mine

The journey with Jesus can sometimes be hard - in Psalm 23, the psalmist talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. That walk-through can be really tough. Godly friends walk with you and their friendship can be like a mini-oasis in the desert.

⁹ Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, The Message)

Friends keep you grounded and accountable. I trust my close friends always to tell me the truth, even when it hurts.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. ~ Proverbs 27:6 NIV

When I'm not sure about what to do, I ask my godly friends to help me think it through. They help me get perspective and I don't feel so alone.

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. ~ Proverbs 12:26

My close, godly friends love me come what may. I was thinking about this as I watched The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There's a scene at the end where Frodo, who is trying to complete his mission, collapses. His dear friend Samwise Gamgee (Sam) holds him and talks to him about the things that bring him joy - his beautiful home and how it will be springtime soon.

And then...

Sam looked at him and wept in his heart, but no tears came to his dry and stinging eyes. "I said I'd carry him, if it broke my back," he muttered, "and I will!"
"Come, Mr. Frodo!" he cried. "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well. So up you get! Come on, Mr. Frodo dear! Sam will give you a ride. Just tell him where to go, and he'll go." ~ The Return of the King: "Mount Doom," p. 218 emphasis mine

A friend loves at all times... Proverbs 17:17a NIV

...even the hard times...when they have to carry you. Cultivate some godly friendships on this God-journey. You won't regret it.

A Thought for Thursday: Truth

Satan has another name. The Father of Lies.

When negative thoughts fog your mind and drag you relentlessly down, it's wise to carefully consider where those thoughts might start.

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Garbage in. Garbage out. If you let the lies, negativity and ugliness to come into your head and heart, you're likely to end up with a whole load of garbage.

Amy Grant sings:

Are you living in an old man's rubble?
Are you listening to the Father of Lies?
If you are then you're headed for trouble.
If you listen too long
You'll eventually die

...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ ~ Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 10:5) (NIV)

The next time you feel overwhelmed with negativity, check some of those thoughts against Scripture. Against the words of Jesus. And ask yourself if they're the truth. Because the truth will set you free.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - free stuff

Today's post is simply a link to a site with free Christian e-cards. Why don't you send a 'Thinking of you' card to someone who needs encouragement today?

Friends Friday - Life Under The Spirit!

Friends Friday is posted this week by a regular on The Vine, Mark. If you like this, there's a link to his blog at the bottom of the post where you can read other posts and find out more about him. Enjoy!

***

As Christians today, do we listen or should I say, discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?

We so readily turn to a book of rules that show us the way to get things done! When we get things done our faith in rules are strengthened. But what about when we don't get what we're trying to do, done; do those same rules then start to condemn us?

In the Old Testament we see the people of Israel seeking a list of rules from God as to how to live as His people (You can read all about this in Exodus and onwards, particularly when Moses went up Mount Sinai). The people of Israel had been invited to meet with God but sent Moses in their place out of fear. They wanted him to come back with a list of rules as what God wanted of them, rather than going and meeting with God for themselves and having their lives changed by the encounter!

God gave them their rules! And although they had periods where they got things right, they actually spent more time getting things wrong! That's when the guilt and condemnation starting to pull them down into periods of hopelessness and depression. Countless sacrifices had to be made in the temple to atone for all their rule breaking.

This all changed when Jesus came; He was able to complete the law in its fullest and then went on to give His life as a sacrifice for our sin (our rule breaking); a once of sacrifice that doesn't need to be repeated!

For all of us who have received from Jesus, all that His sacrifice for us brings about, including the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), there’s some very exciting news I want to share with you:

The law of the Old Testament, though still important in that it teaches us about God and His will, is not what is going to give us victory as Christians. It’s not the law but the Holy Spirit that gives us victory. If we put all our hope in the Law and allow it to be our guide then we are heading for disappointment, because none of us can keep it fully. However, if we turn to the Holy Spirit to guide us as to how to live this new life, as a Christian, we have hope and will have victory.

"The Holy Spirit not only opens up Gods Word to us; He also enables us to fulfil it."

The grace in the above statement can be life changing if you would but receive its truth into your life.

Are you just a rule follower or a Spirit led believer of Christ?

Life Under The Spirit!

A Thought for Thursday: It's not inside it's on top?

At small group last night, I was reminded again that God's thoughts are not the same as mine. We were reading about God choosing David as king. David's family and even the man who was going to anoint him would have picked someone else. Maybe even David himself would have chosen someone else.

But God said:

"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7

You can read the story here.

I was challenged again by how I evaluate people. Today's thought passes this challenge on to you. How do you judge people? How do you decide who people are?

Ask God to show you which people you have seen from the outside. Ask Him to show you their heart - the way that He sees them.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - Jesus

In my time with God this morning, there's a question from Jesus that all of us end up having to answer:

Who do you say I am?

What's your response?

Meditation Monday - The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

I don't know how many of you have seen the movie The Mission, but there's a scene where a Robert de Niro's character is struggling with a huge burden of things that he is carrying up a mountain. He is struggling to get to the top of the mountain. And then the ropes are suddenly cut away and he's free.

Are you feeling like the camel just before the last straw? Or maybe even after the last straw?

Jesus doesn't want that for you:

He says:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Rebecca St James sings a beautiful song about this called Quiet You with My Love:

Come to me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
...

Lay your head down on my shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while

And I'll quiet you with my love
Rejoice over you with my song, with my song
...

Perhaps you should read through what Jesus says again. It's for you, too.

Friends Friday - Back home: My privilege?

Our Friend this week is the very beautiful - inside and out - Corneli. She serves God full time through Global Challenge Expeditions. They describe themselves as "is a wineskin for God in which young leaders are discipled. It provides a playing field for 20-somethingers to experience life changing challenges inspired in an adventurous journey."

Corneli studied Communications & Politics and, after 14 years of longing for one, has recently bought herself a guitar!

***

I’m home…
After halve an hour in a hot bath, I put on a Nichole Nordeman CD and pore a glass of Amarula cream. While supper is boiling on the stove I place my laptop on the granite kitchen counter top and as I glance at the Africa map against the wall my thoughts drift back…Back to the red dust and the beautiful African sunset, to the mountains of Burundi and the white beaches of Zanzibar. I remember the bumpy two day bus ride across the country of Tanzania, the live chickens that did not survive the baggage hall and the lady’s bag of fish swaying in front of my face. I remember the face of the child, still scared of the Mzungu (white person), but lighting up as the puppet show appears front the seat behind me. I think of the bananas we bought through the window at the bus stop – that was probably her only daily income… Vitumboa in plastic jars, flies and the man with his AK 47 hanging loosely across his shoulder.

My supper is done.

As I return to my seat I remember the three pieces of meat on the bed of rice. I could identify the aorta of whatever it was we ate… And then that child, staring through the door as we ate more than we had room for. Eating because it was expected of us, because the pastor in his buttoned up suit wanted to bless us. I choked at my Coke and the banana in my throat turned dry…
I’m not so sure when last that kid had something to eat… I had just preached about practical Christianity, about sharing your food with the hungry, yet it was my team member that demanded we divide the bananas and hand them out.

Suddenly I wonder if I locked my car…

A car… We were ten people driving around in a Toyota Prado. It was a tight fit, and a bumpy ride. But we could drive where we needed to be. The only other vehicle on that roads is the construction workers in trucks and the one Japanese Bakkie. There you drive a bicycle, with a bakkie’s load on the back.
Seeing the lights of my car flash I think of the one candle burning in the house. We could hardly see each other, and they definitely did not understand what we were saying, but that night the pastors’ family sat looking at us; amazed at this white skinned people, laughing and chatting, being oblivious to what it means to survive in these mountains. Oblivious to what it takes to prepare the meal we just gulped down. Still in wonder and convicted by their unconditional hospitality I remember the warm water running down my back at the end of a day. Yes, the cement floor of the washing room was cold. Yes, I had to pore it out of bucket, but it was warm and enough…

Did I mention they greeted us with palm leaves, singing and dancing? Did I mention they washed our clothes with their hands? Did I mention they gave almost all they had? Did I mention they walked for two hours to hear me teach? Did I mention that I went to serve them? Did I mention that I thought we had the answer?

Now, I have to go and eat, and then I have to iron my clothes and prepare for tomorrow, and phone a friend, and I still wanted to clean my room – there’s too much stuff standing around.
I have to be busy to fit this world, I have to proof my success, I have to become someone…

But when I close my eyes, that big white eyes inside the pitch black face stare at me… Smiling… He just wanted shoes to go to school, but in my busy reflex I said ”Sorry I can’t help you”. Why do they always want money? Always want something?

My food is getting cold.

MY food, in MY kitchen, listen to MY CD, after locking MY car… Maybe I have too much… Maybe it is MY turn to give… Maybe it’s NOT about me…

Maybe my privilege is my responsibility to meet their need…



Bus stop
















Children

A Thought for Thursday: God is.

The thought for today is...What if God is who He says He is? How would it impact your life if you really believed it deep in your heart?

Moses has an awesome experience with God in Exodus chapter 34. God tells Moses who He is:

...He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness... ~ Exodus 34:6 - NIV (emphasis mine)

Do you believe this? How would this understanding of God affect the way you life your life? The way that you speak to Him? The way that you talk about Him?

Read the verse a couple of times. Mull it over. Let it sink deep into your heart. God is who He says He is.

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - Still my soul

Today's w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday is a song from Keith & Kristyn Getty. You'll like it. You can buy it online as an MP3, or sheet music or you can look out for their CD's at your favourite bookstore.

Click here and choose Still, my soul be still from the list. The lyrics will be on the page. Let us know what you think.

We have too little stillness these days.

Be still, and know that I am God! ~ Psalm 46:10a

Testimony Tuesday - He saw me

Yesterday we were talking about Hagar, and that, despite awful circumstances, God saw her. This happened to me, too.

There was a time in my life when God showed me that a particular relationship in my life was harming my relationship with Him. I needed to end it. It was a very hard time and I thought that my heart would never be the same. I cried a lot. A lot.

I used to go for a walk every morning during that time. It was a good time to enjoy the fresh air and my beautiful surroundings. Often I would feel God's presence as I walked, partly in His creation. This was a real comfort to me.

One morning, as I walked across the road, I walked under a tree. A drop of water from a leaf fell onto my cheek as though a tear had come out of my own eye. I suddenly realised that God was telling me that He knew how much pain I was in and He was weeping, too.

I often remember the story about Mary and Martha when Lazarus had died. Jesus knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, and yet He felt such compassion for the sisters and for His friend that He wept.

A verse that meant a lot to me in that time of deep grieving was one from the psalms:

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ~ Psalm 56:8

Perhaps you'll think about this verse the next time you are distressed. Like God saw Hagar, He sees you. He knows. He cares.

Meditation Monday - He sees you

We're having a look at Hagar today. This lady was very shabbily treated. Things went from bad to worse. I'm sure that you've been there.

Read the first part of her story here. We'll continue with it very soon. In this part of the story, God speaks with Hagar and she realises that He sees her.

Consider this today. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, no matter what kind of circumstances you find yourself in, like Hagar, God sees you. He loves you.

In Psalm 139, the psalmist cries out to God:

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

When I read Jesus' tale about the lost son, I see this same kind of story again - His loving presence. Watching and waiting. And I hear Him saying gently "Whatever you've done, whatever you've become, come back. I love you."

Friends Friday - The Word

Today's blog is from a friend of The Vine from the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands in SA. Peter is a pastor there along with his beautiful wife, Edelgard. Their children are all grown up and have their own families. He originally trained as an architect and he designed the lovely home that they live in. A recent anniversary present reveals the depth of love between the couple, a lovely flower garden that Peter planted for Eddie. You can listen to more of his sermons here.

The Bible, the Holy Scriptures. Touched my life. Changed my life. Directs my life. Comforts me and counsels me.

As we look at the bible, it's like a diamond. We're familiar with the wonderful facets of a diamond. Take an engagement ring or diamond and look at it in the sunlight and it reflects so many different, radiant, brilliant, dazzling, blinding, colours. One diamond. One stone. And yet the facets reflect so many different and dazzling and brilliant colours. When I mentioned the word 'diamond' to my congregation, a number of the ladies smile. What's that song? 'A diamond is a girl's best friend'? The bible is my best friend. I want to show you some facets, some aspects, of the Word of God.

The first thing that I want to mention is the divine Word. The spoken Word. The Word that was spoken before there was anything. And when it was spoken, there was something.

Of course, I'm referring to the first chapter of our Bible. When God spoke the universe into existence. The first thing that He said was 'Let there be light.' And there was light. And so God illuminated the universe with the light of His truth. It wasn't the same light that we get from sunlight. That came a little later when He made the sun and the moon and the stars. But right there in the beginning, He separated light from darkness. And as I read my Bible - as God speaks into my life through the agency of His Holy Spirit - He separates light from darkness and He illuminates my way. So there is that 'creation Word'. In Genesis 1:3 it says

And God said, 'Let there be light.' And there was light.

I like that.

Then there is the written Word. This particular sermon was written for a Sunday when Bibles for Believers were sharing at our church. Please click through to find out more about the great work that they are doing.

The first record of a written word in the Bible is in Exodus 24:12,

The Lord said to Moses, 'Come up the mountain to me and while you are here, I will give you two stone tablets which contain all the laws which I have written for the instruction of the people.

So we have God's spoken Word in Genesis and then we get God's written Word in Exodus. He puts it down in writing. Sometimes businessmen - unfortunately it's occurring more and more today - ask that something is put down in writing. In the old days, you just shook hands, and you gave your word. 'I want that in writing, please.' 'I want to see it in black and white.' 'Sign on the dotted line.' Praise God! Not only did He speak His Word in Genesis, but in Exodus He got busy and He wrote His Word. 'This is what I have written.'

The other thing about God's word is the indispensible Word. It's found in Deuteronomy 8 but Jesus quotes it to none other than the devil in Matthew 4:4.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

The bible is more essential for my survival than the bread on my table. This is a Word that gives to me eternal life.

But He answered and said, 'It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

We've had the spoken word, we have the written word, and we're told that the word of God is indispensible. We can tell the devil to his face, as Jesus did. But the wonder of wonders is in John 1:14:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

It was spoken, it was written and it became flesh. So we thank God, and at communion, we celebrate the Word that has become flesh.

Then there is the inspired Word in 2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living.

This is a living Word. It's the only book in the world that's alive.

When Adam was created, he was a magnificent clay sculpture. But he was dead. He had no life in him. He just lay there. Magnificent. Beautifully modelled. Beautifully structured. Wonderfully created. But dead. Until, as we read in Genesis 2:7,

And God breathed into his nostrils and he became a living soul.

That clay came alive. Pulsating, vibrant, vital, sensitive, alert, responding life!

This book is alive. Handle it with care. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the Word of God is God breathed. Theopneustos. Breathed of God. It has life in it. And all of us have had an experience of the living Word. That's why, when I read the bible, it speaks to me.

I've read the bible a number of times. I've just finished reading 2 Corinthians in my devotional times. I sometimes read other books or novels a number of times. I like to read military history. I've read a number of books a number of times, particularly the struggles in Africa. But I know what's coming. I know what the next chapter's going to be about. But with the Bible, I know what's coming, but it speaks to me afresh. It meets me today. It's not history. It's not even a newspaper. It's now! In the same way as if I was speaking to you now and you heard me, God's Word is alive and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It speaks to me now! And God knows where I'm at. He knows my experience. He knows my fears. My doubts. My ambitions. My aspirations. He knows the imaginings of my mind and soul and spirit. And He speaks to it by His living Word.

None of these can take precedence over the other. Finally, this is His saving Word. Romans 10:17 says

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

I don't know where you are today. I don't know if you have confidence of salvation or not, but, as you hear God's Word it brings faith into your life. It presents the Word, which is Christ. Christ, who died for you on the cross, paid the price for your sin and mine. It's the Word that saves us.

This is the precious Bible. The Holy Scriptures. With so many different facets shining brilliantly God's truth. The truth that sets us free.

Today, consider sponsoring this living Word of God for someone in Africa through Bibles for Believers.

A Thought for Thursday - Shadows, Light and Salt

Our small group read an unusual passage last night. I don't think I've ever heard a sermon about it.

The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. ~ Acts 5:12-16

We talked about this amazing thing - that God used even Peter's shadow to heal people. I thought about this some more. I wondered about my own life. Why don't I see that in my life? Is God using me to touch people for Himself? For His Kingdom? Is every part of my life available for Him to use to touch others?

It wasn't Peter, but the Holy Spirit inside Peter that healed the sick people. It made me think about a particular passage:

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. ~ Matthew 5:13-16

If I stay close to God - don't lose my 'saltiness' - and don't hide my light away, then I am salt and light to the world. God can use me to touch others for Himself. For His Kingdom.

There's nothing boring about that! Whoooo hoooo!

What do you think?

w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r wednesday - scary hairy malary!

Today's w.h.a.t.e.v.e.r is a cartoon from a favourite site of mine. If you like it, click through to see some of the others at ReverendFun.com.

Testimony Tuesday - It is well with my soul

Today's testimony is the story behind a song that I'm sure that you all know.

Due to time constraints, I'm only giving you a link to the story on Wikipedia. Please click through to it. What an amazing story!

Meditation Monday - Silly Filly

I'll bet you're wondering what on earth this title is all about. Late last year, God spoke to me from a portion of His word:

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant — I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. ~ Psalm 73:21-26

One translation says 'I must have seemed like a foolish horse to You.' And for whatever reason I named it the 'silly filly' verse and God reminded me of it occassionally when I needed His discipline...when my heart was bitter and I wasn't forgiving. This morning I had to forgive again, and remind myself that God remains the strength of my heart. That He is mine forever. I'm not in this on my own. I don't have to do it alone. More than anyone, God knows what it's like to be hurt, to feel angry and betrayed. He knows what it is to forgive.

I had to remind myself about some points from Wednesday night.

This last week, friends of ours from YWAM Jeffreys Bay came to share with our discipleship group. They spoke to us about forgiveness. This is a huge topic that needs to be revisited again and again but it was a really good way to get us thinking and talking about it.

For some, it opened old wounds that hadn't healed, and where we'd not forgiven. I'd felt peaceful on the night, but this morning I realised that I was hearing the silly filly verse in my head again. I'd been sharing my experience with two close girl friends and as I spoke the words that had been the most hurtful and 'framed' the experience for me, I realised again why I tell folks not to let those painful words run like a stuck record through your mind. Capture those thoughts as they start and think of something that reminds you that you're thankful to God for His goodness.
When we don't forgive and we work ourselves up over something, it can turn into bitterness or even a desire for revenge, which we talked about on Thursday, here on The Vine. God has a great deal to say about bitterness and unforgiveness in His word. We'll look a little more at that down the line.

Some things about forgiveness:

> is not a feeling, it's an act of the will.
> is a once off and then again each time you're reminded of the hurt. Something like 'keep on keeping on'.
> doesn't mean that the person or organisation know or understand what they did to hurt you. For example, Jesus prays from the cross “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23
> sets YOU free.
> allows you to be forgiven by God, too. "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us." Luke 11:1-4
> doesn't mean that trust or healing happens instantly.

Hmnn...lots to ponder. We'll be back at this subject soon, I'm sure. Have a great Monday!

Friends Friday - Praying Scripture

Today's blog is a book recommendation from a friend of The Vine, Elaine. She is a pastor's wife that lives on the coast here in South Africa. She trained to be a teacher and enjoys a good game of Scrabble. In fact, I know from personal experience that she's devastatingly brilliant at it.

She highly recommends Stormie Omartian's book The Power of Praying Through the Bible. Stormie is a prolific writer around the subject of prayer. She says her first goal when she writes is to help people come to know God and His love in a deep way and grow daily in relationship with Him. You can read her God-story here.

Elaine says that she has been really blessed by working through this book and encourages us to consider it as a gift for others, too.

You can see a sample of the book on Google Books. Stormie's books are the kind that you read within your quiet time with God day by day. She's transparent and real. She often adds stories from her life that make what she's saying applicable to your own life.

"Stormie journeys with readers from Genesis to Revelation and reveals how God designed prayer so that they can:

communicate with Him
embrace the promises of Scripture
release burdens to God’s care
walk with Jesus daily
listen to the Spirit’s leading

Stormie brings home the truths and the wonder of God’s promises. This gathering of devotions from The Power of a Praying Woman Bible shares Stormie’s heart and the foundation of God’s Word to provide a source of spiritual encouragement and strength for every reader."

Download the first chapter free and see if you agree with Elaine. Let us know how you get on.

A Thought for Thursday - Revenge is...

Today's passage doesn't need any commenting. Jesus said it. Nuff said.

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.

If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. "

~ Jesus (Matthew 5:38-48)

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Romans 12:17-19 (MSG)