“No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.” Romans 10:17
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I pray God uses it to remind hearts of His love and grace. I am drawn today to the power in scripture itself, but also to the exposition of it. In a time of great doubt may it speak itself. Later I hope to add some exposition if you do not understand what you read. But the walk starts and then there is grace for a run.
”After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.
And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.
From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.
And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
(In few words: I’m meditating on what it means to proceed on instructions. To come. To be elevated. To come up to a glorious place. To behold God’s majesty. To witness the communion of the heavenlies. And for, to worship in reverence.)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I perceive to be drawn into Christ’s peace is the quest. To trust God’s heavenly plan. I think it’s to do good, to bless not harm. As it says in scripture first that He is Lord of peace. Only the one in control can bring peace. The one who is in charge of the spirit of peace can release it into effect. Slightly abstract but it’s a spiritual concept of setting parameters that makes for cohesion or friendly engagement. For example a gentle word and kind encouragement to the right person could create peace. To say you look good today, nice clothes, is a clear attempt at being graceful. Consider how to do what makes for peace. To show and reciprocate love. To be lord of and for peace, reflecting Christ. Peace personified can hear the Lord’s instructions. For the first time is the mystery of scripture open to you? Then blessed be God. To God be glory.
We could also meditate on the fact God wants to administer peace to us everyday and in every way? Yes I think so. It begins with admiring peace.
I pray for so Lord. A home always at peace. A work of tranquil coexistence. A community of respite. A sleep as smooth as a flowing stream. May we labour for what makes for peace and enjoy the fruits once gained, fence it and watch in faith and hope, and deliver a legacy of peace. And may the Lord of peace grant peace.
John 1:14- “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).”
Reflecting on what it means when desire meets provision then there will be performance. The prayer is to know the Lord’s day and what makes for perfection. The wise sees parts are different and all differences work to unison of purpose. Then there are those who think that all has to be eyes, seeing things one way. Though there is the sense of being one mind and having a single vision of purpose. That has to countenance having different perspectives but with success in mind, bringing in a creative aspect, a diversity of spiritual gifts but yet God in all. At this level it’s a broad thinking and openness to God’s way.
At Christmas let us think how we see the perfection in what God is doing today and a release to not hinder. If your utopian idea don’t come to fruition, how can you work with what’s in your hand? Or wait, lose what you have, and realise the best was yesterday. Perhaps a little with happiness is better. See it for yesterday, or for tomorrow. Together has to be key, of one heart. Of one bone, of one flesh. Yet different parts. There is truth that there is a remnant according to grace.
There is consistency with scriptures if we are thankful for every blessing with anticipatory hope of what is to come. As one politician in recent times of our 21st century would admonish- unburdened by the past. So true, one cannot be so bugged and dragged by every single detail that depresses, but with caution and love though, to press into all of God’s capacity. The cross of Christ has to be worth more. Can we learn from ants, lilies, sparrows? What is God saying that He has not said, and how can we be reminded to treasure each reminder for our good? Amen.
Merry Christmas wishes. I have attached a picture of me I took few days ago this December 2024. I hope it brings you joy if it can. I meant to capture my 40th birthday from about 9months ago in March. Not quite my once 16yr old kind of walk to a studio, but reminded to be thankful for memories. In a most personable way, please remember me in your prayers, that the spiritual riches and earthly mercies and miracles of Christ be mine.
Today I must say I am humbled by the grace of God at work in others who love and honour Him. Mightily. Truly all glory to God.
I trust God that in this season a sign will be given to see God’s direction towards us today.
“His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.” Job 1:4-5
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” Luke 8:18
I am reflecting today on these three scriptures, as a critical motivational and guidance tool: Job 1:4-5, Philippians 4:6, and Luke 8:18. It occurs to me from the readings that it’s essential to proceed cautiously in how we live life. To each orchestrated step to be mindful it’s pleasing to God, especially in those situations that may be hazy, unclear if it offends the spirit of grace. Immediately I am drawn to Job’s way. Let’s call it the principle of ‘Peradventure caution,’ that sense of check to do right by appealing to the spirit of grace through prayer, and a committal to God all that you have experienced or that you have connection or responsibility for, in good hope you will continually be pleasing to God, with an assurance He will guide all to come. It’s the detail and mindfulness to care what God thinks, a healthy fear of God and seeking His eye of love and favour. Such a remarkable place to be. Almost, lifting one’s head to ask is this okay with you?
Job in scriptures is shown to have influence and responsibility for his children, so after each celebration, he prays for them and offers a sacrifice or gift to God, but the rationale for this we are told is, should in case, peradventure, they did something stupid. What a spiritual covering. Its a prayer like this, Lord I am not sure about this step, but please guide me in what just happened. Its such a fine line. Its different from knowing its wrong, then it would be a prayer of repentance and forgiveness needed. To just say God I messed up, be gracious to me and help me next time, to pass every test, grant me divine strength, because surely I am going to need it. But in cases like this, its that grey line, still being processed, one of no clear knowledge.
It is the place of intercession, for another who might be caught up in true joy and had had no time to reflect on what they just said or did. Could it be because everyone does it? Could it be you didn’t really think that gift was way inappropriate without disclosing it to a spouse? Could it be as a younger person you have not really grown yet to understand completely the implication of what you said or did? Could it be that you’re 100% sure you were in the right but you could have just hurt the right person?
How about some care about how you speak, how you hear, how you think. Humility requires in a human nature of incomplete facts and limitations every now and then to say dear God, I commit everything to you. In dark places let light in, in crooked places make it straight, in a cloud of doubt let clarity come. Show me what I need to know, and hide what I shouldn’t. For those committed to my trust, rather than judge them harshly, of what they should know or not know, I pray for covering and I intercede that if in their excitement and fun they sin, that some mercy prevail, and you guide them to do right. In all take charge of every strange place or situation. And that while you do not judge us or punish us for having fun and love, show us how not to pass the line, or edge too close to being perceived in as unhinged. In all help us who love you have a good conscience, and seek what is good. Even so now I pray, amen.
I think you can take a moment to reflect on five mental pictures of a range of activities you can ensure do not tip over the edge, from normal pleasure to sinful action- in sport, work, executive decisions, party time, or civil action? For instance, how can I not unhelpfully kick things into the long grass that I can rightfully help in now?
“The liberal soul shall be made fat…” Proverbs 11:25a
I just had a much better day to the past couple of months. Not that things are rosier, but one of hope. I consider what I took for granted and learnt a lesson, that gratitude and honouring God transcends what people think. A call to liberality of spirit I think is a discipline of demonstrable love. I wonder if by religiosity a box is ticked rightly without knowing why, though Christ will warn to avoid being seen and conceived as great, followed with the risk of emptiness if not heart felt- yet when free spirited and kind with a purpose the ripples is ace. It also soothes your heart to know someone is better because of your heart. Parents show this, bosses in their employment opportunities, leaders in their considerable policies, protectors in their sacrifice, teachers in their emphasis to patiently support needs. When things are done right thank you is just appropriate, because it can hardly really be paid for. I think a little kindness goes a long way. I also think we must pray about how to show it. Who do I help? How should I help? When should I help?
I consider giving out of a ‘widow’s mite’ as powerful, because it means out of little a face is turned to another’s need and God’s purpose. One more thing if one cannot help, at least don’t ridicule, don’t nail down another’s hope of redemption as a final blow. It seems to me, one can be raised for another, raised for a people, raised for a period or season or generation, raised for a nation. A water that refreshes, a steward that points a way, a harbour of refuge. What there is to resist is a prototype of hate, that suggests to have helped was disastrous. Was it possible whoever modelled ingratitude attempted to change your heart for the next person who should have seen goodness. A deep matrix and manipulation of deflection, I think it is helpful to be good and kind. Use credible institutional referrals that have a proven track record of helps. Assist those you can one on one, and reassure where possible. Pray indoors, speak love, and nurse it in your heart to care, or hope to when enabled by the grace of heaven.
God is good, so are we who rely on Him.
Think of smart, redemptive ways to show love. Teach through rewards what it means to be grateful. Support not for praise but love. Live within your means, and give within your strength. Not in false scheme to accuse anyone of depleting your resource, but a well managed limit. Learn to say no when not able. And learn not to be bitter when one can’t either. It takes incredibly faith to exceed your strength in anything, but I perceive baby steps is what is needed. Is it possible to experience absolute joy in seeing a face saved, elevated, refreshed, encouraged, warmed up, drawn to a smile? It’s not starting again what you’ve always done, because the love of God for goodwill has always been within you. It’s stirring the gift of God, it’s not letting your right hand see the left as Christ will say. It’s being an angel of good news, a father to many, a gift to the nations. You’re the gift your friends, neighbours, family, society has waited for. A joy through your talents and grace. No fret, God is on the throne. Some may say I thought I did something for him, maybe it wasn’t him, or possibly him or her- there is a call to precision of love. Of course, not a game of snobbery and a comedy of errors, and endless circles of not knowing what is good. As scripture reminds us again, as inspired by all these words, which I humbly suggest is consistent with it, do not forget to do good. Remember to start and raise a heart of gratitude, and ride a thankful life. A call to pray and care, for you, yours and theirs? It seems so to me. Consider loving without strings and genuine love. How freeing. Pause and wait, and once you’re strengthened help another, and share not of compulsion but love, rejoice in another’s efforts, show them how to work hard, and don’t stop another doing so. I’m sure there is more God can remind you of and teach you again. But again, how can I with all this commitments, I hear this- God will provide. Amen.
My heart is turned to this Psalm today. And I pray, may God raise help for us who trust Him and look forward to His full redemption. May God grant us grace to follow after His template of righteous, peace and love. May He grants us access to wisdom we need for the hour and a good reward as we hope in Him. May the fetters of oppression cease and the sun rise to our healing. May the truth of heaven be ours according to what we can bear, and love we can control. May joy not cease from our lips and may sweetness not dry in our mouths. May the pains of yesterday be forgotten because we hear cries of ever rising hope. May the tales of victory sooth our breasts and a peaceful sleep replenish our strength. May we see the promised victory and rest in it. Like Abraham may the joy come, not to late to rejoice in God’s terms and plans. Not too early to destroy us, not too late we have no strength to sing. All is good that ends well and happens in God’s grace. Let all who sing together ring true in rejoicing and say God has granted us His mercy and favour.
Psalm 115 reads:
“To you alone, O Lord, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness.
Why should the nations ask us, “Where is your God?”
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he wishes.
Their gods are made of silver and gold, formed by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak, and eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear, and noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel, and feet, but cannot walk; they cannot make a sound.
May all who made them and who trust in them become like the idols they have made.
Trust in the Lord, you people of Israel. He helps you and protects you.
Trust in the Lord, you priests of God. He helps you and protects you.
Trust in the Lord, all you that worship him. He helps you and protects you.
The Lord remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the people of Israel and all the priests of God.
He will bless everyone who honors him, the great and the small alike.
May the Lord give you children – you and your descendants!
May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
Heaven belongs to the Lord alone, but he gave the earth to us humans.
The Lord is not praised by the dead, by any who go down to the land of silence.
But we, the living, will give thanks to him now and forever. Praise the Lord!”
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.” Psalms 24:1-10 NIV
”A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
“His brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than all of his brothers; so they hated him and could not [find it within themselves to] speak to him on friendly terms.” Genesis 37:4
More recently a chapter of scripture being studied in a series in bible study meetings I recently listened in revolved on Joseph and his misfortune stemming from jealousy-breathed situation. On deep reflection we could learn to accept another’s blessing and control the fleshy instinct to trivialise or hate on the basis of gifts another has received or worked for. Also learned we can learn to know the ways of men and be more discreet, or even perhaps how to know if you can show a friend or brother your blessing or dream for guidance or interpretation. Consider these scriptures on right speaking. I found it edifying. Proverbs 21:19; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Matthew 5:37, 7:6; John 16:33; Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 6:16-19; Isaiah 5:20.
On reflection this mid-nighty impromptu session is the point- they couldn’t bring themselves to be kind or speak kindly. I humbly suggest it’s possible to lack words; to prefer a long talk and uncomfortable disposition than a good hello. It means not to judge another’s action, tone, characterisation. For some it’s genius to talk differently to a baby, friend, enemy, professional, club group all in separate contexts. The hope is to belong to the right and lucky mix else it’s work keeping up. I think this is fine, but quickly figure where you fit, so you prepare if possible to listen to or talk with as well.
I pray you don’t judge yourself too harshly if you don’t get along, but accept maybe you are not called to everyone. This is why love is finding you, your heart, someone you are peaceable with and who enjoys seeing and being with you. Managing or coping nonetheless is not for everyone. But remember Christ calls us to endure and love all in the world, even though not sharing its’ ideals. The issue which is the crux is to not give what is precious to the non-appreciative. A bit of ducking, diving, praying, skipping, running, yes and no conversations, until Christ saves the day. Rest for soul is real and it’s within you, as the Lord says. Christ in you the hope of glory. Hope this lifted you?
The reflection at this point is on the non-imposing will of God; hence He appeals for a desire to receive His aid or support for protection. We have looked into God as shield (protector), consider the second part of Proverbs 30:5, it says to those who find refuge in Him He will be a Shield. Are you willing to seek God for refuge, protection, rest, support? If yes, God can accept.
What is it about placing trust? It must be a show of confidence in ability. Not that God needs that for His ego or pride, but it’s a lesson for us, our faith, that shapes how we talk and live over time. A sense of what God can do, and how that makes us less anxious, and causes us to live life with hope and less pressure which is good for us and those around. We know God can come through at last minute; so instead of being unnecessarily inconsolable in face of lack and fear because of growing unpalatable situation, Christ offers refuge in Him. Safety in Him. The promise is on God. But again it’s a partnership, a two-way street, God requiring our believing and God acting on our behalf. Yet it’s Him all the way, at the centre of it all.
“The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
”“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
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