National Prayer Weekend brings thousands of Christians together to pray for their local communities in an amazing way, demonstrating God's immense love to those around them. Prayer is the single most powerful important thing you can do for another person, and our heart is for people everywhere to encounter God through the power of prayer. It gives me great joy to take part and sharing God's limitless power in my community, city, country and worldwide. Giving hope and changing lives. Come Holy Spirit. The Power of a Prayer...
I am taking time out today and am reflecting on this video.
Thankful for what Jesus did for me... What do thorns symbolise?
Denoting sin, sorrow and hardship, the "thorn" is one of the most ancient symbols in the world; together with the ROSE, it represents pain and pleasure, the thorn is an emblem of Christ's passion, as with the crown of thorns. What does a rose with thorns mean?
Roses are complex flowers... the beauty of this flower expresses promise, hope and new beginnings. It is contrasted by thorns symbolising defence, loss and thoughtlessness.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life whichI now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me".
Being crucified with Christ means...
we are no longer under the penalty of the Law, we are a new creation, we have a new love, we have a new commitment and we have a new way of life.
All Praise and Glory to you our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Amen
(Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?- v10)
For most of us it is a lot easier to go with the flow of every day life and accept situations. We all fear the consequences of challenging unhealthy family situations, not standing up for ourselves in the workplace environment or out in the public because we want to fit in and win approval. But our we really happy? To go against the flow, to be distinctive in God-honouring ways, takes courage. As Paul explains in this scripture.
This godly fear is not to be placed alongside our fears of the opinions or actions of other people but to take priority over them, so we have the wisdom and knowledge to deal with situations better in life.
God's wisdom is linked with discipline and discernment and helps us to develop a certain kind of character, showing itself in a particular sort of action.
Jesus says "we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us". My blog on forgiveness is a prime example... It takes courage and is possible, as we are never alone with the Love, Grace and Peace of the Lord.
Jesus lights the way.
2 Corinthians 13:14 - " May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all".
Today I spent time tidying up my blog and reviewing the last 8 years!! Well I have certainly changed... I have grown over the years and I have found peace. My identity is in Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Saviour. My search is over and I am on a new journey with the help of the Holy Spirit. Worship, praying, fasting, studying the scriptures is my life. When I first decided to start this blog it was going to be based my rare condition and how it impacted my life. When I look back, I was so consumed with my condition, that a neglected God. It became all about me, searching for strength and answers but not realising, God was with me all the time. How many times have you lost something and it is right in front of you? Watching and waiting patiently... Every time I failed, he was there. Every time I felt frustrated, he was there. All the wrong choices I made and every time I felt alone, someone would call or something would happen to pull me out of my pit and cheer me up. He was there. "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you" - Deuteronomy 31:6 Jesus is my rock. I know that now... Thank you God
As I read this powerful scripture and enter into this New Year, it gives me inspiration and guidance in knowing that I can make everything new in my life.
I can start a fresh, learn from my experiences and build my faith.
Due to a virus, I was unable to complete the last week of lent. However, the experience of mediating regularly and the knowledge I gained, strengthen my faith and understanding of Jesus' resurrection far more than I ever expected. My fasting enabled me to truly appreciate how blessed I really am and understand the sacrifice Jesus made to save me.
Worry is the assassin of things you can't change and will destroy your peace, creativity, mood and confidence. Don't worry about anything, instead prayer about everything.
Tuesday - mediation - Spiritual relationships.
If you have to reinvent yourself to keep friends/partners happy. The relationship won't work. the bible gives guidelines about "telling the truth".
Keep clear boundaries, be respectful and listen to God's words in everything you do.
Wednesday - mediation - Don't quarrel, and avoid people that do.
Quarrelling can be a patterns you are possibly a custom to or boosting self- worth. This can open up a floodgate and a dispute could breakout.
Avoiding a quarrel is a mark of honour.
Standing up for what you believe is fine as long as you say what you mean... "Without being mean".
Thursday - mediation - God will forgive and restore.
The prodigal son... The young son was so disrespectful to his father. Taking the money before his father death was unheard of at that time.
Everyone was surprised in the way his father responded, when his son returned home, but his father knew his son, had seen the error of his ways.
Friday - mediation - "It is a very little thing, that I should be judged by you".
Who are we trying to impress? Criticism from people is not healthy and loving. Think what it would be like, to feel genuine love from someone who expresses their disapproval of you.
God shows us his compassion, knowledge and wisdom.
Saturday - mediation - "I have loved you with an everlasting love".
Make the best of things...
Make peace and prosperity wherever you are and build a home for yourself and family.
Whatever you create, you will receive.
Sunday - reflecting on the week.
It has been a challenging week, I feel like I have been paddling in a tiny dingy, surrounded by huge waves in a turbulent Ocean. I am a little drained and tired but still in the dingy.
Tuesday - Mediation - Staying focus on lent, avoiding temptation. Sometimes other circumstances can over-ride your objectives.
Wednesday Mediation - Serenity
Thursday - Mediation - Your calling and putting your skills/gifts in practise.
Friday - Mediation - Practise kindness
Saturday - Mediation - Contentment and respect
Sunday - Relaxed and grateful.
The following video is very thought provoking and some may find challenging...
For me, Jesus is the light of the world and put lent in prospective for me.
He suffered the sins of the world and set us free.
Thank Lord.
Amen
