Scripture
Luke 12:47 The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed.
Observation
Once again the scriptures present themselves in a clear, unmistakable way & in a timely manner.
The following verse provides some restbite for those remaining ignorant (they only get a slap on the hand), this verse speaks to those (me included) who to at least some extent know what his master wants.
Application
If I want to avoid a thrashing, feels like I only have two choices...
1) descend into ignorance (if that's even possible) to hide away from challenge & punishment
2) get in line with the master's will & follow through with what I know to be good and faithful
Prayer
Lord - thank you for a timely reminder to stay mindful of you, even in the little things. May I remain close to you & do your bidding.
Thank you for your continuing mercy & grace - Jonathan
Showing posts with label SOAP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SOAP. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Saturday, 20 August 2011
SOAP - August 20
Scripture
Luke 6:9 Then Jesus addressed them, "Let me ask you something: What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?"
Observation
Rather than any comment around Sabbath, I am struck by the second half of this verse. Could it be that Jesus is equating...
1) doing good = helping people
2) doing evil = leaving them helpless
Don't get me wrong, I'm down with the first, but I have a 'better', less painful version of the second...
2) doing nothing (neutrality) = leaving them helpless
To go further than that is a challenge, but hey, I guess that's the way Jesus rolls!
Application
1) be mindful of those I encounter that are helpless
2) more of the time &
3) actually do something
Prayer
Lord - rather than this be another 'thing' I try to work into my thinking & bring about myself, let me love You more that that would be displayed in my behaviour towards others.
Thanks - Jonathan
PS it's going to be less easy to get online for the next few days - I'll post up as I can
Luke 6:9 Then Jesus addressed them, "Let me ask you something: What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?"
Observation
Rather than any comment around Sabbath, I am struck by the second half of this verse. Could it be that Jesus is equating...
1) doing good = helping people
2) doing evil = leaving them helpless
Don't get me wrong, I'm down with the first, but I have a 'better', less painful version of the second...
2) doing nothing (neutrality) = leaving them helpless
To go further than that is a challenge, but hey, I guess that's the way Jesus rolls!
Application
1) be mindful of those I encounter that are helpless
2) more of the time &
3) actually do something
Prayer
Lord - rather than this be another 'thing' I try to work into my thinking & bring about myself, let me love You more that that would be displayed in my behaviour towards others.
Thanks - Jonathan
PS it's going to be less easy to get online for the next few days - I'll post up as I can
Friday, 19 August 2011
SOAP - August 19
Scripture
Luke 5:16 As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
Observation
I'm guilty at times of reading too quickly - this extends to the bible. That can mean that I catch the main point of sentences but not always the totality & nuances.
First time round I started this verse at the word 'Jesus' & was taken with the challenge to withdraw for prayer. Second time around, I started at 'As' & was confronted with the fact that Jesus not only did this, but did it as often as He could.
Application
At 'my best' I crave God's presence through His word & prayer (including silence). I need to need that so as not to be able to exist outside of Him.
Prayer
Please make me more mindful of You & increasingly reliant on You
Thank you - Jonathan
Luke 5:16 As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
Observation
I'm guilty at times of reading too quickly - this extends to the bible. That can mean that I catch the main point of sentences but not always the totality & nuances.
First time round I started this verse at the word 'Jesus' & was taken with the challenge to withdraw for prayer. Second time around, I started at 'As' & was confronted with the fact that Jesus not only did this, but did it as often as He could.
Application
At 'my best' I crave God's presence through His word & prayer (including silence). I need to need that so as not to be able to exist outside of Him.
Prayer
Please make me more mindful of You & increasingly reliant on You
Thank you - Jonathan
Thursday, 18 August 2011
SOAP - August 18
Scripture
Luke 3:22 ...the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."
Observation
It may have been said before & I'm sure it'll be said again, but today I need to hear it - God loved & was proud of Jesus before He lifted a finger in ministry. Up until this point, out of their love for one another, Jesus had cultivated His 'being' - increasing in wisdom & in stature & in favour.
Application
Chillax - August hasn't gone exactly to plan but rather than getting wound up by that, spend today, basking in His love for you & responding in kind to Him, yourself & others.
Prayer
Let me feel Your love & sense your smile throughout today & may I behave in ways that bring you glory.
Thanks - Jonathan
Luke 3:22 ...the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."
Observation
It may have been said before & I'm sure it'll be said again, but today I need to hear it - God loved & was proud of Jesus before He lifted a finger in ministry. Up until this point, out of their love for one another, Jesus had cultivated His 'being' - increasing in wisdom & in stature & in favour.
Application
Chillax - August hasn't gone exactly to plan but rather than getting wound up by that, spend today, basking in His love for you & responding in kind to Him, yourself & others.
Prayer
Let me feel Your love & sense your smile throughout today & may I behave in ways that bring you glory.
Thanks - Jonathan
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
SOAP - August 16
Scripture
Luke 3:9 What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire."
Observation
Having had a few days break, I can't believe we're straight back to more fire (SOAP - August 8). I want a fruitful life but can often lose sight of the fact that I have to sow to reap & that any harvest takes a while rather than yielding the instant success I so often crave.
Application
My time away at the Willow GLS has already set off a number of things in me that require more reflection & I intend to take stock during the remainder of a quiet August - recalibrating & embracing fresh revelations as best I can.
A filter of what's truly green & blossoming in my life will come in handy & almost certainly lead to some more deadwood for the fire!
Prayer
Lord - thank you for your blessings, including friends, safe travel & people diligently laying out & modelling your word.
It's great to be home; help me stay true to what you want to do in me during the coming days, even if it induces some necessary pain.
Thank you again - Jonathan
Luke 3:9 What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire."
Observation
Having had a few days break, I can't believe we're straight back to more fire (SOAP - August 8). I want a fruitful life but can often lose sight of the fact that I have to sow to reap & that any harvest takes a while rather than yielding the instant success I so often crave.
Application
My time away at the Willow GLS has already set off a number of things in me that require more reflection & I intend to take stock during the remainder of a quiet August - recalibrating & embracing fresh revelations as best I can.
A filter of what's truly green & blossoming in my life will come in handy & almost certainly lead to some more deadwood for the fire!
Prayer
Lord - thank you for your blessings, including friends, safe travel & people diligently laying out & modelling your word.
It's great to be home; help me stay true to what you want to do in me during the coming days, even if it induces some necessary pain.
Thank you again - Jonathan
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
No SOAP - August 10 thro' 15
As I went into August with the intention of SOAPing, my desire was to add a little depth to my scripture thinking, my belief was that I'd be pulling out useful, encouraging insights.
For several days now, 'all' I have found are verses & issues that have hit me in some core areas - far less comfy than planned!
Given that, I'm off overseas for a few days (Willow Creek GLS - yippee!) for time with great friends, good coffee & a few days escape from all this challenge (only joking on the last bit).
See you next Tuesday - Jonathan
For several days now, 'all' I have found are verses & issues that have hit me in some core areas - far less comfy than planned!
Given that, I'm off overseas for a few days (Willow Creek GLS - yippee!) for time with great friends, good coffee & a few days escape from all this challenge (only joking on the last bit).
See you next Tuesday - Jonathan
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
SOAP - August 9
Scripture
Mark 10:50 Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.
Observation
It's the story of a blind man in Mark 10 that contains this verse. Take a minute to put yourself in his shoes (if indeed he had any)...
- his blindness: would almost certainly have made him poor, what few possessions he had would be precious
- his blindness: meant if he lost something, he was unlikely to get it back, doubly so in a crowd
- his coat: may well have been his bed & almost certainly his major source of warmth
A couple of verses on, we are told your faith has saved and healed you (v.52). Given the potential ramifications, how would my faith have held up? Do I trust Jesus enough for these considerations to not even be a factor?
Application
I believe I'm a generous person but alongside this, it is certainly the case that I have restricted faith, putting too much onus on 'my' gift & 'my' material blessings to see me through.
I need to not hold on tight to a lot of things (v.22).
Prayer
Father, help me to embrace again today that You are God & all that 'I am' comes from you being the I Am. That when it comes to eternal matters, I have as Jesus put it "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it."
Ummm, it's good to feel your smile - Jonathan
Mark 10:50 Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.
Observation
It's the story of a blind man in Mark 10 that contains this verse. Take a minute to put yourself in his shoes (if indeed he had any)...
- his blindness: would almost certainly have made him poor, what few possessions he had would be precious
- his blindness: meant if he lost something, he was unlikely to get it back, doubly so in a crowd
- his coat: may well have been his bed & almost certainly his major source of warmth
A couple of verses on, we are told your faith has saved and healed you (v.52). Given the potential ramifications, how would my faith have held up? Do I trust Jesus enough for these considerations to not even be a factor?
Application
I believe I'm a generous person but alongside this, it is certainly the case that I have restricted faith, putting too much onus on 'my' gift & 'my' material blessings to see me through.
I need to not hold on tight to a lot of things (v.22).
Prayer
Father, help me to embrace again today that You are God & all that 'I am' comes from you being the I Am. That when it comes to eternal matters, I have as Jesus put it "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it."
Ummm, it's good to feel your smile - Jonathan
Monday, 8 August 2011
SOAP - August 8
Scripture
Mark 9:49 "Everyone's going through a refining fire sooner or later..."
Observation
A great friend of mine uses this phrase - 'fire now or fire later'. He & I have decided that individually & together we're going for fire now.
Obviously, that's not always going to be pretty since it causes the dross to come to the surface. There's also likely to be pain, but as J John would say 'the cause (on earth & eternally) is worth the cost'.
Application
I need to embrace today - it's another opportunity for refinement as I 'work out my salvation'.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the existing fires in my life & that your love is so great that you continue to challenge & discipline me for my best.
If the heat needs turning up in any areas, please do so.
Yours - Jonathan
Mark 9:49 "Everyone's going through a refining fire sooner or later..."
Observation
A great friend of mine uses this phrase - 'fire now or fire later'. He & I have decided that individually & together we're going for fire now.
Obviously, that's not always going to be pretty since it causes the dross to come to the surface. There's also likely to be pain, but as J John would say 'the cause (on earth & eternally) is worth the cost'.
Application
I need to embrace today - it's another opportunity for refinement as I 'work out my salvation'.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the existing fires in my life & that your love is so great that you continue to challenge & discipline me for my best.
If the heat needs turning up in any areas, please do so.
Yours - Jonathan
Sunday, 7 August 2011
SOAP - August 7
Scripture
Mark 6:3b They tripped over what little they knew about Him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.
Observation
I found myself in a conversation yesterday being pretty judgemental about somebody based on very limited knowledge. I was clear & keen to point out that I was voicing a view based only on my perceptions.
However, it got me to thinking about the gap that can exist between perception & reality - a place where there is room for all manner of (unanswered) nonsense & misunderstanding. It can cost me a true insight to a person & their gift...ultimately in this verse, it cost people knowing Jesus.
Application
In truth, whilst a theory of change would be pretty easy to verbalise, I don't yet know how I need to apply myself in reality by way of attitude & action adjustments - that doesn't mean I'm not still on the case.
Prayer
Lord, feels like I just had a blind spot revealed - thank you for friends that will do that with you.
Please keep instructing me in the way forward & may I be dis-satisfied enough to undertake the cost of change.
Thanks - Jonathan
Mark 6:3b They tripped over what little they knew about Him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.
Observation
I found myself in a conversation yesterday being pretty judgemental about somebody based on very limited knowledge. I was clear & keen to point out that I was voicing a view based only on my perceptions.
However, it got me to thinking about the gap that can exist between perception & reality - a place where there is room for all manner of (unanswered) nonsense & misunderstanding. It can cost me a true insight to a person & their gift...ultimately in this verse, it cost people knowing Jesus.
Application
In truth, whilst a theory of change would be pretty easy to verbalise, I don't yet know how I need to apply myself in reality by way of attitude & action adjustments - that doesn't mean I'm not still on the case.
Prayer
Lord, feels like I just had a blind spot revealed - thank you for friends that will do that with you.
Please keep instructing me in the way forward & may I be dis-satisfied enough to undertake the cost of change.
Thanks - Jonathan
Saturday, 6 August 2011
SOAP - August 6
Scripture
Mark 5:38 They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbours bringing in casseroles.
Observation
In just one chapter I was spoilt for choice but decided to go with v.38 since anything else would have been a clever thought rather than a personal challenge. In other peoples' times of trouble do I...
Application
I need to be more aware that sometimes people need me to be their neighbour. I need to be aware all of the time that they rarely need me to be a gossip.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I need to be & want to be slower to gossip & quicker to be like Jesus. Open my eyes to see people as you do.
Thank you for the blessings contained within my today - Jonathan
Mark 5:38 They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbours bringing in casseroles.
Observation
In just one chapter I was spoilt for choice but decided to go with v.38 since anything else would have been a clever thought rather than a personal challenge. In other peoples' times of trouble do I...
- look for a story
- seek to gather information
- try to 'fix' (& potentially satisfy 'self')
Application
I need to be more aware that sometimes people need me to be their neighbour. I need to be aware all of the time that they rarely need me to be a gossip.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I need to be & want to be slower to gossip & quicker to be like Jesus. Open my eyes to see people as you do.
Thank you for the blessings contained within my today - Jonathan
Friday, 5 August 2011
SOAP - August 5
Scripture
Proverbs 5:6 She hasn't a clue about Real Life, about who she is or where she's going.
Observation
This verse actually references the 'seductive woman' but I was struck by the suggestion that because she knows neither who she is nor where she's going she doesn't understand Real Life.
Application
Ultimately, I know I'm a child of The King & Heaven bound for eternity. In the meantime, whilst on planet Earth, I'm definitely a long way from working out & living out the fullest expression of who I am and don't always understand where I'm going either!
Prayer
Lord, I'm struck this morning by your patience. As Master of The Universe, you'd have every right to command matters. Yet you allow me the freedom to work out my salvation one day at a time in fear & trembling, cocooning me in your Fatherly love the entire time. Wow!
Thanks Abba - Jonathan
Proverbs 5:6 She hasn't a clue about Real Life, about who she is or where she's going.
Observation
This verse actually references the 'seductive woman' but I was struck by the suggestion that because she knows neither who she is nor where she's going she doesn't understand Real Life.
Application
Ultimately, I know I'm a child of The King & Heaven bound for eternity. In the meantime, whilst on planet Earth, I'm definitely a long way from working out & living out the fullest expression of who I am and don't always understand where I'm going either!
Prayer
Lord, I'm struck this morning by your patience. As Master of The Universe, you'd have every right to command matters. Yet you allow me the freedom to work out my salvation one day at a time in fear & trembling, cocooning me in your Fatherly love the entire time. Wow!
Thanks Abba - Jonathan
Thursday, 4 August 2011
SOAP - August 4
Scripture
Mark 2 (MSG) Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins...Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home."
Observation
I've read this encounter with Jesus a fair few times & would normally associate it with the stance of the Pharisees. This morning I saw something different.
Despite being 'good to go' after Jesus' first statement - Son, I forgive your sins, the man only manifested his wholeness after the second more practical statement - Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.
Application
I'm going to sin today, hopefully not on purpose, but the reality is I will (in fact I already have). Rather than needing to hear Jesus a second time with a clearer instruction, I'm going to be quicker to embrace His forgiveness & live in the freedom it brings.
Prayer
Lord, I have very little idea why you love me or indeed how much you love me. Alongside this choosing to forgive the things I've done wrong & do wrong is mind boggling.
Help me not to need to work it all out or need loads of instruction but be quick to embrace your mercy & grace.
Thanks - Jonathan
Mark 2 (MSG) Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins...Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home."
Observation
I've read this encounter with Jesus a fair few times & would normally associate it with the stance of the Pharisees. This morning I saw something different.
Despite being 'good to go' after Jesus' first statement - Son, I forgive your sins, the man only manifested his wholeness after the second more practical statement - Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.
Application
I'm going to sin today, hopefully not on purpose, but the reality is I will (in fact I already have). Rather than needing to hear Jesus a second time with a clearer instruction, I'm going to be quicker to embrace His forgiveness & live in the freedom it brings.
Prayer
Lord, I have very little idea why you love me or indeed how much you love me. Alongside this choosing to forgive the things I've done wrong & do wrong is mind boggling.
Help me not to need to work it all out or need loads of instruction but be quick to embrace your mercy & grace.
Thanks - Jonathan
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
SOAP - August 3
Scripture
Proverbs 1:33 First pay attention to me, and then relax.
Now you can take it easy - you're in good hands.
Observation
Well how about that - having come to the end of Jude yesterday, I felt to move on elsewhere rather than Revelation & Proverbs got the vote. A good move, especially during a month of recalibration.
Immediately, it would appear that I got it wrong yesterday when I suggested there was no application, 'just' a need to rest, relax & open my heart.
Here in Proverbs 1, we're given sight of an action required before relaxing...that is to first pay attention to me. Me here being 'Lady Wisdom'.
If you go on to consider the first few verses on chapter 2, we're helped further in considering what our paying attention might look like
1) collect my counsels & guard them with your life
2) tune your ears to the world of Wisdom
3) set your heart on a life of Understanding
4) make Insight your priority & don't take no for an answer
5) search for it
Application
My intention is to read through the rest of Proverbs over the next few days - I will apply myself to paying attention when wisdom is talked of. I'd also be surprised if there aren't some words to follow around the 'fear of God'.
Prayer
Lord - help me to want to be wise, to know what it looks like & take the time to pursue it
Thanks - Jonathan
Proverbs 1:33 First pay attention to me, and then relax.
Now you can take it easy - you're in good hands.
Observation
Well how about that - having come to the end of Jude yesterday, I felt to move on elsewhere rather than Revelation & Proverbs got the vote. A good move, especially during a month of recalibration.
Immediately, it would appear that I got it wrong yesterday when I suggested there was no application, 'just' a need to rest, relax & open my heart.
Here in Proverbs 1, we're given sight of an action required before relaxing...that is to first pay attention to me. Me here being 'Lady Wisdom'.
If you go on to consider the first few verses on chapter 2, we're helped further in considering what our paying attention might look like
1) collect my counsels & guard them with your life
2) tune your ears to the world of Wisdom
3) set your heart on a life of Understanding
4) make Insight your priority & don't take no for an answer
5) search for it
Application
My intention is to read through the rest of Proverbs over the next few days - I will apply myself to paying attention when wisdom is talked of. I'd also be surprised if there aren't some words to follow around the 'fear of God'.
Prayer
Lord - help me to want to be wise, to know what it looks like & take the time to pursue it
Thanks - Jonathan
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
SOAP - August 2
Scripture
Jude 1:2 Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!
Observation
It's my first day proper of August downtime & this verse was within my daily reading - I love it when God doesn't even make you go looking for His wisdom...except maybe when it's something less easy to 'hear'.
To a proud & vain control freak being told to relax & rest whilst everything comes together in your absence isn't easy - but as John Ortberg would say "there is a God and it's not me" so I'm gonna go with it.
Application
Feels like the application is that there isn't one! Bar doing what I'm told & opening my heart.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you that I can rest secure knowing that you hold the entire universe in the palm of your hand & have everything under control.
At the same time, I find it somewhat unbelievable that you hold me in the palm of your hand, watch over me & have my best interests at heart.
Please help me to learn to a new level what it is to rest, relax & open my heart
Thank you - Jonathan
Jude 1:2 Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!
Observation
It's my first day proper of August downtime & this verse was within my daily reading - I love it when God doesn't even make you go looking for His wisdom...except maybe when it's something less easy to 'hear'.
To a proud & vain control freak being told to relax & rest whilst everything comes together in your absence isn't easy - but as John Ortberg would say "there is a God and it's not me" so I'm gonna go with it.
Application
Feels like the application is that there isn't one! Bar doing what I'm told & opening my heart.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you that I can rest secure knowing that you hold the entire universe in the palm of your hand & have everything under control.
At the same time, I find it somewhat unbelievable that you hold me in the palm of your hand, watch over me & have my best interests at heart.
Please help me to learn to a new level what it is to rest, relax & open my heart
Thank you - Jonathan
Monday, 1 August 2011
SOAP - August 1
Scripture
1 John 4:12 No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us--perfect love!
Observation
I am struck by the pivotal words in this verse...BUT IF WE...that clearly leads me to the fact that there's a...BUT IF WE DON'T...version. With ramifications like God dwells deeply within us and His love becomes complete in us I'd clearly prefer the first...
Q: Am I going to choose to live like that requires me to?
Application
I have a busy day of tidying up ahead of my August downtime. A busy me tends to show the real me since I have less time to consider my actions & responses. My desire is that the real me will be loving, over & above that, I will apply myself to loving others.
Prayer
Father - thank you for your word & a reminder of the absolute essential of Your love. As I play my part in loving others today, please help me to represent you well & leave people feeling a little closer to you as a result of our encounter.
1 John 4:12 No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us--perfect love!
Observation
I am struck by the pivotal words in this verse...BUT IF WE...that clearly leads me to the fact that there's a...BUT IF WE DON'T...version. With ramifications like God dwells deeply within us and His love becomes complete in us I'd clearly prefer the first...
Q: Am I going to choose to live like that requires me to?
Application
I have a busy day of tidying up ahead of my August downtime. A busy me tends to show the real me since I have less time to consider my actions & responses. My desire is that the real me will be loving, over & above that, I will apply myself to loving others.
Prayer
Father - thank you for your word & a reminder of the absolute essential of Your love. As I play my part in loving others today, please help me to represent you well & leave people feeling a little closer to you as a result of our encounter.
Friday, 15 July 2011
going a bit too well??
Those in regular conversations with me, know that 'fix' is a part of my make-up & vocabulary. I'm mindful that if not careful it can be both damaging (to me & others) in 'unfixable' situations & bring me uncomfortably close to 'playing' God's role.
This past week has built on the few that have gone before it & has been incredible. So much so, that I'm loathe to try & talk about it or explain it. It has seen plenty of 'fix' & in some cases, issues that have been around for years being resolved in days.
My part in this does not feel out of line with God's plan & purpose, but given my potential defaults, I want to keep myself in check. I'm doubly mindful, given a recent challenge via 1 Corinthians 3...
A couple of times this week, things have not 'gone my way', my reaction has been interesting - further 'work' required, I guess!!
I've also been doing some more thinking around my August existence & have added two more things to my intentional approach...
One final thought that struck me whilst reading Philippians...
In times of worry, rather than looking for 'fixes', what I need to do is recalibrate & centre on God. When I do, His promises to me become more prominent & powerful in my life.
This past week has built on the few that have gone before it & has been incredible. So much so, that I'm loathe to try & talk about it or explain it. It has seen plenty of 'fix' & in some cases, issues that have been around for years being resolved in days.
My part in this does not feel out of line with God's plan & purpose, but given my potential defaults, I want to keep myself in check. I'm doubly mindful, given a recent challenge via 1 Corinthians 3...
A couple of times this week, things have not 'gone my way', my reaction has been interesting - further 'work' required, I guess!!
I've also been doing some more thinking around my August existence & have added two more things to my intentional approach...
- In 3 wants & isolation I mentioned pride & vanity - both are massive parts of me & I've decided to try & blog some of my journey during this quieter reflective time. I have set up a PandV category!
- Alongside this, a desire for more depth than I'd always go for has brought me to a SOAPing plan during August. Again, there's a new category & it will be populated during the coming weeks
One final thought that struck me whilst reading Philippians...
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life (Phil 4:6-7 MSG)These verses encourage us to pray about our worries. They don't say that when we do that our worries are 'fixed', they do say that when we do that we are settled by God's wholeness as it displaces worry at the centre of your life.
In times of worry, rather than looking for 'fixes', what I need to do is recalibrate & centre on God. When I do, His promises to me become more prominent & powerful in my life.
Q: Where might you need to hear this today?
Q: What promise from God do you need to remind yourself of?I feel sufficient ramblings have been endured - weekend well everybody
Jonathan
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