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Episodes
Monday Aug 24, 2015
Monday Aug 24, 2015
24th August 2015
G'day! Welcome to Partakers Monday Think Spot helping you into this new week! Come on in and listen!Job: a man of integrity
Whether you have read about Job in the Bible or not I am sure you must have heard some mention of his name in association with his sufferings or the term 'Job's comforters'. Job suffered immensely, losing his family, wealth and health but never lost his integrity with what he went through. Neither did he curse God for what he was put through.
He could even have lost his sanity as he had no warm hearted friends to console him, only those who were supposed to be friends but they certainly were not comforters to him in his distress. Instead they blamed him for what he suffered. They believed he must have done something wrong in order for the tragedies in his life. However if you read the very beginning of Job, in the very first chapter you will discover that Job is singled out by God as a righteous man. A man who loved and served God with all his heart.
Job was mystified for a while (we see this in the first twenty chapters) but then as his three so called comforters continually attack his righteousness assuming he was responsible for the suffering he was enduring, saying all manner of cruel things about him which were totally untrue, suddenly in replying to one of these three accusers he says “ I cannot see God and all the ways He takes “But He knows the way I take”. He sees me continually and knows all about me. Then Job having understood the intention of God in his ufferings says “When He has tested me I shall come forth as gold, fine gold.” Job knows there is a purpose to his sufferings.
If gold is being separated from impurities in a refining process the heat has to be intense for the separation to take place and for gold to emerge as fine gold. Perhaps you too are going through a testing time at the moment and asking why? Why? Why? The 'hospital visitors ' to Job had no knowledge of the purpose of Job's sufferings and counselled him without wisdom. Perhaps If grapes had been in a bowl beside him perhaps they would have eaten them and thought they were doing Job a favour.
How careful we need to be when helping someone who is going through some form of suffering that we take the time to do more listening than talking to the patient.
Compassion is something that Jesus certainly had and plenty of it. The lepers,the bereaved, poor, lame and those unjustly treated all became His concern and from morning to night he spent his hours ministering to their every need. His wisdom was not always listened to but when it was people were greatly benefited.
How we need to look at Jesus life more in the gospels and see how He talked and listened to people and responded to their cries. He never ever passed by on the other side when he saw a need. When someone cried out he responded.
Joy’s Prayer
Lord, we are often complaining when we have nothing like the experiences of Job or others like Gladys Aylward to compare with. Forgive us for our moaning and grumbling. Help us to see as the scriptures say our 'light afflictions are but for a moment '.
When we think of Jesus and His sufferings for us we are put to shame. Thank you we have such a wonderful God as indeed You are to comfort us in our afflictions. “Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits who forgives our iniquities, heals all of our sicknesses and diseases and whose mercy ,reaches unto the heavens. ... Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, serve the Lord with gladness”.
Lord help us to do this for Your names sake.
Amen
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Sunday Aug 23, 2015
Sunday Aug 23, 2015
23rd August 2015
Hillsong Kids have a great song, they have many and they’re all very catchy! One in particular tells us…
It’s a simple ditty, and if you search for Hillsong Kids and The Rainbow song you’ll hear what I mean. Well is certainly has been raining. A lot. Even the most hardened European cannot help but to comment on it – the Europeans think it is a very strange British trait to always be discussing the weather! The rainbow IS in the sky to show God’s promises are true. For some I know this is small comfort when all they can see for miles is water.
Way back in Genesis 9:11 God says “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And in verse 13 He continues, “I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.” His bow, the rainbow.
There is a lot of anger of the recent flooding, understandably from people affected; but also from people who are fairly unaffected by rising water levels and waves breaking over sea defences. There is blame being bandied about. Who could be to blame? The Government for not doing more to strengthen the sea defences? How about the local authorities for allowing houses and dwellings to be built and sited on at risk areas… I’m sure they are called flood plains for a reason! How about the building companies, or the solicitor’s and estate agents, or the people themselves for buying properties in such areas??? And, of course, God is being blamed. I have heard that He is punishing Britain for allowing same sex marriages to take place.
So, what do we do now?? Pick one, appoint the blame where we feel it is most prevalent and then just get on with our own lives? Sell everything we have to financially support people who are in dire straits? Neither of those are very sensible or Christian. Yes, we are to give our talents to God, but we still need to pay our own bills! Talents. Our gifts. Physical and tangible. These people don’t need sympathy they need empathy, and they need your prayers. Of course if you’re in a position to help financially and that’s what you wish to do then don’t let me stop you.
But first, ask God what it is HE wants you to do. Just throwing money at a situation and then burying your head in the sand can sometimes be worse than accepting there is nothing you can do and just praying God sends the right people to what is needed. Prayer won’t stop the rain, or the floods just as it won’t stop the sun rising or Earth turning. But prayer is such a wonderfully powerful tool that we all possess. No one thinks they pray well. No one ever says, oh yes I’m brilliant at prayer, it just rolls off my tongue and I have the right words for any situation at hand. Never! But God does hear you when you speak to Him. Sometimes a prayer is answered straight away with a resounding yes, sometimes it’s a straight no, and sometimes it’s a ‘maybe’. These are the hardest to hear and these are the times when you have to put your trust in God more.
I pray that when water levels start to subside, and people can return to their homes, that they can still rely on others to lend a hand, and hug, or a give a loaf of bread, and that the community spirit that we seem so easily to lose sight of when the media tell us it’s ok to, will still warm their hearts, and those from whom they are receiving their gifts, and that they and we ALL may continue to love our neighbour as Jesus asks us to.
Amen.
The greatest treasure,
The word God's people wrote,
It's in the bible,
Where Noah built a boat.
And it rained and rained!
Chorus: The rainbows in the sky,
To show God's promises are true,
The rainbows in the sky to show the world,
He's the only way,
For your everyday.
The word God's people wrote,
It's in the bible,
Where Noah built a boat.
And it rained and rained!
Chorus: The rainbows in the sky,
To show God's promises are true,
The rainbows in the sky to show the world,
He's the only way,
For your everyday.
It’s a simple ditty, and if you search for Hillsong Kids and The Rainbow song you’ll hear what I mean. Well is certainly has been raining. A lot. Even the most hardened European cannot help but to comment on it – the Europeans think it is a very strange British trait to always be discussing the weather! The rainbow IS in the sky to show God’s promises are true. For some I know this is small comfort when all they can see for miles is water.
Way back in Genesis 9:11 God says “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And in verse 13 He continues, “I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.” His bow, the rainbow.
There is a lot of anger of the recent flooding, understandably from people affected; but also from people who are fairly unaffected by rising water levels and waves breaking over sea defences. There is blame being bandied about. Who could be to blame? The Government for not doing more to strengthen the sea defences? How about the local authorities for allowing houses and dwellings to be built and sited on at risk areas… I’m sure they are called flood plains for a reason! How about the building companies, or the solicitor’s and estate agents, or the people themselves for buying properties in such areas??? And, of course, God is being blamed. I have heard that He is punishing Britain for allowing same sex marriages to take place.
So, what do we do now?? Pick one, appoint the blame where we feel it is most prevalent and then just get on with our own lives? Sell everything we have to financially support people who are in dire straits? Neither of those are very sensible or Christian. Yes, we are to give our talents to God, but we still need to pay our own bills! Talents. Our gifts. Physical and tangible. These people don’t need sympathy they need empathy, and they need your prayers. Of course if you’re in a position to help financially and that’s what you wish to do then don’t let me stop you.
But first, ask God what it is HE wants you to do. Just throwing money at a situation and then burying your head in the sand can sometimes be worse than accepting there is nothing you can do and just praying God sends the right people to what is needed. Prayer won’t stop the rain, or the floods just as it won’t stop the sun rising or Earth turning. But prayer is such a wonderfully powerful tool that we all possess. No one thinks they pray well. No one ever says, oh yes I’m brilliant at prayer, it just rolls off my tongue and I have the right words for any situation at hand. Never! But God does hear you when you speak to Him. Sometimes a prayer is answered straight away with a resounding yes, sometimes it’s a straight no, and sometimes it’s a ‘maybe’. These are the hardest to hear and these are the times when you have to put your trust in God more.
I pray that when water levels start to subside, and people can return to their homes, that they can still rely on others to lend a hand, and hug, or a give a loaf of bread, and that the community spirit that we seem so easily to lose sight of when the media tell us it’s ok to, will still warm their hearts, and those from whom they are receiving their gifts, and that they and we ALL may continue to love our neighbour as Jesus asks us to.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, send comfort to those who are sad and lonely this day. To those who feel there is no end to the misery they are encountering. Send your holy angels to dwell with them, to drive away all negative thoughts that the enemy fills their heads and hearts with. Send people to them who can really make a difference and help them in the ways they need. Protect them and bless them and all those who care for them. In Jesus’ name we ask this.Amen.
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Monday Aug 17, 2015
Monday Aug 17, 2015
17th August 2015
John Bunyan
Amazingly expanding ministry
Today I want to remind you of another great Christian who was put in prison for preaching the gospel in the open air and overnight behind bars received a revelation by way of a dream which he transferred to a book which has become a best seller next to the Bible worldwide. His name is well known, John Bunyan formerly a tinker by trade from Bedford and the author of Pilgrims Progress.
Pilgrims Progress is a fantastic book to accompany the Bible on your bookshelf at home. With amazing dexterity John paints word picture after picture of the Christian life from the seeker to the finder, to the sharer of his faith to the persecuted for his faith. It is full of the adventurers of a man who begins his journey leaving his home and family with a heavy load on his back representing sin and his deep longing to be rid of it.
In his hands he has the Book. He comes to Evangelist who points to the house of the Interpreter (The Holy Spirit) who shows him the way to the Cross where there is a bottomless pit in front of it where when Pilgrim looks to the cross, his heavy load disappears down the hole gone for ever. Then the journey really begins with all kinds of people to be met on the road to death and glory. Some are planted by God and some by Satan. Now his name is changed from pilgrim to Christian for he is transformed.
This book is still a best seller today and multitudes have been helped by this incredible dream translated to paper so we can read it and benefit from it.
His ministry was amazingly extended by prohibition. The point I am making again this week is that if you are a Christian and your path to Christian service has been hindered or you are pushed aside for another to take your place or because of your age don't think your ministry is finished.
Again, If Satan isn't opposing your ministry then you probably are not where you are meant to be. Sometimes what appears to be a blocking of your path or something evil happening in your life may well turn out to be an amazing step forward for you into another more meaningful and fruitful ministry.
Remember God is sovereign over all. We should never forget that. Satan has power, but God is way over the top of Satan and even uses Satan's actions to eventually further His own glory. He alone is Almighty. Keep your eyes fixed upon The Lord. He will never, no never be thwarted by our enemies.
Pilgrims Progress is a fantastic book to accompany the Bible on your bookshelf at home. With amazing dexterity John paints word picture after picture of the Christian life from the seeker to the finder, to the sharer of his faith to the persecuted for his faith. It is full of the adventurers of a man who begins his journey leaving his home and family with a heavy load on his back representing sin and his deep longing to be rid of it.
In his hands he has the Book. He comes to Evangelist who points to the house of the Interpreter (The Holy Spirit) who shows him the way to the Cross where there is a bottomless pit in front of it where when Pilgrim looks to the cross, his heavy load disappears down the hole gone for ever. Then the journey really begins with all kinds of people to be met on the road to death and glory. Some are planted by God and some by Satan. Now his name is changed from pilgrim to Christian for he is transformed.
This book is still a best seller today and multitudes have been helped by this incredible dream translated to paper so we can read it and benefit from it.
His ministry was amazingly extended by prohibition. The point I am making again this week is that if you are a Christian and your path to Christian service has been hindered or you are pushed aside for another to take your place or because of your age don't think your ministry is finished.
Again, If Satan isn't opposing your ministry then you probably are not where you are meant to be. Sometimes what appears to be a blocking of your path or something evil happening in your life may well turn out to be an amazing step forward for you into another more meaningful and fruitful ministry.
Remember God is sovereign over all. We should never forget that. Satan has power, but God is way over the top of Satan and even uses Satan's actions to eventually further His own glory. He alone is Almighty. Keep your eyes fixed upon The Lord. He will never, no never be thwarted by our enemies.
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Sunday Aug 16, 2015
Sunday Aug 16, 2015
16th August 2015
Love. It has so many connotations, implications, associations and meanings. From, ‘..and the greatest commandment is this that you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…’ to ‘Oh yes please I’d love a coffee!’. There is the love one feels for a sibling, for one’s spouse, for a special friend and then there is the love for a child. There are at least 50 different bible verses that talk about love in various ways. To love your God, your neighbour and even your enemy. And, most importantly we are told that God loves us.
Not only are there dozen of bible verses to back this up, there are even more quotes from people highlighting and underlining this fact. Yes, fact. It is a fact that God loves us, but it is hard to comprehend, accept and acknowledge at times. God is love, He didn’t need us, but he wanted us and he made us, and whatever we do, he will always love us because he is love. WOW this is SO powerful. Almost too powerful. We are to believe that God made us and He will love us, no-matter what we do? And to prove it He sent Jesus to take away all our sins and to suffer, be humiliated and die for US?! All we have to do is love him in return? There must be a catch! There’s always a catch…isn’t there?
I have twin boys. One is away during the week at boarding school, the other is autistic and attends a local special needs school as a day boy. I love them. I love them so much. It is out of love that my elder twin attends boarding school because that is what is best for him. Do I enjoy him being away? NO! But he ‘loves’ it. My younger twin struggles with life and communication and social graces that the rest of us take for granted. But I love him. I love him so much it hurts and I cry some days. When he struggles and can’t get the words out and all he can do is say ‘go away I want you to leave’ or ‘that’s it, I don’t love you, cry!’ I do cry. But once he calms himself, and gathers the right words, he will apologise and come and find me and ask for a hug. Then I love him even more for his struggles, and my need to protect him means I would give my life to know he will be safe for the rest of his life. I’m sure many parents will understand this and empathise.
My boy at boarding school is turning into a teenager, the ‘strops’ are just starting to emerge. At the moment we find them amusing, I don’t know how much longer for though! But still, after a day of sniping comments from him, he only has to say, ‘I love you Mama’ and it all melts away.
This is how God feels towards us. We all snipe, we all shout, we turn against him, either willingly or without realising it, but he still loves us. Loves us so much that he was willing to send the most precious thing he could to save us. To give us a new start. To prove how much he loves us! How often have I thought ‘How can I show God how much I do love Him?’ I just need to tell him. To thank Him for the day, it might not have been the best, but He was there, waiting for you to ask for the hug after the shouting. He is always with us, talk to Him.
One person I read about used to make God a cup of coffee at the same time every day when she had hers and she would talk to Him as if He were there. She said it was the best therapy ever! Next time you get that feeling of love so deep and strong that you might burst, remember that is how God feels about you. He is there, go and find Him, ask Him, thank Him and love him because He loves you more than you will ever know. Our doubts cannot destroy that nor our faith create it, it is there, it always has been and always will be. Just as the love for your children will never cease.
Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
And as I close, the words from the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” resonate through me…
Lord, I thank for creating me and making me your child. Guide me in your ways, and teach me each day how to be a better person for you. Give me strength to deal with life’s woes and remind me that my strength is in you alone. Bless everyone who reads and hears these words and may they bring them another step closer to you and your Kingdom… Amen.
Not only are there dozen of bible verses to back this up, there are even more quotes from people highlighting and underlining this fact. Yes, fact. It is a fact that God loves us, but it is hard to comprehend, accept and acknowledge at times. God is love, He didn’t need us, but he wanted us and he made us, and whatever we do, he will always love us because he is love. WOW this is SO powerful. Almost too powerful. We are to believe that God made us and He will love us, no-matter what we do? And to prove it He sent Jesus to take away all our sins and to suffer, be humiliated and die for US?! All we have to do is love him in return? There must be a catch! There’s always a catch…isn’t there?
I have twin boys. One is away during the week at boarding school, the other is autistic and attends a local special needs school as a day boy. I love them. I love them so much. It is out of love that my elder twin attends boarding school because that is what is best for him. Do I enjoy him being away? NO! But he ‘loves’ it. My younger twin struggles with life and communication and social graces that the rest of us take for granted. But I love him. I love him so much it hurts and I cry some days. When he struggles and can’t get the words out and all he can do is say ‘go away I want you to leave’ or ‘that’s it, I don’t love you, cry!’ I do cry. But once he calms himself, and gathers the right words, he will apologise and come and find me and ask for a hug. Then I love him even more for his struggles, and my need to protect him means I would give my life to know he will be safe for the rest of his life. I’m sure many parents will understand this and empathise.
My boy at boarding school is turning into a teenager, the ‘strops’ are just starting to emerge. At the moment we find them amusing, I don’t know how much longer for though! But still, after a day of sniping comments from him, he only has to say, ‘I love you Mama’ and it all melts away.
This is how God feels towards us. We all snipe, we all shout, we turn against him, either willingly or without realising it, but he still loves us. Loves us so much that he was willing to send the most precious thing he could to save us. To give us a new start. To prove how much he loves us! How often have I thought ‘How can I show God how much I do love Him?’ I just need to tell him. To thank Him for the day, it might not have been the best, but He was there, waiting for you to ask for the hug after the shouting. He is always with us, talk to Him.
One person I read about used to make God a cup of coffee at the same time every day when she had hers and she would talk to Him as if He were there. She said it was the best therapy ever! Next time you get that feeling of love so deep and strong that you might burst, remember that is how God feels about you. He is there, go and find Him, ask Him, thank Him and love him because He loves you more than you will ever know. Our doubts cannot destroy that nor our faith create it, it is there, it always has been and always will be. Just as the love for your children will never cease.
Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
And as I close, the words from the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” resonate through me…
’if I were a rich man I would play my part,
but what can I give?
I give my heart’
but what can I give?
I give my heart’
Prayer
Lord, I thank for creating me and making me your child. Guide me in your ways, and teach me each day how to be a better person for you. Give me strength to deal with life’s woes and remind me that my strength is in you alone. Bless everyone who reads and hears these words and may they bring them another step closer to you and your Kingdom… Amen.
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Friday Aug 14, 2015
Friday Aug 14, 2015
Partakers Friday Prayers!
14th August 2015
We pray together and when Christians pray together, from different nations, different churches and different denominations - that reveals Church unity! Come! Let us pray together!
We commend to you, O Lord,
Our souls and our bodies,
Our minds and our thoughts,
Our prayers and our hopes,
Our health and our work,
Our life and our death;
Our parents and brothers and sisters,
Our benefactors and friends,
Our neighbours, our countrymen,
And all Christian folk,
This day and always.
Amen.
A prayer of Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626), Bishop of Winchester
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Wednesday Aug 12, 2015
Wednesday Aug 12, 2015
Dave has asked me to write and record some podcasts, starting with a general one on how the internet helps me in my faith. That’s a really great question, but at first I didn’t know where to start! I have a number of health problems which keep me largely housebound. Thanks to the Internet though, I am part of WOWChurch, where we have church services and prayer meetings on Facebook, and I even help lead services when I am well enough.
Though I am part of a traditional church set up, many weeks I am unable to attend due to either illness, disability or lack of energy. Many of my friends in wowchurch (started by Dave) have a similar predicament to me but for many different reasons, including being hurt by other Christians and/or churches in the past, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or lack of safe, affordable transport or myriad other reasons. Unfortunately, in my case, being unable to get to church, or even to leave the house for days or weeks increased my feelings of isolation and loneliness, and of bring ‘different’ to others my age.
Thanks to the internet, though I can listen to podcasts and therefore still access biblically based resources. (The Partakers ones are especially helpful!) including ‘Monday Think Spot and Tuesday's reading of the Psalms, or I can read daily devotionals. Some of my favourite are written by Joni-Eareckson-Tada, Christian author, speaker, and artist, who has been serving Jesus faithfully for years despite some of the most severe disability you can think of. Other sites I use include Bible Gateway, to look up bible verses, which is much easier for me than trying to hold a traditional bible without dropping it, and I can keep in touch with fellow Christians through social media including those in the Church I go to, all from my smartphone, even while confined to bed. This is of course providing I don’t do something silly like lock myself out of my phone, as I did recently!
One of the best things about keeping in touch with friends, and often people also involved in WOWChurch is I can use it to encourage other people so I am helping to make a difference to their lives too. Talking to others about what’s going on in their lives allows for the influence of different perspectives which allows my own sense of perspective to deepen. This includes both those in a similar situation, and those facing entirely different circumstances to myself.
This is so important because it helps me to see life in a more positive way, to learn from people who have had completely different experiences to me. and also allows feelings of isolation to lift a little. Often the effects of this honest kind of friendship run deeper. Seeing others’ faith blossom has encouraged me to grow in my own faith, being determined to be disciplined about regular bible reading and prayer. My friendships with people I have met online do not stop there however… they have the potential to last into eternity. The wonderful thing is I know for certain that one day I will meet friends face-to-face in heaven (if not before!).
A word of warning is necessary though. It is important that we regulate our use of the internet, even though for helpful purposes, and do not neglect 'alone time with God’ spent in personal bible study and prayer. Solitude is vital, as it helps us learn to talk to God, away from distractions, to come away from noise and busyness and to rest, fully refreshed and ready to serve others again.
I once shared my testimony via a podcast, a couple of years ago now. Jackie
Though I am part of a traditional church set up, many weeks I am unable to attend due to either illness, disability or lack of energy. Many of my friends in wowchurch (started by Dave) have a similar predicament to me but for many different reasons, including being hurt by other Christians and/or churches in the past, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or lack of safe, affordable transport or myriad other reasons. Unfortunately, in my case, being unable to get to church, or even to leave the house for days or weeks increased my feelings of isolation and loneliness, and of bring ‘different’ to others my age.
Thanks to the internet, though I can listen to podcasts and therefore still access biblically based resources. (The Partakers ones are especially helpful!) including ‘Monday Think Spot and Tuesday's reading of the Psalms, or I can read daily devotionals. Some of my favourite are written by Joni-Eareckson-Tada, Christian author, speaker, and artist, who has been serving Jesus faithfully for years despite some of the most severe disability you can think of. Other sites I use include Bible Gateway, to look up bible verses, which is much easier for me than trying to hold a traditional bible without dropping it, and I can keep in touch with fellow Christians through social media including those in the Church I go to, all from my smartphone, even while confined to bed. This is of course providing I don’t do something silly like lock myself out of my phone, as I did recently!
One of the best things about keeping in touch with friends, and often people also involved in WOWChurch is I can use it to encourage other people so I am helping to make a difference to their lives too. Talking to others about what’s going on in their lives allows for the influence of different perspectives which allows my own sense of perspective to deepen. This includes both those in a similar situation, and those facing entirely different circumstances to myself.
This is so important because it helps me to see life in a more positive way, to learn from people who have had completely different experiences to me. and also allows feelings of isolation to lift a little. Often the effects of this honest kind of friendship run deeper. Seeing others’ faith blossom has encouraged me to grow in my own faith, being determined to be disciplined about regular bible reading and prayer. My friendships with people I have met online do not stop there however… they have the potential to last into eternity. The wonderful thing is I know for certain that one day I will meet friends face-to-face in heaven (if not before!).
A word of warning is necessary though. It is important that we regulate our use of the internet, even though for helpful purposes, and do not neglect 'alone time with God’ spent in personal bible study and prayer. Solitude is vital, as it helps us learn to talk to God, away from distractions, to come away from noise and busyness and to rest, fully refreshed and ready to serve others again.
I once shared my testimony via a podcast, a couple of years ago now. Jackie
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Monday Aug 10, 2015
Monday Aug 10, 2015
10th August 2015
Recently I was reading Paul's letter to the Philippians and in particular Chapter 4:8 "Finally brothers whatsoever is true what ever honourable, whatever just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
The night before last we heard in the early hours of the morning the horrendous sound of a howling, powerful wind which was causing insurmountable damage to properties around us. I fully expected to see all kinds of damage to my own property when I woke the following morning. In particular a fence between my house and my neighbour which I am responsible for (I rent the property). I almost didn't dare to look out of my bedroom window early next morning when although still blowing strongly but not at gale strength I was relieved to find the fence still upstanding.
An hour later my neighbour knocked on our front door explaining that her other neighbours fence had blown down and a large tree in her own garden was uprooted and now leaning on the bottom of my fence. They had contacted the Housing Association from whom they rented and presented the problem to them. They were coming to look at the damage later. Proceeding down the garden shortly after I discovered that my large tree , (approx. 4ft across) was now being pushed by the other tree onto my shed. I actually could see the amazing movement of this huge tree swaying from its base at ground level and felt the awesome power of the movement.
Yes I knew something has to be done to improve the situation but as I reflected upon Philippians 4:8; I had indeed something worthy of praise to thank God for and to "think upon" What was that You ask? As I thought about it I saw that the neighbours tree pushing against my fence was actually strengthening it and preventing it from blowing down as if a mighty hand was holding it in position. Indeed it was if we believe in the sovereignty of God in all things. I know things do not always work out like this for any of us but I am simply emphasising the kind of thing we can rejoice and praise God for rather than take things for granted which usually mean we say things like "How lucky I was and pity about the neighbours fence." There is always something we can be thankful to God for and offer praise isn't there? Not forgetting to pray for our neighbour of course.
Dear loving heavenly Father, How wonderful to know that our times are in your hands and that you have amazing resources including knowing us all so intimately that You know our needs before they even arise. From eternity to eternity you know all things. How safe it is for us to trust you and give ourselves fully over to you and praise you for what is past and trust you for what is to come. Forgive our doubts and please calm us down when extremities come upon us. You are fully aware of what is going on in your world. "You see everything nothing is hidden from your eyes"
Hebrews 4:13 - Lord, we feel so helpless at times, so it is comforting for us to know these things and share them with you in prayer for You understand us completely. Amen.
The night before last we heard in the early hours of the morning the horrendous sound of a howling, powerful wind which was causing insurmountable damage to properties around us. I fully expected to see all kinds of damage to my own property when I woke the following morning. In particular a fence between my house and my neighbour which I am responsible for (I rent the property). I almost didn't dare to look out of my bedroom window early next morning when although still blowing strongly but not at gale strength I was relieved to find the fence still upstanding.
An hour later my neighbour knocked on our front door explaining that her other neighbours fence had blown down and a large tree in her own garden was uprooted and now leaning on the bottom of my fence. They had contacted the Housing Association from whom they rented and presented the problem to them. They were coming to look at the damage later. Proceeding down the garden shortly after I discovered that my large tree , (approx. 4ft across) was now being pushed by the other tree onto my shed. I actually could see the amazing movement of this huge tree swaying from its base at ground level and felt the awesome power of the movement.
Yes I knew something has to be done to improve the situation but as I reflected upon Philippians 4:8; I had indeed something worthy of praise to thank God for and to "think upon" What was that You ask? As I thought about it I saw that the neighbours tree pushing against my fence was actually strengthening it and preventing it from blowing down as if a mighty hand was holding it in position. Indeed it was if we believe in the sovereignty of God in all things. I know things do not always work out like this for any of us but I am simply emphasising the kind of thing we can rejoice and praise God for rather than take things for granted which usually mean we say things like "How lucky I was and pity about the neighbours fence." There is always something we can be thankful to God for and offer praise isn't there? Not forgetting to pray for our neighbour of course.
Dear loving heavenly Father, How wonderful to know that our times are in your hands and that you have amazing resources including knowing us all so intimately that You know our needs before they even arise. From eternity to eternity you know all things. How safe it is for us to trust you and give ourselves fully over to you and praise you for what is past and trust you for what is to come. Forgive our doubts and please calm us down when extremities come upon us. You are fully aware of what is going on in your world. "You see everything nothing is hidden from your eyes"
Hebrews 4:13 - Lord, we feel so helpless at times, so it is comforting for us to know these things and share them with you in prayer for You understand us completely. Amen.
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Friday Aug 07, 2015
Friday Aug 07, 2015
Partakers Friday Prayers!
7th August 2015
We pray together and when Christians pray together, from different nations, different churches and different denominations - that reveals Church unity! Come! Let us pray together!
Almighty God,
you have given us grace at this time
with one accord to make our common supplication to you;
and you have promised through your well-beloved Son
that when two or three are gathered
together in his Name
you will be in the midst of them.
Fulfil now, O Lord,
our desires and petitions as may be best for us;
granting us in this world knowledge of your truth,
and in the age to come life everlasting.
Amen.
you have given us grace at this time
with one accord to make our common supplication to you;
and you have promised through your well-beloved Son
that when two or three are gathered
together in his Name
you will be in the midst of them.
Fulfil now, O Lord,
our desires and petitions as may be best for us;
granting us in this world knowledge of your truth,
and in the age to come life everlasting.
Amen.
A prayer of John Chrysostom c347 – 407, Archbishop of Constantinople
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Monday Aug 03, 2015
Monday Aug 03, 2015
3rd August 2015
As we know as believers in Christ we are not promised in Scripture an easy passage in life only a safe landing. As we have come through the Christmas season where for many the emphasis is on Santa Claus and not Jesus Christ, feasting rather than considering the meagre surroundings in the stable where our saviour was born, the presence of the poor shepherds who were overjoyed at seeing Jesus rather than the extravagant electronic presents being bought to satisfy many youngsters who have little understanding of the value of their gifts and a high expectancy for gifts to outdo their friends and so I could go on.
Christmas for the Believer is so different where the value is seen in God's magnificent gift to undeserving man who although having been poor spiritually is made rich in Christ for eternity. Presents come and go, wanted for a while then cast aside, but what we have in Jesus is something we appreciate for ever.
I was considering John on the Island of Patmos earlier today and his ministry of proclaiming Christ being stopped and his banishment to an Island where he would lose his usefulness as a preacher. Was he downhearted as he began a new life imprisoned on an Island? Was he feeling God had let him down? He had lived an upright life so he was not being punished by God so where was God in all this?
As I considered these things I thought "Wait a minute, John's ministry would be advanced not diminished, as he met with the risen Christ in a vision seeing Him in glory and majestic power awesome power light as well as hearing his voice proclaiming the end times.
This record of this vision would become part of the whole of Scripture Revelation to the whole world over many centuries up to our present times in which we live and for as long as it takes before Jesus returns.
So what seemed to be an end of things for John was really giving John opportunity to receive fresh instruction from God and in writing it down, God has kept it in indelible ink as it were to be a blessing to multitudes of people.
So if the way has dried up for your ministry may be God is going to show you a fresh path to take and a new ministry or a work for you to do in changed circumstances you could not alter. God is never hindered by human opposition so start the new year by believing even more in God's sovereignty in your life and that He has plans for you (Read Jeremiah 1 and see his personal interest in us)
So two things for us to do. Listen more carefully for our Lord's direction and be ready to step out in faith in what cold prove to be a life changing experience.
Christmas for the Believer is so different where the value is seen in God's magnificent gift to undeserving man who although having been poor spiritually is made rich in Christ for eternity. Presents come and go, wanted for a while then cast aside, but what we have in Jesus is something we appreciate for ever.
I was considering John on the Island of Patmos earlier today and his ministry of proclaiming Christ being stopped and his banishment to an Island where he would lose his usefulness as a preacher. Was he downhearted as he began a new life imprisoned on an Island? Was he feeling God had let him down? He had lived an upright life so he was not being punished by God so where was God in all this?
As I considered these things I thought "Wait a minute, John's ministry would be advanced not diminished, as he met with the risen Christ in a vision seeing Him in glory and majestic power awesome power light as well as hearing his voice proclaiming the end times.
This record of this vision would become part of the whole of Scripture Revelation to the whole world over many centuries up to our present times in which we live and for as long as it takes before Jesus returns.
So what seemed to be an end of things for John was really giving John opportunity to receive fresh instruction from God and in writing it down, God has kept it in indelible ink as it were to be a blessing to multitudes of people.
So if the way has dried up for your ministry may be God is going to show you a fresh path to take and a new ministry or a work for you to do in changed circumstances you could not alter. God is never hindered by human opposition so start the new year by believing even more in God's sovereignty in your life and that He has plans for you (Read Jeremiah 1 and see his personal interest in us)
So two things for us to do. Listen more carefully for our Lord's direction and be ready to step out in faith in what cold prove to be a life changing experience.
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~You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Monday Jul 27, 2015
Monday Jul 27, 2015
40 Days of Color
The latest Partakers Publication - 40 Days of Color...
A devotional life is important for Christians. A time each day spent learning more about God and developing their relationship with Him. Most of the ways for the doing that are word-based. However an increasing number of people learn and engage more easily with the use of images. This is where this book can help you if that is you. Coloring-in for adults is a fun, relaxing way to engage your innate creativity with your devotional life. Whether just starting a daily devotional life or you want a different way to refresh your daily time with God. Consider it Messy Church for your devotions!
Come inside with Alphy the WOWChurch Cat to see how these daily coloring-in devotionals can stimulate your imagination and develop your relationship with God! It is great for adults but also fabulous for family devotions, spending quality time having fun in this simple way while thinking about God.
Over the 40 Days of Color, we cover Jesus' I AM statements, the Lord's Prayer, the Spiritual Armor and the Fruit of the Spirit.
A devotional life is important for Christians. A time each day spent learning more about God and developing their relationship with Him. Most of the ways for the doing that are word-based. However an increasing number of people learn and engage more easily with the use of images. This is where this book can help you if that is you. Coloring-in for adults is a fun, relaxing way to engage your innate creativity with your devotional life. Whether just starting a daily devotional life or you want a different way to refresh your daily time with God. Consider it Messy Church for your devotions!
Come inside with Alphy the WOWChurch Cat to see how these daily coloring-in devotionals can stimulate your imagination and develop your relationship with God! It is great for adults but also fabulous for family devotions, spending quality time having fun in this simple way while thinking about God.
Over the 40 Days of Color, we cover Jesus' I AM statements, the Lord's Prayer, the Spiritual Armor and the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can buy on Amazon.co.uk (£5) - Amazon.com ($10) or at davegroberts.com -
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file
~You can now purchase our books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!