Mark 9 v 42 - 50 (NLT) says, "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It's better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavour, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other."

Firstly, Jesus said this. So it's not my words, it is the words of God. So listen up. If you sin - which everyone does - it says to cut off the part of the body causing you to sin. This, in my opinion, does not mean physically cutting it off, in most cases. It means to stop thinking the way you are thinking, and to actively and knowingly stop what you are doing that is wrong. This means effort, yes, and it's not always easy. You don't, after all, get tempted by things you hate - like mushrooms in Keith's case! He will not eat them even if they are put in front of him for only him to eat. So you are tempted by earthly things you like. Galatians explains this, too. I encourage you to have a read.

The first verse of the passage above is interesting. It is talking about not leading others into sin. If you are struggling with something, you are not meant to walk alone. You are not designed to. Everyone needs support and friendship, so yes, do tell friends about your troubles. But be careful you do not lead them to sin, too. By using the image of "little ones" it also suggests that people younger than you, or maybe those you have the opportunity to teach or watch grow in the Spirit, can be influenced greatly by your choice of words. Watch your words. Be kind to those around you, and when you are speaking about God do not give them false information. It also suggests that although the "little one" is trusting in God, their trust is so much in you instead by the end if you cause them to sin. So, make sure every relationship you have is three-way. You, them and God.

Salt makes things taste salty, right? Clue in the name. But if it's not salty you do not use it on food. Because it isn't needed. Are you needed? Be like salt, let God use you in your every day life, not just your "spiritual life" - they are the same thing. Let your life be filled with God's little missions and purposes for you, keep listening to what He wants to say to you, for yourself and others, what He wants you to do, who He wants you to talk to, etc. There is more going on than you think. If you lose the saltiness in your life, how do you regain it? Do not lose your flavour, your passion for God. If you say yes to God, He has already stretched out His arms and said yes to you. Are you ready? Say yes today, and go capture the world for Jesus!

Take Up Your Cross

http://www.youtube.com/watch?vCkBh5ObVyww&feature=related

Hillsong - Devotion

Great song, please listen to it. The words, not just the music.

Anyway, it does relate to my entry for today. Which is talking about trying to save your own life. To put it bluntly: you can't.

Matthew 16:24-26 (Amplified) says:

'Then Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to my example in living and, if need be, in dying also].
For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed life in the Kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] life [in the Kingdom of God]?" '

Mark 8:34-36 (NLT) says:

'Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, He said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" '

Luke 9:23-27 (MSG - I know this isn't the most literal translation but I love the way this is phrased. If you want other translations, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/) says:

'Then He told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You are not in the driver's seat - I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrased with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all His splendour in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realise, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the Kingdom of God" '

See? If you try to save your own life, you will lose it. You will lose yourself and get caught up in it. Whether this for you means earning lots of money to provide a better life for yourself, or overcoming depression. You cannot do it by yourself. You need to turn towards God, turn towards the Good News, the Word. This involves praying, reading the Bible, worship and spending time listening to what God has to say about your life. He knows everything about you; you cannot hide anything from Him. And don't worry, He is not ashamed of you. He is not angry with you. In fact, He loves you unconditionally and accepts you no matter what has happened. So, stop striving for your own life, and learn to trust God so much that you would rather lose your life than deny Christ. Then you will gain eternal life. This means having faith, believing the truth. You probably won't die because of your beliefs, who knows, but the faith still needs to be there. God knows your thoughts, too. You need to let go of yourself, stop being so caught up, and focus on the eternity that is set in your heart. If you are searching for more in life, look to Jesus. I can promise you that you will find what you are looking for. Because it's not a promise from me, it's a promise from God. Jesus makes 436 promises, and he has kept every single one of them. The probability that one average person will keep just 8 of these 436 promises is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. A lot of zero's, huh? Well, put it like this: it is more likely that you will win the lottery every week for the rest of your life. But remember, Jesus is not an average person. He is so much more. He will never let you down, never fail you or leave you, never stop loving you. The promise He made you when He died for you is proof. Now it's your turn to decide. Do you want to lose your life or gain it? Take up your cross.

When God Ran

I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?"

"This much," he replied, and he stretched out His arms and died.

Let this Christmas mean so much more than a little baby born in a stable. This baby was born as a humble servant, to take your sin and die for you, for we have all fallen short. Yet he took all our shame and sin and guilt and every wrong thought we have ever thought, and took it upon himself, who had never once sinned, and died for you. This baby was born a great king. He became human, yet us humans did not recognise him for who he truly was. We accused him of blasphemy and put him to death. But this was all part of God's great plan. "The word became flesh..." (see John 1) and the birth of this little boy is so much more than just the commercialised Christmas the world celebrates. For he is not of the world. He is Creator but became 'created'. Can you imagine how frustrating that would be? And he died to obey his Father's great plan. You are not praising a baby, you are praising a holy, powerful, perfect, amazing saviour king who has saved you and me and calls you friend. God gave up His only Son so we can live free from sin and judgement, and come into His arms forever. He died so we could go home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnhpUEHhCts

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. - Proverbs 5v5

You know, God loves you. And not in the cheesy "Jesus loves you!" kind of way. He loves you dearly, deeply, with his whole heart and mind. He is constantly thinking good things about you, blessing you even with the smallest things. God puts the lonely in families. God blesses those he loves with sleep. And I'm presuming most people reading this have enough food to eat each day. So thank God for these blessings every day.

Have you ever felt disappointed. Probably. I know I have. And if it's in other people, then just let the Holy Spirit God put in your heart allow you to love this person no matter what. Nobody is perfect. Thank goodness, or we wouldn't have Jesus! And if, as is more likely, it is in yourself, do not worry any more. God accepts you for who you are. He made you who you are. We all make mistakes, we learn from them. But this disappointment leads to hope. Hope for the hopeless - God is. Friend to the friendless - God is. Disappointment to the hopeful? I don't think so. He loves you and wants you to be happy and joyful, yet the world is a horrible place sometimes. So take up your shield of faith and put on the full armour of God. Smile because He took your place and sacrificed everything for you. You are only disappointing yourself. Because God loves you enough to meet you where you are, but loves you too much to see you stay there. God is love, love never fails, God loves you and me. And FAITH is really spelt RISK. So take a RISK and let God bless you and others around you this week, let you not worry about disappointment. Because from this comes an inextinguishable hope from God, that He loves you anyway. So really, there's nothing to lose.

Proverbs And Rain

Hiya! Haven't blogged in ages so now is the time! It's a wet, windy day here and I really don't like it. I've been moaning about it especially as it made me ill because I got a chill.. but anyway, I just decided the weather is relevant to what I want to put across today. Proverbs 17 v 17... A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. This is one of my favourite scriptures, because it illustrates purpose and identity. If we are loyal, we can be trusted, which is always a good thing to have people think of you (as long as it is true, of course!) and we are born to help others come to know God, and to help them in good times and not so good. I'm not trying to boast about myself here, as I know that although I try my best to be loyal it isn't always that simple, I make mistakes, and I know full well I'm not always there when people need me. I'm too wrapped up in my own life. However, I would like to tell you a story of what happened today... My friend Rowena was meant to have hockey after school but it was cancelled, and her phone was in London with her mum. So Rowena used a friend's phone to call her but there was no reply. I let her use my phone, as it was raining and she had no way of getting home - no oyster card, no money, no phone - and she rang her mum, with no answer, her home phone, with no answer, and then finally her dad, who picked up and said he could pick her up. However, this whole time she kept telling me I should go home as it was raining, I had a lot to do and my family would wonder where I was. But all I could think of was helping her out, as there is so much potential bad stuff that could happen, and I didn't want to leave her on her own, by the park, when it was getting dark. Loyal? Maybe. There in time of need? My phone was. But we need to examine our heart attitude. I will admit it would have been easier, drier, warmer and quicker for me to leave, but I didn't. Why? Because Jesus wouldn't. He is the ultimate friend there to help us in time of need - in fact, "a brother is born to help in time of need" is certainly true - how about us with all our sin? Jesus came to help in our time of need by taking all our sin upon himself. I'm sorry but that is one big help. The biggest help, most important help you will ever receive. And he is loyal - he didn't come to earth and enjoy it, yet he carried on for the sake of us (His Father's will.) I think we should examine our hearts, look out for those in need like Jesus did, and help them as much as we can to our best ability. Even the small things like holding someone's bag, smiling at someone, a hug, a wave, even just saying "hello." You could save someone's life and not realise it. It is what you were born to do. You've been appointed by God! :)

"Living With Identity And Purpose"

(Notes taken at the first ever UnitedLife women's conference, 10th October 2009. Don't know if this makes sense to anyone else, but I wanted to put it on here anyway)

(Part One)

Psalm 139v14 - We know God did a good job. We need confidence for opportunities. Wow the world! We are judged by the world, but we can change the flavour of the world, too! Take Susan Boyle, for example. She was judged because of her looks, but once she sang everyone was blown away. (I encourage you to look at her first audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9whxWNI7bE) If we lose confidence we will hide. By God's will, we can change! God sees me now as His daughter who is blessed, gifted and valued. Who determines what beautiful is anyway? We judge the way the world does. Satan tries to stop us stepping into God's plan for our lives. Isaiah 80v1-2. Arise and shine! Do something. Let God's glory shine on you, and from you. The goodness of God comes upon us when we stand with confidence against the darkness of the world. FREEDOM. Break out and grab the confidence. Fear isn't from God. The world is waiting for us to stand up and be the salt and light of the earth. Standing up is a choice. God is with you. In God's eyes we are all of equal value - believe it in your heart! God looks at us and says "You are valuable." Urge eachother on - God moment! (Jackie was describing a few times when the Holy Spirit told her to say things about God, randomly, and referred to it as a "God moment") Tell people and be encouraged and encourage people. It's God's design! Be who God made you to be, not who others expect you to be. Let's celebreate that we are all different, and be the best "me" ever! Family values affect upbringing - don't let judgement on education etc get you down. Family roles - it's good to be strong but under authority. Free to be strong. Family response to failure - if God wants you to do it, do it! If it goes wrong, try again! Go for it! Family history - today is a new day! Words - listen to God's words, don't accept negative words. Don't let it affect your confidence. BEcause God tells the truth. How I am created is how I am designed and what I'm called to do. Stir up the gift of God on our lives! Step out (Loaves and fish)

*At this point I got a picture of a small rose that is starting to curl up and it is covered in thorns, which represented being exhausted and worn down with excess baggage. It then bloomed into a beautiful rose with the thorns falling off. "By the grace of God you have been made new... and beautiful" is what I wrote next to it as I drew what I saw.*

(Part Two - after lunch!)

Really really really DO WATCH this video. Seriously. It's really moving. (If you don't understand who people are meant to be etc, feel free to ask me) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA. Whatever we are, nothing is too big for God. He pulls us through. Purpose = potential. Without a purpose, life is pointless. Why are we doing what we are doing? The cause is Jesus Christ. Vision without a cause is just personal goals. Don't lose purpose or conform to our belief systems so we live without purpose amidst purposeless people. Be salty salt! Don't underestimate God's calling. Ecclesiastes 3v9-12. God has placed eternity in our hearts. If Jesus came back now, what would I have to show for my life? Focus on eternity. Am I fulifilling my purposes? For this cause we are born. To bear witness to the truth. 1 John 1. Declare Jesus Christ to the world. Bring peace and subdue nations with the Gospel. Transform with the Good News and illuminate the way to Jesus. However amazing we are, without Jesus it is just us with personal goals amounting eventually to nothing. Jesus is the one who can bring us to God. Thank you Jesus! Jesus is the answer to the world. Declare what Jesus has done and is doing today! The only way and the only one. People get different reactions when they mention Jesus (as opposed to the Holy Spirit, God or something similar.) This is surely confirmation that Jesus is the only one. Blessed are the persecuted. You need to declare Jesus more! Jesus is the challenge. We all have a testimony to share. People want to - need to - hear it. Be ready with your testimony. God's love is so amazing that even when we are reluctant He is still there to make it easier for us. Be intentional. Look for opportunities to declare God anywhere and everywhere, whenever. Be interruptable. The Holy Spirit helps us have boldness to share Jesus. As you do this and trust in God then your purpose will be there to take hold of. Let God pick the fruit at the right time. God has a plan. So be relevant and let the Spirit lead you. Be so God-empowered that you can make friends with sinners and not be affected.

*Then I got a picture of the red cross symbol. This said to me that I personally like to help people with problems etc. I'm sure someone can emphasise with me. And then the cross became the cross Jesus died on. He took the pain, he took the burdens - so give it all to Him. You don't need to carry a thing.*

God bless you :)

Philippians 2 v 1 - 18

Before I type anything, I just want to say this is only what I personally got from the passage. If you have a point to make, feel free. Or if I'm missing the point or something. I did just "go with the flow" as you do... anyway, here goes:Here's the passage just for reference. This is NLT because that's what I was looking at, mainly.



Philippians 2Have the Attitude of Christ1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God,[a]he did not think of equality with Godas something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];he took the humble position of a slave[c]and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,[d]8 he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal’s death on a cross.9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honorand gave him the name above all other names,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.Shine Brightly for Christ12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.



Ok then. Here is what I wrote:Who? Paul is speaking, however you could say it is God's / Jesus' point of view.Where? Paul is writing as a slave of Jesus Christ. He was imprisoned for remaining loyal to God. His letters were for the churches, in various places. The believers of Philippi.When? After Jesus' ascending to Heaven, after being crucified and resurrected. Jesus told his disciples previously to tell people God's word and good news.What & why? Paul is writing a letter addressing the believers of Philippi. He is talking about having the attitude of Christ, by working together, loving one another, and agreeing wholeheartedly with one another. Also be humble, not selfish, and think of others better than yourself. Take an interest in people and put them first. Jesus was like this and practised it. God placed Him in a place of highest honour. Verse 12 stands out by saying there instructions are even more important now he is away. I think that's saying (to me, anyway) that although Jesus is no longer on the Earth (even though Paul is referring to himself), we should not stop living for Jesus - He is still real, He can still see us, He knows us inside out. Just because Jesus died for us, it is all for nothing if we turn away from God and live rebelliously. Paul (referring to himself once more) exclaims how he hopes the Philippians (us) will follow his advice, so he can "be proud that I did not run the race in vain..." (v16) Life is referred to as a race, too. :)I like verse 4, about taking an interest. Like saying do not remain ignorant to the world, either. There are other beliefs and it's not going to help by criticizing these when sharing Jesus. You must love people and bring barriers down so God's love can be shared to the full potential. One size fits all.I also like verse 13, where it says "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." God is in us, we are part of the body of Christ. And although we may feel unwilling, lazy, discouraged, you have the power!!Part of verse 15 says we will "shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked, perverse people." Yes, the world is full of people drowning in sin, but God's love (in you) is the brightest light in the universe. The sun, which He created, is merely an insignificant star compared to God's light. And like a moth is attracted to light, non-believers will be drawn to your God-given radiance and shining brightness, even in the darkest of times. The first thing God brought to the universe was light. And it's not dark in Heaven. Light is what allows us to see. Don't be blind - living in the dark - and being ignorant to God's purpose.It's easy to say negative things. But they rub off on others and make you feel discouraged and miserable. Verse 14 says, "do everthing without complaining and arguing." This is so we can be "innocent and blameless." Although we are, in God's eyes, perfect - He forgets all our repented sins - the world cannot forgive, and labels and stereotypes and formed on judgment. Lights covered in black paint do not bring light. They burn whoever goes near it. Another translation for verse 15 describes us as being able to "shine like stars in the universe." Each one is individual and yet so significant a part of the universe. Each one has its time and contiunues to shine brightly when it has long "died" - to us of the Earth.In v7 of the Amplified, it states that Jesus "stripped himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity]" which shows you must open your heart up to let God's love in, and out to others. Putting God first means sacrifice sometimes. But it's always worth it when the light shines brighter. V9 - God elevated Jesus. He was shining out. If we are shining, do not be afraid if God places you to stand up. Lights are not hidden. They are placed in the centre of lives, homes, community. For everyone. God's love is for everyone. Switch your light on, stand up tall, and share this amazing love with humility, compassion and wisdom. God places you in your everyday situations and provides divine opportunities. The brightest bit of a candle is the flame. Joined by the wick. The flame is a heart filled with Jesus, shining out to others. The wick could be compared to holding tightly to the word, the foundation (v16). Staying connected with God. Or the flame goes out. And you will impact no-one. Or you will slip up and give wrong interpretation and start a raging fire. The word is good news. Live it. Life is good. Jesus is good. God is love. Love is in you, shining out. Reaching out. "Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy." (v18). It's up to you. :) <3