October 2014





This month's theme:
What do we have in Christ? What is available to us as we believe in Him?

Prayers for October:
That people get to know God and answer the call on their lives. That they recognize their need and recognize that inner voice leading them to light.

Prayer for current events:
Peace in the Ukraine. Peace in the middle East. That all those in authority be led of God's wisdom to overcome the terrorist groups. That each country agree to what their involvement should be. That the bloodshed of innocent people cease.
We continue to pray that the Ebola virus be contained and a cure be found. Wisdom for every country in the diagnosing and treatment of the infected. That Africa get the help they need to treat every person infected, that no one be left without the help they need.
We pray that the violence and shooting will stop in Toronto. That God help us to educate and rehabilitate the young men who get involved in gangs and carry weapons. May they learn the ways of peace and get a better attitude towards their fellow brothers and life in general.
We pray that persecution all over the world  for race, religion, sexuality, every reason will cease and that ways of peace, love and acceptance prevail.

Scriptures for this month's theme:
What do we have in Christ?
John 3:16. Salvation from death, forgiveness for our wrongs.
Isaiah 53:5. By His stripes we were healed.
John 10:10. He came to give us abundant life.
Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:15,16, 2Corinthians 1:22. We are adopted into God's family.
Ephesians 3:16. Strength from the Holy Spirit.
2Peter 1:4, 2Corinthians 3:18. The nature of Christ developed in us by the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13, Romans 12:2. Knowing God's will.
1Corinthians 2:14-16. The wisdom of God.
Phillipians 4: 6-9. The peace of Christ.
Psalm 91: 12. Protection from harm.
Romans 5:5. God's love in our hearts.

We have everything that Christ had while he walked on Earth. How did he do it? May I suggest that Jesus spent time alone meditating on scriptures, praying and listening to God as much as he needed, till he knew God's will for him and felt strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Through Christ we have the Holy Spirit, so we can do what God inspires us to do. Only hearing God's voice through the Holy Spirit could we know God's will and have the courage, wisdom and strength to do it.

Words of encouragement:
Galatians 4:6,7. Since we are children of God, everything that belongs to God belongs to us. That would include the nature of God. Hope, faith, love for righteousness, honesty, loyalty, desire to know God, power to love, power to forgive, wisdom, insight, knowing what is best for us and the patience to work towards that, wait and receive!
Galatians 5:16. So live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into God's will for you.
Romans 8: 13,14. For if you put to death the misdeeds of the flesh by the Holy Spirit, you will gain eternal life. For all who are lead of the Spirit of God are children of God.

Remember:

Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ESV

Isaiah 58:11. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. ESV

1 Timothy 6: 18, 19. Be rich in good works and give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God shows you. By doing this you will be storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future so that you may take hold of real life.


Thank you for joining in this month's prayers. May God give you more understanding of your purpose and your talents in this life. May God reveal to you all that you have in Christ. May the love of God fill and guide your heart always!


Photo: "Jesus" at Halloween Street party. If you think he looks a little humorous, just remember we all have a piece of God in us!  ; )

September 2014
The theme for this month is:
We can't live as we should without the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures:
Romans 8: 16 The Holy Spirit speaks deep in our hearts that we are God's children.
Romans 12: 2 Let God transform you by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect God's will really is.



What we are praying for:
Pray that everyone in our community and the Downtown Core will gain a hunger to search for God, and that they will open their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit so they will know God.
Mathew 5:6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied.
Pray Ephesians 1: 17-19, That by the Holy Spirit we will receive understanding of the truth.

God, forgive us here in North America for trying to live by our own strength and our own understanding. Help us to repent and yield to the power of your holy Spirit. Help us to repent and let the Holy Spirit empower us to do what you want us to do. Your power, your strength, your wisdom, your will, your way. Amen.

Prayer for current events:
Peace in Ukraine. Peace in the middle East. All civilians caught in the fighting find a safe place of refuge and a chance to restore their lives.
We continue to pray that the Ebola virus will be contained.


Taken from My New Day's interview with Corey Russell:

I Corinthians 2: It's only by the Holy Spirit that we could know what's on God's heart or mind, or know what the will of God is.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 A new life has begun!
Ephesians 2: 10  We are a new creation in Christ so we can do things that God has planned for us to do.

Words of encouragement:
The greatest words that will change your life are your own.
God has given us everything we need for life and Godliness. <2 Peter 1:3>
Guard your words. Do not minimize what the Holy Spirit is doing. <One example is complaining.>< also Psalm 141 : 3 >

How to access the power of the Holy Spirit:
Meditate on the Word Of God, pray it back to God.
Talk to the Holy Spirit, fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Galations 5, 2 Corinthians 13:14
Pray in The Holy Spirit, pray in tongues.

Other scriptures I've found on the fellowship of the holy Spirit:
Mathew 13:11 Jesus said that His disciples have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 14 : 15-31 Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.
john 16: 13 The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth.
2 Corinthians 13:13 ...may the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Romans 8: 9 You are in the Spirit if the Spirit lives in you.
Philippians 2: 1-2 The Holy Spirit brings unity among the believers.
Romans 8: 26-27 The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

Thank you for joining in this month's prayers. May God give you more understanding of your purpose and talents in this life. God give you peace and joy!

August 2014
The theme this month is God the restorer wants to restore us to our faith and ourselves. 
That means healing within, accepting ourselves and accessing God's Power and strength.

For those praying for our community, our world, here are some inspiring scripture verses with my take on them:
Isaiah 43: 1-13
We are God's! Don't be afraid. God has chosen us for this purpose. God hears our prayers, after all we are praying what's on God's heart and God will work through those prayers!  v 7, v 10a

Ephesians 1:19,20
I pray that you know your place in this life and understand and access the power of God that is available to you in your daily lives. This power does work through prayer!

2 Corinthians 3: 7 - 18
The new covenant of faith in Christ which makes us right with God is far more glorious that the old covenant of following the law. ( the new law is the law of love) Whenever the law was read, a veil covered the minds of the people so they could not understand the truth. This veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. When the veil is removed we become like mirrors reflecting Christ. The Spirit works in us to become more and more like Christ. Whenever anyone turns to Christ then the veil is taken away and the Holy Spirit gives freedom and understanding.


What we are praying for this month:
The scripture verse is: Joel 2: 18 - 32
The Lord says: I will give you back what you lost.Then you will know that I am among you and that I alone am your God. And you will never again be disgraced or shamed. I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. They will come out, some prophesying, others testifying of my love. Then you will surely know that I am the one doing this. I will pour out my Spirit on all the community, both men and women alike!

God is a God of restoration and wants to restore every person to joy, peace and wholeness. God wants to give us a name that is revered throughout the world. We do belong. We belong to God, to each other, to the family of God. We are all God's children and we all deserve the love and respect that comes with that.
Let's pray that people in the LGBTQ Community respond to God's Spirit and see the blessings that God has for them. Pray that each individual will experience wholeness and know who they are.

The chain reference for Joel 2: 28
Zechariah: 12 - 10
God is saying ; After I deliver those in the community I will pour out my Spirit of grace and prayer. They will weep for their sins and for all the hurt they received unjustly and then rejoice that I have delivered them just as I said I would. I am the God of restoration! I will wipe away all tears, all pain and all the shame that was placed upon them unjustly! I will refresh everyone like the dew in the morning!
John 7: 39
Jesus said to believe in Him and rivers of living water will flow from deep within.
God wants to free us within so that love and peace can freely flow through us.
Let's pray that God heals the hearts and minds of everyone in the LGBTQ Community, so that they know they are loved and the love and peace of God can flow through them. 

Theme song: It Shall Come To Pass, Jim Glaab, all rights reserved.
" Yes the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. You shall see rivers of living water flowing freely here. And you shall have peace, and be still."

Prayer for current events:
Let's continue to pray for all who are persecuted for their sexuality, faith, race, all persecution over the world. Let's continue to pray for peace in the middle east, that those in authority will stop the bloodshed and resolve peacefully. Pray for those infected with the ebola virus and their families. Pray that the virus is contained and a cure is found.

Thank you all for joining in the monthly prayers.
God answer your needs always!

July 2014
The theme this month is everyone being restored to God and to each other.
The scriptures this month:
Acts 15: 16b - 17
God will restore and rebuild the church so the rest of humanity will know that God is real and does love them.
Hosea 14: 2b - 7
From verse 2 and 3, Say to God: forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you sacrifices of praise. our own strength cannot save us.
From verse 5 - 7, God says: I will be to you as a refreshing dew from Heaven. You will blossom like the lily, you will send roots deep into my love and grow strong like mighty trees. You will return to my place of safety. You will flourish like grain and be fruitful like grape vines. You will be fragrant as a fine wine.

God wants everyone to belong and succeed at life and be happy. God is one of restoration!

Let's remember that we are all part of God'S creation. It doesn't matter what your understanding is, your colour of skin or your sexuality. We all belong to God. We are all loved by God and are a part of each other.

Let's pray that God pour out the Holy Spirit on this neighbourhood so everyone knows that God loves them. Let's pray that all relationships be restored, whether family, friends, co- workers, etc., inside and outside the church.

Pray for current events:
Let's pray for everyone suffering persecution all over the world, not just those in the LGBTQ Community.
Let's pray for those who lost loved ones in the air crashes in the past few months.
Let's pray for peace in the areas where there is fighting.
We will remember to pray for the current events during our times of prayer for our community.

World Pride 2014

The month of June included the World Pride Prayer Walk 2014. It was a joyful celebration of the freedom we have in Canada, and a time of solidarity with our brothers and sisters all over the world who suffer persecution.

The scripture  for this month is Luke 1: 13 - 17.
What speaks to me is v. 17. John the Baptist was to precede the coming of Jesus and prepare the people's hearts for Him. It says that he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and change disobedient minds to the wisdom of God.
I feel that God wants to bring reconciliation between parents and their children who are Gay and between them and all the other people in their lives. God wants to pour out the Holy Spirit on those in the LGBTQ Community. God alone can put the desire in all hearts to receive.

What to pray for:
Let's pray for the reconciliation of parents and their gay sons and daughters.
Let's pray for  unity between religions so they can support the LGBTQ Community and fight for social justice.
Let's pray for social justice and freedom for the LGBTQ Community all over the world.
Let's pray for the volunteers of the Community and those fighting for social justice that they be protected and get the help they need always.
Let's pray that those who visited the Church and Wellesley Village would leave with a better attitude towards it.

Thank you for your prayers! Stay proud always!

May's prayer walk review coming soon!

April

Life was pure in the beginning. 

Now it is only through Him that it can be restored.

          Ever day becomes lighter as we let Him help us.

Now He walks with us always guiding, protecting, lovingly helping. We can walk without fear and enjoy new life!

He was resurrected to life! Hell could not hold Him! Now we too will be raised to life eternal!

Life continues...

New Year Resolutions 2014

Romans 8: 1-16
If we live by the sinful nature; that is, our selfishness, we will reap destruction to our lives and death. But, if by the Holy Spirit we stop doing what our selfish nature wants, good things will come to us and we will receive eternal life when we die. If you think you can live life successfully on your own strength, then you are deceived. The Holy Spirit leads you into the truth about all things. The Holy Spirit will lead you away from the things that will hurt you and into the things that are truly helpful to your life. In the short run it might not appear that way, but, in the long term it becomes evident.
The Holy Spirit changes your heart and mind into that of Christ so that you will find it comes naturally to do the things that God planned for you to do during your life on Earth.
Before Jesus came to Earth, we followed the law in the Old Testament of the Bible, but, since He has come and died for us, now we can live by the new life in the Spirit. You can try to live a good life following the teachings of Christ on your own strength or  you can let the Holy Spirit transform you into the image of Christ. Then doing good will come naturally. The Holy Spirit transforms you and empowers you to live as Christ did.
We are children of God through Christ. When we accept Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit brings the presence of God into our hearts and let's us know that we are children of God.
 
2Corinthians 5:17, 18a
The old life is gone and the new life in the Spirit has come. When a person accepts Christ into their heart, 
the Holy Spirit transforms that person into the likeness of Christ. 

Galatians 5: 1-6 
Christ has really set us free. You must put your faith in Him. The law can never make you righteous and what God really wants is you expressing your faith in Jesus through loving others. If you trust God, you will not be afraid to show love to others. Showing love can make you vulnerable to getting hurt, so you must trust God to be able to do it. Again, this is only possible by the help of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 6: 15,16
Phillipians 3:12-14
Phillpians 3:3
Hebrews 12:12

To be continued, thoughts on these scriptures to follow.

Songs: Abba Father, You Are Everything, I Lift My Eyes Up, Breathe,
Only You, You Love Never Fails, Jesus At The Center

December 2013

Fall 2013

Scriptures for September coming soon.

Scriptures for August coming soon.

Scriptures for July

We grow only as we get nourishment from God. So let your roots grow deep into God's love, so you can draw up nourishment from Him.
Colossians 2:6-19

Revised Common Lectionary, August, 2013

You have the Lord Jesus Christ and through Him you have all the promises of God. Be secure in that and freely help those in need. Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15, 16.

If you help those who cannot repay, you will receive the help you need here on Earth and you will receive a reward in Heaven. Luke 14: 1, 7-14.

Those who do what God asks of them are blessed, happy and every good thing comes to them. They are generous and compassionate. They trust God in their times of need.
Psalm 112

Life is not measured by how successful or wealthy you are. Life is measured by how loving you are. Luke 12: 13- 21.

June Scriptures

Every father has attributes of God to be all that is required of them.

The Day of Pentecost is for everyone!
Once you've received the Holy Spirit, then you know God is real and that you will live with Him forever because of what Jesus has done. The Holy spirit shows you what is real in this life. All you have to do is ask.

Peace only found in Christ.

God's love is everywhere!

          HAPPY  RESURRECTION  DAY!

It's all about this: God cannot lie. God promised in Isaiah that His holy One, Jesus would not see death and judgement. Because Jesus had no sin, Hell could not hold Him. He took our place on the cross so we could receive the promise that was given to Him. Jesus' resurrection proves that promise is real and we can trust God to raise us from the dead to receive eternal life with God and His holy Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Good Friday

Isaiah 52- 53-12
He was wounded for our sins, He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we are healed!

Hebrews 4:14-16
This high priest understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin.

Hebrews 5:7-9
He learned obedience from the things He suffered.

Hebrews 10: 16-25
I will put my laws in their hearts and minds so they will follow them. I will never again remember their wrongs. We can boldly enter Heaven's most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. Let us go into the presence of God with true hearts fully trusting Him.

The Lord's Work

March 24

Luke 19: 28-40.
Did the people really know what was going on...

Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
See the Lord's work everyday and rejoice in that!

Isaiah 50: 4-9a
God, awaken me refreshed every morning and open my understanding to your will.

Everlasting Sign

Isaiah 55: 1-10.
God's word will produce fruit everywhere He sends it...

God provides

Lectionary February 24/13

Luke 6: 27-38
In view of the big picture, it is vital to forgive. You have been given Eternal life, so you must forgive as you have been forgiven by God. Eternity may be at stake for your brothers and sisters, so forgive them. Your love may win their hearts and cause them to repent and accept God's love through you. Then they will gain Heaven too!

Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40
Don't worry about the things in this world. Don't strive for them. God has provided everything for you. Be humble, thankful and trust God. 
He is taking care of you.

Feb. 17/13

Jeremiah 17: 5-10
It seems to me that, what we imagine becomes how we see our lives. If that is negative, then, even when God blesses us, we don't recognize it and we only see the bad things. So that is one way judgement can come upon us. Trust God and you become like that tree planted by the river, soaking up fresh water, sweet water every day! Everything is new, fresh and you recognize the good things that come your way. They are there for the taking- peace and joy are yours!

Psalm 1
We can look to the law and try to be good or look to Jesus, get to know Him better and let the Holy Spirit transform us into His likeness. We can move on from making sacrifices for our sins, to focussing on Jesus and in doing so, we naturally become like Him.
Bit by bit, just like that tree by the river, growing ring by ring, branch by branch, we grow into the likeness of God! 

The gentle, flowing waters of Shiloh!

Lectionary, Feb. 10/13
Nutshell:
Trust God and be steady and constant in your living and testimony. We don't have to be loud in our testimony, if we are part of that gently, flowing river that flows steadily over all that is striving, all that is not of God. The river constantly flows, carrying the peace of God, the wisdom of God, the joy of God and it may be slow and gentle, but it moves mountains!


Lectionary, Feb. 17/13
Jremiah 17: 5-10
It seems to me that what we imagine and get upset about, we then see our lives that way. Then, even if God blesses us, we don't recognize it and we only see the bad things. We may even see the blessings as bad things! So that is one way judgement can come upon us. Trust God and you become like a tree planted by the river, soaking up fresh water every day! Everything is new, fresh and in your outlook, you recognize the good things you are to take advantage of. They are there for your taking. Peace and joy are yours! 

Lectionary, Feb. 24/13 
Psalm37: 1-11, 39- 40
Don't worry about the things in this world. Don't strive for them. God has provided everything for you. Be humble, thankful and trust God. He is taking care of you. 

Luke 6: 27-38
In view of the big picture- it is vital that you forgive. You have been given eternal life, so you must forgive as you have been forgiven by God. Eternity may be at stake for your brother, so forgive him. Your love may cause him to turn to God and gain what you have already received. He will gain the kingdom too! Sounds impossible? Right! It's impossible for us, but God will enable us to forgive. God will take care of the situation, too. Amen!

Feb. 3/13 Love verses what we think we know

Luke 4: 21-30
People in Jesus' hometown prided themselves in the fact that they were born Jews.. They believed that they were chosen of God because they were Jews by birth. Therefore they were not open to hear from God that Jesus was their Messiah. They placed their faith in their birthright alone and would not believe God that Jesus was their Messiah.

Jeremiah 1: 4-10
God knows everything! God knew us even before we were born.

Psalm 71: 1-6
God is our rock and fortress. God is our sure foundation. Everything else will be shaken and fall, but God and His ways will always stand strong!

1Corinthians 13: 1-13
Love is the only thing that will endure. Now we only know a little of truth and reality, but when eternity comes, then we will know everything completely. Then everything as it really is will be revealed. But for now, the only thing that is lasting and makes what we do know useful, is love.

Who was this man, Jesus, that walked along the shores of the Dead Sea so many years ago, and why do we still talk about him even now in the 21st Century??

Sunday, January 27, 2013
Scripture reading: I Corinthians 12:12-31, Luke 4: 14-21.

Nutshell: Maybe we can't walk on water, but each of us has everything we need to do the things we are here on Earth to do.

We all have different talents and personalities, but we all have received the same Holy Spirit. You may not feel inclined to go feed five thousand people with a loaf of bread, or walk on water, but you may be anointed to go into that mundane work place with a smile on your face day after day and spread the joy of God to your fellow workers. You may be anointed to teach or just be a helpful, good neighbour right where you are. Yo may be anointed to serve coffee or greet new people who come to your church. With God there are no great jobs or little jobs, they are all God's works!
So what miracles are taking place in your life? What anointing do you have to be a part of them? The Spirit of God was upon Jesus to do the works God sent Him to do. So it is with us. Each one of us is anointed to do the work God has sent us to do. God's not going to ask us to do something that's not natural for us to do. He will get us involved according to our natural abilities. And as a group we can be anointed too. We will find unity between us when we focus on Christ and let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts. Together we can reach out to the community.
It's up to each of us to take the time to know God's voice so we will recognize His leading. Whatever time you need, whatever works for you, so the Holy Spirit can heal you from the inside out and God can minister through you to others.
Songs: Lord I Lift Your Name On High, Only You
(From the next song) Lord, my heart's desire is to know you more, to be found in you and known as yours, to possess by faith what I could not earn, all surpassing gift of righteousness.
Song: Knowing You
 It's God who called us and we just responded to that call. We don't have to go on about our mistakes or the past sins we have done. Just let God's Spirit teach us, make us more and more like Jesus, enabling us to do the things that God has called us to do. It's God that called us. It's Christ's blood that makes us holy before God. It's the Holy Spirit that transforms us day by day into the nature of Christ and leads us to do the things that we are here to do.
( From the next song) Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me, for I am His and He is mine- Bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of Hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand. Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand!
Song: In Christ Alone
(From the next song) The Spirit of The Lord Is upon me. He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the people with a broken heart, to preach deliverance and give sight to the blind and to set free those in captivity, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Song: The Spirit Of The Lord ( Buddy Axely)
Other Songs: I Will Offer Up My Life, Take My Life And Let It be
Photo of Dream Circus, performing at Buskerfest 2012, St. Lawrence Market, Toronto.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Here is my meditation for this week in a nutshell. We are talking about Jesus' first miracle. When God performs a miracle, He gets people involved. There was Jesus' mother, servants to pour out the water, a head master to confirm the miracle and many others to witness the act. Jesus' disciples were there to boost their faith in him. The thing that impressed me was that God gets ordinary people involved in His work. The miracles aren't always big by our standards but they are still a witness to the world of God's greatness and goodness. And remember, God gets ordinary people involved like you and me.
Song:My Redeemer
Prayer: 
Lord, you took away our sin and you took away our pain. When we are dry you fill us up again- with your love, your joy and your strength. You are our all in all.
Song: My All In All
Sharing:( last verse of Here I Am To Worship) 
King of all days! Oh so highly exalted! Glorious in Heaven above! Humbly You came to the Earth You created, All for love's sake became poor! Jesus could have travelled the palaces of the world and ate the finest of foods! But, He came and lived as an average person and told His story to common people. How loving a Saviour! Precious Jesus! Holding us so dear in His heart! Remember the miracles in your life may not come with fireworks, but look for them, see them, they are new every day! Lord, help us to hear you and see the miracles big and small that you send us everyday.
Songs: Here I Am To Worship, Arms Of Love, The Steadfast Love Of The Lord.
Reading: John 2:1-11
Sharing:
Look at each day as a miracle! Be sure to see even the small miracles that are given to you and be encouraged by them. Let them build your faith until the day our Lord comes again!
Song: in The Bulb There Is A Flower
Sermon
Songs during meditation: Speak To Me, The Everlasting God, Wait For The Lord
Coming out of meditation: Nothing Can Trouble
Benediction
Song: Blest Are They
Prayer: 
This is your time, this is your place.(  as I put my hands on my chest gesturing that God's place is in me) We are your vessels. Lord, fill us till we are overflowing, so your love and peace flow through us to all of those around us this week!
Song: Carry Your Love  

Sunday, January 13, 2013

The story of the Baptism of Jesus. Look at it as a time marking new beginnings like we do at the beginning of  the New Year.

Sunday January 6, 2013

Christmas 2012

Nut Shell:
God's plan is amazing! 
Your plans and dreams may have been ruined, but God has a far greater plan for your life! There is the nitty gritty, hard work you may have to face for God's plan to be fulfilled in your life, but it's still better than anything you could have done! And we are being brought by God into that plan. Each and everyone of us is part of God's plan to bring salvation to the world.
God alone fills us and brings us into that plan.

The Service:
I chose songs to reflect on what it must have been like for Joseph and Mary that first Christmas. What was it like for them trying to hear from God and understand the plan God had for them. how difficult was it for them to actually carry out their part in God's plan? How does their experience relate to our own struggles to hear from God and do what God is guiding us to do?

During the times when Joseph and Mary lived, all of Israel was looking for their Saviour to come. They were oppressed by the Roman Empire. It was hard times for them. They were looking for their deliverer to come from God. They were looking for the Messiah. 
Song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel 

In relating to Joseph, I was thinking that he couldn't always hear God and struggled to understand God's will for him. So- God spoke to Him in a dream. I know that in my life, there have been times when really important things came quickly and clearly, but, most other times I have to seek God, really search for God to get the answers I need for my life. Joseph was facing a real crisis, feelings of betrayal and fear of rejection. It was an issue of honour and he was afraid for Mary's life. It looked like his hopes and dreams were ruined and his reputation.
But God was always there for him and had a wonderful plan for his life.
 Song: Speak To Me  

Hearing from God can be both exciting and frightening.Sometimes there is responsibility in what you hear and you may have to face resistance from others who aren't open to God's will. It must have been both exciting and frightening for Joseph.Think about it. Everyone was looking for the Messiah to come and free them from their suffering and here God was choosing Joseph to be a part of the plan to deliver Israel! Joseph would have known what resistance he would have to face from his family and friends and the village he lived in. But when you have that deep conviction in your heart, you know god will take care of everything, including you. like Mary, Joseph had to surrender and trust God. 
Think again of God's plan. How amazing! The Messiah was now coming, the one who would deliver them forever, and He was coming-  as a baby!! 
Song: Amazed 

You may think it was so spiritual, so glorious for Mary to be visited by an angel, like - WOW! But the bible says that Mary was confused at the angel's greeting and the angel told her to not be afraid. It must have been exciting for Mary to hear the plan of God and know that she was the one to give birth to our saviour, but what about the implications? She faced so much adversity in her village, rejection, people talking badly of her. If Joseph rejected her, she could face death! She kept trusting and we know that Joseph did take her as wife, being obedient to God. But it was a difficult journey for them both. And then when Mary was nine months pregnant, she had to endure a long ride on a donkey to Bethlehem! I can't imagine how hard that was for her! And then when they got to Bethlehem, there was no place to stay, so she gave birth in a cold, smelly stable! That was tough!
But think of how wonderful it must have been to finally hold that precious little baby in her arms, seeing the promise of God fulfilled right before her eyes! And knowing this baby would become the Saviour of the world!

How does that relate to us? What trials, what crisis must we face in our lives. But God is with us to help us get through them and the plan that God has is far greater than anything we could ever have come up with! 
How do the decisions we make affect the big picture? The people around us, or those in the future?   We must trust God for everything! God's plan is the only one that will really work. God is brilliant!
So we may be thinking, oh, what can God do?!  
Through Joseph and Mary, just an average couple of people in a tiny village in the desert, God brought us our Lord, the one who would save us forever! 
How brilliant is That?!
Song: What Child Is this?  

Giving into God's will, yielding your heart and soul, that's when real revelation comes, wisdom and understanding from God comes. That is very exciting even if you must face adversity from others because you realize that God's answer is the only way.
In the story of Joseph and Mary, God's plan was the only way for all of us to be saved. God's plan was brilliant beyond anything we could have imagined!

And we are being brought into that plan. Each and everyone of us is part of God's plan to bring salvation to the world. God alone fills us and brings us into that plan. God brings us into the rhythm of that plan. 

Songs: I Adore You, Nothing Can Trouble  

Thought from Katherine Brittain's message:
How appropriate that God came as a baby, to remind us that we should never take our eyes off of Him! If you take your eyes off a baby for even a second, they can get into all kinds of things and create quite a mess! If we take our eyes off of God for just a second, we could find ourselves in a mess and have to quickly turn our attention back to find the way out!

Songs: O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Hope Of The Nations. 

God's Provision

Nut shell:
It's the message I've been hearing over and over. The things we think we need to ask God for are already done. But we need to make ourselves available to receive them. God won't ask us to do anything that He hasn't already made provision for.

Live Transformed Series: Health, by Dr. Jim Richards
In the gospels, john says that he wishes we would prosper even as our souls prosper. What is happening in our souls is going to keep us healthy. 
( or make us ill ) What is happening in our soul comes out of the beliefs of the heart. The core of health of the New Testament believer is about managing your beliefs and your emotions. If you, by the grace of God manage your beliefs and emotions, you will turn your health around.
Jim was asked, what would be a great testimony of his ministry. Now, Jim does think healing is a great testimony and has had many at his meetings, but this is what he said. "A great testimony for me is not : You came to my church, I went to an altar call, you laid hands on me and I got healed right on the spot. a great testimony for me is: You came to my church, I went to one of your meetings,  I went home and I started dealing with my issues and suddenly I realized, I don't have this problem any more."
I think Jim meant by issues: our heart beliefs. In other broadcasts he has said that it's not so much asking God to give us what we need as it is letting go of wrong concepts, ideas and beliefs about ourselves and God, and then we receive those things which God has already done for us.  I think he is saying, when we don't believe we have those things, then of course we cannot receive them, even when God has already given them. The problem is not on God's end, but our end.


Lectionary, November 4/12
Psalm 51
v. 6: But you desire honesty from the heart so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.
v.17: The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken spirit and a repentant heart, O God. you will not despise.
v.10- 12: Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don not banish me from your presence and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you.

Psalm 119:  Happy are people of integrity who follow the Lord; God never gives up on them!

Psalm 146:  The writer asks God to give Him the right attitude so he can teach sinners and do the will of God with joy. That acknowledges our need as humans for God's help to obey Him.

Songs: Only You, Create In Me A Clean Heart, Come And Fill Our Hearts, Be Thou My Vision, My All In All.

November11/12

My new Day Nov. 8/12
Dr. Jim Richards , Life Transformed Series.

If we don't have the beliefs of the heart to support where we are going, we will always quit. 
We cannot comfortably exceed the beliefs of our heart. 
We cannot comfortably exceed our self perception.
What is shaping our beliefs? Media? Advertizing?

The human body is hugely adaptable. What we do over and over trains our body to do it that way, positive or negative.

We don't want the goal to be: I want to get healed, because once you are healed, then you go back to the unhealthy things that caused the problem in the first place.
We want the goal to be: I want to be healthy. That is a never ending goal and if your heart is in that, it will keep you motivated your whole life.

For those who have constantly started and stopped, there is something within reach that you can actually do and if you do it properly, then you will get great benefits from it. 

See and embrace yourself living healthy.

(Bob) Then you can see and know where you are going.  

Prescription:
Create a character sketch: What would it look like of you were healthy. What would I be doing?This is designed so that you will set goals that engage the heart and then the goals you set will last a life time.  

Fall back in love with yourself!

My New Day,November15/12
Dr. Jim Richards Life transformed Series

Your health, emotions and spiritual life all mirror each other. As time goes on it gets easier. You must do what fits naturally in your life, or you won't continue, you'll quit. your beliefs about anything must be consistent with you're having a sense of dignity and worth based on who you are in Christ.

You don't want something that is not consistent with how God wants you to live.

What you believe about yourself is what your life is going to become, even your physiological part of your life. For example; if you focus on health, your body will automatically adjust to the weight that is right for you. If you can't accept yourself where you are, you cannot get out of where you are. It's not accepting where you are, but accepting yourself even if you are not where you want to be. You can't do it mentally, you can only do it through the beliefs of the heart, the perspective of the heart, connecting with who you are in Christ.
When you are stuck in guilt and shame, not accepting yourself, what a better way to punish yourself than to keep your self in those things you hate.

Perscription:
Love and accept yourself, and accept the fact that God loves you, and Jesus died for you. that's how much worth you have.
With your hands held in front of you, palms upward, and fingers curled inward, tap your palms together gently, bringing them together at the base of the baby fingers, where the skin creases. Do it for 10 to 20 seconds. While you do it say to your self: I love and accept myself even though I am or do or have ( the thing that I hate.) You can do it when you find yourself thinking about that thing you hate about yourself.
In time you will start thinking differently about yourself.

Dr. Jim Richards, My New Day, November 22, 2012
Last program of Live Transformed Series.

Nut shell:
The more I can see what I would look like being healthy, the more that becomes normal and safe and familiar to me and the more my heart will automatically take me to that place.
< It will become natural for me to live that way.>

From the program:
I must love and accept myself where I am. When I love and accept myself, I no longer need to punish myself.
What a better way to punish myself than to hold on to the things I hate. If I forgive myself and love myself, then I can let go of those things for I no longer have need of them to punish myself.
I must put off all that which is not consistent with what Jesus has for me and put on the truth which is who I am and what I have in Christ.

Prescription:
Expand on your character sketch. Look at different areas of your life. If I was healthy, how would I eat and what activities would I be doing? Claim health, strength, skill in each area of your life.

Nut shell for whole series:
It's not that we have to go to God to get those things we need. They have already been done for us. We have everything we need in Christ. It's what we believe in our hearts about ourselves that stops us from having what God has already given to us through Christ. We must change our heart beliefs to line up with God's word and then we will be able to receive those things God has given us through Christ.

Each Season passing gives new opportunities to learn and change. Saying Goodbye always means saying Hello to new experiences and offers a chance to be stretched and to grow. 
OUCH, HALLELUJAH!

Remember to take time to be thankful of all the good, 
and for God being there with us when we faced difficulties!
All the best to everyone!
Remember- you are loved!!

October28/12

Please scroll down for the Sunday Flows and other messages.

Lectionary, October 21/12

Nutshell
The feelings of superiority, the feelings of rejection and wanting to get even, the feelings that you deserve better than everyone else, really come from  the devil and Jesus freed us from them. We can go boldly to God, repenting of those thoughts and emotions and receive the help we need to overcome them and be filled with the nature of Christ instead.

Psalm 91: 9-16
No evil will conquer you. No bad attitude which is from the devil can come upon you . You have the nature of Christ, for He dwells in you! The Lord says that He will rescue those who love Him. He will rescue you from the fear and bad emotions that the devil tries to burden you with.
The Lord says- I will satisfy you because I love you, I will satisfy your thirst, your hunger- for food, for good news, for answers, for happy feelings, for inspiration, for love, for success. I am He who made you, I love you and want you to be fulfilled and happy.

Hebrews 6: 1-20
We can trust God to fulfill His promises to us. We are confident that He will do it and that confidence is like a strong anchor for our souls. This confidence leads us through the veil into the Holy of Holies where God is. Jesus went in before us preparing the way, so we can go into the presence of God knowing that He will grant us our requests.

Psalm 91: 31
I will fill my heart with God's promises to me so I will ever be encouraged to do good and forget the wrong ways. God's Spirit will bring the peace of Christ into my heart and will transform my heart into that of Christ.

Genesis 14: 17-24
Even when Abram could have taken advantage over others, he still remained humble and did only what God told him to do.

John 13: 1-17
Show love to each other, for that is the path of blessing. If you chase after the comforts of this world, and manage to heap up many of them in your life time, you will not possess the true riches. Give to others in need and you will be truly blessed!

Mark 10: 35-45
The leader of all is the servant of all.

Songs: Just To Be With You, Your Love Never Fails, The Everlasting God, Everlasting God, I Adore You.

God Knows!

Lectionary, October 14/12

Nutshell:
God does not expect us to be able to be righteous enough on our own strength or credibility to get into Heaven. God understands our weaknesses and that's why God sent Jesus and gives us the help of the Holy Spirit daily.

Hebrews 4: 12-16
God knows everything, so we might as well be honest to Him and everyone all the time!
We have Jesus, tempted in all the ways we are, yet without sin, so He understands what we go through and can still be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Because of Him we can come boldly to the throne of our gracious God to receive his mercy and grace to help us when we need it.

Mark 10: 17-31
Humanly speaking, it is impossible for anyone to enter the Kingdom of God, bur that which is impossible for man is possible with God. Everything is possible with God. We are given the Holy Spirit to make it possible!

Matthew 15: 1-9
Evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. If you say something hurting, ask yourself- is there any bitterness or hatred in my heart? God can heal you and give you a good attitude of heart that will speak good things.

Psalm 26
I have chosen your ways so please grant me mercy.
I am constantly aware of your unfailing love.
That gives me the strength and encourages me to continue doing your will.

Another thought comes- Am I doing my things God's way, or...
am I doing God's will, God's way?!

Songs:
Your Love Never Fails, My Redeemer, Your Love Oh Lord, Lord I lift Your Name On High, Only You, Shout To The Lord, Hope Of The Nations.

October 7/2012

This week's lectionary has scriptures about man's authority and what God has given to us through Christ.

Genesis 2: 18-24
We are created in God's image so we are created for relationships. We have the need for companionship and friendship.

Psalm 8
God gave man authority over everything God made.

Psalm 26
I am constantly aware of your unfailing love. I give thanks to you and tell of your love. I do what's right following what you are speaking to me.

Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12
We are God's children, brothers and sisters of Jesus. We inherit all that Jesus has. He is seated at the right hand of God, so we are too. God is sharing His glory with us!