Thankful Meme

Posted on November 30, 2007
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Paul tagged me about a week ago to write about five things I am thankful for (sorry it’s taken so long!)

1)  I am thankful that I found Jesus, my life is truly changed and for that I am blessed.

2)  I’m thankful for my husband, children and wider family, life wouldn’t be the same without them.

3) I’m thankful for the time I get to spend with my children teaching them, having lots of fun and watching them grow.

4) I’m thankful that I live in a warm house, have food on the table and money in the bank.

5)  I’m thankful for this world I live in, the air that I breathe and the wonders that I see and experience.

See John’s blog for a list of participants, and feel tagged if you want to write your own list!

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The Ark - JT Devotion Day Three

Posted on November 30, 2007
Filed Under Jesse Tree devotion | 2 Comments

“Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it.” Genesis 8:15-17 (NIV)

Today’s symbol is the Ark. It reminds us that the world had got into such a state that God sent the flood to cleanse the world. So often we think that we know what is right for us, and go charging off in, what is sometimes, the wrong direction. We forget that God knows what is best for us. Had many of us been Noah, we probably would have left the Ark before the ground was dry. Noah, however, was commanded to go into the Ark, so likewise waited for a command to leave the Ark. The story of Noah always reminds people of God’s promise never to send another flood that will destroy the earth again. Every time we see a rainbow in the sky we can remember this. God sees the best in us and he renews his covenant with us through forgiveness and mercy.

Today, think about any times when God asked you to do something, but you never waited for the command to finish it, you moved on once you’d had enough? Also think about and praise God for any promises he has made to you in your life. You can read more in Genesis 6:11-22 and 7:1-8:22.

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Rethinking Church

Posted on November 29, 2007
Filed Under forum | 2 Comments

Paul Walker, who blogs at Out of the Cocoon has begun an emerging/missional church forum called Rethinking Church.  It’ll be great to see some of you over there. I’m looking forward to the discussions we are going to have, and of course getting to know some of you better!


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Apple - day two JT

Posted on November 29, 2007
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“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV).

Today’s symbol is an apple, which represents sin. God gave Adam and Eve everything. His only command was that they did not eat fruit from the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. The serpent deceived Eve, which led to Adam and Eve eating from the tree, and sin was then in the world. God punished them by making them leave the Garden of Eden and working for their food, shelter etc. However, he still loved them.

Christ is called the “second” or “new” Adam because he started a new creation, forgiving sin and restoring humanity to God’s grace. The world is fallen, and we all sin. Through God’s grace we are forgiven, but this does not mean that we should take advantage of that grace and repeatedly sin; in a kind of like “it’s okay, I’m forgiven and I’ve got my ticket to heaven” way. Sin is a complex thing, however, we should aim to be Christ like. Yes, there is grace, but there is also taking complete advantage of that grace.

Today think about, and ask God to show you, any areas of your life where you might be repeatedly sinning. Ask for his forgiveness and help to transform you from within to break free from it. Sometimes sin in our life becomes an addiction, if you are addicted to something, then maybe today is the day to share with someone else and seek help in releasing yourself. Above all, remember he loves us. You can read more about Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:4-3:24.

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Dove - JT devotion day one

Posted on November 28, 2007
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“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1 (NIV)

Jesse was King David’s father, it was through his line that Jesus was born - into the house of David, hundreds of years after he had died. The house of David was in a bit of a state by the time Jesus was born. He’s parents, Mary and Joseph, were very poor. Society had been waiting a very long time for a saviour. Waiting is hard, especially when we live in an age when you can have things instantaneously. Sometimes it is hard to remember that God does have a plan for us, and that his ways are best. You can read more about Jesse and David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Isaiah 11:1-10.

Today’s symbol is of a dove. The dove is a symbol of peace, and it is here today to remind us of God’s intention of peace and wholeness within creation. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 (NIV) God created the universe, in the first few verses of Genesis we read about creation in it’s embryo. God had a plan, and it was He saw that it was good.

Today think about how hard you find waiting. What is it that you are waiting for? Do you trust that God’s ways are best, that they are good, or do you strive on your own? Bring your thoughts to God in prayer and ask him to direct you and to show you his plan.

Note: I’ve made these devotions on my blog more “adult friendly”! We are using the same readings throughout with our children, but the devotion will be a little simpler with them. Therefore if you wish to use these devotions as a family, then you may want to adapt them slightly depending upon the ages of your children.

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